Cliff Swallow warming up on a dirt road, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahCliff Swallow warming up on a dirt road – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Two days ago I felt wonder and delight as thousands of swallows flew around at the beginning of the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. When I put my Jeep into park and turned the engine off the swallows flew back in and landed on the road. I had seen a low of 30°F on my drive to the marshes and I’d bet the swallows were warming up on the radiant heat of the dirt road. I saw Bank, Barn, Tree, and Cliff Swallows in the flock.

I was able to focus on a nearby adult Cliff Swallow as it warmed up on the dirt auto tour loop road and take a nice series of images of it in the soft light. Moments later something I couldn’t see flushed all of the swallows and they took to the sky again.

Back view of an adult Cliff Swallow, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahBack view of an adult Cliff Swallow – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Once the swallows decided that they were safe they all landed back on the road. I looked through the flock hoping to find a Violet-green or a Northern Rough-winged Swallow but couldn’t find them amongst the thousands of birds.

When another Cliff Swallow landed close enough I focused on it even though it had its back turned towards me because I liked the view of its pale rump and its bright, white forehead.

Very soon the Cliff Swallows will begin to build their nests on the refuge to breed and raise their young for the year. Last nesting season I missed out on the nest building process of the Cliff Swallows on the refuge due to the pandemic and because my safety concerns meant I spent less time there than in previous years. This year I plan on making up for that.

Life is good.

Mia

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