Stretching Barn Swallow adult – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It is always wonderful when I have a small subject close enough to get a frame filling photo of it and that happened with this Barn Swallow last Friday. There were two Barn Swallows perched on fence posts near a camp site that were more engrossed in preening than flying and they gave me some great views.
When this Barn Swallow started to stretch its wings I was ready for the action and took several photos of it while it stretched on top of the fence post. When its wing was fully extended there were a few frames where I clipped just the tips if its primary feathers but there were also several images like this one where I didn’t.
The greens in the background are out of focus willows that are thick and abundant along the banks of a creek. It was great to have this swallow up close.
Life is good.
Mia
Did you know that swallows can be found on every continent except Antarctica?
Click here to see more of my Barn Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
LOVE the iridescence. And the beauty. Thank you.
Exquisite!
Stunning pic! What a great way to start the week. Thanks Mia.
I agree 100% with Mary…I love seeing, watching, these sleek, shiny, iridescent little jets….this isca beautiful shot!
Hi @PattyChadwick
You might enjoy a couple of posts I wrote years ago about the barn swallow.
http://www.silverlining-marymcavoy.com/2011/06/barn-swallows-time-of-season.html?m=1
And
http://www.silverlining-marymcavoy.com/2011/08/barn-swallow-re-do.html?m=1
Enjoyed your links…my sisters and I raised one…something knocked it out of the nest ( a raccoon?) on the back wall of the barn and parents were’nt interested…it seemed forever before it was on its own …we fed it flies and dog food…
🙂
I love barn swallows. I could watch them in flight over a pond endlessly as they buzz around at warp speed and dip down causing a brief splash as they grab a bug from the water’s surface, not losing speed as they continue on. Beautiful flying creatures, so adept. Plus, they are gorgeous as your photo shows! 😊
Beautiful photo MiA.