You might be surprised, but there are hummingbirds in New York City. The name of this blog was born after my exciting encounter with this fantastic bird. I was in awe! I remember the moment so clearly.
It was early October, a cool, windy Saturday. I was chilling on a bench in Battery Park, absorbing warm sunlight while reading a book. The bench was surrounded from three sides by beautiful flowers and some bushes that created these green blooming walls that protected me from the wind. I enjoyed reading and the warm sunshine on my skin for a few hours. Then suddenly, I noticed with my side vision something small and furry was moving in one of the flowers.
At first, I didn’t notice the wings. That’s how fast they were moving! Half the body was lost in flower, and the rest seemed like a giant bumblebee. Before I could understand it, a hummingbird flew out of the flower and moved to the next one. I was amazed! I couldn’t believe my own eyes. A hummingbird in NYC?! In October!
I followed the hummingbird with my eyes from flower to flower for several minutes until it flew to a tall tree and sat on a branch. Shortly, the bird disappeared somewhere in the tree.
Waiting for a hummingbird the next day…
I decided to try my luck the next day. I went to the same place to see a hummingbird one more time. Indeed, after about an hour, a hummingbird appeared again. I expected to see it this time, and I took all my time to appreciate this tiny bird more than I did the day before because I was too excited.
On the second day, I observed how the bird moved, how small and beautiful its tiny body and disproportionally long but still beautifully fitted beak, and its fast-moving wings. I was fascinated by this little fairy-like bird. The moment the bird flew from flower to flower and dived halfway into a flower was captivating!
It is relatively rare to see hummingbirds in Manhattan. There is some information online on where to spot these birds in New York, but let me share my thoughts.
You can see these beautiful birds if you visit New York in April – May or August – November. Hummingbirds’ spring and fall migration happens during this time.
Where you can see hummingbirds in NYC
Some resources recommend going to Central Park. I wouldn’t do that unless you are going on a bird tour. In 15 years, I’ve never seen hummingbirds in the park. Central Park is a beautiful place, yet it is overcrowded and huge. Good luck finding quiet cultivated areas, especially if you visit the city for the first time.
Of course, a botanical garden would be the best place to spot hummingbirds in New York City. Most likely, these places also set up hummingbird feeders, and the New York Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanical Garden are two choices. If a botanical garden is not your thing and you are short on time, there are other beautiful parks and squares in NYC that you most likely visit while exploring the city.
Hummingbirds in New York City’s Parks
Update: Wagner Park closed in 2022 for reconstruction as Battery Park City is advancing coastal protection projects to adapt to new climate conditions. The South Battery Park City Resiliency Project contemplates the creation of a continuous flood barrier from the Museum of Jewish Heritage, through Wagner Park, across Pier A Plaza, and along the northern border of Historic Battery Park, to a designated elevation point just west of State Street.
I spotted a hummingbird in Battery Park. It was not in the busiest part of the park where the Statue Of Liberty Boat Cruise departs. Yet, in a quiet section of the park close to the Museum Of Jewish Heritage – the Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park. The surroundings are beautiful, with several weeping willow trees and a small but beautiful park with benches and flower beds. Grab a cup of coffee and snacks after a cruise to the Statue of Liberty and go over there to rest and relax. Maybe, you’ll be lucky to spot a hummingbird too!
I am very introverted and love NYC, so I always look for quiet and less crowded places, preferably with flowers and trees. There is another beautiful place, one of my favorites in the city. Walk from the Battery along the Hudson. A waterfront Hudson River Park offers gorgeous views of the New York skyline and has several cultivated areas. I bet hummingbirds aren’t rare there. Look for bell-shaped flowers, and it seems like that is what these little fairies enjoy the most. You need to be patient.
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