Sand Martins on the River Otter

There’s a Sand Martin colony on the River Otter. It’s a consolation prize for me, as there are no Otters here at the moment.

They are exceptionally fast flyers and for a moment I think I’ve forgotten all the practice I did photographing Swifts, Swallows and House Martins in the last two years. Then, like riding a bicycle, it all comes flooding back to me:

They have long wings and a tiny tail and go like a rocket:

Here’s a flying sequence I made into a composite shot to show their flying style and body and wing shape:

I can’t wait to go and see them again, even if there are no Otters on the Otter. It’ll take a while before I get another photograph as good as this one:

Sand Martins on the Teign

And if you’re wondering what that fast-flying insect-eating bird is, here’s my handy guide:

Swifts, Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins – how do you tell them apart?