Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Barn Swallow

 Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

These swallows often build their nests in and under man-made structures and this is where I found this one, on a fence near a shed. They live and breed here in Ontario in spring and summer eating flying insects,  but leave for South America when their food supply diminishes. Gotta love any bird that munches on mosquitoes!

Ignoring me

I am connecting to Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE

48 comments:

The Cranky said...

I love watching swallows dip and dive before the storm!

Revrunner said...

Strange name for a bird that swallows mosquitoes instead of barns. ;-)

Carole M. said...

I always admire seeing anyone's photos of swallows. They're not always easy to pin down long enough; well done!

Andy said...

Nice colours.

Stuart said...

Great shots! We love them here too. Don't see many mosquitoes around our house... and we don't have screens!

cieldequimper said...

I love swallows. So many of them die here due to climate change... :-(

Kathy said...

Not one of my favorite birds. We have them here and they have absolutely ruined the underside of my mom's carport. It had a foam type insulation and they have literally dug holes all over it to build their muddy nests. And of course the insulation winds up as confetti on the ground! I guess she shouldn't have added that insulation!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Was it something you said EG :) he's a delightful little fellow.

Birdman said...

Swallows can wreak havoc building nests... but some wonderful colors here.

William Kendall said...

Taking care of mosquitos is more than compensation for any other havoc they cause. Terrific shots, EG!

Darla said...

I know they can sometimes be a problem but I do like the photos. Just think of that little bird flying clear to South America. Whew!

Darla

Lynn said...

beautiful photos!!!!

MadSnapper said...

please notify them that there is a mosquito buffet in my back yard that they will love...

Stephanie said...

Wonderful closeup shots!

TexWisGirl said...

gorgeous shot!!! awesome!

Karen said...

Great captures. Good to know that these birds are protected by Ontario's Endangered Species Act.

Linda W. said...

Great photos! Nice detail.

Halcyon said...

What a pretty little guy!

Lisa Gordon said...

Wonderful photographs of this handsome little fella!

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Great looking captures.

Rohrerbot said...

What a beautiful pose! This is such a lovely swallow and I really love watching them fly to their young. Hope you are having a good week.

Gail Dixon said...

Awesome shots!! I did not know they eat mosquitoes. I'll have to tell my uncle since he's trying to figure out how to keep the swallows off his boat. Maybe he can put up with the poop if they're eating mosquitoes! Ha!

RedPat said...

Fabulous shot, EG! Aren't they threatened in Ontario because of loss of habitat?

Unknown said...

So nice pictures of the swallow!
It is looking at me...
Thats great!
Hugs
JetteMajken

Richard Pegler said...

Such delicate-looking birds. They're a great favourite of mine, and you have captured their beauty superbly.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

He's pretty, but I agree with some of the other commenters- they are big mess makers.

Our photos said...

Very nice photos !

eileeninmd said...

The Barn Swallows are sweet birds. Lovely photos...

Ela said...

What a beautiful bird and so amazing shots !

Anonymous said...

Beautiful captures.

Beyond the Dog Dish said...

Love the green bokeh background because it really makes your swallow pop.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

In fact, it is a common misconception that Barn Swallows consume large quantities of mosquitos. Mosquitos are barely, if at all, a component of their diet which consists of beetles, termites, grashoppers, plant bugs, Lepidoptera, flies, sandhoppers, Hymenoptera, bees, moths, mayflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, lacewings and caddis flies. Caterpillars are also consumed. In terms of them making a mess, it seems a very decent trade off for the pleasure of their company, especially considering the way we humans have totally screwed up their natural habitat.

Michelle said...

Vibrant pictures of this fellow!

Splendid Little Stars said...

yep! It's great that somebody loves to eat mosquitoes!
such a pretty bird!

Randy said...

These are wonderful. It looks like he posed for you.

Jack said...

EG, you have a real talent for photographing birds. Did it again here!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI EG Yes they are lovely to watch as they twist and turn in the sky looking for insects. These 2 shots are really good.

orchid0324 said...

Wow; very colorful swallow♡♡♡ I wish to see these beautiful ones p;)
ps; As the owner of the flower shop said the mom or dad to come back for the babies even if there are the customers SO I was waiting and waiting for them to come back. They didn't(^^;) 

Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Really wonderful with all these details. Wonderful portraits too !
Best regards, Synnöve

Pat Tillett said...

We also see them down here in southern California. They really do dart about while hunting for food. Lively birds! Great photos...

Debbie said...

a pretty one, with interesting color!! i don't think i have ever seen one!!!

Phil Slade said...

That's lovely. Like you say Mosquito Munchers are tops so why do some folk not want swallows and martins near their homes? Beats me.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous shots! It's a sure sign that summer is here when the swallows arrive.

Stewart M said...

Nice pictures - we get a different species in Australia - called Barn Swallows.

Nice pictures of the one I used to see as a kid.

Cheers - Stewart M

Neil said...

Nice photos of the Swallows

Anvilcloud said...

My goodness, I am so busy with Celtfest and grandchildren that I am 7 posts behind. And this one will have to suffice.

Nice shots. What a traveller this bird is.

NatureFootstep said...

wow, that one really poses for you in the first shot. Love it!

Rose said...

A skeeter eater in a different body! And I do love them...I think they are so cute and unique!

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.