Some might say it’s only a swallow but I like the image a lot (and I wouldn’t say “only”.)
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Barn Swallow three days ago at Bear River MBR as it was taking off from phragmites. It was great fun because over a period of 13 minutes I was able to photograph four different swallow species in warm early morning light from the same spot.
Because of their very dark steely-blue upper parts I find it difficult to get good exposure and detail with this species, including around the eye. But I think I got a perfect head turn for this interesting pose which put great light on its face, resulting in good detail there so the eye stands out well. In my opinion the head turn makes the shot. Many of the colors in the image are similar but the bird is still well defined. The shadows have just enough detail for my tastes and the left wing is soft but in this case I’m fine with it.
About the only thing I was unhappy about with the original image was the closeness of the right wingtip to the top edge of the frame. So for this version I added a narrow sliver of canvas up there.
I don’t like to do that… but I did.
Ron
Apparently they are declining in Canada, have been recommended to be put on the “Species at Risk” list, not sure why they are declining, possibly parasites, habitat and competition for nesting with other species. Almost impossible to capture flying at their high speed.Nice to see yours and I have seen two flocks here this summer.
What a gorgeous photo and a great pose to catch.
The background and colors are a delight to the senses. The exposure and detail in and out of the shadows is masterful and so subtle as you look closer and closer and see more of this beautiful bird.
What a sweet thing to send our way.
I always start my day by checking your blog, but often I cannot muster up a comment until my day is closing, give me more time I say!
Thanks again Ron.
Your glowing comment made my day, Dave. Made me smile too.
Swallows deserve our attention probably more today than in the past. We here in Vermont are seeing fewer Barn and Tree Swallows than in past years. We don’t know whether it is a ‘this year thing’ or if it is a forerunner of whats to come.
Great shot BTW!
Dick, thankfully we’re still seeing lots of swallows around here. Wish I could say the same for some other species.
You nailed this one. Great feather detail, delightful posture, interesting surround. I am always amazed at the beauty of the species that are often relegated to “only” or “just” status. For others, these organisms may be quite exotic, indeed. (Case in point: Brown Pelicans 😇)
Thank you, Marty.
There is nothing ‘just’ about this shot or the bird. However I probably need to add the disclaimer that I don’t think any bird species falls into the ‘just a’ category.
I’m glad you like it, EC.
They are beautiful birds. Love your shot. Since they rarely stay still, it’s hard to take a proper picture of them. Nice!!
Thanks, Jean.
Swallows are just magical beings! Think about making a living catching your dinner on the wing! Really? REALLY? Just WOW! I can watch them for hours, and have!
Thank you for this beauty this morning!
Thank you, Laura.
You really struck gold with this image (no pun intended). The background superbly complements the Swallow, Who knew phragmites could be so appealing: it appears to flow like seaweed on a rock. The plumage details are a revelation, certainly nothing I’ve seen through binoculars as Swallows do their aerial acrobatics. The photo strikes me as quite majestic. Methinks if Dr. Franklin had seen this photo he might have suggested a different national bird.
Thanks very much, Lyle. I often like phrags in either my backgrounds or as part of the setting if I have the right light but they can be pretty unattractive too. It’s kinda like people and their “best side” I guess…
To me, that is a big “WOW”!!!!!! Any Swallow, IMO, is tough to photograph well. And you nailed this one. Exposure, focus, head position, wing position, background (soft with wonderful colors), perch detail, and position of the bird in the frame (even tough you added a bit of canvas, and a good choice even though it’s against your tight principles). All really good (maybe “perfect” but I hate to use that word). And I like the softness of the left wing indicating a bit of movement. Can I add any more positive additives? Really great image here Ron, as is typical from you. Next goal, flight! Good luck there!😉.
Back in S. Arizona from Montana. Wife had a bunch of work to do so we returned earlier than expected. Next year to hope to stay thru September. I don’t know this to be a fact, but seemed to me that the immature redtail activity was gaining momentum in late summer so perhaps next year hawk photography will be good in September.
“seemed to me that the immature redtail activity was gaining momentum in late summer”
That’s very good to hear, Frank. I’ve been discouraged all summer by the scarcity of raptors in general, including red-tails. And thank you for the kind words about the image.
What a gorgeous shot! I love these guys. In the evening my husband and I are entertained by a group of them who swoop our pool.
Thanks, Arwen. Yup, they like to swoop over water to snag the tiny insects that fly over the surface.
WOW! Stunning photo of the Barn Swallow! 🙂 They are a challenge contrast wise and flying – wellllll they give Nighthawks a run for the money……;) The pose, perch, background come together beautifully……:) Adding the bit of canvas makes the photo to me – otherwise the wing tip at the edge would probably be a distraction. Always interesting how the various species will be in the same area and, for me, identification, gets tough!
“they give Nighthawks a run for the money”
They sure do, Judy. I have a few flight shots of swallows I like (very few) but none of nighthawks, though that’s probably because I don’t have many opportunities with nighthawks in flight.
Lovely shot, Ron. The detail includes a couple things I hadn’t noticed on barn swallows before–the narrow lighter tan stripe encircling the neck, and the small projection from the front of the bird that looks a bit like a toe nail. Is that just mud, a feather or something else?
Nancy, I looked at that “projection” carefully in the high resolution version of the image and it’s actually dark feathers. It appears to be part of a noncontinuous extension of the dark ring that almost encircles the base of the neck.
Another great photo Ron, to me the wings aren’t as close to the edge of the frame that would be distracting, and the light and background are simply stunning! I also love the detail in the eye and the colors! Barn swallows are definitely one of my favorites, so seeing this post made me feel very happy!
“so seeing this post made me feel very happy!”
When you love birds that’s what it’s all about isn’t it, Xavier.
Actually if you saw the original image I think you might be distracted a little by the closeness of the wingtip to the frame edge. The tip was actually touching the edge of the frame without a single pixel to spare.
Really a neat photo! They are such an attractive bird but as you say difficult though you got this one beautifully…especially such a clear head shot That navy/steel blue just reflects so much. The phragmites gives it a nice perch with the slight green mingled with the dried. These are a fun bird to watch while they are soaring and diving after insects.
“These are a fun bird to watch while they are soaring and diving after insects.”
Agreed, Kathy. But for me it’s frustrating too because when I’m watching them in flight, often very close to me, my photographer’s instincts want flight shots which I know are next to impossible…
So Beautiful!! I love swallows and they are so difficult to capture. Kudos!
Thanks, Joanne. There’s a variety of challenges involved in capturing high quality images of swallows but getting them on a pleasing perch is one of the most difficult. Around here at least they’re usually perched on wires, bridges or posts of various kinds.
High quality flight shots? Almost impossible…