Eye on Nature: Your notes and queries for Ethna Viney

Geese, common lizards, and territorial birds

Ireland’s only species of reptile: the common or viviparous lizard that Liam Ó Cuinn photographed
Ireland’s only species of reptile: the common or viviparous lizard that Liam Ó Cuinn photographed

For a number of years we have had five geese, three white and two Chinese, residing on the far bank of our river, where they stay together all winter. In spring the three white geese move down near the bridge and the brown geese stay upriver, becoming very vocal and harassing passersby. As autumn approaches they reconvene, remain calm and keep to themselves again.

Colette McCormack, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

The breeding season has an effect on the two breeds but no result. Perhaps they are of the same sex. Both species are feral domestic geese.

Any comments on the monster in my photograph?

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Liam Ó Cuinn, Dún Geanainn, Co Thir Eoghain

It is the common or viviparous lizard, Ireland's only reptile. Lacerta vivipara gives birth to live young.

What looks like a finch has been knocking at my kitchen window during the spring and summer.

Tony Rodgers, Castletroy, Co Limerick

A chaffinch in our garden repeatedly flies at and pecks the garage window in the spring and summer.

David McCallan, Antrim

A great tit comes to our back window and flies up and down, knocking on the glass, in spring; it stops in April.

Geraldine O’Halloran, Drogheda, Co Louth

All these male birds think their reflection is an interloper in their territory during breeding season. A cutout of a hawk hung in the window might deter them.

Ethna Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo; viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address