My Saturday morning photoprowl was rich in bird life, for a change. I did manage two new damselflies and a new dragonfly, but what really impressed was the number of cooperative birds. Take this fledgling Barn Swallow. There were two, perched in a small tree along the Kennebunk Bridle Path just were it crosses a small stream that drains the marsh on the ocean side of Route 9. Just sitting there, not exactly in full sun, but in excellent photographic light…presumably still somewhat dependent on the parents, and waiting to be feed (though if these are the same fledglings I photographed a few weeks ago just down the path, they must be about ready to get on with their lives and leave mom and dad to get on with theirs). These allowed me to approach to about 20 feet, where the 1680mm equivalent zoom (840mm optical plus 2x digital tel-converter function) allowed me to fill the frame nicely with bird.

This one just sat there while I caught every side of him.

And he was still sitting there when I walked on. I had to pass within 5 feet of his perch and he did not budge. Evidently Mom said “And you had better be right here when I get back if you expect any grubs today!” (Or sentiments to that effect.)

Canon SX40HS. Program with iContrast and –1/3EV exposure compensation.  1680mm equivalent as above. f5.8 @ 1/640th @ ISO 200. Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and sharpness.