Eye On Nature

We have a bees' or a wasps' nest at the foot of an old wall. Recently we found the entrance ripped open and half of the papery nest torn out. What animal would do this? - Charles Robert, Newcastle, Co Wicklow

A nest made of paper belongs to wasps. Badgers have a great liking for wasps' nests; they tear them out to eat the fat grubs inside during the breeding season.

In the vicinity of O'Brien's Bridge in Galway city, two swans nested this year. One has four cygnets left out of the original six, and the other has three out of four. The two cobs deserted the pens and cygnets - one of them before the nest was built. - Mary Hanly, Salthill, Galway

Now, I wonder where a pair of swans learned such male chauvinism!

I read with amusement the letter about cats hunting pygmy shrews (Eye on Nature, July 17th). My cat also brings me gifts of these little creatures as well as starlings, other birds and birds' eggs. These presents are a token of the cat's affection and esteem. I feel sorry for the shrews and birds, but my cat doesn't seem to realise that she should more usefully kill rats! - Ann Monahan, Curracloe, Co Wexford

One night recently I saw a hedgehog in my garden. Unfortunately it was gone next morning, much to the disappointment of my grandson. Is it usual for hedgehogs to be found in suburban gardens near busy roads? - Joan Byrne, Raheny, Dublin 5

No, not at all. Hedgehogs are generally nocturnal and therefore you tend not to see them during the day. They are very useful residents as they eat slugs and insects harmful to plants, and probably move from one garden to the next if they can find access. Keep a heap of garden rubbish at the bottom of the garden to give them a place to hibernate in winter. They would also appreciate cat or dog food left out for them.

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.