Preening adult Barn Swallow – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
I’ve been thinking about some of the birds that will be migrating into and through Utah in the next few weeks and Barn Swallows are among those species. During the breeding season Barn Swallows can be found in in all states of the lower 48, northern Mexico, Canada and Alaska.
Barn Swallows are probably the most recognizable and easiest to identify of our swallow species because of their dark blue–black upperparts, which contrast sharply with their distinctive cinnamon to orangey undersides, rusty throats, and foreheads. No other North American swallow species looks like the Barn Swallow, whether just out of the nest or fully adult.
Barn Swallow observations in Utah – Via eBird
Per the graphs at eBird sightings of Barn Swallows in northern Utah start to pick up the last week of March but I have been keeping an eye out and listening for them since the first of the month. Due to climate change many species of birds are arriving to their nesting grounds earlier during spring migration and leaving later in the fall and because of that I start looking for migrating birds earlier each year.
I photographed this preening adult Barn Swallow in the Wasatch Mountains on the last day of spring in 2018. I had taken my teleconverter off because the swallow was close to my where I sat in my mobile blind (my Jeep). Other swallows were near this bird at the time but since it was focused on preening, I focused on it. I like how this image shows the distinct long forked tail of this adult Barn Swallow. I would have preferred it if the swallow had been on a more natural looking perch over this metal post but it is what it is.
Perhaps the next weather front coming from the south will push these Barn Swallows into northern Utah, I know I will be watching for their arrival.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Barn Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
This reminds me of the swallows of my childhood. We used to go for walks in late afternoons. Right when day turned into dusk the swallows would start to fly. It seemed they were almost a hundred in the air flying to and fro in great sweeps. I always marvelled and their grace and speed and used to wonder where that many birds nested.
This reminds me of the swallows of my childhood. We used to go for walks in late afternoons. Right when day turned into dusk the swallows would start to fly. It seemed they were almost a hundred in the air flying to and fro in great sweeps. I always marvelled and their grace and spee and used to wonder where that many birds nested.
Beautiful shot. I love the tail!
Echoing (as I so often do) Marty K.
Love this shot, and hope that you see lots of these beauties again soon.
I was glad to see this post finally load for me too. Thank you.
What a fantastic shot! It looks as if the Barn Swallow chose a perch that complemented its own coloring. 🙂 Plus, its preening position shows off that magnificent swallow tail. This shot makes me very, very happy and for that I thank you, Mia!