ML619927891

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Continuing unique and **Very Rare** (hybrid) found by Devin and Katelynn Banning. Individual spotted early morning foraging with associating BASW and visiting nest at nearby playground gazebo. Individual with a neat hodgepodge of traits of both species, almost intermediate between Cliff and Barn. Most notably was the broad, buffy rump patch which seemed to wrap around sides indicative of Cliff, contrasting with dark , forked tail ie. Barn. Shorter outer retrices, not the long streamers of Barn Swallow, with only R-5 and R-4 showing white spots/windows. Also unique was the combination of rusty capped forehead - (Barn) and dark throat - (Cliff). Only at perched position was it possible to see the finer detail of a faint but visible pale collar on back of nape with limited white streaks on back - (Cliff). Undertail coverts tended to be pale and buffy with hints of peachy hues not as dark as Barn. Watched these "whizballs" for quite sometime as they would dip and dive over the park foraging and return to visit nesting area. Female BASW frequently settling into nest with Cliff x Barn holding sentry on nearby swing. Truly an amazing find by Devin and Katelynn, albeit a hybrid, still quite the Rare treat with only limited ebird reports nationally. Very curious to see if it truly has paired up with female Barn Swallow. Photos TBA.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

TAMRON 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD A035

ISO

500

Focal length

100 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

910 pixels x 1321 pixels

Original file size

106.08 KB