MEMBERS’ LETTERS
OVER TO YOU Contact: editor@iwt.ie
Our members have been busy exploring and making exciting discoveries this season. We love to hear from you, so remember to keep in touch with all your stories, photos and questions from your adventures!
We noticed there are far fewer bumblebees in the garden at the moment. Where do all the bees go during winter? Susan from Naas, Co Kildare
Good observation Susan. We have three types of bee in Ireland – honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees. Honeybee colonies drop in numbers but the colony survives the winter huddled in the hive. Solitary bee adults die off after they have laid their eggs in cavities and tunnels. Most fascinating of all, bumblebee queens actually hibernate! They take a leaf out of the bear’s book, and sleep the winter away to emerge in spring in search of dandelions to feed on.
FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE MONTH
I spotted this fairy ring of mushrooms. What causes them? Noel from Blessington, Co Wicklow Mushrooms are actually just the fruiting body of these important organisms. Under the ground is the rest of it, the mycelium. These are the thread-like structures that play an important role breaking down dead leaves and other material in the soil and transporting nutrients around. When mycelium are growing in flat areas like a field, they can grow out evenly from the centre in a circle. When they put up their fruiting bodies, ie the mushrooms, they pop up in a ring shape.
The winner of our September Photo of the Month competition was Feargal Quinn with this beautiful capture of the red squirrel.
If you have a story, question, or an image you’d like to share with us, or, God forbid, even a complaint, send it to editor@iwt.ie Irish Wildlife Autumn ‘19
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