Adult Cliff Swallow perched on a dead branch – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last week before the smoke started to darken the skies in northern Utah I had a few seconds to photograph an adult Cliff Swallow next to a steep mountain road. I found two Cliff Swallows in this spot that overlooked a creek at the bottom of the canyon. I focused on this swallow because I liked the aged look of the branch and the two tiny orange lichens on it.
I’ve photographed Cliff Swallows in the Wasatch Mountains before but I am always thrilled to have them in my viewfinder whether they are at high altitudes or in the marshes that surround the Great Salt Lake including my best spot for this species which is at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge where they can be found in large numbers during the breeding season.
I was only able to take 13 images of this Cliff Swallow before it flew off and there were only a few where I had eye contact.
Last week I saw more Bank, Barn, and Cliff Swallows in the mountains canyons than I have seen since they arrived during spring migration. It was a relief to see them in larger numbers catching prey on the wing after what seemed to be a slow start earlier in the year.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Cliff Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great depth of field and lovely background for this handsome bird.
Love this photo! Too bad about your smoke….scary!!
Huge sigh at the smoke haze. I remember it only too well.
And thank you for this beauty.