Find Audubon's Masterpieces in Central Park!

Northern Saw whet Owl, one of the many birds that can be seen in Central Park. [John James Audubon (1785–1851) *Northern Saw-whet Owl* (Aegolius acadicus), Havell pl. 199, ca. 1833. Watercolor, graphite, pastel, black chalk, gouache, and black ink on paper, laid on card; 20 1/2 x 13 1/8 in. (52.1 x 33.3 cm). Purchased for the Society by public subscription from Mrs. John J. Audubon, 1863.17.199]

On March 21, Audubon’s Aviary:Parts Unknown will open at the New-York Historical Society, featuring over 100 of Audubon’s watercolors for The Birds of America. Some of these birds will seem exotic to North Americans, but did you know that many of them can be found in the city’s own backyard: Central Park?

Some birds are familiar to most people, like the Canada Goose, Mallard, and the American Tree Sparrow. But Central Park is also home to some more majestic birds, like the Great Blue Heron and the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Last year, I even found a Black-crowned Night Heron there while on my lunch break!

1016592_10100223044673509_644585522_n — Black-crowned Night Heron in Central Park [Photo by Jaya Saxena]

John James Audubon (1785–1851) Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Havell pl. 236, 1832 Watercolor, gouache, black ink, graphite, pastel, and collage with scratching out and selective glazing on paper, laid on card; 25 7/16 x 37 7/8 in. (64.6 x 96.2 cm) Purchased for the Society by public subscription from Mrs. John J. Audubon, 1863.17.236 — John James Audubon (1785–1851), *Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)*, Havell pl. 236, 1832. Watercolor, gouache, black ink, graphite, pastel, and collage with scratching out and selective glazing on paper, laid on card; 25 7/16 x 37 7/8 in. (64.6 x 96.2 cm). Purchased for the Society by public subscription from Mrs. John J. Audubon, 1863.17.236

There are numerous birding groups that traverse the park in search of these glorious birds. Tell us, what have you found?

Photos: New York Is A Winter Wonderland, No Matter The Year

January 2, 2014

New York is a magical place in the winter—just look at the snow outside right now! From the holiday decorations to ice skating in Central Park, there's always something fun to do in the winter, even if it's just watching the snowflakes fall outside your window. Below are some of our favorite images of the city in winters past. Recognize this structure? From 1896 to 1941, Castle Garden (now known as Castle Clinton) served as the Battery...Read More

For Red-Tailed Hawks, Skyscrapers Are Just Cliffs

December 4, 2012

As we've mentioned before, John James Audubon often depicted the dark side of nature through birds of prey. His watercolor of two Red-Tailed Hawks shows two of the birds fighting over a fresh kill, a common sight in bird territory. However, many people assume that a bird's habitat is a secluded forest or cliffside. Not so in New York City! One readers tells us he spotted a Red-Tailed Hawk on his apartment building, saying, "For them, tall...Read More

Meet Audubon’s Assistant Painter: Maria Martin Bachman

April 10, 2015

Currently on display at New-York Historical is the final installment of the three-year series featuring all of John James Audubon’s original watercolor models for The Birds of America. Because of their fragility, this is your last chance to catch these stunning works. So don’t miss out—come see Audubon’s Aviary: The Final Flight and perch with flock (through May 10). Considered America’s first great watercolorist, John James Audubon pioneered innovative artistic techniques and for the first time...Read More

Blog Icon

About

Find Audubon’s Masterpieces in Central Park!

Museum & Library Map

Address

Hours

Museum galleries and Museum store

Patricia D. Klingenstein Library

Leave a Reply Cancel reply