ML623062856

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Incredible swarm at sunset. I noticed above-average numbers of swallows congregating over the lake as the light waned, initially estimating over 300. A few minutes later, it became apparent that there were far more. A scan from the pavilion yielded a flock of approximately 300 (conservatively) at moderate range, while a much larger flock swirled just behind (slightly further away). As we watched this, dozens of swallows picked insects off the underside of the pavilion, sometimes landing on it, and many others flew just above the lake. I think the actual count was over a thousand, but I am reporting conservatively as 900. The majority of activity occurred from 7:25-7:40, with most swallows dispersed by 7:45. Walking around the lake, there indeed appeared to be distinct groups, possibly loosely sorted by species. I noted several Cliff Swallows in the mix, but they were far outnumbered by the Barns. The closer flock and all the lake birds appeared dominated by Barns approximately 50:1; I couldn’t determine the species of the distant flock, so I have left them as swallow sp. Several videos (available upon request) and photos taken, but many of the further swallows were too distant to be captured well by my phone camera (no binocs or actual camera at the time).

Technical information

Model

iPhone 15

Lens

iPhone 15 back dual wide camera 5.96mm f/1.6

ISO

40

Focal length

6 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.6

Shutter speed

1/121 sec

Dimensions

4032 pixels x 3024 pixels

Original file size

1.28 MB