Copy of NEW YORK WILDLIFE
The New York Wildlife project celebrates the rich and diverse wildlife inhabiting urban New York and New York State. The project raises awareness of over 100 species, including vulnerable species, and raises funds for local conservation organisations.
Led by artist and Drawing for the Planet founder Jane Lee McCracken, over 150 children from Riverdale Country School and P.S. 49 The Willis Avenue School were invited to learn about and create ballpoint pen drawings of local wildlife in workshops delivered by Jane and project ambassador Kaitlyn Helf. As part of the project Jane has created composite artworks featuring the children’s drawings. DftP will present printed murals of the artworks to both schools in fall, 2024.
Scroll down to view the page sections:
- The Artworks: Riverdale Country School and P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School murals
- The Wildlife: learn about New York's epic wildlife illustrated by a selection of drawings
- New York Conservation Organisations: find out about the organisations DftP is supporting through the project
THE PROJECT
OVERVIEW
Jane created the New York Wildlife project in 2024 following an enquiry from Kaitlyn Helf, a high school student from Riverdale Country School, offering to support Drawing for the Planet (DftP). Kaitlyn was invited to become project ambassador and has assisted with research and the planning and execution of the workshops. Children from Riverdale Country School and P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School participated in on-site workshops in February, 2024.
Jane said:
"I was overjoyed to be back in New York, a city I deeply admire, to lead the New York Wildlife project. Working with our dedicated Project Ambassador, Kaitlyn Helf, and such talented young artists was inspirational. The children's drawings help raise awareness of the unexpected richness and variety of the wildlife New Yorkers are fortunate to have as neighbours."
Kaitlyn said:
"I am thrilled to be part of the team, as DftP represents a unique intersection of my interests. Raising awareness about the importance of preserving animals in the wild and cities is essential.”
EDUCATION AND DRAWING WORKSHOPS
Jane, Kaitlyn and Rob Lee, DftP Volunteer
During the workshops children learned about local species, the biodiversity crisis, why wildlife is important to humans and our planet, and simple key actions we can all take to save Earth’s remaining wildlife.
In Jane's ballpoint pen drawing workshops young artists choose photographs of species as inspiration for their drawings. Jane asks the artists to draw the animal only and not include any background present in the photograph. This approach emphasises the beautiful form of the animal. It also symbolises that habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to wildlife.
Jane encourages each artist to imagine what the animal in the photograph has seen with its eyes and to form emotional connections with the animal while making their drawing—if we want to save wildlife, it is vital to make emotional connections with animal species; if we care, we want to conserve.
She also encourages the artists to express themselves, enjoy transporting their minds through drawing, celebrate their own unique drawing style, and embrace the fact that everyone can draw!
PROJECT AIMS
The New York Wildlife project aims to:
- Raise awareness of local species including vulnerable species’, and the importance of protecting wildlife and its habitats in New York.
- Create an artistic and educational legacy for the drawings of a generation of young New Yorkers.
- Encourage love, compassion, and respect for individual species; the growth of collective responsibility towards nature and conservation, both locally and globally; give children, communities, and wildlife a voice.
- Donate to local conservation organizations to support their vital work rehabilitating and protecting wildlife and habitats.
DftP has donated project funds to the following local conservation organizations:
To support our projects, and give the gift of art and environmental education to children and communities, and support wildlife conservation, please DONATE via our donate page:
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/donate
THE ARTWORKS
The following New York Wildlife composite artworks created by Jane feature drawings of New York's remarkable wildlife by each participating artist. A selection of the drawings illustrate species information in The Wildlife section—scroll down to learn about many of the animals children championed through their beautiful drawings.
RIVERDALE COUNTRY SCHOOL
The project team worked with Grade 4 children, and Ms Sophia Spector, Art Teacher, Riverdale Lower School, and Grade 8 children, and Ms. Narges Anvar, Art Teacher, Riverdale Upper School.
P.S.49 THE WILLIS AVENUE SCHOOL
The project team worked with Grades 3 and 5 children, and Ms Erica Jones, Art Teacher, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School.
THE WILDLIFE
Each of the species that inhabit New York City/New York State, illustrated by drawings created for New York Wildlife, plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Like humans, they live their lives according to their needs.
Some of these beautiful animals are threatened with extinction. It is up to all of us to protect and cherish them. Learn more about each species with information provided by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and other sources:
Please note this section is under construction.
