Readers' observations on nature
Recently on the River Slaney in Enniscorthy I spotted two unfamiliar ducks among several mallards. They were very dark brown with white breast crescents and dark bills. One had two white dots on the tail. They were light-brown speckled under the tail and mallard-like in shape and size with a green tinge on the head.
Jemima Turner (8), Ballybrack, Dublin
They were a mallard-cross with some other species of duck. Mallards cross-breed with several other species.
I have been finding a few flatworms, which are not New Zealand flatworms, under seed boxes and flowerpots. They are small worms, coral pink on top and creamy coloured underneath,
Nancy O'Flynn, Blackrock, Co Dublin
They are Australian flatworms, related to the New Zealand species, but smaller and equally undesirable. They have arrived here in potted plants. Destroy them.
I saw three small birds with long tails picking on an alder tree in my garden. They had the same colouring as a female chaffinch.
Michael O'Brien, Carrigart, Co Donegal
They sound like long-tailed tits.
