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Hobby Thread 2009 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter halftwo
- Start date
halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 9th.
5pm. - 6pm. Warmish., cloudy.
Swarms of Swifts, and hirundines all over the place this afternoon, below dark towering skies.
Farming activity nearby had put both birds off elsewhere - he off to hunt, it turned out.
He was first back - calling very loudly as, legs daggling with a smallish brown bird - perhaps a sparrow - he circled around the usual perch area, before settling out of sight.
A few minutes later she returned to her usual spot, looking around. He called again but she stayed put.
Eventually, with a crowd of Wood pigeons flying in simultaneously, he joined her - cleaning his bill on a twig, having fed. She faced towards me - he faced away. That's where I left them.
5pm. - 6pm. Warmish., cloudy.
Swarms of Swifts, and hirundines all over the place this afternoon, below dark towering skies.
Farming activity nearby had put both birds off elsewhere - he off to hunt, it turned out.
He was first back - calling very loudly as, legs daggling with a smallish brown bird - perhaps a sparrow - he circled around the usual perch area, before settling out of sight.
A few minutes later she returned to her usual spot, looking around. He called again but she stayed put.
Eventually, with a crowd of Wood pigeons flying in simultaneously, he joined her - cleaning his bill on a twig, having fed. She faced towards me - he faced away. That's where I left them.
Not that i'm religious but...flippin Hallelujah!!
He seeks them here..he seeks them there...that blokes been searching everywhere...and guess where i found 'em?..[rhetorical]...yep....in exactly the same area! 'My' birds finally gave themselves away today...the male appeared over 'the' wood and was quickly joined by the female who, again, was carrying 'material'! Typically, they promptly disappeared low over the fields to the east...i gave chase...naturally. Then came forty five minutes of 'nothing' whilst i sat in a field like i was incubating. Then, just as i was about to succumb to 'itchy feet'...[it might not have been my feet]!...the female appeared and purposefully flew back in the direction i had just come from! Talk about being given the run around! So now that i have a good idea of 'exactly' where they are maybe i can relax a bit....ha! Strange that i have not heard any calls from these birds, they are a very quiet pair indeed...sneaky too!
ps...one thing that is slightly bugging me H2....this trailing 'material' from female...i wonder...is it really adding that much 'stuff' to the nest?...or has 'something' just got 'hung up' on one of it's legs? I hope not...anyway...it doesn't appear to be hindering the bird in any 'visible' way.
He seeks them here..he seeks them there...that blokes been searching everywhere...and guess where i found 'em?..[rhetorical]...yep....in exactly the same area! 'My' birds finally gave themselves away today...the male appeared over 'the' wood and was quickly joined by the female who, again, was carrying 'material'! Typically, they promptly disappeared low over the fields to the east...i gave chase...naturally. Then came forty five minutes of 'nothing' whilst i sat in a field like i was incubating. Then, just as i was about to succumb to 'itchy feet'...[it might not have been my feet]!...the female appeared and purposefully flew back in the direction i had just come from! Talk about being given the run around! So now that i have a good idea of 'exactly' where they are maybe i can relax a bit....ha! Strange that i have not heard any calls from these birds, they are a very quiet pair indeed...sneaky too!
ps...one thing that is slightly bugging me H2....this trailing 'material' from female...i wonder...is it really adding that much 'stuff' to the nest?...or has 'something' just got 'hung up' on one of it's legs? I hope not...anyway...it doesn't appear to be hindering the bird in any 'visible' way.
Interesting stuff, H..! I didn't know that hobbies are known to take material 'away' from nest site....[note to self:...must read more]!
Need to spend even more time with these 'critters'...always learning. I find it quite fascinating that 'you're' pair of birds are so vocal at this particular time of year...whereas mine....well...they seem to have perfected the art of 'keeping they're heads down'....
ps...come to think of it....all 'past' breeding hobbies in my area have all been 'silent' until...[if they have been successful]...the young appear.
In previous years have 'you're' hobbies always been fairly vocal H..at this time of year that is...?
halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 11th
Soggy clouds drifting off to give sunshine. Sky thick with Swifts, hirundines aplenty too.
10 - 11am.
As I walked up the track the female Hobby was in full voice and attacking a Buzzard.
"kee-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi" as she stooped vertical at it - bringing about a bodyroll from the buteo to present its talons to her. As subbuteo swerved up again she rose vertically until beginning to tip over - then swivelling to dive again. It was almost a copy of a Buzzard's display - and I wondered if this was her intention: "this is my patch" - who knows the intricacies of avian communition?
After this she was away - and I caught a glimpse as she hunted beyond the trees - and gone again.
Time passed; white butterflies floated harrier-like over fields; I decided to go - one last look around: there was he - he had sneaked in to the perch tree - but was up and away again seconds later. He was off on a hunt.
