It may not feel like it today, but spring is finally here! Looking for a way to celebrate the change of seasons once the weather finally catches up to the calendar? Why not sign up for a tour of the many colorful bird murals dotting Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights–known officially as the Audubon Mural Project.
The amazing public art project by The National Audubon Society and Gitler & _ Gallery commissions various artists to paint murals of birds threatened by climate change in naturalist John James Audubon's old uptown neighborhood.
Just in time for spring, Audubon's New York City chapter has planned a series of tours that visit 30 of the murals (plus Audubon's grave nearby). The first was last weekend, two more are scheduled in April and May, and there might be even more, so head to the website for all the details.
For those who can't wait for a guided tour, a do-it-yourself walk couldn't be easier. Although the goal of the initiative is to cover the neighborhood with 314 murals, so far there are 82. All have been documented and pinned on a printable map on the main Audubon website, making it a cinch to pick which ones to go and see.
Still daunted by the sheer number of murals? Start with the newest: pictured and listed here are the magical winged creatures that have hatched in the neighborhood this fall and winter. Pick your favorite, and go from there:
Blackburnian Warbler and a Yellow-throated Warbler by George Boorujy
W 157th Street near Broadway
Evening Grosbeak & Black-headed Grosbeak by Ouizi
1805 Amsterdam Avenue between 149th and 150th Streets
Reddish Egret by Matthew Woodward
3604 Broadway between 148th and 149th Streets
Hooded Warbler by GERALUZ
522 W 147th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
Bay-breasted Warbler & Semipalmated Plover by FIFTY/FFTY
3300 Broadway between 133rd and 134th Streets
