Eye On Nature

Recently, while exploring one of the islands in Lough Key, Co Roscommon, I came across the enclosed mushroom. They were growing in abundance on trees in the area. (Enclosed a woody, object like a dark, varnished door knob). - Paul Bird, Lusk, Co Dublin.

This is the fungus, Daldinia concentrica, commonly known as cramp balls because old men, in country districts, used to carry them in their pockets as a safeguard against cramp. They are a fungus that infects trees and causes a condition in the wood called "calico wood". This is a firm white rot that shoots out clouds of black spores at night. It is believed that some wood wasps purposely carry these to infect the tree, making the wood more suitable as food for their larvae.

Why do birds not get electrocuted on power lines? - Molly O'Connell, Doolin, Co Clare.

Because neither they nor the power lines are touching the ground.

This summer I noticed sticky small flies that gripped my hair and were hard to dislodge. What were they? - Nora Owen, Malahide, Co Dublin

You were a victim of sweat flies, aptly named Hydrotaea irritans, which often swarm around human heads seeking sweat. They are abroad mainly in July and August and also cause a lot of discomfort to animals such as deer and sheep.

We recently saw a female duck at the Grand Canal with a mallard drake and their family of ducklings. Her colouring was quite unusual: black/brown body and a green metallic head (photo enclosed). Was she a hybrid? - Chris, Emma and Peter Fitzpatrick, Ranelagh, Dublin 6

Yes. The ducks on the canals often interbreed.

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.