From the end of July, once we go out of the house, we have swarms of flies, like houseflies, descend and follow us, in the garden, on the road, everywhere, except when the wind is too strong. Robert Rowlette, Sligo They are face flies, Musca autumnalis, cousins of the housefly. They only enter houses to hibernate in autumn.
A hedgehog has arrived in our housing estate garden for the first time, and comes in and out from behind the shed. Our cat is watching it with intent, and has jumped over it but does not touch.
Paul and Marie Gallagher, Newbridge, Co Kildare.
I was rearranging a rock-pile behind my cottage when I saw a large, vigorous, yellow toad, similar to ones I’ve seen in Canada and Sweden, except for the colour.
Rorke Bryan, Roundstone, Co Galway Toads, except for the natterjack, are not found in this country. It was more likely to be a frog, which can be a mottled yellow.
I was sitting in the garden reading when a very young collared dove hopped on to my knee and stayed there as long as I was there. I was wearing trousers of a similar colour to the bird.
Joan Davis, Dundrum, Dublin 14
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. Email: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.