Bird Hunting in New York City: The Audubon Mural Project
Did you go camping when you were a kid? I did. Do you have fond memories of sleeping in a tent and fishing in a lake? I don’t. Camping taught me one valuable lesson: that I hate camping. Part of it probably has to do with the fact that camping in Malaysia often involves thick jungle, humid air, mosquitoes, leeches, and ghost stories. And sorry, but Asian ghosts are terrifying.
I’m a city girl, through and through. Do I love nature? Sure. I’d love to go on an African Safari or visit a wildlife sanctuary. But camping out in a wooded park in New Jersey? I’ll pass. So when I say “Let’s go bird hunting!”, I’m meaning for bird murals, of course.
Who is behind the Audubon Mural Project?
Bald Eagle by Peter Daverington for the Audubon Mural Project in New York City
Brown Pelicans by Jason Covert for Audubon Mural Project in New York City
If you love birds and nature, then it’s likely you’ve visited the National Audubon Society’s many centers and sanctuaries all over the country. It’s humbling to learn that it all began in 1896 with a couple of society ladies standing up against the cruel treatment of birds by refusing to wear hats adorned with feathers. Bird lovers rallied, and support grew at a breakneck pace. Local chapters popped up everywhere, and less than ten years later, the National Audubon Society was founded. The non-profit environmental organization has been dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats for over a century.
For the Audubon Mural Project, the National Audubon Society partnered with Harlem art gallery Gitler &_____. Though the gallery has since closed its doors, it still operates a private salon where art can be viewed by appointment.
What is the Audubon Mural Project?
Yellow-headed Blackbird by Don Rimx for Audubon Mural Project in New York City
John James Audubon, the name synonymous with ornithology, spent his decade in a 20-acre (then) rural estate in upper Manhattan. He died at his family and was buried in the graveyard at the Church of the Intercession in the Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum at 155th Street and Broadway in Manhattan.
The Audubon Mural Project sets out to create murals of climate-threatened birds throughout John James Audubon's old stomping grounds in New York City. In 2014, The National Audubon Society issued a Birds and Climate Change Report, which studied how North America’s birds may respond to future climate change. It found potential impact on 314 species. So the goal is to commission artists to paint murals of each of these species to bring awareness to the issue.
The Audubon Mural Project is still very much an ongoing venture. As of September 2020, only 117 of the 314 species have been painted.
Who are the artists participating in the Audubon Mural Project?
Townsend’s Warbler by ATM for Audubon Mural Project in New York City
The artists decorating New York City with these colorful bird murals are as diverse as the animal itself. Well-established street artists like Lexi Bella and Don Rimx, whose murals can be found at popular NYC street art galleries like Bushwick Collective and Welling Court Mural Project, are among them. But there are also international talents like Laura Ramón Frontelo, a Spanish artist who graduated from Central Saint Martins School of Arts in London and has exhibited in renowned galleries such as the Royal Academy of Arts. The artists select which endangered bird they would like to depict. Some are inspired by its beauty, but artist George Boorujy was also motivated by the resilience of the Black-capped Vireo. The bird was considered endangered in 1987 but conservation efforts increased its population, allowing it to be delisted in 2018. Efforts are still necessary to protect it.
How do I find these awesome bird murals?
The murals for the Audubon Mural Project are scattered throughout the Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights neighborhood on gates, doors and walls. You can complete a self-guided tour using the map above. But it should be noted that the artworks painted on gates might not be visible during business hours, so plan your bird hunt strategically. Sunday morning happens to be the perfect time for a mural bird walk!
If you prefer a guided tour; however, Audubon New York conducts mural tours on a limited basis. An Audubon Mural Project Tour is also one of the many offerings during Open House New York Weekend.
How can I support the Audubon Mural Project?
Western Bluebird and Rufous-crowned Sparrow by Shawn Bullen for Audubon Mural Project in New York City
The Audubon Mural Project is still seeking mural sponsors. Donations would fund the artists and help obtain the supplies needed. If you’re interested in offering assistance, email muralproject@audubon.org.
Artists who would like to participate in the New York project should email amp@gitlerand.com.
Conclusion
The National Audubon Society has 30 local chapters and 10 centers, sanctuaries and nature programs in New York State alone. If admiring the bird murals has awakened your inner bird lover, then consider exploring more of the resources the organization has to offer. Or buy a pair of binoculars (“bins” in birder slang, I’m told), download the Audubon Bird Guide app, and just wing it (pun intended!).
Featured photo is courtesy of Audubon.org, Photo: Mike Fernandez/Audubon.
