THE blackcap was so much in the news this winter that it has become a well-known bird.

THE Greek philosopher Empedocles, who lived in Sicily, is said to have committed suicide by jumping into the volcano so no trace of his mortal remains would be found and people would think he was a god.

A CENSUS of the swan population took place this winter.

“AND they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed’ says Genesis.

I TOOK my grandchildren to the Dinosaur Encounter, an exhibition attracting hordes of youngsters in Dublin.

A LOCKSMITH acquaintance says his business is booming.

ACCORDING to Andrew Hamilton and Emer Connolly, of the Clare People, customs officials at Shannon Airport found a pair of rhino horns on Christmas Eve.

THE Bewick swan is an example to us all; it’s one of the world’s most monogamous birds.

A STRANGE ghostly light can appear over bogs at night.

“THERE’S no bad publicity, except an obituary,” declared Brendan Behan.