Is it a rural myth that if the holly bushes have a lot of berries in autumn, it is an indicator that a cold winter lies ahead?
John Kennedy, Glenageary, Co Dublin.
Crops of holly berries are related not to winter ahead, but to weather past. A lot of berries tells of a good summer 18 months ago, when the original flower buds were formed. A dull, wet summer next year would lead to a sparse crop of berries at Christmas, 2002.
From Milltown bridge I saw what was either a mink or an otter swim under the bridge. It was approximately 80 centimetres long from tip to tail. Is it possible that otters might live so close to Dublin city centre?
Sean Hogan, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
At that size it was undoubtedly an otter, which visit even the inner city Liffey from time to time. The otters' distinctive spraints, or droppings, were recorded in 1994 at Heuston Bridge, and at the point where the Dodder meets the Liffey at Ringsend.
This year I noticed two collared doves nesting in old buildings. This represents a departure from their normal nesting sites, usually high conifers. Does this indicate a change in their nesting practices?
Denis Liston, Bray, Co Wicklow.
In their great 20th-century expansion from Europe, which brought the first collared doves to Ireland in the 1950s, their preferred habitat has been suburbs, small towns and the vicinity of grain stores and mills. They are now nesting both in conifers and buildings.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey P.O., Westport, Co Mayo, or e-mail: viney@anu.ie E-mails should include a postal address.