. In mid March, driving through Clarecastle I watched a grey crow mobbing a rook. Eventually the rook dropped the twig it was carrying and the grey crow caught it in mid air and flew off. Shortly after I saw a snipe fly up from a field and perch on an ESB pole. Are these normal patterns of behaviour at this time of year?
Mark Helmore, Burrin, Co Clare.
Grey crows will pirate food or nestling materials from rooks, particularly if the latter crosses their territory. Snipe will perch on a pole to call, especially in the breeding season.
. For years I have had an unoccupied unnesting box, placed in what seems to me an ideal position. Recently it was moved again to what I felt was a suitable safe position. This time a large group at blue tits inspected the accommodation, bat have yet again tailed to take up residence. Have you an advice or explanation?
Dorasami Raman, Ballincar, Co, Sligo.
The nesting box should face more or less eastward to avoid direct sun on the nestlings be protected from cold winds but not too densely sheltered the birds should have a fairly clear flight path . Your first site may not have been suitable. Nest boxes are not usually taken when first set out but if the second location was inspected then it may well be occupied later unless the prospective tenants found drawbacks.
. We have witnessed great numbers of jackdaws on occasion flying in an hysterical manner, while still remaining in the same general area. Recently we saw the more unusual sight of maybe 100 grey crows behaving likewise. Any ideas?
Eugene Loftus, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Both grey crows and jackdaws flock before roosting. Their excitement makes it possible that they were flocking over a source of food.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniske PO, Westport, Co. Mayo.