Eye on Nature

Myself and fellow golfers were fascinated to observe two grey crows taking a pigeon down from flight, presumably for dinner. We thought they were carrion eaters.
Stephen O'Brien
Gorey, Co Wexford

Grey crows eat a wide variety of fresh food, but taking down prey in flight is, indeed, a rare sight. It has been recorded occasionally in the literature. Crows are very clever and learn new tricks easily. They could have learned it from local raptors.

For 50 years I've only seen ducks and rats on the Camac river at Inchicore where I was brought up, but recently I saw about a dozen small fish about six inches long. The water is now very good, and I discovered that the river was restocked with trout three or four years ago up towards Clondalkin.
Gerry Reidy
Leopardstown, Dublin

In mid October I was delighted to watch a flock of more than 60 goldfinches on Bull Island, and later two dozen little egrets outnumbering the herons above the high-tide line. Finally, a substantial flock of brent geese wheeled down on the lagoon.
Milo Kane
Bettyglen, Dublin

Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address