EYE ON NATURE

LAST year was a great year for butterflies and I never saw more small tortoise shells coming in to hibernate.

LAST year was a great year for butterflies and I never saw more small tortoise shells coming in to hibernate.

Late in December a wren came into the house on several occasions and was let out, but he then brought his mate and the pair of them systematically searched every sash window and curtain in this large house, leaving carpets and beds strewn with an unbelievable number of butterfly wings (including one peacock). Having drawn all covers they then left and have not returned.

Our neighbours have also noticed wings and yesterday I saw the same thing happen in the church. Do all wrens do this or are ours particularly clever?

Monasterden, Co Sligo