Barn SwallowBarn Swallow – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 250, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

My birding friends Kathie and Chris down in Arizona have reported that they are already seeing swallows so chances are it won’t be long before I see them just one state away in Utah!

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge has five species of swallows during the warmer months, they are Tree, Northern Rough-winged, Violet-green, Cliff and Barn Swallows. The swallows are drawn to Bear River MBR because of the abundance of insects at the refuge, primarily Midges. I’ve written before about them in a post titled  Midges and Birds – Food for Thought that explains how Midges benefit the ecosystem at Bear River NWR in northern Utah. That post also shows Midge Tornadoes that I find fascinating and images of a few birds that consume them too.

Okay, back to swallows, it wasn’t until last night that I realized I have not posted a single image of a Barn Swallow on my blog yet and I figured it was about time! I photographed this beautiful adult Barn Swallow on the auto tour loop back in May of 2010, that was a super day for me as far as photography went because I was also able to photograph some gorgeous Red Fox kits that morning too.

I expect to see the first Barn Swallows sometime around the end of March to the beginning of April, I can’t wait!

Don’t get me wrong, I love winter and the birds the cold weather brings but I am also looking forward to the birds I see in spring and summer and swallows are among them. I know that I enjoyed photographing this Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Barn Swallow and the results of my efforts.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Barn Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.