Summer Swallows

Barn Swallow. Washington: Thurston Co.: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. 25 June 2020. The white feathers behind the wings may be out-of-place underwing coverts. I have seen other photos of Barn Swallows with similar patches. I can find no mention of swallow’s using these feathers for anything like nest lining or anything.

Tree Swallow. Washington: Thurston Co.: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. 25 June 2020. Note the dark sides of the face, compared to the Violet-green Swallow below. 

Violet-green Swallow. Washington: Thurston Co.: Rainier. 5 July 2020. An adult (above) and a recently hatched bird (below). I narrowly missed photographing the adult feeding the young bird.