Was this a juvenile otter I spotted beside the Liffey? Readers’ nature queries

I spotted this curious little guy peeping out of a drain beside the Liffey in Lucan. Is it a juvenile otter? – Adam Byrne, Lucan, Co Dublin 
Yes, it is.

This insect was parked on our kitchen door for a while. Is it a stick insect? – Christy Power, Kilkenny 
It is the common plume moth, emmelina monodactyl. Plume moths hibernate in winter but can emerge on fine days.

I came across this large mermaid's purse on Benone Strand. Using the Shark's Trust website I identified it as the egg case of a blonde Ray. – Michael Cross, Limavady, Co Derry

I was delighted to recently spot a number of fulmars perching on the cliff side on the Bray to Greystones walk, and taking to the air on one occasion. I thought they spent their lives at sea except for the breeding season. – Barbara Thomas, Cabinteely, Co Wicklow 
Fulmars come back to the colony sporadically during the winter. They can be seen one week and gone the next.

Give ivy a break – it’s a sanctuary for beleaguered wildlife

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Ranelagh says no: foiled Metro plan spreads cheer in Dublin 6

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Forty actions agreed to address Ireland’s ‘biodiversity crisis’

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I was out walking with a friend in the Erriff area of south Mayo and we came across holly absolutely covered with lovely red berries. Is this unusual for mid-February? – John O'Callaghan, Westport, Co Mayo 
It was surprising that the birds hadn't got them. In a frosty winter the berries soften and become more palatable to the birds. There was very little frost this winter so it took them longer to wither and drop off.

I have a rose tree that blooms each year mid-June. On February 16th I was surprised to see two lovely roses in bloom. – Stella O'Neill, Clontarf, Dublin 3 
The seasons have become confused.

[ viney@anu.ie ]