^""'iQu/^J Cameya Craft Notes. I4I 



mirror to reflect the lij^'ht upon the subject is often a solution to 

 overcome the difiiculty. In many cases a snapshot is necessary, 

 for the least breeze will vibrate the down on a nestling, and if a 

 time exposure is attempted a blurred picture is the result. At 

 a later stage in the growth of the young bird it is possible to 

 obtain very pretty and interesting photographs, but it is advisable 

 to enlist the aid of a friend, for very few young birds will remain 

 perched in one position while the photographer is engaged in 

 focussing and adjusting his camera. The best method with a 

 nervous subject is to focus on a matchbox, set the shutter and 

 draw the dark slide, then place the 3'oung bird or birds in position, 

 and at a favourable moment release the shutter. Care should be 

 taken not to allow the direct rays of the sun to fall upon a tender 

 nestUng. Subdued sunlight is productive of the best photographic 

 results. On a bright, sunny day a fine piece of cloth may be used 

 to advantage, as a medium between sun and subject, to diffuse 

 and soften the light. — L. G. Chandler, R.A.O.U. Malvern. 



Stray Feathers. 



Fish-eating Duck. — On 17th May I shot a pair of White-eyed 

 Ducks {Nyroca aiistralis). One had an unusually large neck. 

 Closer investigation disclosed six fish (carp), averaging 2 inches in 

 length, which the bird had evidently just caught. — F. C. Morse. 

 " Coocalla," Cxarah (N.S.W.) 



Drought and Birds. — A dry season in various parts of Australia 

 makes a considerable difference in the ordinary movements of 

 our birds, the want of both water and food causing this. For 

 instance, last season was very dry in the inland districts of 

 Queensland and New South Wales, consequently in this district 

 many birds put in an appearance fully a month earlier than 

 usual. Even take the Channelbill Cuckoo {Scythrops novce- 

 hollandice). It was first noted on 28th August, 1918, whereas we 

 generally first see it towards the end of September. Another 

 interesting thing is that it almost invariably seems to arrive at 

 night. We have had several strange visitors on account of the 

 dry season further inland. — John Hopson, jux. " Dalkeith," 

 Eccleston (N.S.W.) 



* * * 



Pacific Gulls. — It is interesting to notice that on the canal that 

 runs through Koo-wee-rup, in Victoria, and goes inland for a 

 considerable distance from the sea. Pacific Gulls frequently fly 

 up along its course. Only last week I noticed a company of six 

 of these birds flying to the canal headquarters. VVe have to 

 remember that it is all fresh water, and is a good many miles 

 from the sea. In the evening they returned ; two were carrying 



