alpine swift

a large group of this agile flyers offered me a wonderful aerial ballet during long minutes

Birds are very busy feeding their youngs still in the nest and some birds have their flight feathers in poor shape due to nesting activities

An unusual setting for this species despite its name, this colony chose as a nesting site the steep cliffs above the sea

Alpine Swifts are some of the local treat to visiting birders. It won't be long when they will arrive. Can't wait!

An alpine swift illustration from 2010. In the background the cathedral of Freiburg in southwestern Germany where the swifts breeding.

Alpine Swifts (Tachymarptis melba) are 8 to 9 inches in length with a wingspan of 22 inches. A large swift with brown upperparts, white belly and throat and a brown chest band. This bird breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa. It is considered a very rare bird for Barbados with this...

The past weekend was rather suitable for a longer walk. This time I traveled to SW Bulgaria where sand pyramids have overtaken the landscape. The significant Mediterranean climate was a precondition for a few good birds: Subalpine Warblers, Alpine Swift, Sombre Tit, Red-rumped Swallow and a few...

This one came very close but I didn't get it sharp but I think it's nice enough to show you :)

Because they are so fast I could do better then this and my next shot.