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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.kootenay-lake.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/swallow160821s2.jpg\")
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A blur flew past me over the calm waters at the mouth of Kokanee Creek. At first, it could have been almost any smallish bird: sandpiper, kingfisher, kingbird, any of a half-dozen local swallows. For five minutes it banked and swooped over the water apparently hunting insects. Although it remained a blur, its behaviour suggested a swallow.<\/p>\n
I repeatedly tried to take its picture, but it flew too close and fast. Repeatedly, by the time I clicked, the bird had moved out of the picture. On the few occasions it appeared, it was badly out of focus — except for one clear shot. Yep, it was a swallow, and a juvenile, but which one?<\/p>\n
It was a problem: Species identification seemed to change depending upon the portion of the bird being examined. I was out of my depth even though there were few choices. Eventually, the picture was shared among five experienced birders, and while acknowledging some inconsistencies, the conclusion was that the mysterious bird was a juvenile Cliff Swallow. Indeed, I know of a nesting site for Cliff Swallows only eight kilometres from this spot.<\/p>\n
The mysterious bird scouring the air for insects is revealed to be a juvenile Cliff Swallow.
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A blur flew past me over the calm waters at the mouth of Kokanee Creek. At first, it could have been almost any smallish bird: sandpiper, kingfisher, kingbird, any of a half-dozen local swallows. For five minutes it banked … Continue reading