Sandy Sorkin writes: "Frequently on cold mornings, the only birds to be seen are ducks.  

"The Green-winged Teal are still there in the hundreds along with smaller numbers of Gadwall, Northern shovelers and Northern Pintails.  

"A handful of Greater Yellowlegs are still hanging around with few raptors to be seen.  The Canvasbacks have not arrived yet, so I guess it is not officially winter."  (Thanks,Sandy!)

The William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park begins a new schedule of programming on tonight with free public access at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. — weather permitting, of course.

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

Each evening at least two major objects in the night sky will be viewed, plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions. Note: Monday, Dec. 20, and Wednesday, Dec. 22, the Moon will be full.

For the complete December schedule and more information about free public viewing nights, click here.

For a South Bergenite column by the NJMC's Jim Wright about the observatory, click here.