A Bank Swallow shoots out of its cavity, wings tucked and sand spewing. Bank Swallows nest in hollows dug into the sides of cliffs at the sea. In June, there were nestlings to be fed, so I could stand on the shore aiming up at the openings with my shutter pressed, taking hundreds of photos - one of which had an actual bird in it.

My first post for #BirdOfTheDay. (Do I really want to do this?) For #SmallBirdsInFlight, I've chosen this #BankSwallow shooting out of its cavity. It was traveling at about 20,000 mph so I consider this more of a lucky get than an actual photograph.

A backyard #BankSwallow. No doubt flying to some mashed potatoes on a day like today!

Aug 2025 in Illinois #birds #birdnerd #birdphotography #birdsinflight

My first #BankSwallow! As a bonus, this has a fun trinomial nomenclature of Riparia riparia riparia -- the most riparian of them all!

June 2025 in Illinois #birds #birdnerd #birdphotography

🚨🦉 New 25-year study reveals #BankSwallow populations are declining on the #SacramentoRiver. River flow rates may be to blame. Since Bank Swallows are a sentinel species, this trend signals trouble for the whole river ecosystem. Co-authored by Point Blue’s Kristen Dybala: 🔗 shorturl.at/jnmCO 🌐🧪 🌎

#birds #montrosebirdsanctuary #bankswallow I tried to get them in flight but this was the best I could do.

Bank Swallows nest in small holes dug into the sides of steep banks at the beach. There were many comings and goings, making me think that there are nests, eggs, and mates inside.

Bank Swallow kicks up sand as it jets out of its nesting cavity. #bankswallow #bird #birdphotography #goosewingbeachpreserve #tncri #maybemassachusetts #couldberhodeisland

Bank swallow in flight, wings back, hovering against the background of a sand dune.

#birds #photography #bankswallow

Bank Swallow / Sand Martin (Digesvale) #bankswallow #sandmartin #canoneosr6markii #eosr6markii #canon100500rf #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography

Bank Swallow / Sand Martin (Digesvale) #bankswallow #sandmartin #canoneosr6markii #eosr6markii #canon100500rf #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography

Bank Swallow / Sand Martin (Digesvale) #bankswallow #sandmartin #canoneosr6markii #eosr6markii #canon600mmf11

Bank Swallow / Sand Martin (Digesvale) #bankswallow #sandmartin #canoneosr6markii #eosr6markii #canon600mmf11

Bank Swallow / Sand Martin (Digesvale) #sandmartin #bankswallow #birdsofinstagram #canoneosr6markii #eosr6markii #canon600mmf11 #birdphotography

Bank Swallow / Sand Martin (Digesvale) #sandmartin #bankswallow #birdsofinstagram #canoneosr6markii #eosr6markii #canon600mmf11 #birdphotography