Tag: McNeal

Swallows. Wires.

All along the road to Whitewater Draw there were clusters of swallows on the power lines — mixed flocks of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and bank swallows (Riparia riparia) assembling for their southward migration. I suppose there are a few northern rough-wings too, though I didn’t pick out any individuals in these big flocks, each with about 500 birds. It seems like a fairly ecumenical and welcoming gathering.  

And if you need any proof that summer is done, this is it. 

Family life: The female G.H.O. is keeping maternal vigil at the opposite end of the work shed from the male owl’s favored perch. The nest is substantial and sturdy, but its only apparent concession to comfort is a tangle of frayed nylon rope. This late in February it’s possible her eggs have already hatched, and she’s keeping her brood of owlets warm.

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) at Whitewater Draw near McNeal, Arizona.

1/250th sec.

I find this photo a little odd. In some ways it looks weirdly contrived, like a product of someone’s clumsy photoshopping. But that fast shutter click caught a tiny slice of time that the human eye can’t register. Maybe this is what birds in startled flight always look like, but we just can’t see. The only adjustments I made were a crop and a border and a small exposure correction. This is the camera’s photo, since I didn’t really know what I was seeing. All I did was point and shoot.

Please click through to see an enlarged view.