Eye On Nature

While fishing on the River Slaney in Co Wexford on April 23rd I noticed a bat flying between a wood and the river at 2.50 p.m. The day was overcast but not dark. After five minutes' observation I noticed the bat became very agitated and flew away from the wood in my direction. Immediately a sparrowhawk appeared and seized it. Do bats often fly by day? - John Carroll, Appian Way, Dublin 6.

Bats sometimes fly during the day when they are hungry. There are two main reasons why they do not normally fly in daylight: their wings are vulnerable to sunlight, and they can be taken by birds of prey as you witnessed.

I walk regularly on Sandymount Strand and I have noticed that after heavy rain or high seas, the earthworms emerge from the grass on to the path and head for the sea. On some mornings the path or walkway is covered with worms but neither the songbirds nor the seagulls take an interest in them. - Stephen Kennedy, Killiney, Co Dublin.

When ground becomes waterlogged the worms come up because they are literally in danger of drowning.

Why do domestic cocks tend to stand on one leg? - Morna Hilton, Annascaul, Co Kerry.

Seabirds also stand on one leg, and it is thought that they do so to rest one leg at a time, or to reduce contact with cold surfaces in winter.

A robin has built her nest in a hanging basket of flowers under the eaves of our bungalow. The nest is neatly hidden in the centre of the basket and contains five eggs. She is hatching the eggs at present and remains in the nest even when we look into it. - John Dowling, Carlow.

Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. email: viney@anu.ie. Observations sent by email should be accompanied by postal address as location is sometimes important to identification or behaviour.