Eye on Nature

On a recently sown grass field we had flocks of pied wagtails and, more unusually, up to three buzzards sitting on the earth.
Patrick Cross
Inch, Co Down

The wagtails were after the seed. The buzzards eat worms, insects and small animals. Perhaps the seed attracted mice.

I approached a group of beech trees by the Shannon and a great flock of perhaps 100 wood pigeons burst into the sky.
Conor Sheehan
Limerick

They were wintering, from the Continent.

I recently finished a patio with pebbles on sheeting. Ten to 12 rooks have been tossing them aside and even swallowing some.
Martin Nestor
Ennis, Co Clare

They were picking pebbles for their gizzards, which act as teeth to grind their food.

I had a beautiful male stonechat in my garden recently. Are they rare?
Frank Folan
Palmerstown, Dublin

Stonechats are common, usually in gorse, heather and bracken, but also in gardens.

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