This post is a bit of a change of pace for me – a fledgling Cliff Swallow, one the more common birds in North America.
1/640, f/6.3, ISO 640, 500 f/4, natural light
I photographed this bird in June at Bear River MBR. I like the natural setting, pose and the detail I was able to get at this close range.
Interestingly, juvenile Cliff Swallows show among the greatest variability in head colors of any North American bird species. Soon after fledging these young swallows gather in large groups (called creches) of up to 1,000 birds and assemble on trees, cliffs and wires where they continue to be fed by their individual parents. It’s thought that the adult birds may use the distinctive facial markings of the young birds to locate their own progeny from within the large group.
The first recorded observation of Cliff Swallows by Europeans in North America occurred within a few miles of where I’m sitting now – when in September of 1776 Spaniard Silvestre Velez de Escalante encountered large numbers of them in the Wasatch Range of Utah.
Originally, Cliff Swallows were birds of our western mountains but they have expanded their range across much of the continent because of the construction of bridges, highway culverts and buildings that serve as alternate nesting sites to their more natural nesting preferences of steep canyon sides and horizontal ledges of rock.
I photographed this youngster from a small bridge with a culvert beneath and there were hundreds of its species flying around their nests under the bridge. You’d almost think they’d “read the book” about where to nest. The only thing on the list that was missing was buildings.
Ron
This and the magpies will be going onto my all time favorites list. LOVE the detail of the feathers, the expression, the plant it’s sitting on, the colors, the contrast between leftover fluff and new feathers, the composition, everything about it…great shot1
Photographic proof that a Swallow CAN perch on something!
Superb shot, Ron! Love the varied color and plumage details.
Ron:
Marvelous texture, color and detail. It’s o.k. with me if you change pace more often.
Dave
Thank you, Dave. Ok, just so happens that I’m working on tomorrow’s post right now and yes – another change of pace.
Lovely image as usual. No one has mentioned it but the swallows of Capistrano fame are Cliff Swallows.
Phyllis, I remember visiting Capistrano and seeing some of those swallows when I was just a young pup. Fond memories…
What incredible detail. And a reminder that the common ‘little brown jobs’ are beautiful too. Thank you.
It would be pretty boring and dull out there without the “little brown jobs”, Elephant’s Child. I’m glad you appreciate them too.
What a lovely picture! Swallows are so fast and difficult to photograph! I don’t comment everytime but I enjoy your posts so much. Thanks again!
There’s no need to comment every time, Kim. I’m just glad you hang around as often as you do.
What a beautiful shot of this swallow. We have tree swallows in PA. Your photos are so clear and show every little details. I just love that. I keep trying to change the settings on my camera to get shots like that. None can compare to your work. Since I am almost homebound I get to live my outside world through your photographs. Thanks Ron.
Ellen, I’m delighted to hear that my images provide a window of sorts for you to enjoy the outdoors. Made my day.
‘Tis Beautiful Ron. I like how the blown back white feathers rest on top of the darker feathers.
Thank you, Nancy.
Hi Ron,
I never know what i’m going to learn from your posts, but it’s always something. A few years ago, my wife and I had a GREAT hiking vcation in Grand Staircase Escalante – since I don’t speak Spanish, I assumed the name “Escalante” was somehow related to “staircase”, since it looked like “”escalate”. Now I know the real meaning. So, in addition to learning natural history from you, I have learned some human history as well. How’s that for a slightly off-the-subject response? Thanks!
Dick
Dick, Yes, that 1776 expedition by the Spanish (to find a route from Santa Fe to the California missions) had a lasting impact on Utah, leaving us place names like Spanish Fork (river, canyon and town), Escalante (canyon and town) and later the National Monument that you mention (and that I love).
WOW! DOF is wonderful!! Great shot of a HY bird.
I’m glad you noticed the DOF, Dick. It’s nice when you can get the entire bird sharp and melt away any distracting background elements in a close-up like this. Thank you.
That is an amazing shot! I have never gotten a good look at one because they move so fast. This is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing Ron!
Yes, they are fast, Charlotte. This one was still young enough that I think it was a little reluctant to fly.
It’s a lovely portrait of the young swallow, and an interesting post.
Thank you, Sonja.