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Mike Bons
06-24-2014, 08:14 PM
This pair of tree swallows has a brood in the bird box that the bluebirds occupied last year. I've tried to get in flight shots of them a few times with out much success. Tracking a small bird like this as its flies quickly against the background of trees is extremely difficult to track, even with the most advanced AF systems. So instead I set up the camera in Manual exposure and manually focused on a spot where I anticipated them flying past as the returned with insects for the chicks to eat. I also used a flash in manual as well for fill as these were taken in mid afternoon.

Female Tree Swallow - As you can see, she seems to be missing all of her tail feathers on her left side.

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s10/v114/p805448755-5.jpg

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v167/p535718840-5.jpg

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v156/p58627403-5.jpg

Male Tree Swallow

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s6/v138/p507557506-5.jpg

http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v153/p267411306-5.jpg

JAS_Photo
06-24-2014, 09:51 PM
Very nice shots! Such pretty little birds and damned fine hunters to boot!

Rdbender
07-02-2014, 07:04 PM
WOW those are awsome Mike

Mike Bons
07-03-2014, 12:06 AM
Thanks RB and JAS!! I'm happy to report that all the chicks have successfully fledged!

Hillbillygirl
07-04-2014, 06:43 AM
Very nice Mike. Really like the wing placement in that second last one.

Marko
07-04-2014, 07:50 AM
Missed this set Mike - Once again, just lovely

Mike Bons
07-05-2014, 02:00 PM
Thanks HBG and Marko!