They walk along about six feet apart picking up wool that is lying on the ground, but every few minutes, as if at a signal, they jump onto a sheep's back and take a beak full of wool. They end up with so much wool in their beaks it seems impossible that they can see to fly.
... Louis Mullen, Riverstown, Co Louth
A chocolate-coloured animal was in the water by the main gate to University College Cork. I thought it was too big for a mink. Was it an otter? On St Patrick's Day there was a giant seal in the Lee by the bus station sitting up in the water eating a salmon.
... Robin Harte, Strawberry Beds, Dublin
It was an otter.
I saw the first swallow of the year on St Patrick's Day.
... Jim Madden, Banagher, Co Offaly
There is still a sizeable starling roost in the Ballybay area of Co Monaghan, particularly in the grasses and reeds around the White Lough - thousands! Close to Ballybay there are hundreds that roost in the same environment surrounding a small lake.
... David Nesbitt, Ballybay, Co Monaghan
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.