Randolph Schutz has been birding since the 1980's. Trained as a pediatritian, he quickly moved into psychiatry, then psychotherapy, and currently works as a coach. He writes poety, speaks French, paints watercolors, is fascinated by the workings of the human mind, entranced by everything living and loves birds, though when there's an interesting plant around he'll head for that, too. He has birded extensively around the metropolitan area, birds Central Park regularly and frequently, and has led both formal and informal birding groups for years. He birds in all seasons and most weathers, and while he loves unusual birds he's been known to be hypnotized by titmice and sparrows.
Please dress comfortably and bring water and a snack and, if possible, binoculars. If you are new to birding, you will be given a few pointers about using binoculars and doing birding. Randy Schutz on binoculars:
"As far as buying binoculars goes, I've had good luck with B&H, 34th and 8th Ave I believe. I know they have a website, too. Their salespeople are generally knowledgeable, good mannered, helpful and indulgent, so one can try out any number of things before deciding. It's undoubtedly possible to get better prices if one is willing to shop online and put oneself out, but otherwise theirs are pretty near as good as one is going to get. I should add that I've been told one should ask to speak with 'Binocular Bob' when one goes to B&H."
Bob Gelber is a New Yorker born and bred. He is a licensed NYC tour guide and "Big Apple Greeter " volunteering for the City of New York offering greets to visiting tourists from all over the world. Additionally, he volunteers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art escorting visiting dignitaries throughout the museum. In his spare time he creates tours of New York City for the public. Formally, for over 30 years, he was a law librarian for the New York State Court System.