Neither Jeanine or I could identify this little guy. Extra credit for anyone who can. 

I am fairly sure, but not positive, that this is a Least Flycatcher. 

A nicely backlit Greater Yellowlegs. Click on any of the photos for a more detailed view. 

Most of the beach is roped off so that the endangered Piping Plovers can nest undisturbed. I was able to photograph two of them, but the photos are not very good due to the extreme distance. 

This morning I played soccer down in Foxboro against the currently top ranked team in Division 1. We played very well but were only able to manage a 0-0 tie. I had one of my better games but missed a nice header opportunity that would have secured the win. With Jeanine on her retreat, Kyle at his game in the middle of the state, Nico at his friend’s house and Maya at the circus, I decided to drive out to Plum Island for a little nature photography. Here is a nice shot of a Snowy Egret. 

Finally, this is a male Common Carp thrashing around the surface water as part of their spawning behavior. 

Red-Wing Blackbirds are everywhere. 

We also spotted a bunch of Painted Turtles. 

Jeanine is on a retreat with the three girls she is mentoring so I am Mr. Mom this weekend. Maya and I made a visit to Great Meadows before Nicolai’s soccer game. Here we have a Common Grackle. 

This evening, Maya and her friend Julie performed a piano duet at the annual Willard Talent Show. They played the Turkish Rondo. I contributed a slide show set to music featuring photos from prior years in honor of Becky Robichaud, the originator and driving force behind the shows. Afterwards, Maya and I had an ice cream date at Helen’s. 

Maya has taken to the electric scooter like a fish to water. With no prior experience she simply hopped on and took off. 

Caught this little Yellow-Rumped Warbler on the way to work this morning. 

Kyle works on his juggling skills after dinner. 

We have promised to add a dog to our family if the children can care for a stuffed one for 30 days. The routine requires two 10 minute walks per day, one feeding, and two water bowl refills. If they miss a day, then we reset the 30 day clock. If they are late, then the dog poops inside and they have to clean it up (has happened already). So far they have a week of care under their belts and are showing a lot of resolve.