These birds usually zip around in the air so fast that there's no way I could ever get any pictures, but I was in luck this time and got these. This bird decided to walk around on the ground for awhile in a similar way as do American robins. It was not the only one.
I've seen barn swallows before, but it wasn't too long ago that I had no idea what they were. I've also seen tree swallows, which look similar, but the lighter colors are usually white. Identifying birds isn't easy until you begin to get used to doing it. I've had to learn much of what I know in the past several years of writing this blog.
A couple of things before I go. Over at Rat Tales my newest episode of my "A Haunted Soul" series is out today. This series has been my most successful yet by far. My Rat Tales fiction blog seems to be finally off and running!
And at Nature Center Magazine, speaking of aggressive or angry birds, we have a video up today of a red-winged blackbird that keeps attacking people. This is a good one. It actually shows the bird crashing into these people's heads. The contents of this video all happened very recently right here in my state of Michigan.
See ya!
Nature Center Magazine - Your starting place for nature!
The barn swallows look similar in size and shape to those staying at my house, expect yours look more colorful.
ReplyDeleteI never see our barn swallows on the ground..great captures!
ReplyDeleteThese are colorful birds, Ratty! I'm glad you finally got some great pictures of them. I'm going to look up Berry Lake, who knows maybe I will run in to you some time.
ReplyDeleteLovely find, they are colony birds sometimes when there is the right area-water and structure. I recently came across one bridge to look at a access on a river and they all came out from underneath.
ReplyDeleteReally great pictures of the barn swallow, standing still.
ReplyDeleteIt's a challenge for me to distinguish the swallows in the air as they are zooming by, or distinguish between a swallow and a swift sometimes.
When we first moved here, we had barn swallows in the lean-to on the back of the barn. They left after a couple of years, and now we have a different breed of swallows around here, but they don't nest in the barn.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a swallow on the ground. Very unusual. Hope it is OK.
ReplyDelete@Rainfield
ReplyDeleteThis bird is one of the most colorful barn swallows I've seen too.
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@Samantha
This is the first time I've ever seen them on the ground too.
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@Icy BC
You'd like several of the places I visit. They're not real big, but they're big enough for a good adventure. I'll try to name more of them from now on.
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@Out on the prairie
They've been doing that here too. Very interesting birds until they get angry.
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@Ferd
That makes me curious to know what a swift looks like. I think I'll look them up.
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@Secondary Roads
That would be interesting to be able to see them like that. I only get these brief looks while on my hikes.
@Don't unplug your hub
ReplyDeleteThey were all wandering around on the grund that day for some odd reason. This one soon flew off and was as good as ever.
You got some good pictures of them! We have swallows here too, but not that variety. They are great birds! Several pairs have nests in our yard and they seem to like playing in the sprinklers.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely pictures Ratty...we have swallows in the UK but they aren't as colourful as this and unfortunately aren't as abundant as they used to be...I think I have only ever seen our swallows in flight.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your bird photos, Ratty! I will have to go over to Nature Center and check out the video you mentioned - and be glad I wasn't around that bird! I bet it would like cats even less than humans.
ReplyDeleteI love Your photos...the colors of this bird are very interesting for me...I have not seen before so like one.
ReplyDeletei love barn swallows- those are great pix. they don't hold still very often.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Those ARE good photos! I don't think I have ever seen one standing still.
ReplyDeleteHey, Ratty, I was thinking of you yesterday. I went for a walk at a nearby nature preserve and saw 2 swans and 7 signets. Oh, they were lovely!!! Of course, I didn't have my camera. :(
nice capture
ReplyDelete@Montucky
ReplyDeleteSwallows always do seem to be animated birds. I'd love to see them playing in a sprinkler.
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@Allotments4you
This one seems to be particularly colorful. They seem to be abundant around here wherever there is water.
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@Sparkle
These swallows are aggressive attack birds too. One of a similar variety came after me one time.
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@Amin
Most of these barn swallows have milder colors than this one, but they all have some orange.
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@Sharkbytes
I was surprised when I found some of these birds wandering around on the ground. They're usually zooming around too fast to get on camera.
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@Lin
Nature preserves are fun. Keep going back with your camera, and you'll see them again.
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@Interesting Pictures
Thank you.
Greetings, Ratty...
ReplyDeleteI have a special affection for barn swallows since we have a million of them living in our... BARN! And you're right, they zig and zag all over when they fly. The cats love to catch 'em...
Great pics... : )
@Linda
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised none of them fight back against the cats. They can sometimes get mean when threatened.
Wow, how big is this bird in person Ratty? It looks quite robust and the metallic coloration is really interesting.
ReplyDelete@Lauren Axelrod
ReplyDeleteThese barn swallows are a little bit smaller than an American robin. They're about 5-9 inches long. That metallic coloring really makes them stand out while they're flying.
Goodness, Ratty, you really got terrific photographs of this little guy. He's a beautiful bird. I don't think I've ever seen one before...of course, I'm pretty much a city girl!
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