<< Previous Next >>

An American in Sweden


An American in Sweden
Photo Information
Copyright: Ivan Kruys (Argus) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2012-11-19
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 300 f4L + Canon 1.4 converter
Exposure: f/13.0, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2013-02-19 23:43
Viewed: 3172
Points: 48
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Swedish name: Stensvala

A first of this species in Sweden!

This species has been posted once before on TN.

This American species of swallow probably got caught by a storm and lost its bearings to arrive on the E. coast of island of Öland where it was reported on November 15.

When I first saw the report I was still recovering from my abdominal operations and doubted my ability to wield my camera and telephoto lens. But as, two days later, it was reported to be still there I took the chance with Ulla accompanying me for physical and mental support.

Hundreds of birdwatchers were there and at last I saw the swallow flying in the pale November morning light while trying to find and catch insects along the sea shore.

I took several flight photos and one is posted in the WORKSHOP.

Then, perhaps after failing to catch insects, as there were very few, it landed for a short time and I was lucky to take this shot, published in BIRDING WORLD.

It is widespread and locally common in most of N. America, where it nests in colonies on cliffs and buildings. It migrates in the Autumn to the grasslands of S. America

Of course this Cliff swallow could neither find nor be able to fly to its wintering area in tropical South America.
Indeed two days after I took this it was reported to be captured by a Sparrow Hawk. A sad story!

The image is not of the best quality, owing to the low light and I did not want to increase the ISO more in case I had to crop heavily, which I did,
It was taken at a distance of about 12 meters with the camera hand-held. After heavy cropping and size reduction the image was slightly sharpened
rousettus, pirate, ramthakur, maaciejka, anel, Marco2010, CeltickRanger, buscape, cobra112, williewhistler, McQueenca has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

good morning Ivan
what a fascinating record and its nice capture. This vagrant is new to mee. I think I have also seen firstly this species. You present it with good informative notes as always.
Thank so much. All the best
Ahmet

hallo Ivan
great to find this in your country '
good details and very nice pose to see this bird very good
thanks greeting lou

你好
照的很清楚
表情可愛 光線打的很柔和 尤其這棵枯樹更是加分
構圖很美麗
謝謝分享

Hello Ivan,
Outstanding photograph of Cliff Swallow, outstanding sharpness, good composition, good background.
TFS,
Michael-7

Hi Ivan
rather noisy but extremely interesting
tfs
Tom

Hi Ivan,

I admire your determination and courage to get this shot, and glad that it was used in Birding World.
I hope that your recovery is still progressing well.

A first time for me to see one of these even if it is on TB.
A nice pov and good detail are seen despite your poor conditions for photography. I like the pose and head and eye contact, showing the colours on the head well.

Thanks for sharing, and best wishes,
Bill

Hello Ivan,
a very well composed picture of this Cliff Swallow with great sharpness and colour.
good BG also.
best wishes.
samiran

Interesting story about the capture of this visitor from America, Ivan. Nature does have wonders in its store for us.
The picture is pretty good, considering you had to contend with low light.
Taxing yourself in adverse health conditions was worth it.
Hope you have recovered fully after the surgery.
Regards.
Ram

Hello Ivan,
A fascinating photo of this lovely bird. Razor sharp details, very nice natural colors and perfect exposure. Nice composition. As usual a excellent image. Fantastic clarity and lovely contrast against the green blurry background!
Marius.

Ciao Ivan, congratulations for your great capture, first time in sweden for this specie, very interesting, lovely composition with beautiful blurry BG, wonderful colors, excellent clarity and splendid light, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Hi Ivan,
nice bird. Interesting composition. Perfect point of view.
Thanks for sharing,
Maciek

Amazing record Ivan! Despite the difficult conditions a nice photo too!
Regards,
Christodoulos

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3053 W: 3 N: 8715] (40574)
  • [2013-02-20 11:29]

Bonsoir Ivan,
Voilà qui est vraiment étonnant. Il semble que tu aies été à la bonne place au bon moment! Un espèce d'hirondelle que je ne connaissais pas du tout. Une histoire triste, mais ce sont les lois de la nature aussi.
Un grand merci pour ce posting très intéressant.
Amitiés
Anne

Ciao Ivan.
Splendida cattura di questo esemplare di Cliff Rondine,in una bella postura,eccellente nitidezza ,ottimi i dettagli bravo.
Ciao Marco.
Grazie della condivisione.

Hello Ivan

I love the in-flight shot in the WS where also
there is no noise like the photo here but noise
because of the heavy cropping, the story finish
sad for this small bird but at least you have
captured him in photo and have souvenir of him,
the pose of this American in Sweden is beautiful
and the Swedish light in the photo is very beautiful, TFS

Asbed

Hello Ivan,
lovely capture of this vagrant with an interesting and in the end also sad story. The quality is not the best, but you have described the reasons. Great pictrue of an amazing record!
Best wishes,
Helmut

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2791 W: 0 N: 6696] (25839)
  • [2013-02-21 0:11]

Hello Ivan
what a lovely shot.Fhe bird is nicely seen on the lovely soft and smooth background.
excitng composition.

regards
foozi

  • Great 
  • IronM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 144 W: 3 N: 345] (2608)
  • [2013-02-21 6:44]

Hi Ivan,
wonderful photo very artistic,
beautiful lighting, lovely composition, excellent details !
Best regards !

Ciao Ivan. Great pic indeed despite the distance. Wonderful colours.

Roberto

Hello Ivan,it`s always pleasing to be able to witness a rare visitor and you have managed to capture a fine photograph,it`s a pity about the birds sad ending, but I guess that`s Nature for you.
Thanks for your visit and the information which was much appreciated.
Regards Les.

Hello Ivan,
Lovely capture of a nice bird with fine details and nice PoV.
Thanks and my regards,
Joy

Hi Ivan
Great capture and confirmation of the discovery. It sounds like an exciting capture for you, to bad it ended sadly. Super photo under the tough conditions. Your experience shows.
Thanks for sharing
Best regards
Colin

Hello Ivan!
Hope you are keeping well after the abdominal operation.
This photo and notes are super!Very interesting to see this lovely litte bird so far from its land.I sorry for its destiny...
Thanks for sharing and also thanks for visiting my gallery!I appreciated it!
Best of luck,
aNa

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2013-02-26 12:32]

Hello Ivan,
Unique photo of this Cliff Swallow in the strange environment of Sweden. Beautiful light and a perfect timing while eye contact. Fine composition.
Regards,
Peter

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF