I am dedicating this blog post to Franc Gorenc, whose photographs are used exclusively here. He sent them to me a couple of weeks ago and I got to thinking about them yesterday as I watched a pair of Tree Swallows Tachycineta bicolor ferrying nesting material into a fine nest box we have erected for them
Every birder knows how difficult it can be to simply follow swallows in flight, let alone photograph them, and I think that Franc has done a remarkable job.
Tree Swallows are found to breed in natural cavities only infrequently and it is interesting that perhaps this bird is checking a hole in a dead tree as a potential nest site.
This individual was a textbook study in precision and grace as it landed on a branch.
One of its congeners appeared to be unhappy with its arrival.
I hope you have enjoyed Franc's pictures as much as I have and I am grateful to him for allowing me to share them with the world.
David M. Gascoigne,
I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.
Oh excellent post David and thank's to Franc. These pictures are very great.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good news your travel in Europa. You come in France ? I hope to see you (maybe with Noushka)?
Hi Nathalie: Unfortunately we will not make it to France. Franc is originally from Slovenia and he and his wife, Carol, are organizing this trip. We will be flying into Italy, then travelling by road into Slovenia. We also hope to visit Crotia and possibly Austria.
DeleteVery good travel even if you don't come in France ;-)
DeleteThanks, Nathalie.
DeleteWow these photos are great and of a bird that I have never seen. Sorry that you will not be coming this way but another time maybe. Have a good week Diane
ReplyDeleteHi David and well done Franc. I have tried to get images of Swallows and it most certainly is a challenge, they fly very fast and not very straight so every time you think you have got one in frame, they change direction. All the best to you both, John
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realised how beautiful your Tree Swallows were, David, until I saw Franc's wonderful photos. That irridescent blue looks fabulous against the stark white underside.
ReplyDeleteLove to you both - - - Richard
It is indeed a beautiful little bird, Richard.
DeleteWow. Awesome photos. OMG.
ReplyDeletePhotos are fantastic. Beautiful and interesting Swallows. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteHi David.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of the Swallows.
Groettie from Patricia.
I've never managed a decent Swallow BIF shot..............
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely awesome photographs.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Franc and thanks to you for posting them here.
Sending my good wishes for the month of May
All the best Jan
Stunning photos David, thanks to Franc.
ReplyDeleteAnother stunning post David,love the rich blue colouring,give Franc a pat on the back.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant.
John.
Beautiful photos of this species, veeeery similar to the two Tachycinetta in my area
ReplyDeleteCertainly an attractive species- "Well Done" to the photographer...
ReplyDeleteHola from Menorca. No rain here just 25° and daily sun. Not too many Swallows but thousands of delayed Swift plus a few Alpine Swift.Must go as coffee time is here.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful swallow and also beautifully photographed.
ReplyDeleteGreat that you could use Frank from your post.
You are doing a lot of fun with us :-)
Greetings, Helma
What a gorgeous little swallow!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Frank's wonderful flight photos, he is really talented!
Shiny as a hummingbird!
Un fuerte abrazo amigo, I will look into what we discussed in our mail exchanges!!
Keep well!