Barn swallows are one of the first signs that summer is really on its way. They return in late April and May, skimming low over the fields with a deep blue back, a rusty throat, and a long, deeply forked tail that trails behind. They are hard to photograph, because they never seem to stop moving.
True to the name, barn swallows build their cup-shaped mud nests on beams, under bridges, and in the eaves of buildings, returning to the same spot year after year. They catch insects on the wing, which makes them a farmer’s friend. Their numbers have declined across North America, so a busy barn with nests is something to appreciate. In fall, they fly all the way to South America.
The deep blue back, rusty throat, and long forked tail of a barn swallow make it a bird built for flight, and a joy to photograph.
To find out more about the barn swallow and the places it lives, visit All About Birds.
Where and when you can find the barn swallow in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.
Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.
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