Bird Photography

THE purpose of this chapter is to call the attention of the reader to the splendid opportunity offered for taking pictures of those birds which may be attracted around our homes, and to give a few general suggestions regarding the equipment needed and the method of using it. No attempt will be made to treat this subject from a professional standpoint, for the author is but an amateur in this work and does not anticipate that he will be able to contribute much to those who have already had experience in bird-photography, except as another's experience may prove of interest; but to those who have never taken the first step in the fascinating art of bird-photography, perhaps these experiences may prove suggestive.

From the time when the author first became interested in bird-life he looked forward with much anticipation of pleasure to the time when his bird-studies might be pursued with a camera, but the great expense which he had understood was involved in securing the proper equipment seemed to postpone for some time the fulfillment of these desires. It was, therefore, with much gratification that the following statement was found in Job's " Among the Water-Fowl" : " An expensive outfit is entirely unnecessary. In case my own experience may prove an encouragement, let me say that all my pictures in this book were taken with an ordinary 4x5 focusing camera, rapid rectilinear lens, and bellows of 12 inches draw, that cost me less than $20."

Thus encouraged at the possibility of securing the necessary outfit at a small expense, inquiries were made, and through a friend, attention was called to a second-hand outfit adapted to bird-photography, which was secured for about twenty dollars, and which proved fairly well fitted for the purpose. It was a 5 x 7 camera, which is too large and heavy for field work. In this has been used a kit and 4x5 plates altogether. A 4 x 5 camera is better adapted to bird-photography, as it is very seldom that one needs a larger plate, and in tramping through the country the larger size is quite a burden on a hot summer day.

Kind of Camera. -As birds are comparatively small objects, it is necessary for the camera to be placed quite near the object to be photographed in order to secure a sufficiently large image; for this a long draw of bellows and a long focus lens are needed. They are the only absolute requisites. Other improvements which can be secured without much additional expense are the reversible back and the swing back, the first of which will come into frequent use and the second into occasional use in photographing nests; but they are not essential.