Saturday, May 14, 2011

Tree Swallow - Mating

I spent the afternoon at Fernhill Wetlands today. It was quite active with birds, but not with the water fowl and shore birds that are seen regularly there. Instead, Passeriformes ruled the day. Warblers including Orange-crowned, Yellow and Yellow-rumps were common. Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Cedar Waxwings were seen throughout. And the water was swarming with swallows; Tree, Barn and Cliff were all represented along with a few Vaux's Swifts sprinkled in.
As I approached the southern corners of Cattail Marsh and Eagle Perch Pond, I came across two Tree Swallows perched on the railing of the water flow cat walk. As I moved in closer, one of the swallows flew off. I swung around to the entrance to the cat walk when the swallow the had flown off, swooped down over what I assume was the female of the two. On its second pass, it lit atop of the female and they quickly mated and flew off.
Spring is definitely here!

2 comments:

  1. Haha awesome photos. Psyched to hear that waxwings are back.. They're one of my favorite birds.

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  2. I can almost hear the Berry White soundtrack as I scroll through these pictures.

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