I saw this beetle-like creature, about 2.5cm long, walking in the sand on the Long Strand after a strong storm. What species is it? – Jens Uhl, Clonakilty, Co Cork
It's the great diving beetle, which flies from freshwater pond to pond during the breeding season. Both adults and the shrimp-like larvae attack frogs, newts, fish, tadpoles and other animals in the pond.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FIQC5CTRPTPWOKGUDRQIUHDME4.jpg?auth=e7df9406ebe037c14aef31f1144f6a294d9c5e38c7e97bcbdd2ab0c3621a5243&width=800&height=450)
I saw this early-season visitor in our garden on St Patrick's Day: hopefully a sign of better days ahead. – Eoin O'Flynn, Termonfeckin, Co Louth
The welcome, small tortoiseshell butterfly appears early in March.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZSIPKBANTTDVPITXMKXXSZDGZ4.jpg?auth=fd1daa08d74e41da8155487188e8ccd9f91d123504c7f2ab4f8419a816427382&width=800&height=757)
I found this blob in our field a few weeks ago. I keep an eye on it every day, but it hasn't changed a bit since then. – Jenny Schütz, Murroe, Co Limerick
It looks like frog spawn regurgitated by an animal that swallowed a pregnant frog, possibly a badger or a heron. It will eventually dry out.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KGIM25HHXCXEUQFFSJOUM363DA.jpg?auth=559480f5db06f70e7855c89d73ef0fb8dcd4411dee812247e59bba91a517be30&width=800&height=486)
I was horrified to find this hedgehog in my garden with his face eaten away. I thought his prickles would protect him. I buried him and was surprised at how heavy he was. – Helen deCourcy, Ballinakill, Co Waterford
It could have been a fox, a dog , a cat or a badger, although a badger would have rolled it over and eaten more of it.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VN3TSL64IRE5VXB5XJLVMUSAJA.jpg?auth=f2ba9489cd1ea5f05ef0180c425a924556843f4535650bc403568ead075200d6&width=800&height=731)
This holly tree has been in berry for more than 14 months. I have been observing it for the past five years and it has always stayed in berry for a long time, but this year is unusual. – Maeve McNamara, Bray, Co Wicklow
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LPRYKMJ7GI3DP3L6XIRM535SJI.jpg?auth=71a4b06c7e56269b443e12c7b9920cce4ba06c94a78ad69b4364d0cb5384667c&width=800&height=780)
I spotted this bird in the garden for the first time. I think it's a long-tailed tit, but I'm not sure. – Sara Robb, Hollywood, Co Down
You got it first time.
Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, F28 F978, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address