Eye on Nature

After your mention of the spread of the great white-toothed shrew (March 1st) I came on a freshly dead specimen at the old weir end of the Nore last September.
Joe Corcoran
Kilkenny

The blue tits at my feeders were joined last year by small mice that shot around the shrubbery to get to the peanuts. They returned a few weeks ago for a few days.
Jim Dully
Killiney, Co Dublin

They are wood/field mice, 'Apodemus sylvaticus'.

There is a significant increase in the jay population in Derrycrag and surrounding forests in the Woodford area, according to recent sightings.
Paddy O'Reilly
Woodford, Co Galway

Recently I noticed 15 magpies on one tree from 9am to 6pm. They made continuous noise and flew off in twos and threes, in constant traffic, but returned within minutes. Next day there were none.
Derek Pullen
Bray, Co Wicklow

That was a magpie spring parliament to solve disputes and establish social standing.

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