Readers' observations on nature
At Bray harbour we spotted a double rank of herring gulls shrieking and playing diving games. The top row would dive on those beneath them like fighter pilots, while the lower one would jink out of the way. Very brief chase and back to position when the pursuer adopted the lower position. A grey crow flew up and joined the game, then flew off, but three gulls peeled off and buzzed him, inviting him back to play. He obliged and stayed on. A genuine game with rules.
Dick Spicer, Bray, Co Wicklow
Before Christmas we came on a baby otter at Lough Corrib. It seemed young for the time of year.
Barbara Browne, Knockmore, Co Mayo
Otters can breed at any time of year but more likely in spring and summer. Cubs venture out of the den from eight weeks.
In November we saw fine material on the grassy remains of an old fort in Roscommon, covering an area of half a tennis court.
Mark Kilroy, Sandycove, Co Dublin
They were the sheet webs of tiny money spiders which exist in enormous numbers and spin their webs over grassland during autumn and early winter.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail viney@anu.ieand include a postal address.