Adult Cliff Swallow fluttering its wings on the ground – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I photographed Cliff Swallows gathering nesting materials and fighting in bright morning light high in the Wasatch Mountains. Last year the Cliff Swallows in this same area were busy gathering nesting materials in late May and early June. I figured that by now they would be done with nest building and incubating eggs already.
Cliff Swallow adult gathering nesting material – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Cliff Swallows flew in fast, landed on the ground, selected the nesting material they wanted, and took off just as fast as they landed. While the swallows were on the ground they fluttered their wings over their bodies often which gave me many opportunities to photograph them in this wings up pose.
My Nikon D500 decided to act up again so I switched to my D810 after this photo was taken.
Cliff Swallows fighting on the ground – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
During the breeding season hormones run high in male and female Cliff Swallows which can cause fights at mud holes and apparently drier areas where nesting materials can be found. I only photographed one instance of fighting yesterday and fortunately I was locked onto the two swallows while they fought.
One adult Cliff Swallow attacking another swallow – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The swallow in the back of the fighting pair had a firm grip on the neck of the swallow in front.
The other Cliff Swallows near the fighting pair continued their search for nesting materials while this aggressive behavior occurred.
Cliff Swallows fighting – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Because of heightened hormone levels during the breeding season male Cliff Swallows can confuse other males for females when attempting extra-pair copulations which also can lead to fights. After the photo above was taken the swallows broke apart and both of them flew away. I can’t say whether the swallow in front was unharmed or not but it might have been missing a few feathers on its neck.
Cliff Swallow watching another bird flying overhead – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Even though I was only with the Cliff Swallow for five minutes I took 238 images of them before heading up the road in search of more birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Cliff Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wow! The detail and color in each pic is amazing. Thanks Mia.
Fast, furious and beautifully captured, despite your camera difficulties.
Such great shots– crystal clear. Thanks!
Marvelous shots, Mia!
Beautifully clear shots of this action – wonderful!
What a privilege to witness all this. Great action shots!