MAMMALS
NEW ENGLAND COTTONTAIL
Sylvilagus transitionalisConservation status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: 17,000, DECREASING
Extant: New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire
Drawing: Olivia, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/New England Cottontail:
"New England's only native rabbit, the New England cottontail looks nearly identical to the eastern cottontail, which was introduced to the region as a game species in the early 1900s. Similar in size with grayish brown fur, the two can only be distinguished with certainty by examining skulls or conducting DNA analysis. The New England cottontail began to decline during the 20th century due to a loss of its early successional forest habitat, often called thickets, compounded by competition from deer and eastern cottontail..." Read the complete description: fws.gov/species/new-england-cottontail-sylvilagus-transitionalis
EASTERN PIPISTRELLE
Perimyotis subflavus
Conservation status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawings: Olivia, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School; Conor, Grade 8, Riverdale Country Upper School
New York Natural Heritage Program/Tri-colored Bat:
"The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) was formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus)... Tri-colored bats were likely never common in New York. Although their northern range extends into Canada, New York is peripheral to the core of their range. Populations in New York and the eastern U.S. have plummeted since White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was first reported in 2006..." Read the complete description: guides.nynhp.org/tri-colored-bat
NORTH AMERICAN BEAVER
Castor canadensis (official New York State mammal)
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Natasha, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School; Micah, Grade 8, Riverdale Country Upper School
National Wildlife Federation/American Beaver:
"The American beaver's most noticeable characteristic is the long, flat, black tail. A beaver’s tail not only helps it swim faster, but can also be used to make a loud alarm call when slapped against water. In addition, the large tail helps the beaver balance when carrying a heavy log or tree trunk. The American beaver is the largest rodent in the United States, growing from two to three feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) long, not including the tail. They have dark-brown waterproof fur and webbed feet. Beaver teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, and beavers must gnaw on trees to keep their teeth from getting too long... Beavers can stay underwater for 15 minutes without coming to the surface. They have transparent eyelids that act as goggles so they can see as they swim." Read the complete description: nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/American-Beaver
COYOTE
Canis latrans
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, INCREASING
Drawings: Jose, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Lily, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School; Surya, Grade 8, Riverdale Country Upper School
Central Park Conservancy/ Coyotes in Central Park:
"Coyotes have been in and around New York City since the 1930s and have been spotted in areas like the Ramble and North Woods... Like domesticated dogs and wolves, coyotes are canines. Compared to dogs, coyotes have longer legs, more pointed snouts, and sleeker profiles... You may be surprised to learn that coyotes are shy animals; they’re very good at avoiding humans..." Read the complete description: centralparknyc.org/coyotes-in-central-park
BOBCAT
Lynx rufus
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Ariana, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Daniel, Grade 8, Riverdale Country Upper School
"The bobcat is an adaptable predator of the cat family Felidae that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semidesert, urban edge, forest edges, and swampland environments from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States. The bobcat is vital for controlling pest populations. With a gray to brown coat, whiskered face, and black-tufted ears, the bobcat is about twice as large as the domestic cat. It has distinctive black bars on its forelegs and a black-tipped, stubby tail, from which it derives its name..." Read the complete description: projectcoyote.org/carnivores/bobcat/
NORTH AMERICAN PORCUPINE
Erethizon dorsatum
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Dayana, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Siena, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"The North American porcupine is the largest in the [porcupine] family, usually weighing less than 7 kg (15.4 pounds), though males occasionally grow significantly larger. Its body is up to 80 cm (31 inches) long, with a tail up to 30 cm (12 inches). Both [males and females] are covered with a total of 30,000 or more hollow quills. On the ground the porcupine ambles along and cannot jump, in the trees it climbs slowly but has excellent balance, and in the water it swims well. When approached, the animal presents its rear. If attacked, it will drive its powerful muscular tail against the assailant." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/porcupine#ref103934
AMERICAN BADGER
Taxidea taxus
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawing: Julian, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
Pacific Forest/American Badger:
"This small, feisty mammal can be found in grasslands throughout North America. The American badger is a member of the Mustelidae family, which includes other mammals such as the wolverine, ferret, and weasel. It has large, sharp fore claws, tough fur, and an aggressive nature, leaving it with few natural predators. American badgers build burrow systems underground for both shelter and the purpose of luring and trapping prey..." read the complete description: pacificforest.org/species/american-badger
RED FOX
Vulpes vulpes
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawing: Immy, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"Red foxes have adapted well to suburban and rural communities. While other large predators have been pushed away from human development, red foxes took advantage of the changed habitat. They live in parks and woodland edges, and red foxes will readily eat whatever is available. Red foxes are solitary, so it is easy for them to hide and escape people. Red foxes have excellent hearing. They can hear low-frequency sounds and rodents digging underground..." Read the complete description: nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Red-Fox
