I discovered this washed up on South Beach, Greystones. It was approx 8-9cm lengthy and almost translucent. – Lynn Bellows, Co Wicklow
It is the Lesser Sand Eel. It can develop to 20cm in size and it has a pointed head with a decrease jaw longer than the higher. These fish swim in massive shoals within the shallow waters close to the shore. They appear to shine within the water as their our bodies are lined in small silvery scales. They are a significant meals supply for seabirds, significantly puffins. Increasing water temperatures and overfishing by business fisheries is decreasing the availability of sand eels and having a unfavorable impression on the breeding success of our puffins.
During a walk of Forth Mountain in Wexford just lately, I noticed this small brilliant orange development on a useless department of gorse. It seems like some sort of fungus. Can you inform me something about it?
Michael Lunt, Co Wexford
It is the Yellow Brain Fungus, Tremella mesenterica. This is among the jelly fungi and has a gelatinous fruitbody that feels greasy and slimy when moist. It can develop on useless hazel branches in addition to these of furze. It turns into extra orange-coloured because it dries out. It is widespread and customary and happens all yr.
I’ve by no means ever seen a hoop on a greenfinch earlier than. What would the aim be?
Niall Mac Neill, Co Dublin
This ring has been placed on the greenfinch by a licensed chook ringer, most probably whereas it was nonetheless a nestling. It is a priceless option to study in regards to the lifespan of birds, their annual survival charges, doable migratory actions and dispersal. The British Trust for Ornithology runs the chook ringing scheme of Britain and Ireland so you must report it, with as many particulars as you’ll be able to present, significantly the code on the ring, to them at [email protected].
I’d recognize the identification of the fish. Photo taken at Machaire Uí Rabhartaigh, Co Donegal. The chook appeared to have problem trying to eat the fish.
Maitiú Ó Murchú
A basic instance of biting off greater than you’ll be able to chew. Kevin Flannery of Dingle Aquarium tells me that it’s a Tompot blenny. These are often discovered on the backside of the shore on a really low tide as they dwell among the many rocks and the seaweeds. Unusually, for fish, the male has a den the place he guards the eggs from a number of females till the larvae are a few month old. The dorsal fins of those blennies have sharp spikes that, clearly, the poor gull didn’t realise. Gulls are intelligent sufficient although, and presumably it would study by this error and go away blennies severely alone in future.
I discovered these as we speak on a street to a bathroom close to me, any concept which animal they belong to?
William Roberts, Co Galway
These are the 2 decrease jaw bones – mandibles – of a carnivorous mammal. The lengthy, canine tooth happens on the entrance finish of every jaw and is lengthy and sharp for stabbing, slashing and greedy their prey. The remainder of the tooth are the premolars and molars. Carnivores have a specific innovation that entails the final higher premolar and the primary decrease molar on either side of the jaw. These tooth are enlarged and significantly sharp, and shear previous one another with a robust scissors-like motion that permits the animal to slice via flesh, disguise and tendon. These may very well be the jaw bones of a fox or certainly these of a canine. I’d not suggest that you just put your hand into your canine’s mouth to verify its dentition – if you wish to get it again out once more in a single piece.
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