I love swallows. This is a barn swallow from California:
Barn Swallows are best distinguished by the tail feathers, which look like little pincers. I always think of earwigs when I look at their tail feathers. Both Barn Swallows and Cliff Swallows make nests out of mud, but the Cliff Swallows make nests that look more like gourds. This isn’t the best shot because you can’t see the opening, but it shows you the mud aspect. I have a better shot in this post.
Here is a Cliff Swallow that we saw in Layton. His chest has a lot more bronze than a Barn Swallow.
This is a much better picture of the Cliff Swallow where you can see his white neck band. (photo by Jon)
Below is a Tree Swallow on the left and another type of swallow on the right, possibly a Bank Swallow. The distinguishing mark for a Tree Swallow is the white feathers below the beak. This picture was taken at Farmington Bay.
Below is a group of Bank Swallows flying in and out of their nests. All the black spots are birds or nests. This was taken at Deseret Ranch.
The pictures taken above were captured because the swallows were nesting and closely watching humans move near their nests. Last July when we visited Utah for the first time, there was a stream that was covered in swallows. I couldn’t get a picture because they moved so fast. Now that I’m using a better base, I’m determined to get some amazing pictures.
Great pictures! We’ve just decided to become more serious about birding, bought binoculars (what were we waiting for?) and have started making our life list. I am so excited about this!
I’m so excited for you! And your area is great for birding.
Jon and I keep talking about taking a trip to Minnesota. I figure, if the state has 10,000 lakes, it must also have a lot of birds.
My daughter and I were delighted to find LOTS of swallows nesting at Pets Mart on 3300 South and 3200 East in Salt Lake City, UT.
Thanks for a great site!
Thanks for your comment Sue. I will have to make it out that way to check out the swallows!