Readers' observations and questions on nature
On Derrymore Strand in Tralee Bay, I saw a dead fish about one to one-and-a-half feet long, a pale blue-grey colour with darker spots. The nearest fish I could find in appearance to it, in the reference books, was the blue shark.
Bernard Mac Brádaigh, Tralee, Co Kerry
It was a young dogfish, the smooth hound, which is strikingly similar in shape to the blue shark - it is a small member of the shark family. The dogfish reaches only 1.5m: the blue shark reaches 4m.
In South Africa there are insects which we call stink bugs. They belong to a group of insects called shield bugs and emit a spray with a distinctive odour when disturbed. I have noticed a much smaller, light-green shield bug which, when touched, releases the same odour.
Geoff Stacey, Tralee, Co Kerry
The hawthorn shield bug which you describe is as common in Ireland as hawthorn hedges, where their colour and shape blend in with the bush.
About a month ago I noticed a blue budgie feeding with our large flock of house sparrows. He seems to have integrated well with the sparrows, roosting and feeding with them daily. Assuming our local sparrowhawk doesn't get him, is he likely to survive the winter?
Frank Smyth, Sutton, Dublin 13
He may have become acclimatised by now, but it will be interesting to see if he does.
• 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.