On a visit to the Great Blasket in August we watched a large, black bird feeding on a grassy patch on the side of the cliff. It was our first sighting of a chough, its hooked, bright orange beak thrusting into the grass and moss, its glossy plumage glistening in the sun. With impatience it hurled tufts over its shoulder as it pecked its way down the slope. As it progressed, it uttered its incessant, raucous call. We watched through binoculars for about 20 minutes until it flew down out of sight. Shane O'Connor, Newbridge, Co Kildare
A small hatch of swallows in September in my barn was still there on October 12th. I found four roosting on the rafters and one on the wing outside. Is this not very late for swallows to be around? T. Bourke, Blackfort, Castlebar, Co Mayo
The main outward migration of swallows is in late August and September, but late broods will not leave until October or even November.
We had plenty of swifts this year. They arrive very consistently on either the 9th or the 10th of May. Departure dates in recent years are less consistent, but appear to be earlier than of yore. This year they left on the August 12th, last year on August 8th and the previous year on the 17th. Jim Leonard, Tramore, Co Waterford
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. Email: viney@anu.ie