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Dorset Raptor Study Group

@dorsetraptors.bsky.social
592 followers 46 following 223 posts

Aims to further knowledge and protection of birds of prey and owls in the county of Dorset, with a special interest in Hobby. Support us at drsg.co.uk

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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
2026 was a great year for colour ringing records! See our latest blog for a deeper dive into our research, with early data and stunning images from our core recorders. Plus a link to a new colour-ring feature page. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @forestryengland.bsky.social @harbourbirds.bsky.social
drsg.co.uk
A bounty of colour-rings — Dorset Raptor Study Group
Each year we get more and more reports as photographers send us stunning images of colour-ringed birds. 2026 proved to be a bumper year for records and we’ll start with a stunning image of a Hobby in ...
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
As our JustGiving closes, we say a big thanks to all our supporters through 2026. Your donations helped fund kit and hardware for surveying and the Hobby nest camera. You can still help, go get yourself gorgeous cotton DRSG merch, all with our hand-drawn Hobby logo! www.drsg.co.uk/organic-cott...
Woman by the sea wearing hoody with DRSG logoMan on the beach wearing hoody with DRSG logoWoman outdoors wearing hoody with DRSG logo
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Watching falcons can be an amazing experience. Here we see the enigmatic Hobby through the eyes of local enthusiast Alex Harvey and his new hobby of watching Hobbies @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @harbourbirds.bsky.social
drsg.co.uk
Guest blog: Sept 2026 — Dorset Raptor Study Group
Watching falcons can be an amazing experience and something great to share. Here we see the enigmatic Hobby through the eyes of local enthusiast Alex Harvey and his new hobby of watching Hobbies.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Went to check up on an urban fringe heathland hobby family a few days ago. Both chicks have fledged well and are strong on the wing. It won't be many days now until they leave for warmer climes. The latest we have seen a family group still at their breeding site is 6th October.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Such a rare and scarcely seen bird, always a treat to see!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
As summer draws to a close, we thought you might like a quick peep at where Hobbies over-winter. And a quick heads-up - our next blog will feature this summer's amazing colour-ring sightings. Big thanks to you, and please do keep them coming! @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @harbourbirds.bsky.social
drsg.co.uk
Where Hobbies go in winter — Dorset Raptor Study Group
Hobbies soon head off on migration for warmer winter quarters. But have you ever wondered just where our Hobbies disappear off to each winter, or just how far they can travel? Find out where they go...
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I made a trip to the Dorset LIVE Hobby nest camera site today to check up on the juveniles. Found DX perched in a tree 20m from the nest....all good. DZ was close to the nest.
DXDZ
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Ringing of the Dorset LIVE Hobby nest camera chicks went well this morning. 1 female (DZ, 257g) and 1 male (DX, 216g). The adult female was back in feeding the chicks 20 mins after we left and again a second time. All good. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The Hobby chick ringing season is nearly over (the last brood will be ringed today). Overall breeding has been the latest we have known in over 20 years (approx. 2+ weeks later than usual). Dragonfly numbers seem to be low but Hobby brood sizes ok....some feeding adjustment must have been made!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Dorset LIVE Hobby camera, the chicks managed through the heat yesterday. Temperatures cooling a bit over next few days. Watch live and catch up on archived footage as a channel member here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
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wildlifewindows.bsky.social @wildlifewindows.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Sussex LIVE Honey-buzzard chicks are growing fast, not long before they fledge. See them live before they go and catch up on archived footage here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFNp...
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
We are pleased to have ringed our first brood of Hobbies this year at a Forestry England site. Some great climbing skills by Tim to access a slightly trickier nest than usual. Probably 2 females and 1 male. @raptoraidjimmi.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @forestryengland.bsky.social
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
We're delighted to announce the 2026 Dorset Live Hobby cam is back and the first chick hatched just this morning, happy viewing! More info here www.youtube.com/playlist?lis... @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @dorsetbirdtours.bsky.social @dorsetwildlife.bsky.social y.social @raptoraidjimmi.bsky.social
Hobby on nest
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Dorset LIVE Hobby nest camera 2026 coming soon! Will post details when live (24-48hrs from now).
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wildlifewindows.bsky.social @wildlifewindows.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
History has been made! Yesterday the first live hatching of a Honey-buzzard chick on camera. Fingers crossed egg #2 hatches soon. You can see the live stream and look through all previous days' recordings at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFNp...
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martinadams1.bsky.social @martinadams1.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
The 2 Juvs in rehab have been returned, but MS is probably missing the safety of rehab here!!
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wildlifewindows.bsky.social @wildlifewindows.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Sussex Honey-buzzard nest camera is now LIVE. You can always find the live link (and previous days' recordings) at: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis... Enjoy this UK first for this incredible species!
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wildlifewindows.bsky.social @wildlifewindows.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Springwatch are featuring a LIVE Honey-buzzard nest camera we installed for Sussex Ornithological Society and the Conservators of Ashdown Forest (10th June 8pm). This is/will be a UK first! The nest camera will be live streamed on WW YouTube channel (+ partners websites) from Friday 12th June 0400.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Checked a few nest boxes yesterday. The same little owl site as last year has done it again....2 females (polygyny) have laid in the same box. I candled the eggs with my phone torch and only one of them developed an embryo. They should have all hatched by now. 🙁. Lack of males or nest sites?
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
