I saw a single swallow near Dunmore East on Easter Monday (April 5th). Is this the first of the season? It is the earliest myself or my parents ever saw one. The wind was south at the time. - Oisin Wall (12 years), Carrigrohane, Co Cork
I wish to report the sighting of a swallow on Saturday April 3rd. The bird was alone; could it be the first? - Martin Carmody, Ballygar, Co Galway These swallows are just on time. The first birds arrive at the beginning of April and the main migration is in May. But earlier sightings have been reported occasionally, the earliest in recent years being March 7th in 1977, and the earliest ever March 2nd.
Why was moss between patio stones picked out and left? On several mornings there was a fresh crop. - Frances de Burgh Whyte, Rathgar Park, Dublin 6
An early bird was digging for an early worm or some insect larvae.
Our resident jackdaws have got used to handouts of dog kibble, and they steal food from the puppies' food bowls. The three chimneys surrendered to them for nesting did not provide enough housing for their increasing numbers, and the surplus have started building nests in the ivy-covered crowns of surrounding whitethorns, very much like wood pigeons. Is this unusual? - Ika Peiler, Ballymote, Co Sligo
If there is a good supply of food of course the young jackdaws will hang around and nest nearby. Jackdaws prefer chimneys or holes - in trees, cliffs, old mines, etc - but will occasionally build in the dense tops of trees. These nests are open to predation and often fail.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. email: viney@anu.ie
Observations sent by e-mail should be accompanied by postal address as location is sometimes important to identification or behaviour.