Welcome Swallow in flight, New Zealand

The welcome swallow derives its name from sailors sighting these birds at sea and anticipating the welcome proximity of land. Symbolically, the swallow’s migratory prowess represents not merely good luck but a love and compassion that endures.

But for a wildlife photographer or avid twitcher, these aerial acrobats are best appreciated when chasing down flying insects mere millimeters over the surfaces of calm water.

As quickly as the swallow swoops down, it ascends and banks away with elongated and forward-swept wingtips that provide torsional flexibility to aid with lift, while outer tail feathers (streamers) act as a rudder to optimize maneuverability.

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Filename: Welcome Swallow_62A3187.jpg
Copyright: Kimball Chen
Image Size: 4194x2797 / 3.0MB; www.keaphotography.org; www.keaphotography.org; welcome swallow swallow flight wingspan reflection lake autumn fall feathers New Zealand
Contained in galleries: Welcome Swallow Pictures - Photos

The welcome swallow derives its name from sailors sighting these birds at sea and anticipating the welcome proximity of land. Symbolically, the swallow’s migratory prowess represents not merely good luck but a love and compassion that endures.<br />
<br />
But for a wildlife photographer or avid twitcher, these aerial acrobats are best appreciated when chasing down flying insects mere millimeters over the surfaces of calm water. <br />
<br />
As quickly as the swallow swoops down, it ascends and banks away with elongated and forward-swept wingtips that provide torsional flexibility to aid with lift, while outer tail feathers (streamers) act as a rudder to optimize maneuverability.