He drew Swifts towards him like a magnet - they swirled, well, swiftly around him - swarming in dozens. He carried on in looping progress until I lost him eastwards behind a tree.
The sun came out and Buzzards filled the bits of sky not already full of Swifts.
Hobby egg-laying imminent I would think.
Soggy clouds drifting off to give sunshine. Sky thick with Swifts, hirundines aplenty too.
10 - 11am.
As I walked up the track the female Hobby was in full voice and attacking a Buzzard.
"kee-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi" as she stooped vertical at it - bringing about a bodyroll from the buteo to present its talons to her. As subbuteo swerved up again she rose vertically until beginning to tip over - then swivelling to dive again. It was almost a copy of a Buzzard's display - and I wondered if this was her intention: "this is my patch" - who knows the intricacies of avian communition?
After this she was away - and I caught a glimpse as she hunted beyond the trees - and gone again.
Time passed; white butterflies floated harrier-like over fields; I decided to go - one last look around: there was he - he had sneaked in to the perch tree - but was up and away again seconds later. He was off on a hunt.
He drew Swifts towards him like a magnet - they swirled, well, swiftly around him - swarming in dozens. He carried on in looping progress until I lost him eastwards behind a tree.
The sun came out and Buzzards filled the bits of sky not already full of Swifts.
Hobby egg-laying imminent I would think.
Thanx for that info H......was wondering whether you're birds were always 'that' noisy! Without doing research..i wud guess that, at this time of year, such a 'din' as you're birds seem to be making might be considered unusual?....[as they are usually such elusive blighters 'at this time']...!
Just got back from 'my patch'....and you guessed it...not a 'sniff'....what a surprise! Nice venture out tho...red admiral, peacock, painted ladies, skippers, brown argus...quite a few mother shipton moths...and of course...a few dragons! Four spot chasers...broad bodied chasers...[dare i call them 'chubby chasers'?...heck...i just did]! Emperor's 'commanding' the pond....all very entertaining!
Just got back from 'my patch'....and you guessed it...not a 'sniff'....what a surprise! Nice venture out tho...red admiral, peacock, painted ladies, skippers, brown argus...quite a few mother shipton moths...and of course...a few dragons! Four spot chasers...broad bodied chasers...[dare i call them 'chubby chasers'?...heck...i just did]! Emperor's 'commanding' the pond....all very entertaining!
halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 12th: Breakfast at the Nest
Gorgeous sunshine, cloudless, still.
07:30 - 09:00
Bright sun over the nest from my usual position - so went round to the north of the trees. Soaked in the process from the heavy dew.
Within minutes in comes the male, at hedge height, with prey - to a nearby tree. Then closer to a nearer tree, where he began to pluck at the House martin, identifiable through the scope.
He plucked each primary off first, they drifted to the ground. A juvenile Great-spotted woodpecker sidled up fairly close and watched him, its red cap shining in the sun.
Having plucked he took off and rose to the nest tree - calling and circling, soon disappearing with his prize. I heard an answering "klip kip kip" from her.
I made my way back to the nest-visible spot and set up the scope. At first I thought I could just make out the top of a head.
A few minutes passed, then the male was standing up at the nest edge, soon off elsewhere. The female then sat up and had a shuffle before resettling on the nest!
This is the first time I've seen them both there for a longish period - and it appeared she had had the food at the nest. Is this Incubation Day One?!
As I was watching this the resident Whitethroat sang - and incorporated within his ditty was the distinctive sound of Swallow alarm and Hobby's call!
Banded demoiselle, wild roses and bryony flowers added to the morning's glory.
Gorgeous sunshine, cloudless, still.
07:30 - 09:00
Bright sun over the nest from my usual position - so went round to the north of the trees. Soaked in the process from the heavy dew.
Within minutes in comes the male, at hedge height, with prey - to a nearby tree. Then closer to a nearer tree, where he began to pluck at the House martin, identifiable through the scope.
He plucked each primary off first, they drifted to the ground. A juvenile Great-spotted woodpecker sidled up fairly close and watched him, its red cap shining in the sun.
Having plucked he took off and rose to the nest tree - calling and circling, soon disappearing with his prize. I heard an answering "klip kip kip" from her.
I made my way back to the nest-visible spot and set up the scope. At first I thought I could just make out the top of a head.
A few minutes passed, then the male was standing up at the nest edge, soon off elsewhere. The female then sat up and had a shuffle before resettling on the nest!
This is the first time I've seen them both there for a longish period - and it appeared she had had the food at the nest. Is this Incubation Day One?!
As I was watching this the resident Whitethroat sang - and incorporated within his ditty was the distinctive sound of Swallow alarm and Hobby's call!
