Swallow Quartet – Bank, Barn, Cliff And Tree Swallows At Bear River MBR

The swallows in northern Utah have begun to gather in large numbers and at this time of the year that usually indicates that they are getting ready for fall migration. Earlier this week while out on the marshes of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge I saw and heard thousands of swallows on the wing and perched on the rushes and phrags and even though that was a joy I also felt a tinge of sadness because I know that before long they will be gone for the winter and I’ll miss seeing them zooming through the skies in pursuit of food.

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I was glad to be able to photograph Bank, Barn, Cliff, and Tree Swallows perched on top of a stand of phragmites near the auto tour route on the refuge in early morning light. The Bank, Cliff and Tree Swallows in the photos above hatched this year so these immature swallows will be making their first long journeys soon.

The young Bank Swallow was chased off of where it was perched on the phrags by the adult Barn Swallow and I liked that my images of these two swallow species show the same perch. That doesn’t happen very often to me.

From all appearances it looks like these four swallow species had a successful breeding season this year. I wish them luck on their long, perilous journeys and I am already looking forward to when they return in the spring.

Life is good.

Mia

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