About the Exhibition
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.
Related Events & Programs
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Tours | For the Birds Don't Miss
Black Birders Week Tour
June 3, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join Chaz Faxton and Indigo Goodson for a morning of birding at the Garden in celebration of the community of Black birders. Learn More about Black Birders Week Tour
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Workshops | For the Birds Don't Miss
Sketching Songbirds in Color Pencil
June 8, 2022 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Preregistration Required
Develop an eye for proportion, detail, and basic avian anatomy and learn to make accurate and lively drawings of songbirds. Learn More about Sketching Songbirds in Color Pencil
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Special Events | For the Birds Don't Miss
For the Birds Opening Celebration
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Celebrate the opening of For the Birds, an exhibition and program series presented in partnership with acclaimed music supervisor Randall Poster. Learn More about For the Birds Opening Celebration
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Workshops | For the Birds Don't Miss
All the Ladies: Get to Know Female Birds
June 12, 2022 | 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. | Preregistration Required
Learn about all the ways you can find and identify the female birds that make New York City home. Learn More about All the Ladies: Get to Know Female Birds
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Tours | For the Birds Don't Miss
Weekend Birding Tours
Select Saturdays & Sundays, June to October | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join our guest experts on these special, hour-long tours through the Garden to look for resident and visiting birds. Learn More about Weekend Birding Tours
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Performances | For the Birds Don't Miss
A Liminal Soundbath for the Birds by Alex Somers, Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore
Monday, June 20, 2022 (Rain date Tuesday, June 21)
7:30–10 p.m. | Ages 14 and over | Ticketed EventBring a mat, find a spot on the grass of Cherry Esplanade, lie back and soak up the multisensory wash of live ambient music. Learn More about A Liminal Soundbath for the Birds by Alex Somers, Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore
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Tours | Evenings | For the Birds Don't Miss
For the Birds Exhibition Guided Tour
Tuesday, June 21 | 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.
Take a guided tour of artist-created birdhouses, then head back to the Rose Garden to listen to music from “For the Birds: The Birdsong Project.” Learn More about For the Birds Exhibition Guided Tour
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Tours | Evenings | For the Birds Don't Miss
For the Birds Exhibition Guided Tour
Tuesday, July 12 | 6 p.m.
Take a guided tour of artist-created birdhouses, then head back to the Herb Garden to listen to music from “For the Birds: The Birdsong Project.” Learn More about For the Birds Exhibition Guided Tour
For Birds & Birders
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Resource List
Field guides, birding communities, and fun links for bird nerds.
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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.
Exhibit Blogs
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The Different Shapes of Home
The 33 birdhouses featured in the Garden’s For the Birds exhibition serve as homages to the artists’ memories of home.
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A Plant Palette for Hungry Birds
A garden for wildlife can also be a beautiful garden. The theme of this year’s Annual Border is plants for the birds.
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A Garden for Hummingbirds
The Discovery Garden displays containers specifically planted for the ruby-throated hummingbird.
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Quiz: Can You Guess the Bird-Related Plant Names?
Guess the bird-related common names of these plants.
The Birdsong Project
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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.
Support
Presenting Sponsor
Weekend Birding Tours Sponsor
With leadership support from:
The Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund