Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
A solitary male chaffinch keeps flying at our bedroom window and pecking the glass. He also pecks at the mirror-like surface of the stainless flue. Clive Symmons, Macetown, Co Meath
He thinks his reflection is another male invading his territory.
I feed the blackbirds in my garden with Red Gala apples, and this year ants have been enjoying them too. I have noticed several dead ants at the bottom of the apple (the blackbirds never eat the skin) and today I saw one groggy and unwell ant trying to crawl out. Marilynn Hearne, Tramore, Co Waterford
It may have been chemicals on the skin, which should be washed before eating.
Since early April the birds have deserted the nut bags. Margaret Gorman, Dublin 14
Most of the birds were visitors and have now gone to breed in their own territories.
The cuckoo was heard in Wicklow on April 15th and near Cork Harbour on April 25th.
Send observations to Michael Viney, Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. Email viney@anu.ie (include a postal address).
