Have been following the progress of the Hobitts at New Forest Gateway site. Only one chick hatched and is doing very well. All of us who 'blog' on the site are fascinated at the size of the chick's feet. They appear to be EXCEPTIONALLY HUGE!! Is this 'normal' for Hobby chicks? I have never noticed feet this size before.
Staff at NFG have just finished a three day event and like yourselves installing a new website. It is taking a long time for them to answer. Hope you can help, thank you.
Maureen :o)
"Birds of a Feather".... ~( :o )
The last time I saw the chick EVERYTHING about it seemed huge!!! However the webcam appears to be 'off' at the moment. Is the egg still there?
Ha Ha Ha!!!
Hi anny, it is a big chick but her feet do seem to be exceptionally large. Camera still off but have a good close look when it's on again. Not sure about the egg.
It certainly is a beautiful big chick, but with no one else to share the food with
theres no wonder, the egg was still there last night
The more you rush, the longer it takes
Hi Ellieloo
It is a gorgeous chick. Hobbies are beautiful. Have a look at Holly's feet and let me know what you think :o )
The feet of birds of prey have evolved in this way, as they are essential for killing and carrying their prey. Along with their beaks, these are “the” weapons for dispatching their prey and so ensuring the birds survival!
The sizes of the raptors feet do give a good indication of what type of prey they tend to go for, so with Hobby’s as they have long slender toes this demonstrates their preference for birds and large flying insects such as dragonflies which they catch on the wing. Birds of prey with shorter thicker feet are considered to be more specialised predators of mammals. Those with less powerful feet tend to be scavengers and carrion feeders.
Similarly, longer legs mean faster feet, therefore shows that they can catch more agile and manoeuvrable prey – as Hobby’s do!
For those of you who haven't seen them yet, check out the webcam: http://www.rspb.org.uk/webcams/birdsofprey/newforest.asp
Thank you Lloyd you have answered my question. It is just that I have never noticed feet size before and thought they were exceptionally huge.
Have you looked in on the Hobby chick at New Forest? It is a beautiful wee (getting big) chick.
Another question:
I guess thats just simply down to chance! I would of expected it to be gone from the nest by now aswell! just one of those things...