For the Birds - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

About the Exhibition

For the Birds

June 11–October 23, 2022

For the Birds is a multidisciplinary exhibition and program series inspired by the Garden’s resident birds, as well as “For the Birds: The Birdsong Project,” a multialbum set of original recordings celebrating birds by 200-plus artists, compiled by Randall Poster.

Through both scientific and artistic lenses, For the Birds explores the connections between birds and plants.

Birdhouses

For the Birds is centered around a Garden-wide outdoor exhibition of dozens of site-specific birdhouses created by artists of international renown. Inspired by bird species in residence at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, each birdhouse provides an opportunity to learn more about birds and their habitats through the eyes of artists working with a variety of materials and points of view.

Three raised platforms each planted with grasses and flowers.
A rendering of a pole supporting a marble platform and tube with birds around it.
A papier maché egg with an opening for birds.
A birdhouse with several stories in natural wood.
Three squat, bottle-shaped, birdhouses on a platform among green leaves.
A birdhouse in the shape of an apartment bloc.
a red plywood birdhouse with a white Swiss cross
A circular wooden birdhouse with four bird holes carved into it.

Related Events & Programs

For Birds & Birders

  • A small yellow bird faces downward while perched on the end of a thin woody conifer branch.

    Birding 101: It’s Way Easier Than You Think

    How to become a birder.

    Birding 101

  • A large white bird with a long neck and orange beak stands with its reflection in a shallow pond of water.

    Resource List

    Field guides, birding communities, and fun links for bird nerds.

    Resources for Birders

  • a Carolina wren with insect prey

    Birds of Brooklyn

    The Birds of Brooklyn blog series looks at some of the most familiar and fascinating birds that call Kings County their habitat.

    Birds of Brooklyn

Exhibit Blogs

The Birdsong Project

  • A record album cover in red woodgrain with an illustration of a bird and the words For the Birds: The Birdsong Project

    For the Birds is a joint project with acclaimed music supervisor Randall Poster. During the most isolating times of COVID-19, Poster, like many, sought out nature as a respite. The wonder of birds inspired him to gather friends and colleagues to celebrate and protect birds and their habitats.

    The result, “For the Birds: The Birdsong Project,” is an art-filled, 20-LP box set with contributions from over 200 acclaimed musicians, poets, visual artists, historians, and actors. Proceeds from the album benefit the National Audubon Society.

    The Birdsong Project

Support

Presenting Sponsor

Logo: Warby Parker

Weekend Birding Tours Sponsor

Logo: Harry's

With leadership support from:

The Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund

Image, top of page: Eva Melady