Barn swallows, Pacific swallows, red-rumped swallows, house swifts, house martins, brown-throated sand martins-all the swallows, swifts and martins are insect eaters. Some build their nests under eaves, some under bridges. The nests come in many different shapes too: some like inverted half-cones, some hemispherical, and some like tunnels open at one or both ends.
"You're back! Taking pictures of birds again?"
"Yup! How many days have the swallows been here?"
Although they are called streets, they are more like little alleys. These last few years I have visited every year, and have long since become a familiar figure to the local people. When I am photographing, they are always anxious to help, bringing out chairs and ladders for me to stand on. They are also eager for me to come and photograph the swallows at their own houses-because, they say, "The nests on our house are nicer looking, and there are more chicks."
In early March, when the barn swallows fly south, they gradually install themselves in this little mountain town. Walking through the narrow streets, you have be careful of the swallows darting this way and that as they anxiously search for suitable places to build their nests. At this time they also begin to appear on stream banks and in paddy fields which are not too deeply flooded, shuttling back and forth to scoop up mud or fetch straw. Males and females alike never return to their nests empty-beaked-they always carry back some wet mud or a piece of straw. They throw themselves into the work of nest building with all their energy. Once they are done, they lay their eggs, and incubate them. When it is time to feed the newly hatched chicks, the adult birds are busier than ever. Faced with five, six or even seven gaping beaks, it is a wonder the parents do not drop from exhaustion. The amazing rate at which they feed the chicks is a testament to the travails of parenthood. After ten to 14 days, the chicks are fledged and leave the nest. Then the adult birds get ready to raise another brood, and if the season is long enough, even a third.
From July onwards the swallows gather into flocks and fly back north. The little mountain town has grown used to these visitors. They are part of the peaceful way of life here.
Birds need to raise chicks. People need to raise children. That's what life's about.
About the photographer
Lin Hsien-tang
Born Tainan, Taiwan
Wild bird and nature photographer
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Barn swallows, Taipei County
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Barn swallows, Taipei County
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House swifts, Tainan County
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Brown-throated sand martins,Chiayi County
Barn swallows, Taipei County.
Barn swallows, Taipei County.
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