Another cold, quiet, January, 92 morning finds me settled in my favorite perch at the head of the Baffle Dam at Quabbin.

And quiet it was. Not a creature was stirring. It occurred to me I might be more comfortable if I were catching some Sun. So I sauntered across the Dam to the Northern side and found a nice spot under a tree a little ways up Mt. Zion. The sun felt good. Quietly, I set up tripod and camera where I had only to lean forward slightly to see through the viewfinder.

Seems like I was sitting only a moment when I heard shuffling of leaves behind me, a sound I've come to recognize. Still I had to resist my impulse to turn. This has got to be more than a few deer, I thought as the sounds came closer. Sitting absolutely still, seemingly forever, the herd finally appeared. Passing within feet of either side of my hideaway I began counting, one, two, three, four...eight or nine anyway? I was surprised they didn't catch my scent, but if they did it didn't disuade them from their course.

Only when I was certain all the herd had passed did I move forward to the eyepiece. Just a slight movement to compose, focus, grab the cable release dangling from the camera and 'click-whir', the first shot.

The largest deer turned toward the sound, they heard that all right! 'Click' and 'whir' went the auto winder, again. A second deer bringing up the rear turned. Both searched, ears pointing in my direction, but they just couldn't find me.

The whole herd started 'flagging' now, tails bidding me farewell. And fare thee well to you! The pace picked up, never really running that fast...more an instinctive reaction to possible danger, but not real danger. I watched, with much enjoyment at this priviledged scene, as they made their way to the far side up into the woods. One more look back by the 'big-guy' and they disappeared into the forest primeval.

"WOW!" I exclaimed audibly, breathing again. Smiling, I thought, "Thank you Lord. What a privilege. Another wondrous day at Quabbin!"

Dick Cooper, Athol, MA 10Aug01