A Barn Swallow from earlier this spring. I knew Barn Swallows were common but I don't think I've ever looked at their range map. Wow, they can be found almost everywhere in the United States! Hennepin County, MN 05/12/24

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Swallow/maps-range

© All Rights Reserved

Barn Swallows are almost ALWAYS in flight, but when they do stop flying, it seems like they tolerate people being quite close. This one was perched on a short light pole right outside the park restrooms. I was wondering if maybe this was a juvenile bird, because sometimes they haven't quite learned to be afraid of people yet. But after looking at other photos, it seems only an adult would have such brilliant and well defined colors. Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Washington County, MN 07/08/23

© All Rights Reserved

On this hot afternoon, I noticed a few Chimney Swifts flying over the edge of the lake at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony. With their extremely fast and erratic flight behavior, it is crazy challenging to photograph these birds. So this is one of my better results with this species. Hennepin County, MN 07/30/22

© All Rights Reserved

A couple more photos of Purple Martins from the end of May. I believe both of these are females as they're not solid, dark purple like the males. Wayzata, Hennepin County, MN 05/30/22

© All Rights Reserved

A couple more photos of Purple Martins from the end of May. I believe both of these are females as they're not solid, dark purple like the males. Wayzata, Hennepin County, MN 05/30/22

© All Rights Reserved