Wildlife

Wild Hobby Falcon Welfare

The hobby is a dynamic migratory falcon that has expanded its UK range northward, with welfare tied to insect prey availability and undisturbed nesting in woodland edges.

Key Facts

Hobbies arrive in May from African wintering grounds as long-distance migrants
They specialise in catching large insects including dragonflies and hawkmoths on the wing
Dragonfly-rich wetlands are key hunting habitats particularly during breeding
Hobbies nest in old crow or rook nests in woodland edges and do not build their own nests
UK hobby populations have expanded northward by over 100 km since the 1970s

Welfare Considerations

Hobby welfare depends on insect prey availability that reflects broader invertebrate ecosystem health. Maintaining wetland and grassland habitats supports the prey base essential for breeding success.

What You Can Do

Support wetland habitat creation that benefits dragonflies and hobby prey
Record hobby sightings and breeding to support range expansion monitoring
Avoid disturbing occupied nest sites during June-August breeding season
Raise awareness of hobby range expansion as an indicator of climate-driven ecological change