Readers' observations on nature
We have an aloe vera which flowered in late March and continued through April. Surely an unusual occurrence in Ireland and certainly in late spring?
Tony and Barbara Hayes, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary
Aloe vera flowers at almost any time throughout the year, often in spring but mainly in summer.
On the Grand Canal at Baggot Street bridge, we saw six mallard drakes, two of which appeared to be trying to kill a large duckling. They held it down on the bank, pecked its head, then followed it into the water where they seemed to be forcing its head under. This continued for about 10 minutes.
Michael Andrews, Merrion Road, Dublin 4
The victim was probably a female mallard and she was being raped.
At the entrance to a field I stood motionless as a hare passed within three feet of me quite unconcerned.
Do hares not have excellent sight, smell and hearing?
Barbara Browne, Knockmore, Co Mayo
Hares have excellent senses. You may have been downwind of the animal and you were motionless.