Michael Vineyresponds to queries and observations on nature.
Recently, I was walking in Wicklow, on a hill path, through a deciduous wood in lashing rain, where there were many shallow side pools. I noticed drowned worms in most of the pools. I took one out on to the track and it began to crawl with the sharper end of its body. It had a faint small bulge near the other end and its body was flat underneath with very faint ribbing. (Photo enclosed showing light coral colour and paler underside).
... David Nolan, Santry, Dublin 9
They were, surprisingly, Australian flatworms, equally pernicious as their New Zealand cousins. They are brought into this country in imported potted plants, and also prey on native earthworms.
I have three laying hens, one of which has laid a very large egg. The dimensions are 20cm major axis, 17cm minor axis.
... Denis Quinn, Killala, Co Mayo
It is probably a double-yolked egg. They are always larger than usual.
On a chilly March, I saw a beautiful fox walking along our road in Rathgar. It stared at me and came over and sniffed the wheel of my bicycle. It seemed in no hurry to move on, and sat on its back legs and gazed at me.
... Ruth Collier, Milltown Dublin 6
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address