The swift (Apus apus) is the perfect flying machine. They spend up to the first three years of life on the wing, and only land for breeding. They cover vast distances as they chase the insect population across the skies. Perfectly designed for flight, their wings can morph to allow rapid changes of speed and direction. Watching them as they swoop, swerve, climb and dive is one of the great wildlife sights of summer. These shots were taken over our garden this afternoon.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
derWandersmann
14 Jul 2013Apparently, they approve of your location, Words … a very nice set of shots!
I once was in a similar location, right in the middle of Chicago … unfortunately, it was one that appealed to nighthawks … no pictures. They have definite patrol flight patterns, and would cover their circuits in a regular amount of time, giving out hawk-calls at certain fixed points. I could time them on my watch.
Wulpen
15 Jul 2013The shoots are beautiful
Words
23 Jul 2013dW, it seems to have been quite a good year for swifts. The dry and warm weather no doubt has helped a lot. We have Nightjars (a night flying raptor) but I'm not sure of their hunting pattern. Owls will quarter a field in a regular pattern when they hunt, and I've seen kestrels take lateral paths to and fro along a hunting line.
Words
23 Jul 2013Erwin, thanks!