Nesting Tree Swallows

Close up of a male Tree Swallow at a nesting cavity, Uinta Mountains, Uinta National Forest, Summit County, UtahClose up of a male Tree Swallow at a nesting cavity – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

While I photographed nesting House Wrens in the High Uintas the last day of May I also photographed nesting Tree Swallows in the same Aspen tree in a cavity a bit lower on the trunk.

The tree is right next to the shoulder of a dirt road and even with being parked on the shoulder on opposite side of the road I had too much lens for the swallows that went in and out of the nesting cavity. I decided to take a few close up photos before turning my camera to a vertical position.

I could have used more depth of field for this photo to bring the aspen tree trunk into sharp focus but I could see that my shutter speed was low. I didn’t think I’d have time to change my settings before the swallow flew away so I went with the settings I had. I like the intimacy of close ups and this photo conveys that sense of intimacy well.

Male Tree Swallow at a nesting cavity in an Aspen, Uinta Mountains, Uinta National Forest, Summit County, UtahMale Tree Swallow at a nesting cavity in an Aspen – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I noticed when I turned my camera to a vertical position to get the bird’s whole body in the frame that the Tree Swallow was losing a primary feather on its right wing. I can only speculate as to why the swallow is losing that primary feather during this time of the year.

My thoughts are that the feather could have been caught on something which loosened or damaged it where the feather joins the bird’s wing.  I thought it made for an interesting shadow on the aspen trunk. Right after this photo was taken this Tree Swallow flew away.

Tree Swallows are secondary cavity nesters

They use old sapsucker, woodpecker, and flicker nesting cavities as well as man made nesting boxes.

These Tree Swallows in the Uinta Mountains sure kept me entertained and busy while I photographed them.

Life is good.

Mia

To view more of my Tree Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species click here.