Maya sporting a new spring dress which matches her favorite sneakers. 

I have been trying for some time to get a really good picture of a Great Blue Herron in flight. Today on the way into work I lucked upon this very cooperative subject. I just love my commute. I apologize for all the recent bird photos. There is a very brief window of time each spring before the trees leaf out and while the birds are distracted by thoughts of love when really good photos are possible. In a week or two I will be back to the incessant stream of soccer photos of the kids. 

My favorite shot of the day and perhaps my favorite photo so far this year. I was in the right place, at the right time, with the right lens, and nice lighting. 

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.