Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
I watched a rook using the still smoking butt of a cigarette to fumigate his feathers by passing it close under his outspread wings. He was being closely watched by other rooks waiting to use the next smouldering butt.
Rachel Stapleton, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Rooks have also used chimney smoke to remove parasites such as the louse fly to which they are hosts.
Three collared doves had been visiting our bird-feeder, and we felt sorry for the odd one out. However the odd bird has now brought a little black friend which looks the same shape and size as the collared dove and we have seen them together.
Willa Bryant, Grange, Co Tipperary
Your black dove is probably a feral pigeon and will not mate with the collared dove.
Swallows were swooping over the meadow while the terrier chased them, and they seemed to be chasing him. The dog was raising clouds of flies and the birds saw that, by diving close behind him, they could fill their beaks above his tail, then pass just out of snapping range over his nose.
Nick Harmon, Louisburgh, Co Mayo.
Send observations to Michael Viney, Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail viney@anu.ie (include a postal address)