Perched Bank Swallow
While exploring the Centennial Valley of Montana I love to stop on Stibal Lane where the Red Rock River flows under the bridge and look at the amazing views and I also look around to see what birds there are because I never know what I might find there.
While I looked around four days ago I saw this Bank Swallow resting on a fence that hangs over the Red Rock River and could not resist photographing it with the blue water below and behind it. The early morning light seemed to make the dainty swallow glow. I haven’t had many opportunities to photograph this species because they are usually feeding high above me so it was nice to find one resting for a change.
Bank Swallows are the smallest swallows found in North America, they are also found in Europe and Asia where they are called Sand Martins. They feed on flying insects including bees, wasps, moths and butterflies. They might be considered plain brown birds by some by I love the soft, warm tones of their plumage and their delicate beauty.
