Bird of the Week – Bank Swallow
Yep, another swallow. This one more correctly named, because uniquely among Alaska swallows, it excavates a nesting cavity in a dirt bank.
Bank Swallow Posing at Nest Entrance, Chevak in the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
The Bank Swallow’s scientific name – Riparia riparia – neatly describes its preference for nesting in the lakeside and streamside (riparian) banks and bluffs of lakes, rivers and streams. This is a highly social land-bird with a Holarctic (Eastern and Western Hemispheres) breeding distribution. It nests in colonies ranging from 10 to almost 2,000 active nests. One of only a few passerines with an almost cosmopolitan distribution, it is one of the most widely distributed swallows in the world. In the Old World, this species is known as the Sand Martin.
In Alaska, nest cavities average about three feet deep; an impressive feat of excavation for a bird with no specialized adaptation for the task.
Camera geek stuff: f5.7, 1/250, ISO500
For more bird photos, please visit Frozen Feather Images.
http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/scalias-conflict-interest-airlines-frequent-flyer-status
Dead Justice Scalia has had 280 paid for junkets in the last 12 years. His last one was all expenses paid to the hunting lodge where he expired. The owner paid for the trip. The owner also had a case in front os Scalia recently,and won. Coincidence? Of course,this is all supposedly legal,but it stinks to know and have it shoved in our faces that justice can be bought and [paid for.
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/142538/20160320/first-new-butterfly-species-found-in-alaska-in-28-years-may-be-ancient-hybrid-researchers-claim.htm
Congrats, Alaska on new butterfly finding. Now can you find a way to vote wingnuts out of office before they can do anymore economic and personal damage to your great state?
They nest in the cliffs along Lake Ontario.
See them along inland rivers in iowa. iowa does have an opening to the Gulf of Mexico(via the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers) No oceanfront or actual sandy beaches,though.
Next time you flyover iowa,find Section 23,Highland Township,Obrien,Co iowa (I’m the only occupant on this section) and wave. I will prolly see you waving. 🙂