Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
Over the past 25 years I have seen the occasional buzzard in different parts of Co Wicklow, but recently I saw a pair flying over Redford Park. Hope for the future?
Kieran FitzPatrick, Greystones, Co Wicklow
I seem to spot buzzards everywhere these days: above Cavehill, up the Lagan Valley, beyond Lisburn, in the Castlereagh Hills and all over Co Down. Why are they spreading?
Mark Doherty, Belfast
Buzzards have been spreading southwards because they are now a protected species, and because of the prohibition on using strychnine to poison farmland "vermin".
Badgers had been digging up one patch of our lawn for the past six months or so, but now they have taken over the whole lawn. What can we do?
Marjo Oosterhoff, Adrigole, Co Cork
The only solution is an electrified sheep-wire fence.
I saw a peacock butterfly on March 6th at Woodstock. Do they overwinter here?
Bill Power, New Ross, Co Wexford
Yes - and fly in March if the sun is out.
Send observations to Michael Viney, Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie (include a postal address)