Bird-Photography for Women 



179 



hood, and modern combination lenses — all these accessories have reduced the 

 difficulties and discomforts to a minimum. But, at the same time, one loses 

 the old intimacy which frequently existed between the photographer and 

 various stray birds. Many a time, when lying on the ground, lightly covered 

 with litter, all kinds of birds have mistaken me for a heap of rubbish. Once 

 two Cuckoos sat on my head; a Sedge Warbler, on another occasion, sat 

 there and sang to me. One day a Snipe alighted on my shoulder and uttered 



BLACK-THROATED LOON' APPROACHING NEST 



his creaking call-note, which was a curious and weird experience; because the 

 bird seemed to vibrate inside, like unoiled machinery. He also prodded my 

 face with his long, sensitive bill. The hiding tent has done away with aL 

 this. One now sits in comparative ease, notebook in hand, with theimos 

 flask and sandwiches, and sometimes a novel. 



But, in spite of many improvements, the necessary kit, even if only a 

 quarter-plate outfit, is heavy for a woman to carry (unless she is very muscular) 

 without assistance. Transport is often a difficulty in out-of-the-way places, 