Banded demoiselle, wild roses and bryony flowers added to the morning's glory.
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halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 12th Part Two
Hot & sunny. 2pm - 3:30pm.
Young Swallows perched on wires as I approached.
Male Hobby perched in view for a change - but as I found him he was up and away to the NW - lost into miles of hot sky within minutes, after diving several times at a Buzzard, and stooping at something too distant to see.
On looking at the nest I see she is ensconced - keeping a low profile - only her head just showing.
And that's where they were when I left - one hunting, one incubating.
Had a little wander and saw a pair of Willow tits - which was nice.
Hot & sunny. 2pm - 3:30pm.
Young Swallows perched on wires as I approached.
Male Hobby perched in view for a change - but as I found him he was up and away to the NW - lost into miles of hot sky within minutes, after diving several times at a Buzzard, and stooping at something too distant to see.
On looking at the nest I see she is ensconced - keeping a low profile - only her head just showing.
And that's where they were when I left - one hunting, one incubating.
Had a little wander and saw a pair of Willow tits - which was nice.
halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 12th Part Three
Crepuscular activity: 21:00 - 22:30
Male perched on the usual spot - looking around alertly and doing some preening.
At 21:45 he zapped away for several seconds and returned without prey.
Soon after that he went (presumably) to roost.
No sign of her - assumed on nest.
First bats out c.22:15 - into a very mothy world - including a presumed Noctule (but guess who forgot the bat detector).
Crepuscular activity: 21:00 - 22:30
Male perched on the usual spot - looking around alertly and doing some preening.
At 21:45 he zapped away for several seconds and returned without prey.
Soon after that he went (presumably) to roost.
No sign of her - assumed on nest.
First bats out c.22:15 - into a very mothy world - including a presumed Noctule (but guess who forgot the bat detector).
halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 15th: Peregrine and The Hobbies
5:00 - 6:30pm.
Warm & sunny - thunder and clouds.
Female Hobby just visible on the nest today, hunkered low. No sign of him.
A Sparrowhawk flies over, escorted by a Yellow wagtail and a Kestrel hovers distantly.
Half an hour's gone when a tiercel Peregrine flies in from the north and lands on a pylon to the east. He carries a just-killed male Blackbird, which he proceeds to pluck and devour, leaving just feathers to drift.
During this feed the male Hobby comes in - calling to his mate - but lands out of sight. But she comes off the nest and flies to him - and unseen takes his offering, then lands on the perch tree.
He flies around the trees for a while until he lands on top of her - and they mate. He then flies to the nest tree - perhaps to do a stint of incubation - while she eats the food.
During this the Peregrine continues to eat - nervously bobbing his head between mouthfuls. He watches as two Oystercatchers fly past me and beneath him before plucking more from the ever-dwindling Blackbird.
But a noise sees him stop feeding - and we both turn to watch the male Hobby noisily mob a passing Buzzard - in spectacular fashion. Eventually the Buzzard has moved out of the mobbing zone and the Hobby zooms away.
The Peregrine finishes his meal, cleans his bill on the pylon's spar and flies off into the wind, gaining height and gathering Swifts, before heading east and away. Bass rumblings from a huge thundercloud and a rainbow see him on his way.
5:00 - 6:30pm.
Warm & sunny - thunder and clouds.
Female Hobby just visible on the nest today, hunkered low. No sign of him.
A Sparrowhawk flies over, escorted by a Yellow wagtail and a Kestrel hovers distantly.
Half an hour's gone when a tiercel Peregrine flies in from the north and lands on a pylon to the east. He carries a just-killed male Blackbird, which he proceeds to pluck and devour, leaving just feathers to drift.
During this feed the male Hobby comes in - calling to his mate - but lands out of sight. But she comes off the nest and flies to him - and unseen takes his offering, then lands on the perch tree.
He flies around the trees for a while until he lands on top of her - and they mate. He then flies to the nest tree - perhaps to do a stint of incubation - while she eats the food.
During this the Peregrine continues to eat - nervously bobbing his head between mouthfuls. He watches as two Oystercatchers fly past me and beneath him before plucking more from the ever-dwindling Blackbird.
But a noise sees him stop feeding - and we both turn to watch the male Hobby noisily mob a passing Buzzard - in spectacular fashion. Eventually the Buzzard has moved out of the mobbing zone and the Hobby zooms away.
The Peregrine finishes his meal, cleans his bill on the pylon's spar and flies off into the wind, gaining height and gathering Swifts, before heading east and away. Bass rumblings from a huge thundercloud and a rainbow see him on his way.
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How nice, 17 Hobby's together!!!: http://waarneming.nl/waarneming/view/42828658
halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 16th & 17th.
Yes, that is nice, hjvandijk. Thanks for posting.
