Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
I saw a mallard and seven ducklings on the River Barrow swimming near the bank. A heron arrived overhead and the ducklings dived under the water, but when the first one resurfaced the heron grabbed it and flew off. John Walsh, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow
That is why mallards have large families.
While visiting Sorrento recently, I watched the lizards scurrying around, and decided to try communicating with one by making gentle noises. The lizard stopped, listened and stayed looking at me for about three or four minutes. It then did a little dance, turned round again and looked intently at me for a further two to three minutes. Timmina Kennedy, Clontarf, Dublin 3
In my compost heap, wasps and small bumblebees are sharing a nest entrance about 2cm wide. Is one species parasitic or is it just coincidence? They walk over and around each other in perfect amity it would seem. Dermot McCabe, Dublin 7
For reasons that remain unclear, bumble bees' nests are often found near wasps' nests, perhaps as protection against mice.
• Send observations to Michael Viney, Thallabawn, Carroniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; email - viney@anu.ie (include a postal address)