Onset of laying in western Noord-Brabant (between 7 and 25 June) and clutch size (mean 2.8, based on summation of nestlings and unhatched eggs in 10 nests) was almost the same as in 1997, but at least 32% of the eggs did not hatch. Mean number of fledglings in successful nests was 2.1 (n=B). During the last few years, it was noted that territorial Hobbies have become quite silent at the breeding sites. Frequent calling sessions during the pre-laying period, as used to be typical, nowadays are rarely recorded.