Despite a very chilly morning (with even a few snow flakes) our birding group, led by George Clark, recorded 26 species (Iist below). When the sun did finally shine through we witnessed the immediate onset of song by birds that were silent beforehand. We had nice views of Brown Creepers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and a Blue-headed Vireo. A pair of White-breasted Nuthatches nesting in a box along the Mink Brook Nature Preserve was a treat. We hoped to spot the black bear female and her 3 cubs, but no luck. For more information on the bears and other Hanover Conservancy Trips visit www.hanoverconservancy.org. Canada Goose Mallard (several pairs) Wood Duck (several pairs) Mourning Dove Belted Kingfisher Hairy or Downy Woodpecker American Crow Blue Jay Black-capped Chickadee White-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper House Wren Winter Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-headed Vireo American Robin Black-and-white Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Northern Cardinal American Goldfinch Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow