Here is the plunge. This one is rare because he had just flown to this location and his wings were still spread. Usually they strike with their wings folded.

I spent more than an hour early this morning following this Great Egret as he enjoyed breakfast on the marsh. These birds are simply amazing. This one could catch a fish every five minutes and his miss rate was zero.

Kyle and Seth team up to launch a kite on the beach.

Maya and Maddison won the sand castle building contest with their “kitty” castle.

Nicolai does some birding of his own.

My little sand piper.

Jeanine seems to be happiest when preparing food for hundreds of people. Here she is getting started on a wonderful meat sauce.

Kyle and his buddy Seth relaxing on the porch.

Maya wasted no time connecting with her friend Maddison and making a bee line for the ocean.

Ferry Beach is practically synonomous with croquet. Here, Nicolai coaches one of his friends from last year. For two years running, Jeanine, paired with Seth, was the top Calabria family finisher in the tournament making it to the semi-finals.

I believe this is a Willet, also from Plum Island.

Memorial Day weekend means the family is off to Ferry Beach for our annual weekend retreat with members of the Concord and Lexington UU churches. On the way up to Maine to join Jeanine the kids and two bonus kids (Seth and Cray), I stopped at Plum Island National Wildlife Preserve and came across this Great Egret.

The evening concludes with motorized bumper boats. A terrific time was had by all.

Jeanine congratulates her baby.  Nicolai also expressed his heart felt happiness for Kyle’s recognition. We are both very proud of his courage and determination as well. Maya was primarily focused on her ice cream.