sid ashton
Well-known member
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Hobby Thread 2009 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter halftwo
- Start date
Cheshire Birder
Well-known member
The have been getting ready to go now for the last week at my patch. Didnt hear them last night.
May try and make a return visit to you this weekend.
CB
halftwo
Wird Batcher
H/2 - You doubted my word when I said the Swifts would be gone this week
Hi Sid,
Read your PM. No problem, Sid! Just been re-reading August's thread from last year - my posts record Hobbies hunting Swifts up until 19th Aug. at least, then on Aug 27th.: "Swifts all gone now"
So maybe they are thinning out at the moment - but I don't think we've quite seen the last of them.
Incidently the inaugural flight was Aug.13th. last year. I reckon we should be on for about Aug.10-12th. this year if I've counted right.
Not long now.
Hi CB,
Am on earlies for the next few days - so won't be on site except early evenings. But don't mind me not being there if you want to go alone (Sid or John could well be there anyway.)
H
Have to agree with Joanne, I see very little of the parents, but the chick (who we have called "fluff" at my house) is getting huge. He seems to be at the stage where he can appear bigger than parents just because he is so fluffy, and if he stretches his wings just partly - wow! I can hardly imagine what H's nest is like with 3 like that.
As Joanne said, Fluff is starting to get real tail feathers as well as primaries (I think), and so is getting much less white, though still maybe 60/40 white/black or so. I think I saw today that a parent dropped off something to eat, and he seemed to be tearing into it all on his own. He also seems much more interested in looking out over the edge of the nest these days. The parts of his day not involved in eating or sleeping seem mostly to be preening - obviously a big part of a youngster's task.
Armchair bird watching - pretty easy, but not the nice fresh air you real (non-virtual) birders are getting
pie
Well-known member
Armchair bird watching - pretty easy, but not the nice fresh air you real (non-virtual) birders are getting
And it's great to have both Gretchen :t:
Still plenty of Swifts in Bridgend last week, will check tomorrow.
(another big thanks for everyone's updates, really appreciated)
John Barber
Well-known member
Day Off
Didn't get to the Hobby site today.
That incorrigible birder Sid Ashton took me for a day out on his ' Wirral Wander Route ' calling in at Hoylake and Inner Marsh farm amongst others. Very enjoyable it was too !
Certainly spotted some raptors out there. Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestral and almost a Merlin ( missed it by a few minutes ) but no Hobbies.
We saw one bird in a hedgerow near a park pond, which we've never seen before, and neither of us has any idea what it was. Can't really find anything like it in the book
It was similar in size and proportions to a wagtail. But with a more slender body, dark on top with some kind of brown/orange markings on it's back. It had very long thin dark legs, a thin dark beak and a long dark tail. I think Sid saw some kind of markings on it's throat. Anyone have any idea ??
Sid, nearest thing I can see to it, is an immature male Black Redstart.
Didn't get to the Hobby site today.
That incorrigible birder Sid Ashton took me for a day out on his ' Wirral Wander Route ' calling in at Hoylake and Inner Marsh farm amongst others. Very enjoyable it was too !
Certainly spotted some raptors out there. Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestral and almost a Merlin ( missed it by a few minutes ) but no Hobbies.
We saw one bird in a hedgerow near a park pond, which we've never seen before, and neither of us has any idea what it was. Can't really find anything like it in the book
It was similar in size and proportions to a wagtail. But with a more slender body, dark on top with some kind of brown/orange markings on it's back. It had very long thin dark legs, a thin dark beak and a long dark tail. I think Sid saw some kind of markings on it's throat. Anyone have any idea ??
Sid, nearest thing I can see to it, is an immature male Black Redstart.
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John Barber
Well-known member
Restless Chicks
08.30 - 08.45
Took a quick look at the nest this morning. Strong sun, against me, in clear blue skys made viewing very difficult.
The chicks were up and walking about, the two largest frequently flapping their wings. Even the little one was joining in ( he/she suddenly doesn't look that small any more ) The largest chick almost seemed to go over the side of the nest at times.
Will return later when the sun moves into a better position.
08.30 - 08.45
Took a quick look at the nest this morning. Strong sun, against me, in clear blue skys made viewing very difficult.
The chicks were up and walking about, the two largest frequently flapping their wings. Even the little one was joining in ( he/she suddenly doesn't look that small any more ) The largest chick almost seemed to go over the side of the nest at times.
Will return later when the sun moves into a better position.
John Barber
Well-known member
Raptor Wars
11.15 - 11.50
The chicks are settled down on the nest and there's no sign of the adults.
After only five minutes I hear a strange, short sort of rattle call ' rrrrrrrrrr ' up high in front and to the left. It's a sound I've not heard the Hobbies make before.
I look up to see a hobby 50 feet above and in front of the nest site. It's coming in at extremely high speed from the left . It whistles past, now closely followed by the second adult and they both disappear to the area of the plucking tree.
No further noise, but the female suddenly appears on the back of the nest just a minute or so later, and she starts feeding the chicks.
