Hobbies in the rain.
29th August 2026
The Hobby is a falcon, which migrates from Africa to Europe, including the UK, and breeds during the summer months. They are relatively small, with the body size of a Kestrel but with longer and more pointed wings. They are, importantly, extremely dextrous flyers allowing them to catch Swifts, Swallows and Martins in flight. They also feed typically on Dragonflies, catching, dismembering and eating them in flight. Their dashing flight low over a body of water or a damp meadow in pursuit of their prey is a sight to behold.
Yesterday I was walking alongside a local lake, trying without much success to evade the frequent rain showers. In this particular area I had previously seen two of these birds flying out from a tree (where they perch regularly) over the lake catching dragonflies. However, in addition to this I witnessed them flying low over the lake-side reedbeds trying to spook small birds into flight and then attempting to snatch them in the air.
I knew the section of reedbed where they were using this hunting method and conveniently there is a tree adjacent to it which I was able to shelter under from the rain. I waited for some time before I saw one bird briefly fly low over the far side of the reedbed, I could just about see it, but there was no chance of a photograph; I resumed my wait.
A vicious rain shower passed through, thankfully just missing me or I would have been soaked. I resumed my vigil thinking I would wait another hour or until I could see a shower heading directly for me.
Another bird took off from their ‘Perch’ and flew out over the lake; I couldn’t see it but you still have to be totally prepared for anything because these birds are so fast and unpredictable in flight. Suddenly a bird flashed across the reedbed; I just about managed to lock onto it getting a few shots before it disappeared.
The light was really difficult with basically a horrible white sky as the background but also an ambient light that was rising and falling as storm clouds drifted past, these conditions are so awkward to manage as they drastically effect shutter speed and iso.
Again, a bird appeared and I shot it drifting across the reedbed catching a dragonfly and dismembering it in fight.
I looked up to see a monster storm cloud appearing on the horizon so I decided, reluctantly, to abandon my shoot and quickly walk back to my vehicle, just about getting under cover as all hell broke loose with torrential rain lashing across the lake.
Another time perhaps under more favourable conditions!
Yesterday I was walking alongside a local lake, trying without much success to evade the frequent rain showers. In this particular area I had previously seen two of these birds flying out from a tree (where they perch regularly) over the lake catching dragonflies. However, in addition to this I witnessed them flying low over the lake-side reedbeds trying to spook small birds into flight and then attempting to snatch them in the air.
I knew the section of reedbed where they were using this hunting method and conveniently there is a tree adjacent to it which I was able to shelter under from the rain. I waited for some time before I saw one bird briefly fly low over the far side of the reedbed, I could just about see it, but there was no chance of a photograph; I resumed my wait.
A vicious rain shower passed through, thankfully just missing me or I would have been soaked. I resumed my vigil thinking I would wait another hour or until I could see a shower heading directly for me.
Another bird took off from their ‘Perch’ and flew out over the lake; I couldn’t see it but you still have to be totally prepared for anything because these birds are so fast and unpredictable in flight. Suddenly a bird flashed across the reedbed; I just about managed to lock onto it getting a few shots before it disappeared.
The light was really difficult with basically a horrible white sky as the background but also an ambient light that was rising and falling as storm clouds drifted past, these conditions are so awkward to manage as they drastically effect shutter speed and iso.
Again, a bird appeared and I shot it drifting across the reedbed catching a dragonfly and dismembering it in fight.
I looked up to see a monster storm cloud appearing on the horizon so I decided, reluctantly, to abandon my shoot and quickly walk back to my vehicle, just about getting under cover as all hell broke loose with torrential rain lashing across the lake.
Another time perhaps under more favourable conditions!