Spring Tree Swallows at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I decided that my Jeep wasn’t quite dirty enough to warrant a good power washing from my last trip up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge so I headed that way again before dawn yesterday morning to see if I could get her dirtier. The roads certainly weren’t as muddy as they were on my last trip to the refuge but the midges were thicker and I am certain they made enough of a mess that I’ll be washing her soon.
I had the first section of the auto tour route to myself, no visible traffic ahead of me and nothing behind me so I took my time and listened to the sounds of the marsh while I scanned for birds to photograph. The marsh sounds much more “alive” with bird songs and calls than it did just a mere month ago, spring does that.
I had missed seeing swallows on the refuge during the winter and now that spring has arrived they are putting on a show after their return to northern Utah. I saw Barn, Bank, Cliff, and Tree Swallows yesterday morning in large numbers flying over the refuge while they snatched midges and other flying insects out of the air.
Tree Swallows were the most numerous of the swallows I saw and at the far northwest part of the auto tour route I found bunches of them resting in a stand of phragmites so I decided to get out, set up my tripod and photograph them from across the water. They were busy squabbling with each other over what I assume were the best places to perch so the swallows paid little attention to me as I set up my gear.
Once again I realized that I need to get a external mic for my gear so I can take video along with the sounds I hear because not only were the swallows moving often they called often too. I tried to find a recording of what they sounded like to share but even this recording doesn’t do them justice because I was hearing many more birds. Any suggestions for relatively inexpensive external mics for use with video would be much appreciated.
I like the interactions of the Tree Swallows in this photo and how I was able to capture several of the swallows flying in and out of the phrags. The swallows look as if they are celebrating their return as joyously as I am.
It was another relaxing morning at the refuge and I’m so very glad I went.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Tree Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a glorious, heart-warming sight.
My son is a techi he helped me pick my mic. I am at work but I can send you info about the one I have. If you would like to barrow it to tryout you can.
This reminds me of the time I was walking along a levee which had high grass on both sides of the trail. My movements must have stirred up the bugs because a mob of Tree Swallows swirled around me and followed along. Yes, they did make quite a bit of noise!
Oh, my! I’ve never seen them flying around like that. What a sight!
Our Laura Culley is back home. We are so lucky. Just a FYI. Thank God.
Diane, thanks for letting me know, Laura has been on my mind.
Thank you. She has been missed.