Eye on Nature

Your notes and queries

While walking in Tymon Park, in Dublin, I checked on one of the nesting swans that had been sitting for about two weeks. I was very surprised to see a terrapin sunning itself where the swan had been the day before. The female swan was swimming close to the nest and was quite distressed. I know that people are disposing of unwanted terrapins in municipal parks.
Carmel Lynch
Terenure, Dublin

I noticed a crow, after eating the food left out, walked over to a red brick wall and started gouging with its beak at the cement between the bricks.
Sr Bernadette OP
Iona House, Belfast

The crow was pecking grit for its gizzard.

Recently I went out the hall door and found feathers everywhere – and, behind the car, the wings, back, tail and legs of a pigeon. The rest had been cleaned off, with very little blood.
Eric Gill
Firhouse, Dublin

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It sounds like a sparrowhawk attack.

Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address

Michael Viney

Michael Viney

The late Michael Viney was an Times contributor, broadcaster, film-maker and natural-history author