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Violet-green Swallow (Tachychineta thalassina) in the stonework under our condo. Despite my fears that the building of a new condo on what used to be a vacant lot across the alley on our west side, the VGSWs, far from eschewing their old nesting blocks, appear to back in bigger numbers than ever, and eager to get on with keeping their population thriving! Here we have a male left, and female on the right.

I've been trying to find the best time to shoot them here. They're most active in the morning when the foundation is in shadow. By the time this area is in full sun, they'll either be sleeping or flying. Of course, it won't be long until they're feeding their young. Documenting that period of their summer will be a priority this year.

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Violet-green Swallow (Tachychineta thalassina) in the stonework under our condo. Despite my fears that the building of a new condo on what used to be a vacant lot across the alley on our west side, the VGSWs, far from eschewing their old nesting blocks, appear to back in bigger numbers than ever, and eager to get on with keeping their population thriving!

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Violet-green Swallow (Tachychineta thalassina) rests in a solitary tree near the northeast soccer field of Kelowna Rec Field, Kelowna, BC. It's unusual among the VGs close to home to see perching in the open like this. I spotted this one, likely a female from over a 100 m away and was able to walk up and take my shot. Unfortunately, being closer, at this angle didn't allow me to capture her full colours.... This part of my beat is usually dominated by Northern Rough-winged Swallows (Stelgidopteryx serripennis). Sometimes, however, a VG will consider mixing into their colony.

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Violet-green Swallow (Tachychineta thalassina) rests in a solitary tree near the northeast soccer field of Kelowna Rec Field, Kelowna, BC. Closer proximity doesn't always guarantee better shots....

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