Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

 

I got lucky with this photo. My little Coolpix Nikon really isn't meant for taking pictures of birds. Birds generally move quickly and fly away when one gets too close. But this little swallow sat on his perch for a long time letting me photograph him (or her).

 

Barn swallows are particularly fun because they live close to humans, preferring man-made structures for shelter. I find them fun to watch when I cut the lawn. They dance and tumble around behind the mower snatching up all the seeds and insects that my mower flings into the air.

 

Despite there fun nature I do worry a bit about these birds residng so close to humans. Their nest and fecal matter can pose a health risk to humans and domestic animals if they are contaminating food or water sources. But one does require special permission to remove swallow nests.

 

Head profile

Looking away

 

Reader's Digest Book of North American Birds (2012)

http://allstateanimalcontrol.com/animals/swallows/swallow_faq.php#9



Chipping Sparrow, Spizella passerina

 

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

 

One June morning I placed a lawn chair in the middle of my driveway and from there captured as many birds in my field of sight. I was able to get a couple of nice shots of the American chipping sparrow collecting some material as it was returning to its nest in an azalea bush.

 

This sparrow is famous for making its nest out of horse hair earning it the nickname, hair bird. Being that Paradise Farm is a horse farm, it is no surprise to find these little birds creating homes on the property. As a child I'd collect these delicate little hairy nests that fell out of bushes in the autumn.

 

On the driveway

 

In the azalea it called home

 

It's hidden nest (with furry little chicks)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipping_Sparrow
Reader's Digest Book of North American Birds (2012)