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The juvenile is probably HG, the one male. He has been lingering, may even stay around all winter and possibly into the next breeding season, does happen with young males....we'll see.

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 8

Was out yesterday checking on some fledged hobby chicks from a brood we ringed on an urban fringe heathland site. All three chicks doing well. Won't be long before they head off on migration. The latest I have seen a family still at this site is 6th Oct. but most will be gone 2 weeks before this.

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 3

Thanks @martinwood60.bsky.social, great questions! Noctules fly in a very predictable linear way so though big, they'd be easy to spot. Noctures weigh 18-40g. Yes the young still have food provided after fledging, though 'insecting' is how the young hone their hunting skills, plenty insects about.

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 3

The trials of life in a Hobby nest!

As the last to fledge, there's always a battle at mealtimes. Today, an older chick wrestled the food off its sibling, 'mantling' to keep it for itself. Ever resourceful, the youngest snuck in underneath - can you spot him? Read on at:
drsg.co.uk/f/life-in-a-...

Young Hobby falcons feeding in the nest.

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 2

Likely a common shrew. You were by water so could have been a water shrew but they tend to be very dark, towards black on the back.

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 2

First wild White-tailed eagle to fledge in Dorset for 240 years

Watching eagles has been amazing. With such a complex habitat mosaic, the forests in Dorset are able to support a whole range of specialist and rare species. See link more eagle info & congratulations to @forestryengland.bsky.social.

Latest news - Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

Proactive wildlife management and innovative conservation research.

www.roydennis.org

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 2

I remember it well!

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 1

Great map considering 70 years ago there were none!

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 1

Dreamy!!!

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Sep 1

Wow!

Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Aug 30

Hi Ed. Did you get a wing and weight for this bird? Interested. Thanks.

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Reposted by Dorset Raptor Study Group

BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · Jul 29

Wonderful news this evening! A pair of Montagu's Harrier has bred at a secret location in England this summer, the RSPB has announced:

Montagu's Harrier pair successfully breeds in England

A pair of Montagu's Harrier, Britain’s rarest breeding bird, have successfully raised four chicks at a secret site in England, the first UK nesting success since 2019. Monitored by the RSPB and a farmer, the rare birds' return offers hope for the species' future in Britain.

bit.ly

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Aug 27

Fantastic and amazing, a long way from any heath!

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Aug 27

Thanks for your support. Yes it was hard to see and so close to fledging. Given Hobby are also predated by peregrine, sparrowhawk, tawny owl, buzzard, kite and pine marten, we should think of the parents as doing a great job despite the sad outcome. It is indeed a tough world out there.

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Aug 27

Hi @martinwood60.bsky.social, yes they will be back we hope in 2026. Remember that goshawk are across the whole county and Hobby can also be predated by sparrowhawk, tawny owl, buzzard, kite and peregrine so it is a tough world out there. Thanks for your question.

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Aug 27

Thanks!

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · Aug 27

Fantastic thanks

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