While birding in northwest Ohio last May on a windy, frigid morning, we came across a mixed flock of Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows searching the limestone cobbles of a breakwall for insects to eat. I had never seen that exact behavior before. Although I frequently see the two types of birds near each other, they usually aren’t hanging out like pals. Additionally, I almost always see these energetic swallows zooming around acrobatically like fighter pilots, eating insects mid-flight. I’m guessing the heavy morning rain, cold temps and high wind were keeping all the flying insects grounded. The birds probably were exhausted and hungry from their recent migration.
On the plus side, despite the tough conditions, the swallows were finding plenty to eat there and allowed us to get super close. We used the car as a photo blind as they gobbled up breakfast. As you might have guessed from my back-to-back swallow posts, these birds are great fun to paint!
Please contact me if you’re interested in buying the original or a print of this painting. Some of my work is also available for licensing.
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