For several weeks I have heard a high- pitched call, like that of a buzzard, near our home. Then the bird flew into our window. It was dazed but flew off soon afterwards.
Anne O Broin
Rathgormack, Co Waterford
It was a goshawk, from your photograph, probably on passage from Wales or southern England.
A spider was living in the surround of our Velux window. Is it dangerous?
Alan Howett
Dublin
It is the false widow spider, from your photograph. With a bite like a bee sting, it can cause an allergic reaction.
A white swallow has been flying around my farmyard. I wonder just how rare it is.
Tom Ryan
Cashel, Co Tipperary
Albino swallows are rare in this country, although one was seen in west Cork in 2011.
Between Enniscorthy and Clonroche I came across a dead fox that was almost entirely white. Is albinism known in foxes?
Martha Sparrius
Adamstown, Co Wexford
Albino foxes are rare but have been seen crossing the road or by night hunters.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address
