The Lincolnshire Bird Club

A Hobby was soaring in the vicinity of Housemartins high over RAF Waddington on Friday 10th July at lunchtime.

Cheers
Matthew.

Hobby is a good bird to see in our area, Matthew.....I live only a mile or so from RAF Waddington in Bracebridge Heath. I've had Red Kite, Buzzards and Harriers from the house but I'm still waiting for my first Hobby.

Incidentally, you reported a Spotted Flycatcher at RAF Waddington on 1st July but none since, although your colleague Brian Eke tracked down 5 or 6 breeding pairs there last summer, with every one posted on the LBC web. It seems you've had a virtually 'negative' SpotFly summer this year....... or did they just go unreported on the web after 1st July?

Freddy

Hi Freddy,
Ive not seen any more Spotted Flycatchers since that one on the 01st of July but to be honest I havent tried that hard either for various reasons. I have been looking out for them on my travels and in the same spot as the 01 July bird - just not seen anything.
Its been an interesting year for Hobby in the area - Ive probably seen more this year than any other but I dont know if thats because im more aware of them, have got better at ID'ing them or there are more of them about. Ive got a list of dates of Hobby sightings Freddy - Ill post them on here soon if its of interest and any more sightings of Spot Flys.

Cheers
Matthew

Matthew,

Many thanks for your prompt reply......much appreciated.

I would certainly be interested in your list of dates of Hobby sightings at RAF Waddington plus any news re SpotFlys.

Freddy

Having a few days off at the moment Freddy - Ill post more info on my Hobby sightings in a few days time. Meanwhile, its over to Brian...!

Cheers
Matthew

Matthew,

Thanks for your post today. Perhaps Brian will have some up-to-date news re RAF Waddington Spotted Flycatcher reports?.......He and I recorded 5 or 6 breeding pairs there last summer.

Freddy

All.
On holiday at the moment back in sunday so hopefully some news pm that day.
Brian.

Hi Freddy - Ive got access to my notes - thought Id left them in Lincoln. Anyway, here are my Hobby sightings so far this year in and around Waddington and the wider city of Lincoln area:

08/05/12 - 1 x over Cross O Cliffe Hill, Lincoln 1440pm.
30/06/12 - 1 x over junction of Dixon Street and Boultham Park Road in Lincoln City, 1900pm.
05/07/12 - 1 x on the boundary of the Waddington Airfield - 1200pm
07/07/12 - 2 x soaring near Fiskerton Fen
12/07/12 - 1 x over Waddington Airfield, early a.m.
18/07/12 - 1 x over Wadington Airfield, 1305pm.
10/08/12 - 1 x over Waddington Airfield, 1155am.

05/06/12 - 1 x over Flambrough Head

Ive only got a slight question mark over the Dixon Street bird. Im pretty sure it was a Hobby but i was in the car driving at the time.

Cheers,
Matthew.

That's quite a list of local Hobbies, Matthew. I really must keep my eyes open (and up) locally so as to get my first Lincoln/BBH/Waddington Hobby.

Freddy