It is netting. I have this stuff over my balcony. In fact most of the experienced one do. when I first moved in here there was a pidgeo problem. I have no problem with pidgeons BUT they hang out on the baccony and leave their leavings there. I see and focus through the netting and often forget to take the stuff down when I take picture. Bummer that. I was happy to get the lightning though. It's not the best. But considering the first 12 pictures didn't advance the film. I suppose I was lucky. We don't often get lightning as close as that. Too bad about the advance of the film I think I lost some real good ones!!! But then I also didn't get struck! Bsteph