36 BIRD STUDIES WITH A CAMERA 
made from saplings, may sometimes be erected to 
advantage several days before one expects to attempt 
to photograph the bird, who in the meantime be- 
comes accustomed to it and quickly returns to the 
nest after the real camera has been substituted. 
The artificial tree trunk would doubtless be of 
assistance in some kinds of bird-at-the-nest photog- 
raphy, especially when one desired to secure pictures 
of the old bird feeding its young, and was obliged 
therefore to make the exposure at just the proper 
moment. In most instances, however, there is suffi- 
cient undergrowth in the immediate vicinity to 
afford concealment, from which with the aid of a 
glass one may take note of events. 
With the reflecting camera one may stalk birds 
on foot or with a boat, or “ squeak” them into range 
by kissing the back of the hand vigorously, a sound 
which, during the nesting season especially, arouses 
much curiosity or anxiety in the bird’s mind. 
The decoys, blinds, batteries, sneak boxes, etc., of 
the sportsman are also at the disposal of the hunter 
with a camera, though I must admit that my one 
outing to photograph bay birds over decoys resulted 
in an empty bag. It was in the spring, however, 
when the bay birds surviving had experienced two 
shooting seasons and were exceedingly wild. In the 
fall, with birds born the preceding summer, one 
might be more successful. 
Birds may be sometimes brought within range 
of the camera by baiting them with food, and, after 
they have learned to expect it, placing the camera 
in suitable position. This may be most easily 
done when there is snow on the ground, at which 
