Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena

Photo 1

Welcome Swallows are often seen in Tenterfield but usually in smaller numbers. Yesterday when I was taking some photos of the Tenterfield creek I came across these two birds. The two birds look like a breeding pair, and the bird on the right looks pregnant/about to lay eggs soon. The bird on the left kept a look out for danger as the other bird seemed to be collecting mud for the nest. Or is she eating insects in the mud? The photos were taken moments after the video was taken.

Without taking photos of these type of birds it is difficult to tell which species is which, as there are several species of Woodswallows and Swallows/Swifts in Tenterfield. They all move quickly and are usually flying about chasing insects. I believe the Swallows I have seen flying over my backyard in Summer may be this same pair. If this is indeed the case then it is probable that these particular Wood Swallows breed twice a year, in Summer and Winter.

Photo 2

Photo 3

The video I took which was taken first.