I found this very dapper little furry moth on our wall. Does its furry coat keep it warm in this chilly weather? – Niki Whelan, Borris, Co Carlow
It's the December moth, one of the eggar family of moths. All are rather furry.
![A brain-like lichen or fungus](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6PGUA7IU435TZZJQXFTQKZUJDQ.jpg?auth=7ba96f1428d70329a9d797da6b3f3ee7f8fc897d98a769aa89aadd3f1ffc064f&width=800&height=449)
A brain-like lichen or fungus was growing on a fallen tree at the edge of woodland in the Glen of the Downs. – Angela Keller, Bray, Co Wicklow
![Albino pheasant](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RHUWK7WEUAAXJPZ2ZVAB3WYHAU.jpg?auth=0f49bca11ce66cd7d2e915f9ad2de458b94879d190504e9b21d4a4ab6a77451c&width=800&height=449)
Pheasants often stroll through our garden, but we were surprised recently to see a white hen pheasant. – Bernadette Jameson, Donadea, Co Kildare
Albino pheasants occur now and again. If it has pink eyes it's albino; if it has normal coloured eyes it's leucistic. Leucism is a genetic mutation that prevents melanin from being deposited only in the feathers. Albinism prevents the production of melanin in the whole body.
![Cormorant](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JOUURRNJI6U722QWET6CZOJZAY.jpg?auth=3ed907ca4728fde8809c8e4f51ce217c3c0d69f64bc554b7c0e85823eb5cef87&width=800&height=450)
In Howth fishing harbour I had a privileged, one-sided conversation with this young cormorant that was preoccupied with a methodical preen. – Francis Devine, Howth, Co Dublin
We have a woodpecker in our garden, which is surrounded by farmland. We heard it in a tree all summer, but have only recently seen it. – Denis and Catherine McGrane, Kilpedder, Co Wicklow
![Woodpecker. Illustration: Michael Viney](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HCOGASQXXLQD25OMQBW7XKHKY4.jpg?auth=1dc8a54d556fe49c9099e941c2d0a817bb9e42c6f78e4beae3085acb5c092742&width=800&height=449)
We're very pleased and excited to see a spotted woodpecker at our peanut feeder and then pecking in the surrounding trees. – Don Comiskey, Delgany, Co Wicklow
The great spotted woodpecker has become established in Co Wicklow. Previously a winter vagrant, for the past decade it has become a resident.