Readers' observations on nature
Two field-mice dropped into the oats barrel. I left them until morning when I found one had killed and eaten most of the other and died bloated and bloody.
Bob Hopkins, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
And I've always had a soft spot for Apodemus!
I saw two blackcaps on March 1st, one male and one female. Are these guys not a bit early this year? Or is the mild winter affecting migration patterns?
Brian Kirk, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
It is difficult to know if the blackcaps are early, as some birds from northern Europe winter in Ireland, and it is not known if some remain to breed. If they were Irish blackcaps then they had returned early.
Our suburban bird table has a new visitor, sparrow sized with black head and very distinct white stripes down both sides of chin, black bib, black and brown striped back. Have concluded that it must be a male reed bunting, am I wildly incorrect?
Donal Murray, Cork
Yes, it was a male reed bunting. They sometimes come into hedgerows and gardens in winter.