HOBBIES: Thinking about any new hobbies for 2024? The website ModestFish.com prepared a survey on state residents’ top hobbies for the year ahead.

The number one hobby is creating quite a buzz. It’s beekeeping!

“At its core, beekeeping involves the care and management of honeybee colonies, often in man-made hives. What makes it particularly appealing is the deep connection it fosters with the natural world, allowing hobbyists to play a direct role in supporting the health and productivity of these essential pollinators. The process of inspecting hives, managing bee health, and harvesting honey provides a hands-on experience that is both educational and therapeutic.”

Number two, and where the website ModestFish.com comes in, is on aquarium keeping or “aquascaping.”

“Aquarium keeping as a hobby involves creating and maintaining an aquatic environment for various types of fish and aquatic plants. Aquascaping, on the other hand, is the art and craft of arranging aquatic plants, as well as rocks, stones, cavework, or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner within an aquarium—in effect, gardening under water.”

Now to get a bit medieval down in here: Falconry is number three.

It is the art and sport of training birds of prey, particularly falcons, hawks, and eagles, to hunt wild animals in their natural state and habitat. This ancient practice dates back thousands of years and has been revered as a symbol of nobility and tradition across many cultures. In falconry, the falconer develops a close bond and partnership with the bird. The process involves training the bird to respond to commands, often using a lure or bait, and to return to the falconer after hunting.”

More tomorrow.