Several good birds were seen this a.m. — Peregrine out toward the Saw Mill Creek Trail, Caspian Tern over the Shorebird Pool, Northern Shovelers in the Shorebird Pool and American Redstarts (also in the Lyndhurst Natutre Reserve). (Thanks, Don!)

Since Tuesday, we have had a light blue Parakeet hanging out in the trees by the Environment Center and the plaza and amphitheater by the Administration Building.

He does not answer to the name "Frosty."

If you are missing a light-blue Parakeet or would like a pet, you are welcome to come to DeKorte and [try to] get him.

We suspect he might have been simply released here — it happens from time to time, unfortunately.

Ray Duffy reports: "I had a Caspian Tern patrolling the river around 6:30-7:15 pm Tuesday night.  I also came across a Sora in the high school marsh near the high school side by the debris gate."

The William D. McDowell Observatory in  DeKorte Park begins another month of programming tonight with free public programs at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. — weather permitting, of course.

Dress for the weather; with the dome open, you are basically outside.

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.

For detailed information, click here.  The full September schedule will be posted when it becomes available.