gs 



AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



shows the birds at the most interesting period is that of catching them 

 caring for their young. The nest furnishes a center of attraction to 

 which they are certain to return, and if arrangements are properly made 

 the desired results may be had without any injury whatever to any of 

 the parties concerned. Occasional snap shots may be had of birds as 

 they hop from twig to twig. I do not wish any one to infer that it is 

 possible to march about the country and snap shot every bird they see. 

 You must bear in mind that all birds are shy, particularly so, if for any 

 reason one wishes to approach closely, as it is necessary to do to secure 

 a picture of any size suitable to show the bird. Another necessity, if 

 this method is to be followed is a reflex camera, that is one in which a 

 mirror is arranged to show the image up to the instant of exposure. 



One of the latest schemes to secure negatives of the elusive bird is a 

 camera trap devised by Mr. Chapman. A perch is arranged so that the 

 weight of the bird that alights upon it will make an electric connection 

 and release the camera shutter. Doubtless many valuable photos will 

 be secured in this way. 



Fig. 



A WOODCHOPPER 



Photo from life. 



I might have provided one more class for bird photos. That is the 

 fraudulent class, birds that are said to be alive, but are not. There 

 seems to be much need for such a class now, judging from the number 

 of photographs that are being forced upon some of the popular month- 

 lies and claimed to be from wild living birds when really they are from 

 mounted ones and some very poorly done at that. In nearly all cases 

 the makers of such photographs will allow some small detail to escape 

 their notice, which to a close observer of birds, would expose the fraud. 



