I photographed this Tree Swallow resting on the dock railing at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, taking a short break between flights. These birds are usually in constant motion, so seeing one pause like this gave me a rare chance to study its iridescent blue-green back and bright white underside. Moments like this do not last long, and I was ready when it settled in front of me.
One of the most striking things about Tree Swallows is their acrobatic flying ability. They are incredibly fast and maneuverable, making them a challenge to photograph in flight. However, their tendency to perch on exposed branches or other structures provides excellent opportunities to capture them in a more static pose.
One of my favorite spots to photograph Tree Swallows is at the Tuff Boat Ramp at the refuge. Here, the birds often gather on the handrails of the fishing dock, allowing for close-up shots of their beautiful plumage and distinctive features, such as their forked tail and white underbelly.
To capture these stunning images, I typically use a long lens, such as the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM, which allows me to get up close without disturbing the birds. I also pay close attention to the light, as the iridescent feathers of the Tree Swallow can be particularly striking when illuminated by the sun.
Overall, the Tree Swallow is a fascinating subject for any wildlife photographer. Their graceful flight, striking colors, and unique behavior make them a joy to observe and photograph in the wild.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture f8.0
- ISO 800
- Shutter speed – 1/2000 sec.
- Focal Length – 500 mm