Tree Swallow (Hirondelle bicolore)

     I am dedicating this blog post to Franc Gorenc, whose photographs are used exclusively here. He sent them to me a couple of weeks ago and I got to thinking about them yesterday as I watched a pair of Tree Swallows Tachycineta bicolor ferrying nesting material into a fine nest box we have erected for them

     Every birder knows how difficult it can be to simply follow swallows in flight, let alone photograph them, and I think that Franc has done a remarkable job.

     Tree Swallows are found to breed in natural cavities only infrequently and it is interesting that perhaps this bird is checking a hole in a dead tree as a potential nest site.

     This individual was a textbook study in precision and grace as it landed on a branch.

     One of its congeners appeared to be unhappy with its arrival.

     I hope you have enjoyed Franc's pictures as much as I have and I am grateful to him for allowing me to share them with the world.