Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Eleven Primaries Allow Flight. For many decades I have taught children (and some adults) That the first flight feathers (primaries) on the wing of a bird Number eleven in most birds, with another eleven or so, Comprising the secondaries on the rear of the wing. Could there be a tertiary? Yes, rarely, but they exist. The Mandarin Duck of Asia has such a feather Poking up towards the rear of the wing! Our Wood Duck, the only member of the genus, Aix, And 'cousin' to the Mandarin, is devoid of this extra ornament. Studies of dinosaurs and the phenomenon of flight Has been studied by paleontologists, And nine to eleven feathers appear crucial for flight, Enabling those later dinosaurs which evolved to birds. The full story is more complex, but there is no doubt That some dinosaurs really were able to fly. So, as you observe a bird flying past you, Take a moment to pause and realize the special sight before you, Which binds our present time with the wondrous history Of the ever-evolving life on our Blue Planet. Frank Maurer 18 February 2024 0040 Hours.