Eye on Nature

When we came across a common toad in our garden last year I thought we might be mistaken. I came across it again this year.

Michael O’Flynn

Sandyford, Dublin

They can come into the country with pond plants. Keep an eye out for strings of spawn in your pond next year.

I watched rooks collecting acorns from an oak tree. The acorns on the ground have peck marks. What other birds eat acorns?

John Howley

Kilkenny

Jays, wood pigeons and great spotted woodpeckers.

I watched a grey squirrel on a yew tree eat his way through the berries that the mistle thrush usually has to himself until the redwings arrive.

Enda Lee

Lucan, Co Dublin

Since August there have been shoals of brown jellyfish at Ballyconneely and Cleggan. They are about the size of €2 coins. Are they mauve stingers?

Anne Marshall,

Ballyconneely, Co Galway

Yes, Pelagia noctiluca.

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