Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
Peregrine falcons have nested in a crag in nearby Dalkey quarry, and make quite a din protecting the young. Is it unusual for them to approach so close to the suburbs? What will happen later?
Brian Grehan, Dalkey, Co Dublin
Peregrines have been nesting in the south Dublin for several years. Later the young will find territories of their own
Under the mat outside my backdoor I found a spider, bright blood-red all over. Later I identified it as the woodlice killer Dysdera crocata. How widespread are these spiders.
Marie McCormick, Enniscrone, Co Sligo
They are found in almost every county
A young squirrel climbed up the balcony of our apartment, came down the string of the bird feeder and gobbled the nuts. I invested in a squirrel-proof holder which he then de-proofed, and he and the nuts landed on the ground with a thud. He then sat gazing at us as he munched on the nuts. He's very entertaining.
Sydney Glascott, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
