Earthworms have gradually become scarce in my vegetable garden. Now they are totally absent. Birds no longer come pecking and dancing on the lawns to tempt worms to the surface.
David Hough
Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal
You should check for the predatory New Zealand flatworms: purple-brown bodies, buff underneath, pointed ends. They are found coiled up in slime under pots, stones, wood, polythene where surface is damp.
Earlier this month I saw this reddish- brown jellyfish on Cross Beach, in Killadoon. It was 45cm wide.
Malachy Daly
Louisburgh, Co Mayo
It was a lion’s mane jellyfish. There were several reports of them earlier this year, and they can inflict a severe sting. They have a lifespan of one year.
I saw the arrival of a flock of Brent geese; they were flying down the coast where we live on October 4th. Was this early?
Anne McKay
Skerries, Co Dublin
The main arrival of Brent geese is in October. Yours were spot on time.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address
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