Michael Viney responds to readers' queries and observations on nature.
Can a spider get stuck on the sticky threads of its own web? I have read in one source the spider uses an unglued thread to move about its web, and in another that it exudes an oily substance on its feet that enables it to run over its own sticky web.
Críostóir Mag Fhearaigh, Leich Éirne, Dún na nGall
A spider does use an unglued thread on which to run when prey gets caught in the web. But it can also walk on the sticky threads because of the oily secretion on its feet.
Before Christmas I saw a bird in our garden that had all the hallmarks of a chough. It appeared to feed on the berries of the cotoneaster and also in the grass. However it seemed a bit small for a chough.
Sean Bean, Maynooth, Co Kildare
It sounds more like your resident male blackbird which was delighted with the berries on your cotoneaster during the frosty weather before Christmas.
In mid-December we saw a hedgehog in our garden and were surprised, as it should have hibernated by now. We would love it to stay as we have a slug problem, and would like to help it. We put out cat food for it, but later discovered a cat eating it.
Caroline Molloy, Swords, Co Dublin
Hedgehogs will come out of hibernation to eat, and putting out food was helpful, but not of much use if a cat scoffed it. The hedgehog has probably gone back into hibernation, and is likely a resident of your garden.