Birds by the Lake

We have several lakes in our community.  And I love to linger near the shores at twilight and watch the mist rising.  I especially like to watch the antics of the Barn Swallows as they skim just above the water's surface catching insets.

Barn Swallows are amazing birds and nest in the summers throughout the United States.  They are the most common swallow of all.  They are beautiful in flight with their scissor-tails and darting movements.  Legend says that the forked tail came about because the swallows dared to steal fire from the gods and bring it to the people.  The gods were furious at the theft and one of them hurled a fireball at the swallow, burning away its middle tail feathers.

Swallows tend to live in caves or under man-made structures such as bridges, sheds, and (of course) barns.  They carry mud and dab it on the nest until it is large enough.  They are amazing birds and I enjoy them.  I secretly cheer every time they catch an insect.

Typical Barn Swallow nest made of little dabs of mud from the lake.

 The forked tail, punishment for giving fire to humans

 Finally she tires of my being around and shouts for me to go away

The little Barn Swallow fledglings are adorable.  They have white circles around their little mouths and look for the world like they are wearing clown makeup.  Like several other birds, the first brood may stay around to help with subsequent broods.  They are indeed lovely birds.