Swallows to Swifts ID Videos

Welcome to a new approach to identifying the Birds of North America.



Standard field guides include photos or drawings but these static methods of portraying birds do not depict their actual behavior or habitat. Bob Hamblin’s Birding ID Videos show North American birds in their natural surroundings and engaged in natural behavior.



This book features 15 species of North American Swallows, Nightjars and Swifts. The video for each species averages 1 minute 22 seconds in length. The total run time is 20 minutes 27 seconds. The species list includes:



Bank Swallow • Barn Swallow • Cave Swallow • Cliff Swallow • Northern Rough-winged Swallow • Tree Swallow • Violet-green Swallow • Purple Martin • Common Nighthawk • Lesser Nighthawk • Common Poorwill • Black Swift • Chimney Swift • Vaux's Swift • White-throated Swift


All species accounts include live action video, range maps and professionally recorded narratives that describe field marks, behavior and habitat. Audio recordings of songs and calls are included for many birds.


All of the information in Bob’s videos has received extensive ornithological review, most notably by Paul Lehman, the former editor of the American Birding Association’s (ABA) Birding magazine.


Watching Bob’s videos is a proven way to sharpen your birding skills. It’s like being in the field with your binoculars on the bird and a naturalist at your side.



These videos are great teaching aids. I envy the new birders who will get a head start in their birding careers because of your efforts. Such a fine learning tool…Marv Breece, Washington State Big Year Record Holder, 2001 - 2011



Bob Hamblin is a videographer who has been photographing the birds of North America for more than 30 years. He has traveled over 300,000 miles doing field work in all the U.S. states and most Canadian provinces.


In total, Bob has recorded 622 North American species. His videos often include courtship and territorial displays, nesting behavior and bird interactions with other animals.


Bob has previously sold his work through the ABA with almost 15% of the membership making a purchase.


As a birder who has participated in over 30 Audubon counts, I found Bob’s videos to be an informative and practical way for me to improve my birding skills…Kit Muehlman