September Barn Swallow – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Late summer and fall is the season of migration, cooler temps, and leaves changing colors. In some ways it is exciting because birds I haven’t seen since last spring will be migrating into northern Utah to stop over on their way to warmer climates or to stay here for the winter. In some ways it is a touch sad because each time I go out into the field I wonder if it will be the last time I see a bird species again until spring migration brings them back.
When I took these Barn Swallow images earlier this week I wondered if the swallows I was photographing would be my last images of them this year. I wondered if it would it be the last time I heard their calls this breeding season or my final glimpse of these swallows on the wing this fall migration. There were far fewer Barn Swallows at the WMA than there were just last week.
Late Summer Barn Swallow – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
We’ve had a cold front come in to northern Utah since I took these Barn Swallow photos on Monday. The temps in the mountains dropped below freezing and it was fairly cool overnight in the valleys too. The swallows will need to leave to continue to feed on their main prey of insects.
I know that I will miss the Barn Swallows while they are gone. I do each and every year.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Barn Swallow photos plus facts and information about this species.
eBird Barn Swallow bar chart for Utah
Nice images! We had flocks of Barn Swallows here in south Florida until about two weeks ago, when they all vanished. All gone further south, I presume.
The first image is particularly beautiful. Echoing Marty.
Nice shots, esp the first and I really like that perch. Hope it isn’t the last for you this year yet though.
Wishing this Barn Swallow and all the traveling species a safe migration and return.