Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature
Near the summit of Mullacore Mountain, Co Wicklow, I saw clusters of ladybirds on young spruce trees, bunched tightly into the trees where the top boughs meet the trunk. Were they resting before flying off somewhere?
G. Hayes, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12
Ladybirds are getting ready now to hibernate which they do in large masses. They may have been gathering before moving to a more sheltered place.
On a trip to Dublin my daughter and I enjoyed a lovely walk along the Dodder at Milltown on a crisp pleasant October morning. We were extremely surprised at the wildlife there. A kingfisher flew from perch to perch and thrilled us with a long flight along the river. Next was a grey wagtail with its typical bobbing action on the rocks. The acrobatic star of the display was a fearless rat which moved freely among the hawthorn and bramble of the river bank, using its tail to secure a grip as it searched for berries. At one point it snaggedits underbelly on a thorn and had to work itself free. A pity about the dog offerings along the paths.
Paul Brannigan, Dundrum, Co Down