NORTHERN RACCOON
Procyon lotor
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, INCREASING
Drawings: Javier, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Dylan and Eve, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
National Wildlife Federation/Raccoon:
"A raccoon's face has several markings that help it stand out. The most noticeable marking is the black "mask"—large black markings around each eye. They extend from the edge of the nose to the lower part of the cheek. In addition, raccoons have whitish patches on top of the eyes and around the nose. Raccoons have grayish-brown fur over most of their body, and their tails have four to six black rings. They are nocturnal and search for food at night. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are well known by people for their skillful attempts at stealing food from garbage cans in parks and neighborhoods. Raccoons are able to get food that other animals cannot because they have nimble, almost handlike paws that can grasp at tree branches, nuts, fruits, and even the lids of garbage cans..." Read the complete description: nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Raccoon
VIRGINIA OPOSSUM
Didelphis virginiana
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, INCREASING
Drawings: Anabella and Isabelle, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School; Sarah, Grade 8, Riverdale Country Upper School
The Atlantic/Virginia Opossom:
"While the opossum has become a beloved internet meme—appearing as an ugly-cute comedian or an adorable garbage monster—in real life, she remains misunderstood, provoking fear or disgust when she should inspire wonder. Because the fundamental truth about the opossum is that she is a gentle survivor—a marsupial whose early relatives once waddled across a supercontinent, who tangles with snakes but harbors no ill will toward humans. You may be forgiven for disliking the look of the opossum, but never for disrespecting her... Opossums do, in fact, play dead when threatened; they do not hang upside down by their tails. Dozens of different opossum species can be found in the Western Hemisphere, but only one lives here in America..." Read the complete article: theatlantic.com/science/archive/2022/07/virginia-opossum-behavior-memes/670575
NORTH AMERICAN RIVER OTTER
Lontra canadensis
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Immy and Cameron, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
National Wildlife Federation/North American River Otter:
"The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living... Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposes—they help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques... North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives..." Read the complete description: nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/North-American-River-Otter
GROUNDHOG
Marmota monax
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawing: Asher, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/Groundhog:
"Groundhogs (a.k.a. woodchucks or whistlepigs) are stout cat-sized rodents belonging to the group of large ground squirrels in the family Sciuridae. They have the nickname “whistlepig” because when alarmed, they use a high-pitched whistle to warn the colony... We can all agree that the groundhog is the world’s most famous rodent meteorologist, but who appointed them the official spring forecaster? The Pennsylvania Dutch introduced this superstition into our popular culture. The lore claims that if the groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2nd and sees its shadow, it will retreat back underground and there will be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, then spring will arrive early." Read the complete description: fws.gov/story/fun-facts-about-groundhogs
STRIPED SKUNK
Mephitis mephitis
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Vivian and Lana, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
""Looks can be deceiving." The saying applies as much to New Yorkers as it does to the city's wildlife. Take striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) for example. From afar, their sleek black and white fur and bushy tail make them seem like cute, defenseless members of our local ecosystem. But get too close, and they'll release a spray that will help you understand why their scientific name is Latin for "double foul odor."... Striped skunks can live in a variety of habitats, but they generally avoid forested areas and prefer to live near open spaces. In New York City, open lots and grassy areas in parks provide ideal habitat. Skunks will oftentimes den in burrows created by other animals like woodchucks. They will also den under buildings and inside hollow logs. In winter they retreat to these dens and tend to be less active. However, they do not hibernate." Read the complete description: nyc.gov/site/wildlifenyc/animals/skunks.page
LONG-TAILED WEASEL
Neogale frenata
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawing: Leyla, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
"The Long-tailed Weasel is our state’s largest weasel, and is similar in length to a Red Squirrel when fully grown. Like its short-tailed cousin, the Long-tailed Weasel is white in the winter months, and turns a dark to cinnamon brown with lighter undersides in the warm weather. They have a black tip to their tails in both coat colors." Read the complete description: nywildliferescue.org/2017/06/27/last-weeks-patients-6-27th-2017
RED SQUIRREL
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawing: Alina, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
National Wildlife Federation/American Red Squirrel:
"The most noticeable characteristics of the American red squirrel are the tail and the eye ring. The tree squirrel's tail is bushy and dark red with hints of a white outline. The eye ring is a thick, white circle around the rodent's black eyes. American red squirrels are about 12 inches and have grayish, red, or rust-colored fur with a white belly. Sometimes a black stripe can be seen on the sides. American red squirrels can be found throughout the United States in the forests of Alaska, the east coast north of Georgia, and the Rocky Mountains. The squirrels prefer coniferous forests... To communicate, an American red squirrel makes a lengthy, descending trill and a chatter of assorted notes and chucks." Read the complete description: nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Red-Squirrel
EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL
Sciurus carolinensis
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, INCREASING
Drawings: Ariana, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Kai, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"If you’ve spent any time in a New York City park, chances are you have spotted an eastern gray squirrel. These tree-dwelling animals have become something of an unofficial mascot for the city’s parks by nature of their visibility. They can often be seen leaping through wooded areas, chasing other squirrels around tree trunks, or perched on park benches nibbling on nuts and seeds. The fast pace of city living suits eastern gray squirrels. They use their long tails and sharp claws for balance while climbing, running, and leaping between tree branches—no rush hour traffic or train delays will keep them from getting where they’re going. And the wide variety of food options that New York City offers isn’t lost on them either. They will happily feast on nuts, acorns, seeds, berries, fruit, and anything else they manage to scavenge. For many New Yorkers, squirrels are as much a fixture of our parks as the grass, trees, and benches. However, their journey to become one of New York City’s most abundant wildlife species has been a long and challenging one..." Read the complete description: nyc.gov/site/wildlifenyc/animals/eastern-gray-squirrels.page
NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRRELS
Northern Flying Squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, INCREASING
Drawing right: Ousmane, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
Glaucomys volans
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawing left: Julian, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
National Wildlife Federation/Flying Squirrels:
"Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are the only two native flying squirrel species found in North America. They are both gray-brown, but the northern flying squirrel has belly fur that is gray at the base, and for the southern flying squirrel the belly fur is all white. Size is another way to tell northern and southern flying squirrels apart. The southern species is smaller, about 8 to 10 inches in length. Northern flying squirrels are 10 to 12 inches long. Flying squirrels might more appropriately be called “gliding squirrels” because they aren’t capable of true powered flight that a bird or a bat can do. Flying squirrels glide. They have a special membrane between their front and back legs that allows them to glide through the air between trees. When a flying squirrel wants to travel to another tree without touching the ground, it launches itself from a high branch and spreads out its limbs so the gliding membrane is exposed. It uses slight movements of the legs to steer, and the tail acts as a brake upon reaching its destination. Flying squirrels can cover more than 150 feet in a single glide." Read the complete description: nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Flying-Squirrels
EASTERN CHIPMUNK
Tamias striatus
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Siena and Emilia, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
Wildlife NYC/Eastern Chipmunk:
"Although our eastern gray squirrels get most of the attention, eastern chipmunks are pretty common in our parks, too. Chipmunks can be found scurrying along the ground looking for food — sometimes with their cheeks stuffed with seeds, nuts, and other snacks. As you explore our parks, keep your eyes peeled for these cute critters, especially in the fall when they gather food for winter. Chipmunks are most active during the daytime. They do not hibernate but stay mostly underground during the colder months..." Read the complete description: nycgovparks.org/learn/wildlife-in-new-york-city/chipmunks-in-new-york-city-parks
WHITE-TAILED DEER
Odocoileus virginianus
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Victoria, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Brielle, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
[The] white-tailed deer, [is a] common American deer... that covers a huge range from the Arctic Circle in western Canada to 18 degrees south of the Equator in Peru and Bolivia. The white-tailed deer get its name from the long white hair on the underside of the tail and rump. During flight the hair is flared, and the tail is held aloft like a signaling flag..." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/white-tailed-deer
BLUE WHALE
Balaenoptera musculus
Conservation status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: 5,000-15,000, INCREASING
Drawing: Bobby, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Blue Whale:
"The blue whale is one of nature's most magnificent and graceful beings. Louder, larger, longer and heavier than any other creature, this whale's a multi-record breaker and a totem of conservation for all whales and dolphins...Commanding awe, they grow to over 33 metres long - twice as long as a T-Rex dinosaur. Even their calves are a whopping 7 metres in length, weighing in the same as an adult African Elephant...A normal life span is up to 90 years, though one famous whale lived for 110 years...Whether they are traveling or not, blue whales like to communicate with each other. Sometimes, they talk to each other over hundreds of miles producing songs and sounds of up to 188 decibels. That's louder than a jet plane!..." Read the complete description: uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/blue-whale
HUMPBACK WHALE
Megaptera novaeangliae
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: 84,000, INCREASING
Drawing: Zacharian, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
"Tuneful, graceful and simply, huge, the amazing humpback whales are the virtuosos of the deep. Singing some of the longest and most complex songs in the animal kingdom, humpback whales are masters of melody. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, they also undertake some of the longest migrations of any mammal in the world. Humpback whales are massive, growing to 17 metres in length. Their huge, dark bodies are flanked by enormous pectoral flippers growing up to around a third of their body length...Well-known for their underwater lullabies, male humpback whales are particularly vocal during the mating season. Covering such huge distances, humpback whales are constantly exposed to a number of threats and must navigate a myriad of life-threatening dangers. These include whalers, fishing nets and ships..." Read the complete description:
uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/humpback-whale/
BIRDS
BLACK RAIL
Conservation status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: 10,000-49,999, DECREASING
Drawing: Anabella, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
Department of Environmental Conservation/Black Rail:
"The smallest of North America's rail species at six inches in length; the black rail is stocky, short-billed, short-tailed, and round-winged... Their breeding season call is a three-noted "kickee-doo" or "kic-kic-ker." Black rails breed locally in California, Kansas, and along the Atlantic coast from southern New England to the Gulf coast states... Historically, the breeding range may have extended as far north as Massachusetts but today the core breeding range is from New Jersey south along the coast to Florida. In the late 1930s, breeding locations in New York were limited to just a few sites on Long Island's south shore (Oak Beach marsh, Long Beach and Lido Beach). However, from the 1940s to 1968 no breeding activity was recorded at these sites or anywhere else in the state. In 1968, black rails were once again confirmed breeding at Oak Beach marsh with the discovery of two nesting pair. During the 2nd New York State Breeding Bird Atlas (2000-2005), a single bird was heard calling from the marsh." Read the complete description: dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/black-rail
LONG-TAILED DUCK
Drawing: Saige, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"A duck of cold northern waters. Often the most abundant bird in the high Arctic. Large flocks are often far out at sea; many spend the winter on such northern waters as Bering Sea, Hudson Bay, and Great Lakes. Flocks fly low over sea, with stiff shallow wingbeats, often tilting from side to side. Far more vocal than most ducks, and loud melodious calls of flocks can be heard from some distance. It was formerly called 'Oldsquaw,' not politically correct by any measure, a reference to this 'talkative' behavior -- although it is the male of this species that makes most of the noise." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/long-tailed-duck
CERULEAN WARBLER
Drawing: Grace, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"The sky-blue upperparts of the male Cerulean Warbler are difficult to observe in summer: At that season, the birds stay high in the tops of leafy trees in the eastern United States and extreme southern Canada. The bird itself has become harder to observe in recent decades, as its numbers have decreased in parts of its range. Cowbirds, which lay their eggs in the warblers' nests, may be finding their unwitting 'hosts' more easily as forest patches become smaller." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/cerulean-warbler
COMMON GRACKLE
Quiscalus quiscula
Drawing: Lana, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"Throughout the east and midwest, this big blackbird is a very familiar species on suburban lawns, striding about with deliberate steps as it searches for insects. Common Grackles often nest in small colonies, and several males may perch in adjacent treetops to sing their creaking, grating songs. Big flocks are often seen flying overhead in the evening, heading for major communal roosts, especially from late summer through winter." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/common-grackle
RED KNOT
Drawing: Immy, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"This chunky shorebird has a rather anonymous look in winter plumage, but is unmistakable in spring, when it wears robin-red on its chest. It nests in the far north, mostly well above the Arctic Circle (the first known nest was discovered during Admiral Peary's expedition to the North Pole in 1909); its winter range includes shorelines around the world, south to Australia and southern South America. Where it is common, the Red Knot may roost in very densely packed flocks, standing shoulder to shoulder on the sand." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/red-knot
PIPING PLOVER
Drawings: Lila and Hayley, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"A small plover with a very short bill. Its pale back matches the white sand beaches and alkali flats that it inhabits. While many shorebirds have wide distributions, this one is a North American specialty, barely extending into Mexico in winter. Many of its nesting areas are subject to human disturbance or other threats, and it is now considered an endangered or threatened species in all parts of its range." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/piping-plover
NORTHERN BOBWHITE
Drawing: Nicholas, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"The only native quail in the east. Its whistled bob-white! call is a familiar sound in spring in farmland and brushy pastures. The birds are heard more often than seen; although not especially shy, they often keep within dense low cover. During fall and winter, bobwhites live in coveys, averaging about a dozen birds. At night they roost on the ground in circles, tails pointed inward, heads pointed out." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-bobwhite
EASTERN MEADOWLARK
Sturnella magna
Drawing: Grace, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"A familiar bird, known by the black 'V' on its chest when it sings from a fencepost, or by the flash of white tail feathers when it flushes from the grass. The clear whistled song of the Eastern Meadowlark can be heard in spring not only in the East but also in desert grasslands of the Southwest. Some scientists believe that the southwestern form is actually a different species. Other races of the Eastern Meadowlark are widespread in Central America and northern South America." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eastern-meadowlark
BALD EAGLE
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Drawings: Gabriel and Egypt, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Nicholas, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"The emblem bird of the United States, majestic in its appearance. It is not always so majestic in habits: it often feeds on carrion, including dead fish washed up on shore, and it steals food from Ospreys and other smaller birds. At other times, however, it is a powerful predator. Seriously declining during much of the 20th century, the Bald Eagle has made a comeback in many areas since the 1970s. Big concentrations can be found wintering along rivers or reservoirs in some areas." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/bald-eagle
N.B. Bald eagles can be seen flying from the Hudson River over Riverdale Country School.
