The Welcome Swallow is very closely related to the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) which is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. The Barm Swallow does occur in Australia, but is restricted to the far north coast.
Unlike the Barn Swallow, the Welcome Swallow is not a truly migratory bird - while a large number of birds from southern Australia do move north for the winter (remember, this is the southern hemisphere, so north is warmer!) not all of them do so. This means that on any given day of the year it is not really a surprise to see these birds.
The structure that these birds are sitting on is a protective barrier around an outflow pipe at Werribee. These birds were part of a much larger group of swallows than I have seen in a while, so perhaps they represent the return of the northern birds for the summer season. The weather over the last few days has certainly be suggestive of spring, even if the calendar suggests other wise.
Interestingly these birds can even be seen at sea — the name ‘Welcome’ swallow comes from sailors who knew that the sight of a swallow meant that land was not far away.
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. SM
Beautiful blog
ReplyDeleteThank you for this place. I always look forward to roosting for a while! Aloha, Stewart
ReplyDeleteYour description captures both the science and the poetry of the Welcome Swallow, making it feel like a true harbinger of changing seasons
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteGrooming is of paramount importance! Lovely shots, as always, Stewart! YAM xx
Lovely series of photographs We have a lot of Welcome Swallows around here. Beautiful little bird Stewart. Thanks for hosting and commenting. I hope you enjoy your week ahead
ReplyDeleteIt’s a cute bird! We have barn swallows here.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing swallows in motion. They’re such a joy to watch, but too difficult to track in flight!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Swallow is such a lovely name.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos of the welcome swallow. Have a nice day ! Greets.
ReplyDeleteNice Swallow images Stewart...I love our Barn Swallows and their iridescent feathers..They used to dive bomb me when I was mowing and kicking up bugs...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures of this sweet bird 🐦 Stewart.
ReplyDeleteThey have been gathering on the lines outside out kitchen window for the past few days, but with the light of the sky behind them, taking photos was impossible. Guess they are on their way back to warmer climates. Great set of photos well done. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteI think swallows are very beautiful birds and masters of flying. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool how the name of the bird came from sailors. It's like, they were their own little GPS. I can't believe they don't migrate all the way like other birds. That's so weird. Happy Friday.
ReplyDeletecute little bird
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteVery nice shots of these swallows.
Great to see how you have photograph them. Well done!!
Greetings, Marco