At sunrise yesterday morning all 4 peregrine chicks were in the nest box. By 6 am 3 of them had fledged. The last one (female MS) left late afternoon and ended up on the ground. Thanks to a speedy rescue and access to the building she was back on the roof 2 hours later.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Pleased to have been able to ring a brood of Peregrines in Bournemouth town centre this weekend. One female and one male. Peregrines have bred in Bournemouth since 2009 and used 4 different buildings, not always accessible!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Another colour ringed Hobby back!! 😊. This bird 'BV' was ringed as a chick in Wareham Forest F.E. 2024 16km from this location. Not 100% sure on the sex of this bird yet. Was provisionally sexed as a female at ringing but looks more male from the few poor images so far. We will investigate!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Very nearly ready to go now! Blink and they grow up. We'll be keeping a close eye on these birds this week, fingers crossed their maiden flights go well.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Amazing how fast those Poole Peregrines grow! Seems like only the other day we were joined by DRSG volunteer @heliehels.bsky.social to visit the nest under licence for ringing. Read Hellie's piece on her experience with these magical birds. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @dorsetwildlife.bsky.social
drsg.co.uk
Up close and personal with Peregrines — Dorset Raptor Study Group
As any local Peregrine fan knows, one of the wonders of Poole in Dorset are the 'ASDA' peregrines. I was invited for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the DRSG team at ringing time, 12 floors u...
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Poole Peregrines growing fast!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
A healthy brood of 4 kestrel chicks ringed for the retired Dorset Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer Friday just gone.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
DNA samples were taken of the 4 Poole Peregrine chicks at the time of ringing. Samples are known as buccal swabs, akin to a saliva swab. These will be sent to the Raptor Forensic DNA Project based in Edinburgh and used to assist possible persecution/theft cases.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
All 4 Poole Peregrines chicks doing well (the one male on the right). They have changed a lot in 7 days since they were ringed!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Poole peregrine chicks ringed yesterday. 3 females and 1 male (same as last year). All healthy weights and doing well. 3 females colour ringed white on blue HJ, MS and HH. 1 male black on blue WZ.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
The 4 Poole Peregrine chicks are growing well and fast. Here being fed a late breakfast by the adult male.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Looking promising at one of the nests we are hoping to do a live stream of nesting hobbies. Male 'DB' (colour ringed last year) continues to show interest in this nest with his mate. Food pass yesterday eve and courting this morning. 🤞 they settle on this nest.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Check out the latest news of one of our live-stream camera hopefuls for 2026! Clips and details in our latest blog: www.drsg.co.uk/blog/hobby-news-may-2026 @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @bbcspringwatch.bsky.social @raptoraidjimmi.bsky.social
Hobby in flight by Aidan Brown photography
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Was a bit concerned as couldn't see 4 chicks in many images BUT no worries, all 4 chicks present and correct this morning....being fed by their mother (ring ID VTR who herself was hatched at Winchester Cathedral 2023, 40 miles away)
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
All 4 Poole Peregrine chicks are doing well and growing fast! 8 to 9 days old now. Here their father is serving breakfast.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Check out @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social online bulletins for our article on Monitoring Dorset's Hobbies including colour-ringing to follow individual birds and detailed observations using nest cameras. dorsetbirds.co.uk/publications...
dorsetbirds.co.uk
Online Bulletin articles - Dorset Bird Club
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Pretty sure all 4 eggs at Poole Peregrines hatched. Tricky with occasional stills and what looks like one ball of white fluff! More egg shell appeared this morning at 0700. Nice, full house! Classic falcon hatching strategy with one delayed as a 'gamble'..will survive if super strong or lots of food
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
3 out of 4 eggs at Poole Peregrines have hatched within 24 hours now. Plenty of feeding happening so all looking good 😊
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
First egg hatched for Poole Peregrines this morning approx 0430. 🎉🎉
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
As of this morning no sign of eggs pipping at Poole Peregrines. Expecting eggs to hatch within the next 2-4 days. 🤞
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Poole Peregrines egg #4 arrived yesterday some time between 10am and 3pm so if time averaged approx. 65 hours since the last egg was laid. That will/should be a full house now (this female laid 4 eggs last year). Now begins the long wait!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Early this morning an unringed Osprey landed on an F.E. nest platform we built in Dorset. A very brief visit so probably passing through. They are coming!! @forestryengland.bsky.social
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
On a recent work trip to Scotland I collected some prey remains from an osprey nest while revamping the nest. Not sure yet what species these belong to but the lowest being small and predatory I am guessing is perch. Any fish experts out there?
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Poole peregrines 3rd egg arrived approx 1910 Sunday 22nd March approx 61.5 hours after #2 egg. Last year this female laid 4 eggs and raised 4 young so we should see a 4th egg Weds approx 0800?
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Poole peregrines second egg arrived approx 0540 this morning making it about 98.5 hours between eggs. Normally eggs arrive 56 to 60 hours apart but longer intervals are not uncommon.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
At last, first egg for Poole Peregrines confirmed 0340 16th March 2026.....in the new nest box....no chance of getting flooded out here 😊. Fingers crossed for a successful season.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
On a recent work trip to Scotland (mostly maintaining osprey camera systems) I chanced upon a sparrowhawk plucking post with fresh feathers....classic. Feathers were from a female bullfinch.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Following the fight between the juvenile male (HG) and his father (the resident adult male) everything resumed as planned between the adult pair the next day. The adult female (VTR) has been spending extended periods in the box over night....surely the first egg will appear soon!
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Things came to a head at the Poole peregrines nest site 11th March. The juvenile male (HG) attacked the adult male (his father). They scrapped for a few minutes then the juvenile fled and hasn't been seen in the box since. Time for HG to make his own way.
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
First barn owl egg reported from a nest box / camera in central Dorset 13th March. Hopefully this breeding season will be better for barn owls than 2025 which was was very poor across most of the UK. 🤞
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Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Checking up on local nest box cameras the other day I came across something I have not seen before in ~30 years of monitoring barn owl boxes....a tawny owl in a box with a pair of barn owls! Thankfully a couple of days later the barn owls were still present and the tawny owl had moved on.
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