For the first time, you can get a nest-side seat to watch one of the most beautiful and enigmatic birds of prey - the Hobby - interacting with their two fluffy chicks in the New Forest, live on the web.

Pictures from the Hobby nest, located at a secret location somewhere in the New Forest, went live on Monday 16 July, beamed directly to: http://www.rspb.org.uk/webcams/birdsofprey/newforest.asp This is the second webcam to be set-up in collaboration between the RSPB, Forestry Commission1, and the New Forest National Park Authority2. The first captured the family dramas of the New Forest Goshawks, who after a difficult breeding season and unpredictable weather were left with just one chick out of a potential four to rear.

This special webcam was set up by one of the Forestry Commission's head keepers, Andy Page. He explains: "The Hobby is a dashing and elegant small falcon with what look like red trousers' that comes to Britain in small numbers each year from Africa. We've got about 20 pairs on the Forest, making it one of the best places in the country to see them, but I'm sure for most people this will be the first time they've heard of them let alone seen them.

"The chicks only hatched last week, so they are still very small and downy, but tune in over the next four weeks and you will be able to watch what we hope will be their rapid progress."

If you are in the Forest, you can also catch the action unfolding from the nest in the New Forest as part of a special dedicated display at the Forestry Commission's New Forest Reptile Centre3 near Lyndhurst.

A team of volunteers are on hand there daily from 10am - 4.30pm, until 2 September to help interpret what is going on in the nest and advise visitors on how to avoid disturbing heathland and ground nesting birds in the Forest. Entry to the Reptile Centre is free, but donations for parking are encouraged.