A little something different on the way into work this morning. This is a Northern Water Snake swimming in the marsh. I would say it was about 42 feet long. Perhaps it was somewhat smaller than that but it seemed very big to me. This snake is not poisonous but will bite you if you get too close. Real nature photographers own waders and go into the water to get closer to their subjects. After this mornings encounter, I have decided that I am not that serious.

Jeanine initially thought this might be a wood duck but now is not so sure. I shot this yesterday near the Oxbow Nature Preserve while Kyle was warming up for his match. Technically not a great photo because of the extreme magnification (they were out in the middle of a big pond) but I could not resist the family grouping. >> Our friend CJ has made the ID. This is a female hooded merganser.

Today was my first opportunity to watch Kyle compete in track & field. Concord had a meet with Tyngsboro which is not too far from where I work. I made it to the track just in time to see him run but not enough to set up my camera. Kyle won the 400m in a time of 59 seconds. It was amazing to watch. Kyle broke open a 30m lead in the first 150m and held it for the remainder of the race. Second place was a full 4 seconds behind him. Jeanine, based on her track experience in high school, is claiming full genetic credit for Kyle’s talent in this sport.

Kyle had an opportunity to play forward in his game this afternoon. Here he has a nice little breakaway that resulted in a solid shot on goal.

Nico captures some of the action during my game this morning. We defeated Wellesley 4-2 and I had one assist on a nice cross from the end line.

Nicolai attempts a very dificult scorpion kick (you strike the ball with the back of your heel as it passes over the small of your back). Although he missed this attempt, he played very well and helped his team to a hard fought 1-0 win.

Our little entertainer takes her bow after a wonderful performance.

Maya had a piano recital immediately following her soccer game. Can this be the same girl that had mud caked on her knees half an hour ago?

Kyle asked if I would pay him $1 if he could juggle the ball 200 times without letting it hit the ground. How could I say no? I would wait each time until he got to about 150 and then started saying things to make him laugh. Free entertaiment.

During half-time Maya gets a ride from one of Sarinnagh’s sisters.

Maya celebrates after scoring today in her soccer match.

This is the Virginia Rail. It is about a quarter the size of the King and otherwise shares many of the same characteristics.

Meet the King Rail. This bird is very rare in Massachusetts and quite secretive. He (or she) likes to travel along the edge of the water (usually through the under brush) plucking worms from the mud. Jeanine and I went to Great Meadows this morning and were fortunate to see both the King and Virginia Rail.

How about these rare little birds flitting about the backyard?

I am going to have to consult with Jeanine on this fellow but I am fairly certain it is a catbird.