Barn swallows, Malheur NWR, OR Copyright © 1996, Don Baccus (dhogaza@pacifier.com)
Barn Swallows, Malheur NWR, OR Copyright © 1996, Don Baccus (dhogaza@pacifier.com)
Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
Barn swallows, like their close relatives the cliff swallow, make their nests of mud. Their cup-shaped nests don't provide as much protection from the elements as the cliff swallow's gourd-shaped nest, so they are restricted to sites which have an overhang large enough to keep out rain and to shade the nest from the harsh, desert sun.
Look for barns swallows nesting under carport roofs, on the sides of buildings with ample eaves, and under bridges.
Barn swallows are fairly tolerant of people, which is not surprising given their long-term habit of nesting on farm and ranch buildings. They can be fairly easily photographed on the nest, and often on favorite perches nearby.
The small bridge over a canal at Benson Pond is home to a nesting colony every spring. They perch in good numbers in the snags overhanging the canal next to the bridge, and can be photographed from the car. Since the dirt track dead-ends just across the bridge, there is little car traffic to interfere with shooting.