Tina Schvejda of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust took this shot last month, great for the dawning of 2010. (Thanks, Tina!)

    The William D. McDowell Observatory in  DeKorte Park begins a new month of programming Monday night with free public programs at 7, 8 and 9 p.m.

   Each evening two major objects in the night sky will be viewed plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions.

    Pictured at left is the observatory's state-of-the-art telescope with a 20-inch mirror,  housed beneath a retractable dome.

  The telescope, one of the largest in the area, is equipped with cameras to record the stars and planets. Special filters block light pollution.

   The observatory is one of the best bargains around. See for yourself!

  For detailed information and the complete January schedule, click here.

   Ron Shields reports: "A late [Thursday] afternoon stop at the Kearny Marsh produced all the usuals plus a secretive Common Moorhen and this lone Wood Duck, which was photographed through the reeds.  A great way to end the year!"  (Thanks, Ron!)

    Chris Takacs reports: "Northern Shrike was seen by many today around  11:30 along Disposal Road outside DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. It was seen halfway between the carillon and the entrance to DeKorte. It flew off to the Saw Mill Trail after providing good looks to many birders."  Thanks, Chris!

   Julie McCall reports: “I ventured out in the snow Thursday morning to see what might be around Disposal Rd. and DeKorte, from about 10:30 a.m. till noon.

  "No positive sighting of the shrike, just a "maybe" flying behind the retention pond, that I couldn't verify due to distance and the falling snow; it might have been a mockingbird.   I also saw no sign of the Merlin that's apparently been in the area during the past week.

  "In DeKorte:  Downy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrows, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, Mallards, Gadwall, Canada Geese (couldn't get good enough views to look for the possible Cackling Goose), Northern Harrier.

   "On Disposal Road: several Northern Harriers, White-throated Sparrows and two surprises: a pair of White-crowned Sparrows and a Yellow-rumped Warbler." (Thanks, Julie!)