Eye on nature

Readers' observations on nature

I have seen a great spotted woodpecker several times in the past two weeks. I thought we didn't get woodpeckers here.

Anna Carroll, Co Westmeath

They arrive as rare vagrants from northern Europe when food gets scarce.

I notice chaffinches are emerging that are able to hang on our peanut feeder, instead of patrolling underneath for scraps. An evolutionary leap?

Bill Toner, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10

Our chaffinches have never had a problem with nut feeders.

On February 11th in Dublin I glanced up to see 300-400 large geese-like birds flying in V formations in an east- northeast direction. Were they Brents?

David Heap, Ranelagh, Dublin 6

They were Brent geese returning to the Arctic or just moving on their way to other feeding grounds.

For several months we have had two robins attacking my car. First it was the mirror but if the mirror is covered then the car gets destroyed . . . it is amazing the amount of bird dirt they produce. Are they seeing reflections?

John O' Brien, Co Limerick

I'd suggest that you cover the car until they change the habit.