This morning I came across a colony of Cliff Swallows and spent about an hour watching and photographing them.
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When the swallows first hatch, they are born helpless and without feathers, with their eyes closed. They are entirely dependent on their parents for warmth, food, and protection.
Both parents participate in caring for the young. They work tirelessly, constantly flying back and forth to the nest with insects to feed their rapidly growing offspring.
It's time to get out of the nest and see the world.
As swallows grow, they develop downy feathers, and their eyes eventually open. You can hear the chirping of the nestlings as they beg for food.
Even after fledging, the young birds often stay close to the colony and their parents continue to feed them for a little while until they learn to hunt for themselves.
Generally, life is good.
Estas pequeñas aves, aquí en mi país se respetan mucho dado que se dice que son las aves las que quitaron a Jesús las espinas de la corona que le pusieron. Al margen de esta anécdota a mi me llaman la atención desde mi más tierna infancia ya que las veía hacer los nidos con barro y pajizo y me parecia increible como trabajaban sin descanso para tenerlo todo preparado para el recibimiento de las crías. Preciosas fotos de estos pequeños animalitos.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo y feliz fin de semana
How did you manage to get such a close up shot on a cliff? This is incredible
ReplyDeleteTelephoto lens :)
DeleteSwallows are very patient when they make their nest in the ground.
ReplyDeleteExtraordinarias
ReplyDeleteSweet and very busy little guys!
ReplyDeleteBella serie de las golondrinas, Kaya. Aquí suelen ser de un plumaje mas oscuro, casi negro aunque la cabeza es bastante parecida. y suelen anidar en los balcones de las casas.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Buena pareja hacen. Yo diría que la llama del amor ha prendido muy fuerte en la pareja.
ReplyDeleteFeliz fin de semana.