Michael Viney responds to reader's queries and observations on nature.
Walking beside the Vartry River in Co Wicklow, I came across an insect, slightly larger than a damsel fly (about 2.5-three inches long). Its body was shaped like a dragon fly, colour vivid dark blue. Its wings were also vivid dark blue, and "pear-shaped" or rounded.
Malcolm Mitchell, Kilternan, Co Dublin.
It sounds like one of the large damselflies known as demoiselles. It could be either the banded agrion (Agrion splendens) or Agrion virgo, depending on the area of blue on the wings. The latter has more blue than the banded.
I have been watching thrushes feeding on our lawn. What are they doing when they walk around the lawn and appear to be listening for worms? Often they turn the head to one side facing the ground and then straighten up and dig into the ground to pull up the worm. Are they listening or is it a vibration system they are using?
Niall Gavin, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare.
The thrushes may be listening, but they are also looking for the first tip of a worm to appear above the ground.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. E-mail: viney@anu.ie. Observations sent by e-mail should be accompanied by postal address.