Tree Swallow portrait at aspen nest – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While up high in the Uinta Mountains yesterday morning I photographed this female Tree Swallow checking out a nesting cavity in a Quaking Aspen. The nest of this female swallow and her mate is in an aspen right next to a dirt road. I had my Jeep parked on the other side of the road. I could have taken my 1.4x teleconverter off. Instead I opted to take close up photos of the swallows.
In this image the Tree Swallow was about to fly out of the nesting cavity.
Tree Swallow clinging to nest entrance – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I turned my camera vertically I could fit the entire swallow into my viewfinder. I have photographed this nesting cavity for several years with the same gear so I knew exactly what to do to take the image above.
Adult female Tree Swallow outside of her nest – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was fun observing and photographing the pair of swallows with my friend, Steve. I hope the swallows are successful and raise a strong and healthy brood.
Plus Two Scenic Views From the High Uintas
Lily Lake – June 7, 2022 – Samsung cell phone
Showing Steve the Uinta Mountain Range via Mirror Lake Highway was great. Mostly the morning was clear, we saw plenty of birds and animals plus the spectacular scenery provided by views like the one above at Lily Lake.
Note: Above the Soapstone Basin turn off there are huge slash piles on both sides of the Mirror Lake Highway for miles. I know that thinning and removing trees needs to be done yet seeing those slash piles jarred my senses.
Bald Mountain Pass view – June 7, 2022 – Samsung cell phone
I drove as far as the top of Bald Mountain Pass (10734 ft) so Steve could see the spectacular views that can be seen from that height. It was a terrific morning to see the high Uintas. Steve is heading back to Arkansas this morning. Safe journeys my friend! It was wonderful showing you parts of Utah that you hadn’t seen before.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Tree Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful, beautiful captures. Thank you.
Wonderful photos of the swallow and enjoyable adventure. I wondered it that was Lilly lake, I know it well it was a favorite fishing lake for myself and my dad growing up. We also fished Pass Lake. My mom would take her oil paints and paint scenes as we fished. They have one on their wall of almost the same scene as your photo.