[halftwo]

Having been busy all week and unable to get out on patch for a while, I thought it high time to check up on the old Hobby nest. It's imminently time for their arrival.
Glad I did as the nest has succumbed to winter gales and is no more!

Did a recce of the immediate vicinity and there are several Crows' nests - at least one occupied, some not - most impossible to say. But there's one ideal tree which has two nests - one rather too low and the other very sparse, old and see-through.

Hatched a plan: Hobbies readily take to baskets placed as nests; if I place one ideally for the returning pair (should they return) they might well choose it - so bought one from the local garden centre.
Next: to get it high enough in the tree - and I'm afraid of heights. Other problem: I'm about to go on holiday for a week and would like to get it in place before I go.

Son's friend reckons he's game, but busy until I leave for Tenerife; so have shown the tree to my son for him to show to his mate!

Watch this space.

[teamsaint]

Well I hope very much that they come back, I've got a thing for Hobbies. Unfortunately didn't see too many last year but hopefully this year will be good!

[Kentbloke]

they're on their way halftwo, saw 5 together today at Stodmarsh, Kent.

[halftwo]

Originally Posted by Kentbloke

they're on their way halftwo, saw 5 together today at Stodmarsh, Kent.

Great KB, they could be here this weekend. (Change to poorer weather next week should clinch it!). Swifts due now too.
Have just this am. and tomorrow am. before I go, to check again.

[Rob Smallwood]

Not great climbing trees but willing to help if I can

[halftwo]

Originally Posted by Rob Smallwood

Not great climbing trees but willing to help if I can

Will PM you Rob. Thanks.

[joannec]

They are definitely on their way H.....I've seen one in Sussex so far and a few others have been reported. Good luck to 'your' hobbies and of course I will be following this thread with great interest.

Joanne

[DaveN]

There's been a few sightings now in Derbyshire with 2 at Willington today so they're not far away. I had a bad experience climbing a tree in 2001 so can't help you I'm afraid

[halftwo]

Thanks folks.
Was just out of my house on my way to work this pm. when a falcon was circling just to the west. Dashed back in for my bins.: Peregrine! Circled then stooped beyond trees. Then, in the sky where the first had been, another falcon was circling: second Peregrine (I think - poor, brief views) - but had me going for a while!
Also today on patch, Joanne, a Raven passed, being seen off by a succession of Crows as it progressed.

[pie]

I'm looking forward to this year's Hobby thread H.
Fingers crossed!

[halftwo]

Well he's back! Sitting in the old nest tree this morning, like he's never been away!
(Why didn't I take my 'scope?!) Went back shortly afterward (with 'scope) - but no sign.

Hanging basket placement attempt very soon now - friend on the way. Can't supervise as am leaving for the airport in an hour or so - bad timing or what?

See you next week.

H

PS. As I write the attempt's being made. Have asked son to write a brief "Success" or "No go" message later.

[halftwo]

Update on behalf of halftwo -

Basket placed successfully in tree!

[tittletattler]

Originally Posted by halftwo

Update on behalf of halftwo -

Basket placed successfully in tree!

Good luck 1/2 2!

Had my first hobby of the year over my Dartford garden this afternoon as I was hanging some washing out. The latter is the greater rarity.

[joannec]

Originally Posted by tittletattler

Good luck 1/2 2!

Had my first hobby of the year over my Dartford garden this afternoon as I was hanging some washing out. The latter is the greater rarity.

Maybe that will make you do it a bit more often....give Mrs TT a rest.

[Cristian Mihai]

They arrived! Today, April 28th I saw for the first time this year the pair of hobbies. They are back again, in the same area where is the nest used last year, 250 meters from my home.

[halftwo]

Just returned from Tenerife at two this morning, and awoke to cold grey and wet weather - with promise of worse to come over the next few days.

So off I set to have a look at the newly-placed hanging basket. With great disappointment I see that it is nowhere near high enough: useless where it is. And no sign, despite a good search, of any Hobbies; though, with this weather, they're probably hunched under a canopy somewhere. Also no Swifts (anyone else got their Swifts back yet?) - in fact the Swallows seem to be in hiding largely. Who can blame them?

A few Yellow wagtails on territories, and Whitethroat numbers have trebled since I was last on patch.
The rain has brought a fall of Wheatears again: two separate fields with a total of ten individuals. Plus, with a few Pieds, my first patch White wagtail - a rather handsome bird.
And, after a virtually mammal-free week, the Hares, Rabbits, Grey squirrels and a single Common shrew were especially noticeable.

[Rob Smallwood]

Welcome back - hope you had a good holiday.

Although "our" Swifts are back in Timperley they are not back in any numbers, so they are either late or there is a problem.

[halftwo]

Originally Posted by Rob Smallwood

Welcome back - hope you had a good holiday.

Although "our" Swifts are back in Timperley they are not back in any numbers, so they are either late or there is a problem.

Yes, thanks, Rob.
Put a brief report on Vacational Trip Reports.

What do people think about the re-siting of the basket - and anyone game for it?! (Am half-tempted myself - but know from experience that, once I get ten feet up, my resolve turns to jelly!)

[joannec]

Originally Posted by halftwo

Also no Swifts (anyone else got their Swifts back yet?) - .

Only seen one so far H....it's cold. 'My' local ones are not back yet.

Hope you fine some good tree climbers! It's a fine idea and I hope it works.

[Kentbloke]

Not seen a swift yet, a few days overdue for me. 37 hobbies at Stodmarsh yesterday!

[DaveN]

This is the first time in many a year that I've got into May without seeing a Swift.....oh yeah and no Hobbies yet either.

[StevieEvans]

Originally Posted by halftwo

Hobby

Watch this space.

Looking forward to reading
(They're a bit thin on the ground around here, & the ones we do see have run rings round us....... )

[halftwo]

Just got back from searching my patch. (Cool, strong wind, blue skies.)

No sign of any Hobbies. First Swift of the year (latest ever patch record), a singleton battling westwards against the gale. A dozen House martins hawking in the lea of a copse.

[halftwo]

Went out briefly again. Wind not as strong, but squally showers. No Swifts. No Hobbies.
Some new Wheatears again as consolation.

If I get a chance I'll pop out again later.

[halftwo]

Still cool, not as windy.
Positively crowded with Swifts - two together, then one more!
But no Hobby again. Will go again today, before the rain comes in.

Part two: Four Swifts, Buzzards, no Hobby.