Swallow agility

Jonners · #1 (**permalink**) 19-08-2009, 12:25 AM

I was up at Bempton Cliffs for a short while on Saturday, and as I was returning to the visitor centre I noticed several swallows swooping over the grassy fields. As it was quite windy I decided I would have a go at photographing one of them, and was quite surprised when I saw the results later:

Target acquired...

In for the kill...

Mission accomplished...

Back to base?

SandyBeds · #2 (**permalink**) 19-08-2009, 07:19 AM

Interesting sequence Jonners. I never knew they were that agile in flight, I guess it's not something we can perceive with the naked eye.

Hobjob · #3 (**permalink**) 19-08-2009, 07:47 AM

My f-in-l showed me a cutting from the daily the other day.

Swallows in shed with only the gap between the windo frame
to fly through - 2 inches - they flew straight through just
tipping their wings vertical at the last moment - extraordinary.

Tringa · #4 (**permalink**) 20-08-2009, 06:36 PM

Excellent sequence - but the first one is wonderful.

JoulesH · #5 (**permalink**) 21-08-2009, 10:27 AM

What a stunning sequence. Yes love that first shot showing it twisting onto the right flight line. When we have kids visits I explain that swallows are like jet fighters, great at aerobatics, but jet fighters can't bend like that ! May of our swallows are gone but there are still 5-60 around, this morning when I walked into the stackyard about 15 young ones flew up off the feed bin ladder, such a joy to see.