For the past few weeks, a heron has been feeding with the swans, geese and ducks in the lower pond of Belfast Waterworks, gobbling the bread people throw. If a swan tries for the same bit of bread, the heron sees it off rapidly by squawking angrily, crest and feathers bristling. Some people think that it has designs on the ducklings and goslings that have made their debut on the pond.
Tom Honey, North Circular Road, Belfast.
This is not usual behaviour for a heron which is a solitary feeder and shuns people. It could take a very young duckling as it is able for small rodents.
Recently a little brown bird has been perched on nearby chimneys and treetops here in South Belfast giving its all - morning, noon and night. Its song lasts perhaps three seconds with the final trill being distinctly the word "history". In size, it is between a sparrow and a starling, yet I have never noticed it before. What do you think it is and why does it sing so incessantly?
Jeffrey Dudgeon, Belfast. My guess would be a dunnock. He is proclaiming a territory.
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.