Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hobby UK Breeding Welfare

Hobbies are summer migrant falcons breeding in southern England whose welfare depends on aerial insect and swallow prey availability during breeding season.

Key Facts

Hobbies arrive from Africa in May to breed in lowland England and Wales
They hunt dragonflies, large insects, and swallows with remarkable aerial agility
Hobby numbers have increased slightly with southward range expansion
They nest in old crow nests in trees at woodland edges
Their welfare as aerial hunters depends on prey species abundance

Welfare Considerations

Hobby welfare during UK breeding depends on abundant aerial insect prey especially dragonflies, and prey birds including swallows. Insect decline from pesticide use and habitat loss reduces hobby foraging success, linking their individual welfare to broader invertebrate conservation.

What You Can Do

Report hobby sightings to BTO breeding surveys to support population monitoring
Support insect conservation that maintains prey availability for aerial hunters
Advocate for pesticide reduction that protects insect populations