Swallows in Flight (and others)

[Randy]

On April 6, Chris and I birded Willband. For some reason we decided to frustrate ourselves and attempt photos of swallows in flight from the observation deck. 99% of my photos were photos of nothing or a blurry blob. However, I managed to get a handful that I was quite happy with!!

Violet-green Swallows:

Violet-green Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


Violet-green Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


Violet-green Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


Tree Swallows:

Tree Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


Tree Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


Tree Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


Tree Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker



Tree Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


There were still a couple Buffleheads around and I managed to get one flying by from the observation deck:

Bufflehead at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


Bufflehead at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park by Randy Walker


And a couple from my place on April 14:

Mallard:

Mallard at Abbotsford - Downes Road Home/Property by Randy Walker


Eurasian Collared-Dove (I had no idea they had red irises):

Eurasian Collared-Dove at Abbotsford - Downes Road Home/Property by Randy Walker


Chris got a couple keepers of flying swallows as well so feel free to add them to this thread Chris!

[nickinthegarden]

Some very nice captures, you are correct they are very frustrating birds to capture inflight. The deck is likely the perfect spot to attempt to get those kinds of shots. I find that deck to be a great spot to work on capturing flight shots, you get a huge expanse of open space without any trees to get in the way. What I did note this year was that so far no Barn Swallows were nesting under the deck like the last couple years, maybe the ones that do arrive later or they found a better spot.

[Chris]

I forgot to add mine!

It was a fun experience. Around 95% of my photos weren't good. How did people with film manage!?


Violet-green Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park


Tree Swallow at Abbotsford--Willband Creek Park