246 The Woodcock 
proached. I walked to within eight feet of the bird, 
where I remained for an hour before attempting to 
take another photograph, that the bird might become 
thoroughly accustomed to my presence. 
By this time I was really wondering how near I 
could approach the bird before she would leave the 
nest. I went closer, and, following my former tactics, 
that of consuming plenty of time before photographing, 
I finally completed a series of five photographs, ap- 
proaching the bird as closely as I wished. I even 
broke and removed twigs and weeds that were within 
six inches of the bird’s back, and later my friend put 
his hand within an inch of her head before she moved. 
Then she squatted a little lower, and as his hand was 
brought nearer she flew on rapid, vibrant wings, wab- 
bling as only a woodcock can wabble—as beautiful a 
sight as any bird-lover could wish. 
There were four eggs in the nest, which were quickly 
photographed, and we retired that the mother bird 
might return and complete the incubation, for which 
she had so bravely endured, for half a day, the presence 
of two men and a camera. 
The second day after, there were three eggs and one 
fluffy little woodcock. As I believed the other eggs 
would be hatched, I intended to return the following 
day and photograph the four; however, I was detained 
