Cliff Swallow colony

[FlyingSquirrel]

Here is an American cliff swallow colony, at sunrise. This photo is a close up, detailed shot, showing the species (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) in their mud nests, which they build high up on sheer surfaces, away from predators, and close to their feeding grounds.

I'd seen the swallows a few times throughout the trip, but the conditions were never right; always very windy, harsh lighting, and so forth....then on the last day of my trip, I got up early to be on location at sunrise, and was rewarded with this golden light.

The first photos I took were from a distance, near the road. Then I slowly made my way up the steep and rocky slope, carrying my tripod/gimbal + 500 f4 + 1.4x in one hand, using my free hand to grasp at rocks and bushes to aid in climbing. I allowed the birds to adjust to my presence, taking closer and closer photos of the colonies over a period of 20 minutes. Higher up the slope, it got rather windy, which catches the 500mm like a sailboat on the high seas.

All of the effort and planning was worth it, to get this image, exactly as I'd envisioned it. Hopefully you enjoy it as well.

[Shadowman]

Any chance we can see the roadside images?

[FrankMi]

Your efforts have been well rewarded Matt! It looks like the upper nests wouldn't be possible until the lower nests are built.

[gregj1763]

Worth all the effort Matt, brilliant photo

[bnnrcn]

Great, lovely shot Matt

[deetheturk]

Great capture Matt, well done you!

[NorthernFocus]

Definitely worth the effort, Matt. Beautiful lighting and you made the most of it. I had no idea they would occupy the next together like that. I've only seen them when actively flitting to and fro. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[Donald]

Just to add my words of praise to those already posted. One of the purposes of photography is, surely, to educate and inform. This hits that bullseye.

[Brownbear]

Hi Matt,

Just to say it's a beautiful image, beautifully photographed and so special.

[leslie1283]

Nicely captured

[jamn4ex]

A unique shot Matt! Your persistence has rewarded you well. The right light makes all the difference.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Any chance we can see the roadside images?

I'll see if I can find anything decent to show. If so, I will post quick edits. Thanks John

[FlyingSquirrel]

Odd, I think my comment disappeared! Anyway, thanks to everyone for your views and comments. I appreciate the feedback and am thrilled that you all enjoyed it!

[terrib]

Very beautiful, Matt. I have never seen swallows nest like this. You did good!

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks, Terri.

FYI to all, I've posted 9 more shots of cliff swallows and habitat in a new thread here More Cliff Swallow colony shots

[Paniaa]

Great capture and explanation, thank you