Tree Swallow

Soaring through the sky~

This is a tree swallow, or Tachycineta bicolor. Up until about a decade ago, it was thought that small songbirds did not soar, “due to their smaller musculature and wings. Gliding would reduce the flight speed, so it was assumed.” This was overturned by studies done in Israel — not observing tree sparrows, but European bee-eaters — that showed no indication of decreased speed while gliding, meaning that birds small and large use soaring and gliding to save energy without having to slow down. (source)

Photo taken: Jun. 20, 2021

Tree Swallow

A rusted-out hole in a metal beam makes for a good nest, I guess.

This is a tree swallow, or Tachycineta bicolor. It was initially classified as Hirundo bicolor in 1807, but corrected to the current Tachycineta genus in 1850. In 1882, Elliott Coues proposed that the genus be “corrected” to Iridoprocne on the basis of plumage, but this is contradicted by genetic evidence. On a side note, Iridoprocne comes from the Greek “iris” (rainbow) and “Procne“, who was turned into a sparrow in a less-than-savory Greek myth.

Photo taken: Jun. 20, 2021

Redbuds

I feel like I should work on these shots more, but spring provides plenty of opportunities!

This flowers are from the redbud, or Cercis canadensis.

Photo taken: May 2, 2021