We have tits, finches, siskins, linnets and redpolls coming to our nut feeders. There are two containers, both identical except that one is green and the other red which I hang about 18 inches apart and interchange their position regularly. There is a clear preference for the peanuts in the green container which are eaten about twice as fast as those in the red. Robin MacDermott, Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare
The only research I know on the colour preference of birds is an 11-year study carried out on nest boxes. It was found that there was a four to three preference for red over green in birds' choice of box. You should turn your observations into a research project and keep notes.
Eye On Nature
Of note this winter is the large movement of sand on the south and south-east facing beaches, here in Derrynane, and the very large amount of turf that has been exposed, including the roots of trees. Also there appears to be more sand under the turf, visible on some, where the action of the seas has exposed the lower sections.
David O'Mahony, Caherdaniel, Co Kerry Many western coastal sites show the same kind of layering where the sea has advanced over and retreated from the land at various times over the millennia. Sometimes there are several alternating layers.
Eye on Nature is edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. E-mail: viney@anu.ie Observations sent by e-mail should be accompanied by postal address. Please do not send attachments.