This is a (mostly) photographic exploring the wildlife and history of the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
Downstate, a park of 526 acres exemplifies how urban parks can provide a home for diverse wildlife and engage city residents who might otherwise see little of the natural world. The park, site of the largest battle of the Revolutionary War (the Battle of Brooklyn or Long Island, 27 August 1776, less than two months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence) is a remarkable place through all the seasons.
Upstate, hundreds of thousands of acres developed and cultivated by the descendants of European colonists for four centuries. Reservoirs, railways, ports, parks, towns and cities — all have altered what Henry Hudson and his crew witnessed in 1609, despite appearances that often seem natural.
— Hugh Sansom, 6 May 2026
All photos are by Hugh Sansom and are under copyright unless otherwise indicated.
Birds, Bees and Creepy Crawlies (& more)
Birds
Insects (especially dragonflies)
Along the Lullwater, 1910. Archived in the Library of Congress Web Archives at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/det.4a19975.
Video
