Monday, May 01, 2017

Tree Swallow (Hirondelle bicolore)

     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,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

20 comments:

  1. Oh excellent post David and thank's to Franc. These pictures are very great.
    It's a good news your travel in Europa. You come in France ? I hope to see you (maybe with Noushka)?

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    1. 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.

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    2. Very good travel even if you don't come in France ;-)

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  2. Wow 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

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  3. Hi 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

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  4. I 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.

    Love to you both - - - Richard

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    Replies
    1. It is indeed a beautiful little bird, Richard.

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  5. Photos are fantastic. Beautiful and interesting Swallows. Greetings!

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  6. Hi David.

    Beautiful pictures of the Swallows.

    Groettie from Patricia.

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  7. I've never managed a decent Swallow BIF shot..............

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  8. Absolutely awesome photographs.
    Thanks to Franc and thanks to you for posting them here.

    Sending my good wishes for the month of May

    All the best Jan

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  9. Stunning photos David, thanks to Franc.

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  10. Another stunning post David,love the rich blue colouring,give Franc a pat on the back.
    Brilliant.
    John.

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  11. Beautiful photos of this species, veeeery similar to the two Tachycinetta in my area

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  12. Certainly an attractive species- "Well Done" to the photographer...

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  13. Hola 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.

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  14. A beautiful swallow and also beautifully photographed.
    Great that you could use Frank from your post.
    You are doing a lot of fun with us :-)

    Greetings, Helma

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  15. What a gorgeous little swallow!!
    Thanks 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!

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