Last weekend a few graduate students went over to Mendon ponds to catch a glimpse of local birds. They encountered a large mixed flock of nuthatches, titmice, chickadees and sapsuckers as well as a downy woodpecker. Many birds even came to a hand to feed. We plan to go back next week to repeat the walk and bird feeding. We are also keeping an eye on the ephemeral ponds with the hopes of seeing the salamanders emerge to breed when conditions are right.