Hobbies and Quail

The last week of May has seen a strange mix of weather. Low cloud and cool breezes have kept temperatures down so that early morning cycle rides have required a fleece but temperatures have soared whenever the sun has broken through and the water in the swimming pool reads a respectable 27C.
The last of the black redstart brood in the garage left the nest yesterday which was excellent timing as     the garage door is finally being installed this morning!
I had the fortune to see two different hobbies yesterday. The first was over the garden as it was harassed by a couple of noisy swallows and the second was hunting low over a recently cut hay field at the bio farm. The speed and agility of a hobby which allows them to catch dragonflies (and swallows) seems matched only by swifts and hirundines but, despite their rapid flight, their distinctive dark silhouette usually reveals flashes of their red thighs, dark moustache and striped underparts.
Another Summer visitor is the quail and a few of them have been calling from the wheat fields on the plains.
A male red backed shrike finally made an appearance in the usual hedge at the bio farm .

Hobby