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ON "WAIT AND SEE" PHOTOGRAPHY. 

 Part II.* 



BY 



E. L. TURNER, H.M.B.O.U. 



In March, 1915, I put up two tents by the mere in Holy 

 Island, Northumberland, and spent many days between 

 March and June watchmg and photographing the various 

 species of birds A\'hich came there to feed. 



During those Meeks the aspect of the mere underwent 

 a gradual change. After the winter rains it is a fairly 

 large sheet of open water. By and by the bog-bean 

 pushes up its sturdy stems, and the equiseium its forest 

 of slender spires, until the visible water becomes a 

 mere silver streak meandering through dense aquatic 

 vegetation. 



Almost all the water-fowl concentrate on this, tlie one 

 and only permanent fresh-water pool on the island. By 

 the time the birds have finished fighting for their mates 

 and for territory, or for amusement and a sheer love of 

 fighting, the silent rapid growth of plant-life has provided 

 them with excellent cover for the concealment of their 

 nests. 



Of course, one's best chances of securing photographs 

 are spoiled as soon as the vegetation attahis even a few 

 inches of growth. But the great drawback to this 

 irregular photography lies in the fact that every locality 

 chosen is sure to be dominated by one truculent bird 

 who bullies all the rest. 



After all, the land belongs to the birds. They I're 

 the rightful owiiers of the soil. No photograplicr can 

 pitch his little tent anywhere without infringing the 

 immemorial rights of some bird. The human intruder is 

 more or loss unmoved by the rightful owner's righteous 

 indignation. He means to stay, and smiles a superior 



* For Part I. see the October issue, pp. 102-8. 



