On a recent walk to the local lake I was walking along the edge for a while and watching for the Spotless Crake that has taken up residence on the small island in the lake. Standing still for a while I happened to look up and on a branch of a dead tree overhanging the lake I noticed a Welcome Swallow. It had just landed and was now grooming in the late afternoon sun-light. It made fast motions and was quite aware of everything around it including me. Butcherbirds were calling so it knew that a possible predator was in the area. The swallow would be very hard to catch in the air but possible to take when on a branch. I have not taken any decent shots of a Swallow in the air so took advantage of one that remained fairly still for a few minutes.
Welcome Swallow, Elsternwick Park Lake, Victoria, 6 April 2015
With fast grooming motions
it gave attention to every long feather
stopped for another quick look around for danger
waggled its tail feathers
gave special attention to the flight feathers
every feather inspected and put back into position
all done…and now another quick flight to catch a snack over the water…
The Gap Year and Beyond 