Frolicking Swallows

[BCrose]

One thing that is well known among birds in flight photographers is that Swallows are very difficult to shoot in flight, they are small, very fast and have erratic flight patterns. A first for me this evening was to capture these images of a Tree Swallow diving and playing in the water. The scene is backlit so not the best light but I am a happy camper with these images. I shot these from a kayak.
D810, 500mm F4, 1/1600, F4, ISO 720





In this shot the bird is still submerged in the water as it rises for takeoff.

[Sailorstu]

Monte I am a rooky bird photographer and have been progressing slowly at trying to get reasonable BIF shots of larger, slower birds such as ducks and geese. I was at a location last week where there were many swallows over the water and while I made several attempts at panning to get a reasonable shot - I haven't yet found success. Perhaps a Kayak will help but I'd be afraid of capsizing! Lovely shots. Congratulations. You have given me new motivation.

[JohnRostron]

Amazing shots! Serendipity at its best.

John

[Rebel]

Awesome shots Monte!

Both the water and birds well captured!

[bnnrcn]

Great shots, congrats

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[ied]

May be your first Monty but I' m sure we will see more after these excellent captures.
Beautiful indeed.

Irene

[BCrose]

Thanks everyone. Notice that 1/1600 shutter speed is not enough to freeze these little guys. Very quick.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks everyone. Notice that 1/1600 shutter speed is not enough to freeze these little guys. Very quick.

Monte, though I haven't been on the forums much lately, I don't recall seeing many posts from you in a while. Good to see you back!

I've tried swallows in flight many times, and never had results that I'm happy with (always too small in the frame, always looking the wrong way, head out of focus, etc). 1/1600 is nothing. I've shot them at 1/2500+ and still show blur on parts of the wings and body.

I recently found a great new location for wildlife, there are thousands of swallows and swifts there, and I noticed them doing this similar behavior. I could not tell if they were drinking, bathing, or skimming water bugs off the surface. Definitely tried for some shots, but no luck.

The key to swallows really is to watch their behavior and flight patterns for some time, then prefocus in the general area and prepare for one to come in where you expect it (especially perches where you can get them incoming and slowing down for landing). I've got close.... I need to go back and try harder!

[IzzieK]

Excellent shots all, Monte !!! Maybe you can give us some tips on how to shoot small birds, too...and hope to see you posting again.

[Barbara Ponder]

Wonderful shots!