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2017 Wildlife Photo Contest

Barn Swallow, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
Beautiful Plummage

Species: Barn Swallow | Location: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America

By Denise Dost

Picture was taken at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, PA, USA. The barn swallows are numerous here during the summer months and they are so quick when flying. I have only been able to obtain pictures of them when they take a break on the railing of the boardwalk over the lake.

About The Photographer

Cropped dscn5143
After retiring in 2012, I decided to take up a hobby. My husband bought me a Nikon P600 to take pictures of wildlife, but more specifically, birds. This camera is a major upgrade from my previous Easy Share! We have both enjoyed visiting wildlife refuges in our area and are lucky to have some excellent ones not too far from home. I am still a beginner at this, but it is a great adventure and always a pleasure to view a new bird! Many barn swallows spend their summer at John Heinz NWR in Philadelphia. I love watching them, but have been unable to obtain a picture of them in flight - they are just too fast for me. They are so numerous at Heinz during the summer that you have to make sure that they don't fly into you. Wonderful aerial acrobats!
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