13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Birds on a wire - barn swallows waiting for food

I was exploring St Michael’s Mount, in Cornwall, when I noticed these little swallow chicks (Hirundo rustica) sat on a wire between two of the island’s buildings. They still had some downy feathers and had probably fledged from their nest just a day or two ago. The sun was bright and it was a great chance to get shots of swallows feeding their young which can happen so fast that blink and you'll miss it.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2014
Date Uploaded: 11.2015
Photo Location: Marazion, United Kingdom
Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Copyright: © Paul Williams