This beautiful irridescent bird is one of many that live in the artificial gourds at the area where we have our science camp. They are important insect eaters.
Palo Alto, CA July 2, 2008 I was happy to see this Barn Swallow resting on a bridge, they are nearly impossible to photograph in flight! I saw this bird at the Palo Alto Baylands, but they can be found over most of the U.S. They catch insects while they are flying.
This display at the visitor center at the Palo Alto Baylands shows the difference between Barn and Cliff Swallows. The Cliff Swallows had mud nests built in the rafters of the building. It was fun to watch them zoom in and out of the nests to feed their chicks.