The Blue Bolt: A Rare Moment with the Tree Swallow
- Lance Ripka
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
If you’ve been looking at the Pennsylvania skies lately, you’ve likely seen them: shimmering, iridescent streaks of blue and white cutting through the air with acrobatic precision. The Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) is a true marvel of aeronautics, but for most of us backyard birders, they are little more than a high-speed blur.
That’s why these shots from felusproductions.com are such a treat. Finding a Tree Swallow willing to model on a branch is like catching lightning in a bottle.
The Art of the Aerial Chase
Tree Swallows are famous for their "aerial foraging." Unlike the robins or finches in your yard that might hop around the grass or wait patiently at a feeder, these swallows live life in the fast lane. They feed almost exclusively on the wing, snatching insects out of mid-air with incredible agility.
Because they spend the vast majority of their daylight hours swooping over fields and ponds, seeing them sitting still is a rare gift. It’s only in these quiet moments of perching that you can truly appreciate their stunning plumage:
The Shimmer:
That deep, metallic teal-blue back that shifts in the light.
The Contrast:
A crisp, snow-white breast that makes them stand out against the early spring branches.
The "Mask":
The subtle dark line through the eye that gives them a focused, intense expression.
Welcoming Them to Your PA Backyard
While they are constant movers, you can encourage these beauties to take a breather on your property. In Pennsylvania, Tree Swallows are big fans of open spaces near water.
Pro-Tip: They are one of the few species that will readily use nest boxes. If you have a Bluebird box, don't be surprised if a pair of Tree Swallows tries to move in! They often live peacefully as "neighbors" if you place two boxes about 15–20 feet apart—one for the Bluebirds and one for the Swallows.
Captured in Reflection
These photos capture the essence of a bird that is usually too fast for the human eye to track. Whether they are resting between hunts or scouting for a nesting site, there is something peaceful about seeing such a high-energy creature at rest.
Keep your binoculars handy and your eyes on the treeline this week. You might just catch a glimpse of that iridescent blue before it disappears back into the clouds.
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