I was thoroughly delighted to capture several late summer Barn Swallow photos during my last trip to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I was truly thrilled.
Late summer Barn Swallow adult – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Because of my extended time back east this year, I missed out on seeing kettles of Barn Swallows arriving at the marshes in the refuge. Last Sunday, I was mesmerized by the sheer numbers of Barn Swallows I saw. In fact, later that day, my friend Pam Page and I chatted about them. Both of us noted how many swallows there were at the refuge.
Barn Swallow prepping for fall migration – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
During late summer and early fall, it isn’t unusual to see flocks of Barn Swallows gathering together in pre-migration groups. The swallows are feeding and resting in preparation for their long migrations to their overwintering grounds. These flocks were what Pam and I saw at the refuge last Sunday.
My trip to the refuge was my first since April, and I’m glad I went; otherwise, I might have missed seeing the thousands of Barn Swallows getting ready for migration. A cold front came into northern Utah since Sunday, and it may have pushed those swallows south.
Barn Swallow resting on a late summer morning – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
To get these swallow photos, I had to open my passenger side window of my Jeep and place my lens on the window ledge. The swallows were on the ‘wrong’ side of my Jeep, and stepping outside of it would have caused the swallows to take flight and leave. By staying inside my vehicle, the birds were comfortable with my presence.
I know that I will be seeing Barn Swallows for a few more weeks, but last Sunday might have been my last chance to see so many of them all at once.
Was I delighted to see so many?
You could bet the farm that I was.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Barn Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific shots. I love the eye contact and detail. Barn Swallows are really gorgeous and [on those rare occasions when I know what I’m looking at]… fun to watch. Thanks Mia.
Enchanting. I am so glad you saw them.
Nice images! It was lovely to see so many Sunday. The phrags were covered. It also reminds me I still have photos I have not processed from that day, many of them swallow shots.
Truly beautiful birds! —Jeri S.