As she's feeding the chicks the male suddenly starts alarming and flying around the trees like an angry wasp. Wood pigeons are scattering in every direction and somewhere close I hear buzzards.
The female stops feeding and starts looking around. The next moment two buzzards are visible over the nest tree - one to the left, and one to the right.
Immediately the male comes up and attacks the buzzard on the right, joined moments later by the female. They both take turns diving at the large raptor from above and below. Soon he's off and both hobbies turn their attention to the other bird which is now even closer to the nest tree. Five times they come within inches of his tallons as he turns to defend himself, he's not giving up as easily as the other bird.
Finally he makes of to the left and both hobbies circle together over the nest, almost like two victorious spitfires which have just won an aerial dog fight.
As they circle, suddenly they start alarming again. Amazingly, two other raptors have drifted in unseen from the right. It's hard to tell if they are both Kestrals or Sparrowhawks, or one of each, as they are higher up and against the light.
The hobbies are obviously pumped up by now and are not prepared to tolerate these new birds, even though they are further away. So off they go again.
Falcons / Hawks are all over the place, chasing one another here and there. Eventually, without apparent damage to any bird, the interlopers leave and the hobbies are once again victorious and in control of their own air space.
A few more circles of the trees and both birds return to the area of the plucking tree.
Normality returns
11.15 - 11.50
The chicks are settled down on the nest and there's no sign of the adults.
After only five minutes I hear a strange, short sort of rattle call ' rrrrrrrrrr ' up high in front and to the left. It's a sound I've not heard the Hobbies make before.
I look up to see a hobby 50 feet above and in front of the nest site. It's coming in at extremely high speed from the left . It whistles past, now closely followed by the second adult and they both disappear to the area of the plucking tree.
No further noise, but the female suddenly appears on the back of the nest just a minute or so later, and she starts feeding the chicks.
As she's feeding the chicks the male suddenly starts alarming and flying around the trees like an angry wasp. Wood pigeons are scattering in every direction and somewhere close I hear buzzards.
The female stops feeding and starts looking around. The next moment two buzzards are visible over the nest tree - one to the left, and one to the right.
Immediately the male comes up and attacks the buzzard on the right, joined moments later by the female. They both take turns diving at the large raptor from above and below. Soon he's off and both hobbies turn their attention to the other bird which is now even closer to the nest tree. Five times they come within inches of his tallons as he turns to defend himself, he's not giving up as easily as the other bird.
Finally he makes of to the left and both hobbies circle together over the nest, almost like two victorious spitfires which have just won an aerial dog fight.
As they circle, suddenly they start alarming again. Amazingly, two other raptors have drifted in unseen from the right. It's hard to tell if they are both Kestrals or Sparrowhawks, or one of each, as they are higher up and against the light.
The hobbies are obviously pumped up by now and are not prepared to tolerate these new birds, even though they are further away. So off they go again.
Falcons / Hawks are all over the place, chasing one another here and there. Eventually, without apparent damage to any bird, the interlopers leave and the hobbies are once again victorious and in control of their own air space.
A few more circles of the trees and both birds return to the area of the plucking tree.
Normality returns
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halftwo
Wird Batcher
Aug.9th: Photos to Follow
17:15 - 19:15
Warm, sunny, clouds increasing.
Took BFer NoIdea to the site today - he of the great Long-eared owl photos - with one of the biggest camera lenses I've seen!
JB already there - and the male on the perch tree. One chick visible - and we pondered on the possibilty of there being two just out of the nest - but they were merely hiding in the nest.
The female soon came in to the nest - and one of the young pecked at her bill. Soon we watched all three chicks standing up - two notieably more adult-like than the third.
Then they were both together at the perch tree - before the male went off - to chase off an intruder we just saw - until we lost both at 2-3 miles distant.
Eventually the female flew off, and in fading light we walked round to the pluck tree just as the male came in - perhaps with prey - he called softly to his mate - but she was off herself somewhere.
Oh, I almost forgot - a Peregrine passed close by too!
17:15 - 19:15
Warm, sunny, clouds increasing.
Took BFer NoIdea to the site today - he of the great Long-eared owl photos - with one of the biggest camera lenses I've seen!
JB already there - and the male on the perch tree. One chick visible - and we pondered on the possibilty of there being two just out of the nest - but they were merely hiding in the nest.
The female soon came in to the nest - and one of the young pecked at her bill. Soon we watched all three chicks standing up - two notieably more adult-like than the third.
Then they were both together at the perch tree - before the male went off - to chase off an intruder we just saw - until we lost both at 2-3 miles distant.
Eventually the female flew off, and in fading light we walked round to the pluck tree just as the male came in - perhaps with prey - he called softly to his mate - but she was off herself somewhere.
Oh, I almost forgot - a Peregrine passed close by too!
sid ashton
Well-known member
Hobby Pics?
H/2 does this mean that we shall have some shots of our Hobby's to remember them by?
As an aside while you guys were Hobbying I finally managed to catch up with the Drake Garganey at Altrincham Sewage Works.:-O
H/2 does this mean that we shall have some shots of our Hobby's to remember them by?
