Cliff Swallows nestingCliff Swallows nesting – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/200, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Yesterday at East Canyon State Park in Morgan County I was able to photograph nesting Cliff Swallows on a cliff face that overlooks the reservoir. Some of the nests were completed and some were still being built. Cliff Swallows are social birds and they usually nest in colonies on natural and man made structures like bridges, overpasses, culverts and under the eaves of buildings.

After selecting a colony location both the male and the female gather mud pellets to build their gourd shaped nest that may consist of up to 1,200 individual mud pellets. Female Cliff Swallows lay eggs in their own nests and at times in a neighboring nest and occasionally the female will lay the egg in her own nest then carry the egg in her bill to a neighboring nest.

Cliff Swallow at Bear RiverAdult Cliff Swallow at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, +0.3, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Cliff Swallows are common throughout Utah and are listed as a species of least concern but humans do have an impact on them through the use of pesticides because small flying insects are their main source of food.

The Cliff Swallows I photographed at East Canon State Park yesterday skim over the reservoir in search of prey. It will be a few weeks before the first fledglings start to leave their nests and join the adults on the wing.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Cliff Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Barn Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.