Tuesday, June 5, 2012

To Tree Or Not To Tree?

That is the question for many of the Tree Swallows in Pennsylvania. These birds are an unusual sighting in Phoenix, but they are one of the most common in southeast Pennsylvania. All along the roadsides, along fields and neighborhoods and any other expanse of open space, there are nest boxes set up to provide the Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds with quality homes. The Swallows and Bluebirds do wonders to control the insect populations, so it's advantageous for the residents in Pennsylvania to keep their populations stable. Tree Swallows are also totally stunning birds, and I was afforded many close-up looks and photo ops that I'd never had in Arizona.


The Tree Swallows have to make a tough decision. Nest in the boxes, which have a structural integrity that can only be wrought be beings with opposable thumbs, or keep to their namesake, their traditions, and nest in the Trees? Many of the Swallows preferred the nest boxes, but still liked to perch in the nearby trees and utilize their camouflage. It seems like a good compromise.


Perhaps this Tree Swallow, as evidenced by his perch atop a directional trail sign, was at a metaphysical and existential crossroads. To use the artificial nest and become a Box Swallow, or build his own and remain a Tree Swallow?


Whether they chose tree or box, all of these magnificent Swallows had the same, spectacular emerald luster on their backs. It was still too early to see the brown juveniles, who had yet to emerge from their cavity nests. The Tree Swallows were not new birds, but seeing them up close and so frequently was one of the best bird-related experiences I had in Pennsylvania.

8 comments:

  1. Wonderful post on a bird that, as you said is a bit uncommon in AZ. Wonderful photos and nice to see these birds in their breeding habitat and plumage.

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    1. Thanks Gordon. I've never even explicitly seen a Tree Swallow in Phoenix. The only one's I've encountered were in SE AZ. It was marvelous to see them up close, truly stunning colors.

      I hope you're getting in some great birding this week!

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  2. Tree Swallows are a treat to watch whether choosing nest boxes or trees, I agree! Wonderful lighting on these beautiful birds, sure showcases their vibrant sheen.

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    1. Thanks Debbie! It was great to get them in some light, especially because it's been 90% overcast here in PA, but I managed to catch them with a rare ray of sunlight.

      I wish they were around Phoenix a bit more, but that rarity does make me appreciate them all the more.

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  3. The Swallows are so fast, your images are nice and sharp:)

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    1. Thanks Cynthia. I didn't even try go get em' in flight.

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  4. Again! I observed the same thing you did.....much much much easier to get on camera than here in AZ. I have several great shots of them in flight that I can't get here in Tucson.....and the color on them is stunning!! The problem here in Tucson is either A. It's too bright to capture them. B. They are too far for me to get them on camera. or C. They are too fast. My trick with them was to track their flight patterns near a close bridge and several did fly arounds.....and with a quick manual adjust on certain spots, I was able to snap the shots and get their beautiful color. You certainly saw lots and lots of birds. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to sharing my shots in several weeks.....too much going on and I can't keep up with the photo shoots and writes!!! Vacation is great but also tricky:)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Chris. That bridge strategy you mentioned is a great one! I've tired that with some of the Rough-winged and Cliff Swallows here in AZ and it's brought better success.

      I should've taken more time to get some in-flight Tree Swallow shots. I probably won't ever have a better opportunity, but I was in such a rush to explore the grounds and search for new species. The birder vs. the photographer...never know who's going to win out on a day-by-day basis.

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