Page:Bird-lore Vol 01.djvu/28

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

From a Cabin Window

BY H. W. MENKE

With Photographs from Nature by the Author


DURING the winter of 1897-8 I prospected for Jurassic fossils in Carbon and Albany counties, Wyoming. When cold weather and snow rendered field work impracticable as well as very disagreeable, I made permanent camp for the winter at Aurora. Wyoming,—a mere station on the Union Pacific R. R., an old abandoned section-house serving as my winter quarters.

This part of Wyoming,—at all times dreary and lonely, is strikingly so during winter months. Then snow fills the ravines and lends a level, prairie-like aspect to the landscape. I doubt if there is to be found anywhere a more desolate country

HORNED LARKS AND SNOWFLAKES

than this: at least such was my impression when the novelty of my surroundings had worn off.

Among the various expedients to which I resorted for amusement, was photographing such birds as I could lure around the cabin. That I was not more successful in securing good negatives is due to the difficulties with which I had to contend. Chief of these were the

14