The William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park has an exciting month of programming in August — beginning tonight.

Free public access is from 8:30 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 a South Bergenite column by the NJMC’s Jim Wright about the observatory, click here.

For more information about Observatory programming, click here.

Least Bittern seen in Shorebird Pool. Stilt Sandpipers in same vicinity. American White Pelican seen today in usual spot. Ditto Peregrine Falcon, on Saw Mill Creek Trail power line towers.

Also seen in DeKorte by Chris Takacs but too distant too photograph: Wing-tagged Great Egret in Shorebird Pool… If you could get a photo…. (Thanks, Chris!)

Beginning today, the Meadowlands Commission’s Flyway Gallery is hosting a digital illustration exhibit featuring nature and wildlife inspired by the beauty of the Meadowlands.  

The show, “Nature Draws Itself and Other Works of Art,” by Lyndhurst artist E. Jessie Monaco, will be on display  through Thursday, Sept. 25.

The Flyway Gallery is located in the Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park, the home of the NJMC. Continue reading →

We had a delightful Sunday walk in DeKorte Park. The weather cleared up, the birds appeared, and a lot of fine folks participated in the Meadowlands Commission/Bergen County Audubon Society event.

One of the biggest highlights was prolonged great looks at the Least Bittern above, (A big thank you to Roy Woodford for the photo!)

We will post the full list later this week.