WILD TURKEY
Drawing: Lila, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"Benjamin Franklin would have preferred to have the Wild Turkey, not the Bald Eagle, chosen as the national symbol of the United States... [T]he original wild form is a wary and magnificent bird. Wild Turkeys usually get around by walking or running, but they can fly strongly, and they typically roost overnight in tall trees. Turkeys were formerly considered to belong to a separate family from other chicken-like birds; there are only two species, ours in North America and the Ocellated Turkey in Central America." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wild-turkey
EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Drawing: Franky, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
"This is the most widespread of the three bluebirds. Although it is mostly 'eastern' in our area, its total range extends south to Nicaragua. A high percentage of Eastern Bluebirds in North America today nest in birdhouses put up especially for them along 'bluebird trails.' When they are not nesting, these birds roam the countryside in small flocks." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eastern-bluebird
PEREGRINE FALCON
Falco peregrinus
Drawing: Maya, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"One of the world's fastest birds; in power-diving from great heights to strike prey, the Peregrine may possibly reach 200 miles per hour. Regarded by falconers and biologists alike as one of the noblest and most spectacular of all birds of prey. Although it is found on six continents, the Peregrine is uncommon in most areas; it was seriously endangered in the mid-20th century because of the effects of DDT and other persistent pesticides." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/peregrine-falcon
NORTHERN CARDINAL
Cardinalis cardinalis
Drawings: Dylan, Bayan and Amelia, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
"One of our most popular birds, the Cardinal is the official state bird of no fewer than seven eastern states. Abundant in the Southeast, it has been extending its range northward for decades, and it now brightens winter days with its color and its whistled song as far north as southeastern Canada. Feeders stocked with sunflower seeds may have aided its northward spread. West of the Great Plains, the Cardinal is mostly absent, but it is locally common in the desert Southwest." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-cardinal
NORTHERN SHOVELER
Spatula clypeata
Drawing: Makayla, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
"Many of the dabbling ducks use their flat bills to strain food items from the water, but the big spatulate bill of the Northern Shoveler is adapted to take this habit to the extreme. Flocks of shovelers often swim along with their big bills barely submerged in front of them, straining food from the muddy soup of shallow waters. Despite their heavy-set build, shovelers are good fliers; at large gatherings, groups often are seen taking off, circling the area repeatedly, then alighting again." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-shoveler
KING EIDER
Drawing: Willa, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"A big sea-duck of Arctic waters. Well adapted to frigid climates, diving and swimming underwater in seas near the freezing point, resting on ice floes. In its normal range, generally in large flocks, with the brown females and immatures outnumbering the strikingly ornate adult males. South of their main range, single King Eiders may associate with flocks of Common Eiders." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/king-eider
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
Accipiter striatus
Drawings: Surya, Grade 8, Lily and Leelee, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"The smallest of our bird-hunting Accipiter hawks, this one is also the most migratory, breeding north to treeline in Alaska and Canada and wintering south to Panama. It is during migration that the Sharp-shin is most likely to be seen in numbers, with dozens or even hundreds passing at some favored points on coastlines, lake shores, and mountain ridges. At other seasons the hawks lurk in the woods, ambushing songbirds and generally staying out of sight." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/sharp-shinned-hawk
GREAT HORNED OWL
Bubo virginianus
Drawings: Dianak, Grade 8, and Beni, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"Found almost throughout North America and much of South America is this big owl. Aggressive and powerful in its hunting (sometimes known by nicknames such as 'tiger owl'), it takes prey as varied as rabbits, hawks, snakes, and even skunks, and will even attack porcupines, often with fatal results for both prey and predator. Great Horned Owls begin nesting very early in the north, and their deep hoots may be heard rolling across the forest on mid-winter nights." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/great-horned-owl
SHORT-EARED OWL
Asio flammeus
Drawings: Sebastian, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School; Dylan, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"Easier to see than most owls, the Short-ear lives in open terrain, such as prairies and marshes. It is often active during daylight, especially in the evening. When hunting it flies low over the fields, with buoyant, floppy wingbeats, looking rather like a giant moth. Aside from its North American range, it also nests in South America and Eurasia, and on many oceanic islands, including Hawaii." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/short-eared-owl
BELTED KINGFISHER
Drawing: Weston, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"The Belted Kingfisher is often first noticed by its wild rattling call as it flies over rivers or lakes. It may be seen perched on a high snag, or hovering on rapidly beating wings, then plunging headfirst into the water to grab a fish. Found almost throughout North America at one season or another, it is the only member of its family to be seen in most areas north of Mexico." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/belted-kingfisher
YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER
Colaptes auratus
Drawing: Fatoumata, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
"This brown woodpecker flashes bright colors under the wings and tail when it flies. Its ringing calls and short bursts of drumming can be heard in spring almost throughout North America. Two very different-looking forms -- Yellow-shafted Flicker in the east and north, and Red-shafted Flicker in the west -- were once considered separate species. They interbreed wherever their ranges come in contact. On the western Great Plains, there is a broad zone where all the flickers are intergrades between Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-flicker
AMERICAN KESTREL
Drawing: Eve, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"Our smallest falcon, the kestrel is also the most familiar and widespread in North America. In open country it is commonly seen perched on roadside wires, or hovering low over a field on rapidly beating wings, waiting to pounce on a grasshopper. Kestrels nest in cavities in trees; in places where there are few large dead snags to provide nest sites, they may rely on nesting boxes put up for them by conservationists." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-kestrel
BLUE JAY
Drawings: Henry, Grade 8, and Catherine, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"One of the loudest and most colorful birds of eastern back yards and woodlots, the Blue Jay is unmistakable. Intelligent and adaptable, it may feed on almost anything, and it is quick to take advantage of bird feeders. Besides their raucous jay! jay! calls, Blue Jays make a variety of musical sounds, and they can do a remarkable imitation of the scream of a Red-shouldered Hawk. Not always conspicuous, they slip furtively through the trees when tending their own nest or going to rob the nest of another bird." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/blue-jay
BROWN THRASHER
Toxostoma rufum
Drawing: Kadijah, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
"The big, foxy-red Brown Thrasher is a familiar bird over much of the east. Sometimes it forages boldly on open lawns; more often it scoots into dense cover at any disturbance, hiding among the briar tangles and making loud crackling callnotes. Although the species spends most of its time close to the ground, the male Brown Thrasher sometimes will deliver its rich, melodious song of doubled phrases from the top of a tall tree." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/brown-thrasher
AMERICAN ROBIN
Drawing: Ariana, Grade 5, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
"A very familiar bird over most of North America, running and hopping on lawns with upright stance, often nesting on porches and windowsills. The Robin's rich caroling is among the earliest bird songs heard at dawn in spring and summer, often beginning just before first light. In fall and winter, robins may gather by the hundreds in roaming flocks, concentrating at sources of food." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-robin
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Agelaius phoeniceus
Drawing: Lara, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"Among our most familiar birds, Red-wings seem to sing their nasal songs in every marsh and wet field from coast to coast. They are notably bold, and several will often attack a larger bird, such as a hawk or crow, that flies over their nesting area. The red shoulder patches of the male, hidden under body feathers much of the time, are brilliantly displayed when he is singing. Outside the nesting season, Red-wings sometimes roost in huge concentrations." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/red-winged-blackbird
HENSLOW’S SPARROW
Passerculus henslowii
Drawings: Alaia and Weston, Grade 4, Riverdale Country School
"In weedy eastern fields in summer, this little sparrow climbs to the top of a weed stalk, throws its head back, and delivers one of the least impressive of all bird songs, a short tsilick. When not singing it becomes extremely hard to observe, hiding in dense grass. If flushed, it flies away low for a short distance before dropping into the weeds. Despite its lack of vocal prowess, Henslow's Sparrow is a beautifully marked bird if seen well. Local populations vary from year to year; overall, the species is becoming quite scarce over most of its range." Read the complete description: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/henslows-sparrow
WOOD DUCK
Aix sponsa
Drawings: Neah, Grade 4, and Wilke, Grade 8, Riverdale Country School
REPTILES
SPOTTED TURTLE
Conservation status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawing: Justin, Grade 3, P.S.49 The Willis Avenue School
Department of Environmental Conservation/Spotted Turtle:
"The "polka-dot" turtle has yellow spots on the head, neck, legs, and upper shell or carapace... The number and arrangement of spots is extremely variable and changes with age. Hatchling turtles usually have one spot on each plate, while older individuals are well sprinkled with 100 or more. Occasionally, individuals without any spots on the shells may be found, but they still have yellow and orange markings on the face... Loss of habitat has been largely responsible for the major decline of the spotted turtle throughout its entire New York range. In the early 1900's, it was reported to be the most common turtle in the vicinity of New York City. This turtle is very sensitive to pollution and toxicants and disappears rapidly with declining water quality. To further stress the species, pet collecting is currently responsible for the annual loss of significant numbers. Much concern has been expressed for this small reptile as local populations disappear." Read the complete description: dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/spotted-turtle
