This Northern Rough-winged Swallow is one of the six species that can be spotted in Banff NP. So named because of the small hooks or points found on the leading edges of their outer wing feathers. Swallows slender, streamlined body and long, pointed wings allow them great manoeuvrability and endurance in the sky. Which is needed as most of their diet consists of eating insects caught in the air. The rough-winged swallow in the image was doing just that, along with a few other species. With both wings fully open along with the tail, it almost came to a complete stop to change direction toward an insect it was trying to catch. Swallows' body shapes allow them to be very efficient flyers, their metabolic rate can be up to 72 percent lower than other birds of the same size. They have great lateral and frontal vision to track prey. The form and structure of their eyes have evolved similar to that of raptors, providing them with great vision. They have short bills, which does not matter. With their strong jaws and wide gape, they can easily catch their prey.
Every year I take up the challenge of trying to get their pictures in flight. You have to stay calm and be ready to enjoy the journey. Lot of pictures are going to be taken with very few keepers. As always, I looked for patterns as up to 30 swallows of a few different species flew back and forth over the wetland, catching insects. I would prefocus at a certain distance, when one would get into that space, I would pan my camera trying to get it in focus and then keep taking their pictures until I lost them in the frame. And repeat again and again and again. Nature photography is a very calming experience for me. With so many variables in play while trying to take pictures of the swallows flying, you can’t help but be in the moment.
