While walking along the beach path at Curl Curl, I spotted a few little birds perched on the cables overhead. I snapped some shots and took them home to consult my bird book. At first I thought the birds were Welcome Swallows, but then I noticed the black band across the bird’s chest. I think they’re Barn Swallows, which are less common this far down the east coast of Australia.

Barn Swallows are widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America. In Australia, they’re mostly seen in north-east Queensland and around Darwin in the north west.

Common name: Barn Swallow

Scientific name: Hirundo rustica

Approximate length: 14-17 cm

Date spotted: 22 March 2020 (late summer)

Location: Curl Curl, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’28.6″S 151°17’34.1″E