AMPHIBIANS
NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG
Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawing: Ollie, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
National Parks Service/Northern Leopard Frog:
"The northern leopard frog is a smooth-skinned, green, brown, or sometimes yellow-green frog covered with large, oval dark spots, each of which is surrounded by a lighter halo or border... Females are slightly larger than the males... Historically, the northern leopard frog was found throughout most of Canada and the U.S., except the southeastern states. Since the 1970s, northern leopard frog populations have declined significantly throughout the species’ range... The Northern leopard frog requires a mosaic of aquatic and upland habitats, with linkages between them, to meet the needs of its life stages. Ideally, wetland patches are separated by less than 1 km of upland habitat..." Read the complete description: nps.gov/articles/northern-leopard-frog
INVERTEBRATES AND FISH
SUCKLEY CUCKOO BUMBLE BEE
Conservation status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawing: Emily, Grade 4, Riverdale Country Lower School
IUCN Red List/Suckley Cuckoo Bumble Bee:
"Bombus suckleyi is a cuckoo bee, a term used for a specialized lineage of bumble bees (subgenus Psithyrus) that has lost the ability to collect pollen and to rear their brood. As such, these bees do not found their own nests, but instead, usurp the colonies and worker forces of other bumble bee species..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/44937699/46440241
Heartfelt thanks to our kind donors who have generously funded this project, and enabled DftP to donate to four incredible New York conservation organizations.
ABOUT DRAWING FOR THE PLANET
We are a global art and environmental education charity with drawing, one of the oldest forms of communication, at its core. Founded by artist Jane Lee McCracken, to share her passions for drawing and wildlife, we partner with international wildlife charity Born Free, conservationists, artists, educators and cultural institutions. Through our art, education, exhibition and conservation fundraising projects we give children, communities and wildlife a voice. Watch our video and visit us at: www.drawingfortheplanet.org
facebook.com/DrawingforthePlanet
instagram.com/drawingfortheplanet_org
Support our global projects, help protect wildlife and give the gift of art and wildlife by donating or becoming a member here:
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/donate
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/membership
ABOUT JANE LEE MCCRACKEN
Shh it's a Tiger! 2013 Biro drawing © Jane Lee McCracken
Jane Lee McCracken constructs intricate, multi-layered Biro drawings, sculptures, installations as well as product designs. Her work represents the beauty of life and its brutal realities, exploring the loss to both humans and animals caused by human destructiveness. She is the founder and CEO of Drawing for the Planet global art, environmental education and conservation charity.
Over the last decade, she has raised funds for conservation organisations through her art and delivered drawing and environmental education workshops to thousands of people across the world. In 2019 she founded the Where Did All the Animals Go? project in partnership with Born Free and in 2021 Drawing for the Planet. Explore Jane's art:
NY CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
ABOUT THE NEW YORK MARINE RESCUE CENTER
The New York Marine Rescue Center is a rescue and rehabilitation organization that promotes marine conservation. Our mission is to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation efforts including rescue, rehabilitation, education and research. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are the primary responders for sick or injured seals, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises and small toothed whales, and maintain the only marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation center in New York State. Many reports of sighted or stranded marine life come through the NY State 24-hour hotline number at (631) 369-9829. The public is encouraged to contact us with information including location, photos, and as many details as possible. Visit the New York Marine Rescue Center here: nymarinerescue.org
ABOUT THE WILD BIRD FUND
The Wild Bird Fund is New York City's only wildlife rehabilitation and education center, providing medical care to injured, sick and orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. The clinic treats more than 10,000 patients a year from 180 species. Patients include red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons, as well as gulls, ducks, geese, songbirds and pigeons. Squirrels, opossums and turtles too. It also provides wildlife education programs to schools and organizations throughout the city. Visit the Wild Bird Fund here: wildbirdfund.org
ABOUT THE BRONX RIVER ALLIANCE
At the Bronx River Alliance, great strides are being made to promote community advocacy and stewardship right here in the Bronx. A major testament to our work was the opening of Starlight Park Phase II in 2023 that created new pedestrian bridges, added to the existing Bronx River Greenway, and incorporated stormwater retention features into the development. This all-new connection brought communities together! In addition, our continued efforts in rain garden maintenance speaks to the prevalent flooding issues NYC experiences during wet weather events.
For a unique experience, you can canoe the Bronx River during programming season, visit the ONLY edible food garden at Concrete Plant Park’s Foodway, and cycle continuously through on the Bronx River Greenway. Find us at bronxriver.org to learn more or @bronx_river on Instagram!