Swift or Swallow ?

[lomond]

These guys are almost impossible to catch in flight.
I dont know how many shots I took but 90% were unuasble.
Perhaps I need to improve my technique.

Anyway for all you ornithologists out there is it a Swift or a Swallow ?

1D MK II - 300f4 IS + 1.4 TC - 1/1000 - f5.6 - ISO 320

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/lomond/Swift.jpg

[larlen]

Not Swift Not Swallow but Sand Martin
GOOD SHOT TO

[lomond]

Not Swift Not Swallow but Sand Martin
GOOD SHOT TO


Thanks for the ID Larlen and the kind words.

My knowledge of UK birds is improving but still woeful.

BTW love your avatar. :)

[weemannie]

Considering how difficult they are to follow, even with the naked eye, I think you've done a cracking job, Cameron. :D

The angle's not the best for ID, but I'm inclined to agree with larlen. Almost looks like a juvenile swallow, but its too early for them

Trevor

[tupe]

Great shot! Not Swift Not Swallow but Sand MartinOr it could be both!
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/pictures/Riparia_riparia.html

[lomond]

Trevor,
Just checked my very expensive WH Smiths Pocket Book of Birds and I can see now that it is a Sand Martin.

Tupe,
Interesting link. I'll add it to my favourites.

Thanks both for the kind words.

Here's another heading in for the kill.
Not a great shot but I was amazed to see tha camera had captured the fly a distance. This is a crop.

[V6GTO]

No doubt about it...that is a Sand Martin. We have them here all year round in southern Spain.

Martin.

[weemannie]

You're lucky, Cameron. Sand Martins are quite rare now. That's another lovely shot :D

[herderdog]

Very nice shot---they can make you crazy trying to get one focused.
Good job!

[RockOne]

You got that in flight - you must have jedi reflexes :-). Great work !

[scrumpy]

Lovely picture of a ? Could it be an Alpine Swift?

[tupe]

The one with the fly is phenomenal, Cameron!
Anyone that can get a clear in-flight capture of a "sand martin" (we call them bank swallows) and his prey has my admiration!

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70380
http://www.birds.se/basva.htm

[lomond]

You got that in flight - you must have jedi reflexes :-). Great work !


Not Jedi reflexes....... Single Lens Reflexes.

I filled a 1GB card to get this, so not exactly Jedi.

Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it.

[lomond]

Lovely picture of a ? Could it be an Alpine Swift?


Scrumpy, what's an Alpine swift. :?

[lomond]

The one with the fly is phenomenal, Cameron!
Anyone that can get a clear in-flight capture of a "sand martin" (we call them bank swallows) and his prey has my admiration!

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70380
http://www.birds.se/basva.htm


Tupe, praise indeed.
I thank you.