Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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My First Photo, Featuring a Flicker. I was 8 and had hung my first bird feeder, Created from a Christmas tree stump with drilled holes, Stuffed with a peanut butter-seed mix. I had become very interested in our (New England) birds. I also had a feeling I would be good at photography, Watching my father with his old (then new) Argus camera. Birds began feeding, especially the Flicker, Which greatly attracted me. One Sunday morning while at breakfast, As that Flicker was clinging there on the stump, I shyly asked my father if I might borrow his camera And somehow attempt a photo--somehow. I had never ever snuck up on a bird with a camera. (Remember, telephotos were rare for 'commoners' back then.) He said yes, reviewed the operating instructions, And off I went, out the door into the snow, Being as 'invisible' as I was able. I crossed the driveway and started up the side bank. My untrained, young mind said I had gone far enough. I raised the camera and snapped twice. The bird miraculously remained undisturbed-- Either because of my 'great approaching skills', Or that bird was just plain hungry! The film was developed, and a week(!) later, Surprised us all, delightfully, with my first bird photos-- In fact, with my first photos of any sort. I was hooked and many more photos Continued on from there throughout my life. Frank Maurer 13 December 2025 1955 Hours.