In Flight Tree Swallows

This pair of tree swallows has a brood in the bird box that the bluebirds occupied last year. I've tried to get in flight shots of them a few times with out much success. Tracking a small bird like this as its flies quickly against the background of trees is extremely difficult to track, even with the most advanced AF systems. So instead I set up the camera in Manual exposure and manually focused on a spot where I anticipated them flying past as the returned with insects for the chicks to eat. I also used a flash in manual as well for fill as these were taken in mid afternoon.

Female Tree Swallow - As you can see, she seems to be missing all of her tail feathers on her left side.

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s10/v114/p805448755-5.jpg

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v167/p535718840-5.jpg

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v156/p58627403-5.jpg

Male Tree Swallow

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s6/v138/p507557506-5.jpg

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v153/p267411306-5.jpg

Very nice shots! Such pretty little birds and damned fine hunters to boot!

WOW those are awsome Mike

Thanks RB and JAS!! I'm happy to report that all the chicks have successfully fledged!

Very nice Mike. Really like the wing placement in that second last one.

Missed this set Mike - Once again, just lovely

Thanks HBG and Marko!