can you identify these cool birds?

[rglaser]

We have a bunch (20-30) of these interesting birds on our property. They dart all around, eating incects I think. Anyway here are the pics, please identify if you know what they are.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Peej]

cant really judge the size but they look like blue birds to me.

 

[NSBound]

Look like plain old tree swallows to me. They do tend to swoop as they fly, catching insects.

 

[rekees4300]

Around here we call them Barn Swallows. You are lucky to have them to control insects.

 

[LMTC]

Barn swallows. Incredibly agile fliers. They always follow me when I mow, to grab the insects that come up out of the grass. I've had them cut and turn within a couple feet of me, but no collisions. Fun to watch them as they swoop and then make sharp cuts.

 

[Peej]

checked a book I had- Barn swallows as others have said.
Says they have a voice "sweeter-sweet, sweeter sweet"

 

[LD1]

I agree with the above. Looks like barn swallows to me.

If you have any old barns, they love to build mud nests right on the sides of the floor joists. Nice to have them but they make a mess of equipment underneath if ya know what I mean.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I agree with the above. Looks like barn swallows to me.

If you have any old barns, they love to build mud nests right on the sides of the floor joists. Nice to have them but they make a mess of equipment underneath if ya know what I mean.

A small price to pay for the service that they provide.

 

[clemsonfor]

another for barn swallow.

 

[KTurner]

You did pretty good with that camera. I had a bunch flying around me Saturday while I was mowing. After I was done, I tried to get some pics so that I could try to identify them. My pics didn't turn out near as good as yours. Fast little buggers.

Keith

 

[rglaser]

Barn Swallows it is! Read about them on Wikipedia and that is definately what they are.

LMTC, I agree about the close flying while mowing but the idea that they are after the bugs stirred up by the mower had never occured to me but makes perfect sense.

Thanks to all for clearing up our little mystry birds!

-Rob

 

[polo1665]

You did pretty good with that camera. I had a bunch flying around me Saturday while I was mowing. After I was done, I tried to get some pics so that I could try to identify them. My pics didn't turn out near as good as yours. Fast little buggers.

Keith

I see them most while mowing too. They fly all around me, eating the bugs I stir up.


Mark

 

[magicheater]

I love to have a few nesting pairs around every year along with bluebirds, house wrens and fly catchers which are all insect eaters.

 

[tanglefoot]

AKA: mud martins