Hobby Breeding Welfare in Southern England

The hobby is a fast falcon that breeds in southern England, nesting in old crow nests. Its welfare during breeding depends on aerial insect prey abundance and nest site protection.

Key Facts

UK hobbies number around 2,500 pairs, breeding primarily in southern and central England
They nest in old crow or magpie nests in isolated trees near water
Dragonflies, swallows, and large aerial insects are primary prey
Late breeders, their chicks hatch in July-August, avoiding competition with other raptors
The breeding population has expanded northward with improving numbers

Welfare Considerations

Hobby breeding welfare depends on aerial insect prey abundance during the critical July-August chick rearing period. Dragonfly abundance at ponds and rivers near nesting trees provides high-calorie prey for growing chicks. Maintaining insects through reducing insecticide use in agricultural landscapes near breeding territories sustains prey availability. Protecting nest trees from felling during breeding season prevents breeding disruption. Their northward range expansion suggests relatively good current welfare compared to many declining species.

What You Can Do

Maintain garden ponds to support dragonfly populations as hobby prey
Reduce insecticide use in gardens near hobby breeding territories
Report hobby nest sites to local bird recorders to support monitoring
Support Hawk and Owl Trust conservation work benefiting UK breeding raptors