Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
This species, like its close relative the bank swallow, nests in burrows dug into eroded stream banks, and the vertical faces formed in quarries by digging machines. It is not a colonial nester, however, and in spring is found nesting scattered thinly across suitable habitat.
Look for rough-winged swallows alongside all streams, rivers or canals that have steeply-cut banks, and, of course, in quarries. They often will be seen perching in the open not far from their nesting burrow.
These dull, brownish swallows will often perch for long stretches on dead branches or twigs alongside streams. They're small, so require a close approach for a decent photograph.
By far, the best place to photograph and view this species at close range is from the dike trail that leads north of P Ranch. It follows the Blitzen River, and is also the most reliable spot to see and attempt to photograph bank swallows and bobolink.