Barn Swallows

These hungry Barn Swallow chicks are protected from wind and rain nestled in an awning above a door.  The chicks lie in a pile with their beaks open. When an adult flies in with a juicy insect, the chicks perk up and start cheeping, as if to say, “Pick me!”  Barn Swallows nest between May and September and have 4-6 chicks in their brood.  A deep chestnut color on the throat, a reddish orange belly, and a forked tail set this swallow apart from others.

This photo was taken through a glass door to keep from disturbing the nest. When shooting through glass, use a shallow depth of field.  Your subject will be clear and the glass will not be as evident.  It works best if the subject is not too close to the glass. This was shot at f4, 1/200 sec, 400 ISO with a 135 mm lens.

The chicks are growing quickly. They are expected to be in the nest for only 15-27 days!