56 PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BIRD-LOVERS, 

 outset, the birds exhibit signs of fear, it is advis- 

 able to approach in a zig-zag course, and not to 

 make directly towards them. 



How often when beginning does one just get 

 within a workable distance, but while securing a 

 focus and with success almost within our grasp, a 

 flutter of wings announces the birds' departure, and 

 the failure of a lengthy stalk. In fact, so often 

 does this happen that it would seem as though 

 Fate herself were against the work, but fortunately 

 the fault is generally in us. In the excitement of 

 the moment and the eagerness to secure what has 

 been sought so long, the slow steady movement, 

 the prime factor of success, is almost forgotten. 

 One is kneeling quite still and there seems to be 

 then no fear of making a disturbing movement, 

 nevertheless one's hands are busy with the camera 

 screws, and to reach forward quickly to alter the 

 diaphragm is more than enough to leave one facing 

 a tenantless boulder. 



Stalking a Grouse. 



Now let us suppose the subject to be one from 

 the second group a bird relying for its safety on 

 concealment. We may be quite certain that it is 

 fully aware, and fearful, of our presence long before 

 we detect its whereabouts. It has had its eye on 

 us ever since our heads appeared above its horizon, 



