At this time of year, Bank Swallow parents are kept very busy ferrying insects to their chicks. Here are four pictures of the feeding of one group of chicks.
A parent approaches five chicks, each demanding that it be fed.
The frenzy at the opening is intense as the chicks kick up dust while they compete for attention.
And a little bit for you also.
The parent heads out to capture more insects. And so it goes throughout the day.
I have seen many pictures of parent birds feeding their young but I have never before seen Bank Swallow chicks being fed. These pictures are excellent!
Jim, each year for the past some time, I have tried to get satisfactory shots of Bank Swallow chicks being fed. My technique must be improving.
These are great photos. That number of hungry young must certainly keep the parents busy!
Joanne, the chicks are not always busy—there are long periods when they are deep in the cavities. But, that is when the parents are out hunting, so, the activities never seem to stop for the harried parents.
Love their little open mouths in that first one.
Lisa, that first picture was the only one I bothered to process for a couple of days; it is my favourite.