THE REFLECTING CAMERA 207 



alights on a fence-post nearby, and various birds are 

 always liable to come upon one suddenly, or we upon 

 them. A few days before this writing I was stand- 

 ing in the road watching some migrant warblers, in 

 October, when suddenly a Cooper's hawk flew up 

 over the brow of a hill, and, not noticing me, alighted 

 on an open limb a dozen feet from me. If I had 

 been carrying a camera and had had it ready for 

 action, I had plenty of time for a shot before the bird 

 flew. 



The warblers in spring often afford chances, if one 

 will follow them up. For these small birds the sin- 

 gle lens should be used, the curtain open at least half 

 an inch and at moderate tension. Do not try the 

 shot when the bird is in the shade unless it is still, 

 and one can open up a very wide aperture. Ordi- 

 narily it is best to watch for a chance when it moves 

 out into direct sunlight. Winter birds, though com- 

 paratively scarce, are apt to be rather tame and per- 

 mit quite near approach. I have photographed pine 

 grosbeaks by walking right up to them, and also the 

 birds which come to feed at the " lunch-counter." 



In a region where there are more of the larger 

 species, especially swimming and wading birds, some 

 very fascinating sport can be had with the reflecting 

 camera. Either we may try to sneak up to them, or 

 else we may hide in bushes or blind and let the birds 

 themselves approach us. On the Florida coast I have 

 had good success with shore-birds by hiding among 

 the mangroves conveniently close to the water's edge 



