Observations made by readers
Out birdwatching recently at a secluded area of the Blessington lakes, I came across a whooper swan resting on the grassy shoreline. I had seen this lone whooper earlier this year on St Patrick's Day. I would have thought that it should have returned to the breeding grounds in Iceland by now.
Alan O'Dwyer, Carlow,
Unmated whoopers sometimes stay on. Let's hope he wasn't injured or ill.
The enclosed photo shows a rook whose upper and lower mandibles can't come together properly. I have never witnessed such physical variations (as opposed to albinism) in any other species.
Kieran FitzPatrick, Greystones, Co Wicklow
The rook may have sustained the deformity as an injury. It doesn't seem to have inhibited his growth or survival.
On the river Maigue at Adare we saw a heron and a similar but smaller bird which was pure white in colour. In flight it looked just like a heron. Could the little egret have reached Limerick?
Anne Bogue, Doordoyle Road, Limerick
Yes. The little egret has even reached west Mayo where it has been resident on Clew Bay for many years. It seems to fraternise easily with its larger cousin.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include postal address.