Eye on Nature

I watched robins at what I assume were mating rituals. They were showing off breast and bum and prancing around. Are both male and female red-breasted?
Catherine Trodd
Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway

Yes, as are juveniles after three months.

Willie wagtails' favourite places are car parks, industrial estates and shopping centres. What was their natural habitat before humans made asphalt oases?
Helen Pinoff
Rossinver, Co Leitrim

Pied wagtails prefer bare ground, where they can run and see and follow their prey, which is mainly insects. They also like to frequent stony places near water, particularly where insects breed, and where their coloration serves as camouflage.

I recently saw 17 seals basking on a sandbar at low tide at the tip of Bull Island. Has there been a seal-population explosion in Dublin Bay, as I normally see only the odd seal or two near Howth harbour?
Rob Cullen
Sutton, Dublin

According to the North Bull Island website, seals have become established around the island in recent years.

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