372 



Bird - Lore 



RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH 



the window-frame, or 

 tlie porch columns. 

 Photographing at such 

 a place makes a very un- 

 natural background for 

 a wild bird. Although 

 such a picture may be 

 good for illustrating a 

 talk on the adaptability 

 of birds, it makes a 

 poor nature-picture. 

 Often small Christmas 

 trees are used right at 

 the window; the effect 

 is but Uttle better. 

 Where more freedom is 

 possible, trees about the 

 house or in the orchard 

 are used, thus giving a 

 more natural surround- 

 ing. Still others have 

 stations out in the 

 woods themselves. The 

 disadvantages of this 

 last method are due, 

 first, to the remoteness, 

 which necessitates more 

 time, less comfort while 

 observing, and but spas- 

 m o d i c observations ; 

 and, second, to the 

 environment, as poor 

 lighting for photography 

 — though this can be 

 easily obviated — and 

 depredations by such 

 animals as Crows and 

 squirrels. The advant- 

 ages, on the other hand, 

 are the natural sur- 

 roundings, the greater 

 variety of species, and 

 the healthfulness of th^ 



