I was absolutely delighted to capture these Violet-green Swallow photos at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve last weekend (April 20th, 2025), in Cupertino, California! It’s not often I get such a clear view of them perched against a clean backdrop like this, as they’re usually zipping around in flight. These iridescent birds are truly stunning, and I felt so lucky to have this opportunity to photograph them in a more relaxed moment.
Violet-green Swallows are a familiar sight across much of western North America. Their breeding range stretches from Alaska and Canada down through the western United States and into parts of Mexico. They favor open habitats with access to nesting cavities, which can include woodlands, forests (especially coniferous), cliffs, and even buildings. You’ll often find them in higher elevations during the breeding season. These migratory birds typically head south for the winter, so seeing them back in California is always a sure sign that warmer weather is here to stay!