Eye on Nature

I watched two wood pigeons and a sparrowhawk in a strange aerial dance. The pigeons were harassing the hawk, which seemed to be tired.
Joe Kearns
Ballindarra, Co Offaly

The sparrowhawk doesn’t always have it his or her own way.

A kestrel flew over our hedge and past our bird table. It returned and dived into the hedge twice. The second time, I heard a screech from a small bird and it was gone.
Ramor Craigie
Ballylickey, Co Cork

I was sitting in my garden, watching a robin 30cm from my feet, when a large brown bird swooped in and took off again, presumably with the robin.
Nan Dwyer
Leeson Park, Dublin

Sounds like a sparrowhawk.

Could you tell me what the mollusc- or jelly-like creature I see so many of on Greystones beach is called?
Susanna Murdoch
Greystones, Co Wicklow

It is by-the-wind sailor, Velella velella, a colonial jellyfish.

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