We planted a turkey oak a few years ago. I’m thinking of removing it because of the risk it might pose to native oaks, through the gall-wasp connection.
Eugene Kelly
Lismore, Co Waterford
The knopper galls that afflict the acorns of pedunculate and sessile oaks are caused by a gall wasp, Andricus quercuscalicis, that passes part of its life cycle on the non-native turkey oak. Some regard this as an alien, invasive plant that should be removed.
When driving through trees over a hill in Kilmanagh I saw an upright, pheasant-sized bird beside the road. It was shiny black with red patch on its head. Could it have been a black grouse?
Ingelise Stuijts
Kilmanagh, Co Kilkenny
It could have been a black grouse or a capercaillie that escaped from a private collection of game birds.
A wren has been feeding the tit fledglings in my nesting box, and removing the droppings in the same way as the parents do.
Des Hall
Cappoquin, Co Waterford
The wren may have lost its own brood.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address
