XIV 



BIRDS OF AMERICA 



young. I have camped on a small, dry mud bank in a great swamp, with no other dry land 

 above water for miles around, being entertained by the nightly concerts of mosquitoes, 

 Ducks, Herons, frogs, and alligators, without the least discomfort or inconvenience. 



There are shelters in which one may remain concealed, varying in construction from 

 the log camp of the sportsman to the bough camp of the Indian, or the " hide " or " blind " 

 of the gunner. The umbrella blind used by bird photographers is an excellent device for 

 watching birds, if set up in the shade. In full sunlight it is about as comfortable as a Turkish 

 bath. If the birds to be watched are very wary it is best to set up the blind and leave it for 

 several hours, that they may become accustomed to it. Then the observer should be accom- 

 panied by one or more persons when he goes to conceal himself within it. When his com- 

 panions leave it will allay the birds' suspicions and curiosity may impel them to close approach. 

 Wooden decoys used in connection with " blinds ", and bird-calls will enable a bird student 







HERBERT K. JOB AT BLIND ON THE LOUISIANA RESERVATION 

 Here he secured wonderful films and pictures of Blue Geese within a few feet 



to lure most shore birds as near to him as they will come to the gunner. A skilfully con- 

 structed blind placed on or near a long sand bar or point of the shore, and a few lumps of 

 mud or turf judiciously distributed on the point, may enable one to get a good view of sev- 

 eral species of wild-fowl. Apparently the flying birds at a distance mistake the clods for 

 some of their number, and come on intending to alight. If wooden decoys were put out, 

 the Ducks might discover their mistake and become suspicious; but on finding the objects 

 to be mere clods, they sometimes will alight. The best decoys are live birds anchored so 

 that they can swim about. Sometimes a single Grebe or Duck in a small pond will attract 

 a flock of several species. Many game birds and water-fowl can be readily baited; but this 

 is a method for those owning estates where birds can be protected, and should not be 

 attempted by any bird student who would assemble the birds thus only to leave them to 

 the tender mercies of the pot-hunter. 



Those who wish to lure the sea birds may have some success with Gulls by putting out 

 fish or offal upon some beach or bar, near a blind; but Gulls may be seen anywhere about 

 the harbors of cities where they are not molested. To attract the birds of the ocean, how- 

 ever, one must go several miles to sea, where by throwing overboard cod livers, or some 

 similar food, several species may be lured near the boat. 



