While walking in Djouce Wood, Co Wicklow, recently we saw toadstools at the foot of a tree. They were circular, about the size of a cup, and were vivid red with white spots.Aubrey Flood, Dundrum, Dublin 14
They were fly agaric mushrooms, Amanita muscaria, and poisonous.
Although birdwatching for many years, I just saw my first water rail beside the Burrin River near Carlow Town. She searched and shuffled her way upstream slowly and deliberately, sifting and shaking pieces of of debris.
Alan O'Dwyer, Carlow
You were lucky to see a water rail. Although plentiful, they are rarely seen, but their distinctive call is often heard. There are up to 1,700 breeding pairs here and numbers are increased by immigrants from Iceland and Europe in winter.
Why have I found tiny frogs (3-4cm) and mature frogs in the house recently?
Christine Raab-Heine, Dowra, Co Leitrim
At this time of year froglets and adult female frogs are looking for some dark, damp place to hibernate. The male frogs usually go to the bottom of ponds.