While listening to Mozart's Symphony No 20 in D-minor on FM3 radio, earlier this year, our tractor driver noticed a full-grown fox approaching along the edge of the field. He stopped the tractor, opened the windows, turned up the radio and sat perfectly still. The fox came right up and for at least five minutes it sniffed and generally inspected the tractor, while listening to the music with attentively pricked ears. If a country fox takes time to listen to Mozart, just what do urban foxes listen to?
Jim Fox, Coursetown, Athy, Co Kildare
A couple of weeks ago I observed a rook hanging upside-down by its feet on an ESB wire, like a bat. Its head and beak were facing the ground and its wings were very slightly open. The tips of its wings and tail were touching the wire. I thought it was dead and that somehow its claws had closed on the wire. Then it came back to life again, flew downwards and then back up to join its comrades on the wire. Could it have passed out momentarily, or was it just showing off?
Brian Gleeson, Templemore, Co Tipperary
There are quite often reports of such antics among the crow family. Maybe they do it just because they can.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. E-mail: viney@anu.ie