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best to set up the blind and leave it for several hours, or 

 even a day, that they may become accustomed to it. The 

 observer should be accompanied by one or more persons when 

 he goes to conceal himself within it. When his companions 

 leave, the birds' suspicions are allayed, and curiosity may 

 impel them to a close approach. Wooden decoys used in con- 

 nection with "blinds," and bird calls will enable an expert to 

 lure most shore birds as near to him as they will come to the 



Decoying shore birds. 



gunner. A skilfully constructed blind placed on or near a 

 long sandbar or point of the shore, and a few lumps of mud or 

 turf judiciously distributed on the point, may enable one to 

 get a good view of the several species of wild fowl. Apparently 

 the flying birds at a distance mistake the clods for some of 

 their own number, and come on, intending to alight. The 

 best decoys are living birds anchored so that they can swim 

 about. Sometimes a single grebe or duck in a small pond will 

 attract a flock of several species. Many game birds and water- 

 fowl may be baited with grain; but this is a method for those 

 owning estates where birds can be protected, and should not be 

 attempted by any bird student who would assemble the birds 

 thus only to leave them to the tender mercies of the pothunter. 

 Those who wish to lure the sea birds may have some success 

 with gulls by putting out fish or offal upon some beach or bar, 

 near a blind; but gulls may be seen anywhere about the 

 harbors of cities where they are not molested. They frequent 

 all places where fish, offal, or garbage are thrown into the 

 water. To attract the birds of the ocean, however, one must 

 go several miles to sea, where, by throwing overboard cod 

 livers, or some similar food, several species may be lured near 

 the boat. 



