192 



The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89 



could have determined many of the more familiar insects with 

 some certainty, though not with that degree of certainty an 

 expert entomologist would were he examining the remains 

 under a microscope. As it was, my attention was given to 

 photographing the home life of the birds, and particularly 

 of the parents, which brings me to the suggestion I would 

 offer. 



As long as we admit that field observations are not carried 

 on with the idea of determining the specific food, I would 

 suggest the use of the camera as an amount determinant, — 



Robin Feeding with Food Massed in the Bill, 

 photo by a. k. cahn 



not that I would leave it to the camera to determine the 

 amount of food administered ; I would use the camera as a 

 check upon the observations made. There are few of our 

 common birds that will not eventually become reconciled to 

 the presence of a camera either artfully concealed or without 

 any attempt at concealment placed three or four feet from the 

 nestlings. If the birds object to the presence of the observ- 



