In Memoriam

Last week the New York City birding and conservation community suffered a great loss. Al Ott past away unexpectedly. He was a bear of a man with a personality to match. Al's spirited personality left an indelible imprint in the memories of anyone who spent even just a few minutes with him. Many people will remember him as single-handedly defending Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge from a proposed bicycle path that would have been paved through the refuge's unique natural habitats. His imposing size and deep, powerful voice seemed a stark contrast for he was a gentle man with a quick smile, a twinkle in his eye and playful sense of humor. He had recently begun helping a group of us advocating for the protection of Ridgewood Reservoir. I'll miss him.