Observations on nature...
On May 1st a holly blue butterfly made an appearance, a welcome sight. I am reluctant to cut back the ivy, in case I destroy its habitat (and that of the much-harassed nesting birds). Mary Carroll, Sandymount, Dublin 4
The first brood of larvae feeds on holly, the second on ivy.
I saw the first swallows of the season in St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, and they seemed small. Then I saw swallows near Mountrath, which were much bigger. Tom Walsh, Ballinteer, Dublin 16
Swallows can vary in length from 118-129mm, and in weight from 16-22g in weight, with males bigger than females.
Here on Long Walk there's a pet heron that knocks on my neighbour's door with his beak, looking for food. He likes cooked sausages, any type of fish raw or cooked, potatoes if they're mashed, but he won't eat bread at all. Brendan O'Donnell, Galway
[ viney@anu.ie ]