Here are a reminder and an announcement for January and February programs to be held in the Mayer Room at the Howe Library in Hanover, NH, and arranged by the Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon. These programs are free and open to the public. 1) At 7:00 PM on Monday January 9, 2012, professional photographer Jim Block will present an illustrated program on "Birding with a Camera". Many of his superb pictures of birds come from familiar locations including a number of Upper Valley birding sites in NH and VT. Budding bird photographers can pick up tips on how to take better pictures without expensive equipment. This program will appeal to anyone interested in birds or photography or natural history. As many readers will know, Jim's photos were used exclusively in preparing the publications for the Connecticut River Birding Trail including the Northern. Upper Valley (now in 2nd edition), and Southern brochures. For spectacular samples from Jim's other photographs, visit http://www.jimblockphoto.com/ 2) At 7:00 PM on Monday, February 6, 2012, the Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon has scheduled an illustrated program on "Coastal Birds - Newfoundland to Florida" to be presented by George Clark. From a region of icebergs in the north south to the subtropical Everglades, coastal birdlife shows remarkable variety and abundance which provide continuing challenges in conservation. This introduction to coastal birds will feature gannets, herons, waterfowl, waders, and other waterbirds in the wild as photographed by the speaker. George Clark Norwich, VT