Two contrasting days, weather-wise. Yesterday hot & sunny, today cool, wet, and windy.
Like yesterday the female was sitting tight on the nest, with her head just showing.
Unlike yesterday the male was never in view - yesterday he did a brief loud circle before disappearing.
Yes, that is nice, hjvandijk. Thanks for posting.
Two contrasting days, weather-wise. Yesterday hot & sunny, today cool, wet, and windy.
Like yesterday the female was sitting tight on the nest, with her head just showing.
Unlike yesterday the male was never in view - yesterday he did a brief loud circle before disappearing.
Unfortunately H2....'my' birds seem to have acquired a klingon 'cloaking device' from somewhere.....will post actual 'sightings' of my hobbies once they're new found technology fails on them.....[which will probably be when any youngsters hatch....hopefully]!
ps...on the plus side...my local 'pool' has had large amounts of dragons lately...emperor's n chasers all over the shop....[not today tho...as the weather has been...how can i put it?...rather minging]....!
ps...on the plus side...my local 'pool' has had large amounts of dragons lately...emperor's n chasers all over the shop....[not today tho...as the weather has been...how can i put it?...rather minging]....!
Bananafishbones
Incoherently Rambling .....
halftwo
Wird Batcher
I forgot, U, actually saw a dragon yesterday - but too far to defo. id. - but I guess a 4-spot.
Dave,
Thanks.
halftwo
Wird Batcher
June 18th. Noisy Sentinel
08:30 - 10:00
Cool & breezy.
As I arrived the male flew to the nest calling fairly softly, "hi hi hi hi". He perched by the nest and the female came off and went to the perch tree. I did not see her feed - perhaps a small morsel quickly swallowed?
From there she swiveled her head looking for prey - then going for something and disappearing. Another movement saw the male back to where she had launched herself; he then emulated her.
He soon disappeared again - reappearing twice as he zoomed around the immediate vicinity. It seemed he was going for insects - even though there was plenty of avian prey - in particular a group of young Goldfinches just below him.
But I reckoned he'd not be far, so I made a circuit of the site. Before I had made any distance she was coming towards me - after a Wood pigeon casually - not trying to catch it - just following, and they both swerved right, quite close.
A few minutes later and I found him perched low in an oak, out of the wind; but not for long. A Buzzard passed close by and he flew at it - calling noisily, "kyee kyee kyi kyi kyi...."
A second Buzzard kept him busy for half a minute, calling the whole time.
He returned to another, higher branch further away, but once more was off to chase prey, this time going back to his original tree, which was just visible from my position. Swifts and House martins passed his head but he ignored them all.
I moved back too.
Another Buzzard, though directly over him, was also ignored - maybe too high to warrant a seeing off. She, I think, was back on eggs - but the wind-buffeted nest tree made viewing imposible.
The plucky sentinel atop his tree, horizontal in the wind, but still managing a bit of a scratch and preen, suddenly went left, diagonally nearing me, accelerating to an impressive speed, swerved around an isolated ash and returned, it appeared, to the nest tree - or a perch unseen behind.
Back home, well chuffed with the morning's activity.
08:30 - 10:00
Cool & breezy.
As I arrived the male flew to the nest calling fairly softly, "hi hi hi hi". He perched by the nest and the female came off and went to the perch tree. I did not see her feed - perhaps a small morsel quickly swallowed?
From there she swiveled her head looking for prey - then going for something and disappearing. Another movement saw the male back to where she had launched herself; he then emulated her.
He soon disappeared again - reappearing twice as he zoomed around the immediate vicinity. It seemed he was going for insects - even though there was plenty of avian prey - in particular a group of young Goldfinches just below him.
But I reckoned he'd not be far, so I made a circuit of the site. Before I had made any distance she was coming towards me - after a Wood pigeon casually - not trying to catch it - just following, and they both swerved right, quite close.
A few minutes later and I found him perched low in an oak, out of the wind; but not for long. A Buzzard passed close by and he flew at it - calling noisily, "kyee kyee kyi kyi kyi...."
A second Buzzard kept him busy for half a minute, calling the whole time.
He returned to another, higher branch further away, but once more was off to chase prey, this time going back to his original tree, which was just visible from my position. Swifts and House martins passed his head but he ignored them all.
I moved back too.
Another Buzzard, though directly over him, was also ignored - maybe too high to warrant a seeing off. She, I think, was back on eggs - but the wind-buffeted nest tree made viewing imposible.
The plucky sentinel atop his tree, horizontal in the wind, but still managing a bit of a scratch and preen, suddenly went left, diagonally nearing me, accelerating to an impressive speed, swerved around an isolated ash and returned, it appeared, to the nest tree - or a perch unseen behind.
Back home, well chuffed with the morning's activity.
