Photographing swallows in flight, no matter how much planning, is also about luck. Here we found a flock, apparently selecting mates, working around a single pipe sticking up out of a marsh. As long as we had an idea of where they should be we were good.
A mate is selected based on their flying display. We watched, and captured, this fascinating show.
A female ( an assumption on my part) would land on the pipe and others would fly, swoop, and sometimes brush, by her. If one was too close they met in mid air.
When a bird flew away from the pipe others would either land or circle around it.
Select any image below to view the gallery.
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
Swallows, In Flight Speed Dating – Click To Enlarge
This must have been amazing to witness
We see a lot of swallows zipping around over the marshes. being so fast, and random, I usually don’t pay much attention. Ellen spotted them all bunched up. They were out over water (alligator directly underneath) so felt safe and far enough from us.
My comment was sent before adding – terrific photographs!
Spectacular photos!!
Thank you.
These are amazing!
Thank you very much.
Brilliant work Ted. Well spotted Ellen.
These were great pics to see.
Cheers,
Frank
Thank you. Ellen has not published her images yet. And I have not seen most of them either. We work together separately. 😃
Sounds like a fine way to go about the business Ted.
Cheers, F~
Really awesome pictures what a cool thing to be able to witness
It was pretty impressive. And….I can show you too 😀😀
Wow! I love the compositions where you captured the swallows interacting in mid-air. Great captures!
Thank you. There were many more but distance was an issue. We were limited to only including the images here that were very close to each other.
Wonderful photos.
Thank you very much.
Super photo series!
Thank you. Stop by again. I’m hoping for a followup.
Love it
Thanks. The first time I have ever captured so many together.
wonderful photos and excellent wildlife observation!
Thanks. The little birds are always tricky for me.