Michael Viney responds to readers' observations and queries on nature.
While driving into Castleisland just before darkness fell, I noticed an amorphous mass, swirling and weaving above a mature conifer woodland, like a tornado, or thick smoke or a swarm of locusts. It had no definite point of origin and changed direction rapidly. Others stopped to look and a man told me that it was several hundred starlings.
Ciaran Nugent, Castleisland, Co Kerry
Huge flocks of starlings, boosted by winter migrants from Europe, collect in autumn and winter and put on this fantastic and graceful display of aerobatics just before roosting for the night.
In a freshwater pond I observed a green worm-like creature just above the sediment. Extending to eight inches, it could contract to one inch. One end was pointed, the other flattened. What was it? Brian McIlvenny, Avoca, Co Wicklow
It was a leech.
We saw six beautiful goldfinches in our back garden. They put on a spectacular flying display, and fed on seeds for about 20 minutes. The book gives the impression that they are common in Ireland, but this is the first time we have seen them. They were fabulous.
Brendan McDermott, Dublin 13
They are a most beautiful bird, and are common on open ground where they feed on weed seeds, in gardens and parks, and near woodland or tall trees where they nest.
• Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. E-mail: viney@anu.ie. Observations sent by e-mail should be accompanied by a postal address.