Eye on Nature

Turning into our little road at night, the car lights shone on five little adventuring badgers – no sign of parents. They looked very guilty as they hastened for cover.
Jack Rowe
New Ross, Co Wexford

I was surprised to see a dead badger on the verge near our home. The nearest woodland is about half a mile away.
Florence Shields
Clogherhead, Co Louth

Badgers also dwell in hedgerows and range widely around their setts.

Last month, in Westport, we saw crows feeding on acorns in the crowns of mature oaks and on the ground nearby. Another Life from November 2nd would suggest their targets were the grubs in oak galls.
John Kerrane
Clontarf, Dublin

Perhaps. But crows widely feed on acorns – and cache thousands of them.

Could the spider in my photograph be the false widow ?
Susan Flynn
Ballybrack, Co Dublin

Relax. It is Zygiella x-notata, usually found around window frames.

Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address