tree swallow

Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) male and female.

Was out for a walk yesterday when I spotted it. Not a great shot, I just brought the camera up and snapped off a quick shot using the back screen. Didn't get a chance to steady myself and the camera for a better shot before it flew off. However several pairs usually settle into nesting boxes...

I found it is a lot easier to get these erratic, fast moving gems when there are 150 of them flying by close in. Had to take about 80 shots to get 5 decent ones. Many had no bird at all! lol! At Huntington Beach State Park, SC. See my comment below about thinking they were barn swallows!

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

... of my Swallow weekend

Tree Swallow. I had a couple of Swallow days at the lake so you'll probably see a few of them this week ;)

I love coming across these guys.

I often see Tree Swallow nest boxes, but my favorite site has about 40, and most are used every year. I spend too much time very year trying to get the perfect shot.

They seem to prefer wires rather than a natural perch.

This fellow was perched on a overhead wire. He calmly watched me with curiosity as I walked past, then was nice enough to stay there as I got on the right side of the sunlight to take a shot.

Taken through some tree branches at a pretty fair distance.

Went for a walk the other day, and at one point this Tree Swallow flew toward me, circled me a few times, then landed in the middle of the road about 30ft away and just sat there. I snapped this shot, then heard a car coming, and then I'm yelling at the bird, running toward it waving my arms and...

Long distance shot through a tree. I couldn't get closer. There were three of them orbiting around the neighbor's yard checking out a birdhouse there.

Don't get the opportunity to get a decent pic of these flyers often. But I was pleased with this one.

These males were taking a short bread from swooping around the the field eating their lunch.