SPOTTED FLYCATCHER 15 



eight days, and I have heard country folks say, 

 that during this period is the best time to hear him 

 sing, because he is then expecting his Nightingirl. 



When walking through the wood a little bird 

 will often be met with sitting on a dead branch or 

 on a fence ; presently it flies a short distance, makes 

 many evolutions in the air and returns to its perch. 

 Time after time this performance is repeated, the 

 performer always returning to the same place. 

 The Spotted Flycatcher that being its name- 

 is a very interesting little fellow to take notice of, 

 and there certainly could not be a better subject 

 to photograph while sitting on its nest, taking little 

 more notice of the camera than it would do of a 

 tree or any other natural object. 



I have placed my camera in front of the Fly- 

 catcher's nest, focussed it, and retired a few paces 

 with the pneumatic tube, and the bird has presently 

 returned. Going towards the camera to change 

 the plate had very little effect beyond causing the 

 hen to leave the nest for a branch just above, and 

 then to return immediately I had left. Sometimes 

 the bird will let you stroke her before she will leave 

 the eggs. 



The Flycatcher commences building almost at 

 the date of arrival in this country, the same nesting 

 site being chosen year after year. Not a bit shy in 



