36 BIRD STUDIES WITH A CAMERA 



made from saplings, may sometimes be erected to 

 advantage several days before one expects to attempt 

 to photograph the bird, who in the meantime be- 

 comes accustomed to it and quickly returns to the 

 nest after the real camera has been substituted. 



The artificial tree trunk would doubtless be of 

 assistance in some kinds of bird-at-the-nest photog- 

 raphy, especially when one desired to secure pictures 

 of the old bird feeding its young, and was obliged 

 therefore to make the exposure at just the proper 

 moment. In most instances, however, there is suffi- 

 cient undergrowth in the immediate vicinity to 

 afford concealment, from which with the aid of a 

 glass one may take note of events. 



With the reflecting camera one may stalk birds 

 on foot or with a boat, or " squeak " them into range 

 by kissing the back of the hand vigorously, a sound 

 which, during the nesting season especially, arouses 

 much curiosity or anxiety in the bird's mind. 



The decoys, blinds, batteries, sneak boxes, etc., of 

 the sportsman are also at the disposal of the hunter 

 with a camera, though I must admit that my one 

 outing to photograph bay birds over decoys resulted 

 in an empty bag. It was in the spring, however, 

 when the bay birds surviving had experienced two 

 shooting seasons and were exceedingly wild. In the 

 fall, with birds born the preceding summer, one 

 might be more successful. 



Birds may be sometimes brought within range 

 of the camera by baiting them with food, and, after 

 they have learned to expect it, placing the camera 

 in suitable position. This may be most easily 

 done when there is snow on the ground, at which 



