Tree Swallows

These Tree Swallows were photographed in Everett WA at the Spencer Island Refuge. Spencer Island is one of the best places in the Snohomish River Estuary to view birds and is on my list of favorite birding locations. Tree Swallows are migratory birds that breed in North America and winters in South and Central America. They are a commonly seen in marshes and fields during summer months. Swallows will nest in nest boxes, but usually nest in abandoned tree cavities in dead trees.

They are quite agile birds that feed on flying insects however they are hardier than other swallows and can survive off of berries and seeds during the winter. Watching these birds perform their aerialist feats while chasing flying insects is a stunning sight to see in open fields as the sun gleams off their iridescent blue green feathers.

EXIF Data

Aperture – ƒ/6.3
Camera – NIKON D90
Date Created – 2013:05:28 10:48
Focal length – 500mm
ISO – 400
Exposure Time – 1/400