Eye on Nature

As I jogged along the Lagan in Belfast I saw the blue of a kingfisher as it buzzed up and down the far bank. And then a heron lifted off like a transport plane.
Peter Hollywood
Belfast

My friend and I were walking on Dollymount Strand when we noticed intricate patterns on the sand. Beside each was a little creature. They appeared to be dead, but then we noticed the legs moving.
Kathleen Dunleavy
Dollymount, Dublin

Thousands of tiny starfish were dead on Dollymount Strand on February 10th.
Mary Smith
Dublin 12

They were brittle starfish (Ophiura textura) stranded by huge storm waves.

I was delighted to find a mermaid's purse on the shore at Aughinish, Co Galway. To what species does it belong? It was about five inches long, with tendrils at both ends, and light brown.
Catherine Mooney
Mullingar, Co Westmeath

It was the egg case of the large spotted dogfish, from which the baby fish had hatched, judging by the photograph you sent.

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