BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY 9 



consequent lack of depth of focus that is unfortu- 

 nately inseparable from such conditions. 



To photograph the parent bird sitting is difficult 

 or easy according to the disposition of the bird, 

 which varies not only with the different species, 

 but with individuals of the same species. Usually 

 the brown thrasher, the wood thrush, or the catbird 

 wiU sit close, and allow the camera to be placed 

 within a few feet of them while they are on the 

 nest ; but I have seen exceptions, which go to 

 prove that success depends largely upon the 

 peculiar disposition of the bird itself. People, as a 

 rule, think that, because a bird builds its nest in 

 the immediate vicinity of a house, it is necessarily 

 tamer than one that chooses the quiet seclusion 

 of the woods. This has not been my experience, 

 for the tamest birds I have ever known were those 

 that nested in places comparatively remote from 

 human habitation. 



When the fledglings leave their nest, the bird 

 photographer should be on hand, for then it is that 

 he can obtain the best pictures, as the youngsters 

 may be put on any perch that best suits his fancy, 

 and a place where there is sufficient light may be 

 chosen. For the benefit of those who might wish 

 to try their hand at this fascinating branch of 

 photography I give the following suggestions : — 



Select a branch or briar of suitable shape and 

 size — and young birds prefer a fairly thick perch. 

 This should be arranged so that it will not be 

 swayed by the wind, lest the branch move and the 

 birds be out of focus. Bright sunlight is necessary, 

 as the exposure must not exceed one-fiftieth of a 



