I was introduced to the joy of birding in Brooklyn's (NYC) Prospect Park, in 1982, by a great (?) grandson of John Muir, who ran the Prospect Park Environmental Council. The Council ran a "Springtime Birds and Beasties" walk, and I was amazed at the variety, and beauty, of the birds that were pointed out on the walk...and hooked. I continue as an active birder, in fact having just participated in the annual Back Yard Bird Count.