Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
I saw a flock of pigeons in the sky and at the same time nearby a flock of starlings. As I drove down the road, there were five starlings lying on the ground. One of them was dead, the others seemed stunned but uninjured. Could the two flocks have collided?
Eamon Mc Glinchey, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Conceivably - or the starlings collided with power or phone lines.
While passing Kinsale Marsh on March 7th I saw a bird like an egret but much bigger and heavier. When an egret landed beside it I observed the differences, and when it lifted its head a wide, flattened beak could be seen. I presume it was a spoonbill.
Victor Fusco, Kinsale, Co Cork.
For many years spoonbills have turned up now and again on the Cork coast. One was seen in October at Inchydoney.
At this time of year for the last three years a solitary spotted redshank has fed in the same short stretch of muddy channel at low tide on Sandymount Strand. Presumably, it is the same bird.
Michael Lunt, Sandymount, Dublin 4.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.