Readers' observations on nature
Choughs are alive and well in Co Donegal. I counted 22 in a flock feeding on the mown grass at Tramore beach.
Moyra Dudman, Rosbeg, Co Donegal
• I observed between 15 and 20 rooks picking and flying off with some pebbles. Why?
John Phillips, Rush, Co Dublin
The crows collect pebbles for their gizzards, to help digestion. They also need grit for nutritional calcium for bone and egg-shell formation.
• While playing golf with my sons recently, a large crow snatched the ball and flew off to Baronscourt Woods.
Arthur O Quinn, Omagh, Co Tyrone
The crow thought it was an egg.
• I am currently reading The Way That I Went in which RL Praeger mentions the phenomenon of "luminous owls" visible at dusk at Villierstown near "the gorge of the Blackwater below Cappoquin". Can you explain the mystery?
Luke Saunders, Enniscrone, Co Sligo
The received wisdom was that it was caused by luminescent fungus, such as honey fungus, in the hollow of the tree where the barn owls nested. Recent research discounts this but has not found any other explanation.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address
