Michael Viney answers nature related queries
I watched a flock of starlings descend towards our very tall yucca but, unlike the blackbirds that went for the seeds, these birds hovered over it, swooping and whirling in a great display of aeronautics. This late, should they not have been on their way to warmer and more fruitful climes?
Pat O'Donnell, Dublin 11
Starlings remain in this country for the winter, and are, in fact, joined by huge flocks from abroad.
Lumps of clear, jelly-like substances have appeared on our roadway after it rained. They were there last year but there appear to be more this year.
Siobhan Ryan, Carrig-on-Suir, Co Tipperary
This was a slime mould (myxomycetes) which is neither animal nor vegetable, but has characteristics of both, as it is able to move in search of food by means of contractions.
It lives on bacteria and fungi, and has an early, runny stage which later develops into a spore-containing fruit body. Normally it is hidden in leaf mould or decaying matter, but warm, humid weather can bring it out into the open.
Tania Constable of the zoology department of TCD, is looking for 100 cat owners who would take part in a survey of cat predation on small mammal and bird populations. Tel: 086-8966381. E-mail: constabt@tcd.ie
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. E-mail: viney@anu.ie