Notes on nature

“In answer to a Fife reader who recently asked whether red and grey squirrels can interbreed: no, they are two distinct species and differ genetically,” emails Alison McAdam. “However, in spring and summer, greys develop a yellowbrown or reddish coloration over the face, back, and fore and hind limbs.

“Another nature note (not on the Craigie column): the escaped parakeet looks like a female ringneck, Psittacula krameri. Only the male has the narrow