Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Barn Swallow at Nisqually Nature Refuge

This barn swallow was sitting out on the edge of a plank on the mile-long boardwalk out into the Nisqually Estuary at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The wetlands were full of life with millions of bugs being eaten by thousands of swallows. Seeing the energetic and agile swallows zoom around was chaotic. I was glad to get this peaceful glimpse at one during a rare break.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Olympia, Washington, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D750
Copyright: © Ben Beehner