In Flight Tree Swallows

[Mike Bons]

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.







Male Tree Swallow

[JAS_Photo]

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

[Rdbender]

WOW those are awsome Mike

[Mike Bons]

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

[Hillbillygirl]

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

[Marko]

Missed this set Mike - Once again, just lovely

[Mike Bons]

Thanks HBG and Marko!