The William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park begins a new month of programming tonight (Monday, July 2).

Free public access is from 9 to 10:30 on Monday and Wednesday nights  this month — 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.

For more information about free public viewing nights and to check out the observatory's website, click here.

For a South Bergenite column by the NJMC's Jim Wright about the observatory, click here. The observatory will be closed Wednesday, July 4.

We had a great First-Sunday-of-the-Month bird walk yesterday.

Two-dozen folks saw 37 species, including Black-crowned Night Heron and Cedar Waxwing and (naturally!)  Tree Swallow, right.

Full list follows. (Thanks to all who participated in the event — our first-ever NJMC/BCAS monthly walk in 2009!)

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River Barge Park in Carlstadt will be open tonight for all Bergen, Passaic and Hudson County residents who'd like to see the town's Fireworks Display.

Bring your own lawnchairs and (just in case) bug spray.

The fireworks start at 9 p.m. The park's rowing dock will be open if you'd like to sit down by the river (the marina will be closed).

Directions to River Barge Park are on the left-hand column of this blog.

You can download a flyer about the Secaucus fireworks here:

Download 4thjuly-celebration.

DeKorte Park is open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

The Meadowlands Environment Center (Flyway Gallery, Gift Shop and restrooms) is closed on Wednesday, July 4.

The McDowell Observatory is closed the night of July 4.

  It's July, and we are asking for Meadowlands Big Year participants to e-mail us their totals so far (if they have not done so already). 

There's still half a year left, so feel free to jump in and join the fun. It costs nothing to participate, and we are offering some nifty prizes.

If you are competing off the radar, please e-mail Jim Wright at jim.wright (at) njmeadowlands.gov so we know you are out there. 

Much appreciated, and good luck to all.  Thanks to those who have updated their numbers already!

Competition details are here.