Migratory Pathways, a new mural trail in Red Hook Park, invites visitors to explore the story of migration through colorful depictions of Brooklyn’s native birds and plants.
The mural, part of the Audubon Mural Project, features eight native birds and eight native plants along a 963-foot retaining wall in the park. The National Audubon Society, Red Hook Conservancy, NYC Parks Department and Monarch Foundation worked together to bring the mural trail to life.
George Boorujy, a Brooklyn resident and artist, was selected to paint the mural. His work explores themes of climate change, the environment and members of the animal kingdom.
“ When I moved to New York, I thought that there would be no wildlife, but then I realized there actually is a ton of wildlife here,” Boorujy said. “And when you then start shifting your gaze, you realize how varied the bird life is here.”
According to the NYC Bird Alliance, more than 400 bird species have been recorded in New York City, with over 200 living there seasonally.
Boorujy carefully arranged each bird on the mural based on the length of its migration. It begins with the Eastern Meadowlark, which pops back and forth from New Jersey, and ends with the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, which makes the incredible journey from Venezuela to the city.
“When you start noticing and learning about the things in the environment that you actually live in, it does make your environment richer,” said Boorujy.
“ They’re our neighbors. They’re also New Yorkers,” he added.
These birds are New Yorkers for at least part of the year. Their migration patterns take them all over the world, including Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba and El Salvador.
The birds featured in the mural were chosen to highlight native species and raise awareness of climate change’s impact on the environment. According to Audubon’s “Survival By Degrees” report, all of them are considered threatened by climate change.
From the Great Crested Flycatcher to the Yellow-rumped Warbler, birds that frequent New York are losing habitat, facing food shortages and experiencing more severe natural disasters.
Native plants sustain migrating birds as they enter the city. The mural colorfully highlights species such as fragrant sumac, sweetgum, Virginia creeper, Canada goldenrod, black-eyed Susan, hairy aster, upright sedge and lowbush blueberry.
The Migratory Pathways mural begins on Bay Street, stretching from Hicks Street to Clinton Street. It will remain on display until July 7, 2025. For a map of the mural and a full list of public artworks featured in the Winter with NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program, visit the Arts in the Parks website.
