246 The Woodcock 



preached. I walked to within eight feet of the bird, 

 where I remained for an hour before attempting to 

 take another photograph, that the bird might become 

 thoroughly accustomed to my presence. 



By this time I was really wondering how near I 

 could approach the bird before she would leave the 

 nest. I went closer, and, following my former tactics, 

 that of consuming plenty of time before photographing, 

 I finally completed a series of five photographs, ap- 

 proaching the bird as closely as I wished. I even 

 broke and removed twigs and weeds that were within 

 six inches of the bird's back, and later my friend put 

 his hand within an inch of her head before she moved. 

 Then she squatted a little lower, and as his hand was 

 brought nearer she flew on rapid, vibrant wings, wab- 

 bling as only a woodcock can wabble as beautiful a 

 sight as any bird-lover could wish. 



There were four eggs in the nest, which were quickly 

 photographed, and we retired that the mother bird 

 might return and complete the incubation, for which 

 she had so bravely endured, for half a day, the presence 

 of two men and a camera. 



The second day after, there were three eggs and one 

 fluffy little woodcock. As I believed the other eggs 

 would be hatched, I intended to return the following 

 day and photograph the four ; however, I was detained 



