RTPI's current exhibit is entitled "Mapping the Birds of New York: The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State," the exhibit was created by, and is on loan from the New York State Museum in Albany.  Originally scheduled to close at the end of January, we are now offering the opportunity to view this beautiful exhibition through Sunday, February 28th. 

The exhibit is based on two surveys of all of the bird species that breed in the state of New York. One occurred from 1980 to 1985 and the second was conducted from 2000 to 2005.

Of the more than 450 bird species that have been seen in New York, about 245 nest here. The New York State Breeding Bird Atlas projects have mapped where each of those species breeds in the state. The Blue Jay, for example, nests all across New York, but the Gray Jay breeds only in the Adirondacks. The second Breeding Bird Atlas project has just been completed, and the new distribution maps reveal how our breeding birds have fared in the 20 years since the first Atlas. Is the distribution of the Purple Martin shrinking? Is the distribution of the Carolina Wren expanding? Learn the answers in this exhibit, which highlights the new publication, The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State. The exhibit includes original artwork from the book, bird mounts, and stories of how the Atlas fieldwork was accomplished.

If you are a teacher and would like to schedule a class visit contact RTPI Education Director Mark Baldwin, (716) 665-2473 ext. 228, (800) 758-6841, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or fax (716) 665-3794.

RTPI's education staff offers entertaining educational tours of the exhibition, appropriate for 3rd through 6th grade students. During the 90-minute tour students experience lessons on different types of maps, bird ecology, New York State geography and human land use in New York and how these and other factors affect the distribution of birds that nest here. The tour also provides an opportunity to practice the scientific method used to produce the new Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State. Plus there are activities that focus on the exquisite artwork and mounted bird specimens displayed throughout.

If you wish, you may opt to receive a special Interdisciplinary Learning Activity Packet you can use to plan and conduct your own tour with your students.

The cost is $3 per student (no charge for teachers and chaperones). A $15 nonrefundable deposit received 3 days before your scheduled tour is required to hold your reservation. The balance is payable the day of your scheduled tour.

“Mapping the Birds of New York” will be on view through early 2010. For more information about this or other exhibits at RTPI, please contact Jane Johnson at (716) 665-2473 ext. 232 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information about the New York State Museum visit the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.