As an aside while you guys were Hobbying I finally managed to catch up with the Drake Garganey at Altrincham Sewage Works.:-O
no idea
Well-known member
Attachments
sid ashton
Well-known member
Seconded, thanks for the pics NI - in my records folder - just as I shall remember the male the first time I saw him almost 2 months ago now.
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halftwo
Wird Batcher
Just to let you all know: NoIdea took dozens of photos - including the chicks on the nest - yesterday and he'll be posting more when he gets back from Corfu - he simply didn't have time last night to sort and upload.
(He might actually have emailed some to me - but I've not had time to look yet)
(He might actually have emailed some to me - but I've not had time to look yet)
John Barber
Well-known member
Still There
12.30 - 12.50
Paid a very brief visit to check on the chicks.
All three are still in the nest. The two largest looking more like their parents by the hour.
Within three minutes of arriving, one of the hobbies called and both birds appeared in front of the trees. The male ( deduced later ) had something in it's mouth and made a food pass to the female. She flew off to the plucking area and he to his favourite perch tree.
I saw no sign of either bird entering the nest, but a few minutes later the elder chicks could be seen ripping something up beneath them and eating it.
12.30 - 12.50
Paid a very brief visit to check on the chicks.
All three are still in the nest. The two largest looking more like their parents by the hour.
Within three minutes of arriving, one of the hobbies called and both birds appeared in front of the trees. The male ( deduced later ) had something in it's mouth and made a food pass to the female. She flew off to the plucking area and he to his favourite perch tree.
I saw no sign of either bird entering the nest, but a few minutes later the elder chicks could be seen ripping something up beneath them and eating it.
halftwo
Wird Batcher
More From Aug10th.
15:30 - 17:00
Warm & wet.
Two chicks are walking around the nest rim and flapping like crazy, the little un more still.
The female was sitting nearby until in comes the male (unseen) with food, passes it over to her and she carefully gives the lion's share to the youngest. Its older siblings wait patiently until it wants no more - then the remains are handed to them.
One grabs it and takes it away from the other, pulling at it and feeding itself.
They all look well-fed (crops bulging) and two will certainly be soon out of the nest for good.
After the feed the female takes to soggy skies - and catches insects as she slowly goes south. The male remains nearby - but out of sight.
I went to the pluck tree to see what was underneath: many feathers - of which I could identify only Goldfinch primaries - with their little white mirrors.
The male's sighting of me gives rise to loud protests - and I left.
15:30 - 17:00
Warm & wet.
Two chicks are walking around the nest rim and flapping like crazy, the little un more still.
The female was sitting nearby until in comes the male (unseen) with food, passes it over to her and she carefully gives the lion's share to the youngest. Its older siblings wait patiently until it wants no more - then the remains are handed to them.
One grabs it and takes it away from the other, pulling at it and feeding itself.
They all look well-fed (crops bulging) and two will certainly be soon out of the nest for good.
After the feed the female takes to soggy skies - and catches insects as she slowly goes south. The male remains nearby - but out of sight.
I went to the pluck tree to see what was underneath: many feathers - of which I could identify only Goldfinch primaries - with their little white mirrors.
The male's sighting of me gives rise to loud protests - and I left.
joannec
Well-known member
What a good mum! Guess food is plentiful, might be a different story if it wasn't.
John Barber
Well-known member
Even More Still From August 10th !
18.30 - 20.00
Sid and Bernie were at the viewing site when I arrived.
There was some concern as only the younger chick could be seen. Could the older chicks have finally left ?
Eventually, the question came to be answered when all three chicks reared into view. How do they do that - just disappear ? They are so big. Now they suddenly fill the whole nest.
It's a shame NoIdea isn't here with his camera as we are treated to some of the best views yet of the two big chicks. They sit together, facing us, in the strong evening sunlight. Like brothers contemplating the world outside the nest they must soon leave.
They occasionaly remove some of the few soft downy feathers they still have by plucking at their chests. Small white feathers catch the breeze and float slowly down to the ground below.
I will be surprised if all three chicks are still in the nest by tomorrow night.
I think an early vist may be in order tomorrow morning. I would love to see a chick leave the nest for the first time.
18.30 - 20.00
Sid and Bernie were at the viewing site when I arrived.
There was some concern as only the younger chick could be seen. Could the older chicks have finally left ?
Eventually, the question came to be answered when all three chicks reared into view. How do they do that - just disappear ? They are so big. Now they suddenly fill the whole nest.
It's a shame NoIdea isn't here with his camera as we are treated to some of the best views yet of the two big chicks. They sit together, facing us, in the strong evening sunlight. Like brothers contemplating the world outside the nest they must soon leave.
They occasionaly remove some of the few soft downy feathers they still have by plucking at their chests. Small white feathers catch the breeze and float slowly down to the ground below.
I will be surprised if all three chicks are still in the nest by tomorrow night.
I think an early vist may be in order tomorrow morning. I would love to see a chick leave the nest for the first time.
