I spotted this curious little guy peeping out of a drain beside the Liffey in Lucan. Is it a juvenile otter? – Adam Byrne, Lucan, Co Dublin
Yes, it is.
This insect was parked on our kitchen door for a while. Is it a stick insect? – Christy Power, Kilkenny
It is the common plume moth, emmelina monodactyl. Plume moths hibernate in winter but can emerge on fine days.
I came across this large mermaid's purse on Benone Strand. Using the Shark's Trust website I identified it as the egg case of a blonde Ray. – Michael Cross, Limavady, Co Derry
I was delighted to recently spot a number of fulmars perching on the cliff side on the Bray to Greystones walk, and taking to the air on one occasion. I thought they spent their lives at sea except for the breeding season. – Barbara Thomas, Cabinteely, Co Wicklow
Fulmars come back to the colony sporadically during the winter. They can be seen one week and gone the next.
I was out walking with a friend in the Erriff area of south Mayo and we came across holly absolutely covered with lovely red berries. Is this unusual for mid-February? – John O'Callaghan, Westport, Co Mayo
It was surprising that the birds hadn't got them. In a frosty winter the berries soften and become more palatable to the birds. There was very little frost this winter so it took them longer to wither and drop off.
I have a rose tree that blooms each year mid-June. On February 16th I was surprised to see two lovely roses in bloom. – Stella O'Neill, Clontarf, Dublin 3
The seasons have become confused.
[ viney@anu.ie ]
