Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 92.djvu/777

 ���J FOR PRACTICAL WORKERS

��Birds Take Their Own Picture with an Electric Shutter

TO take animal pictures in the open, the camera is placed where from previous observation the animal was frequently seen. If the animal in ques- tion is a bird, the camera is focused upon a nest, or a specially made b i r d - house or bird bath, which the bird has regularly visi- ted for at least a few days. It some- times b e - comes neces- sary to hide and cover up the photog- rapher and the camera. This may easily be effected by making a frame of slats and barrel hoops, covering it with muslin or sack- cloth and painting the structure to re- semble either a boulder or a tree-stump. This hollow structure should be large enough to accommodate the photog- rapher with his camera. A few days prior to its being used it is placed where the animals to be photographed are accustomed to come for food so that they may become accustomed to its presence.

In general it may be stated that no rules can be given governing the tak- ing of animal pictures in their natural habitat. Much must be left to chance, while the imagination and ingenuity of the photographer must be called into play to secure each picture in

���A wood thrush, Tardus MusteJinus, on a Hmb

��a different manner, otherwise the pic- tures, having the same background, might become monotonous. But the fact remains that the animal must al- ways be outwitted in some manner, that its inherent shyness must be overcome by some trick, in order that a satisfactory picture of it may be secured upon the film or plate.

Photographs of animals taken in captiv- ity never give us a complete idea as to their habits. The person desiring to take pictures of animals in their natural en- vironment must thoroughly understand the life and habits of the animal.

The simplest way to secure good pic- tures of wild animals, is to use some kind of a device with which they may take their own photographs. Pictures taken in this way are almost invariably of the first order because they give clear, sharp and distinct negatives. Secured in other ways the pictures are often blurred and indistinct in detail as well as in outline.

A simple device used to take pictures of birds is shown in the illustration. With this device the birds take their own pic- tures. Birds, when flying to the ground

���Picture of a catbird on a post where he tripped the release operating electric shutter

either for food or for a bath, first hop upon a low branch or projection over- looking the place for which they are

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