Cliff Swallow

Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Lens (mm): 600 (300mm f2.8 + 2x)
ISO: 640
Aperture: 5.6
Shutter: 1/2000
Exp. Comp.: 0.0
Flash Comp.:
Program: Manual
Focus Mode: AI Servo AF

Cheers
gary

Great wing position and light Gary! The framing is good too. I had a good time and workout photographing swallows with you this morning. I believe this is a Barn Swallow. Sharpness could be a little better, but the 2x can be challenging when it comes to sharpness, particularly when you're hand holding. Thanks for posting!

Pretty tough bird undoubtedly. Exposure looks pretty good, as does wing position, but like Doug has mentioned not as sharp as one would like.

As for the ID: Cliff swallows have a squared tail, whereas barn has a forked tail, which is what you have above.

It is very hard to make an image of a Barn Swallow in flight. I believe that AF did not made it this time and as a result the bird is a little out of focus. Too bad because everything else is very nice. Exposure, eye contact, wing position, everything.

Doug is right on all accounts here, it is a barn swallow (no hand to brain communication) and the 2x does make the photo soft especially hand holding.

Thanks
gary