The hobby is a spectacular migratory falcon that arrives from Africa each summer. It relies entirely on aerial prey — dragonflies and hirundines — whose availability is shaped by insect decline.
Hobby welfare is closely tied to the availability of large flying insects, particularly dragonflies. Wetland drainage and insecticide use reduce dragonfly populations. A mismatch between hobby arrival and peak dragonfly emergence could reduce breeding success. Swallow and house martin declines also affect food availability late in the season.