In my experience, one of the best places to see hummingbirds in New York City is at Wagner Park in Battery Park City. The park is maintained by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, and they have created some truly beautiful gardens that are perfect for attracting these tiny, vibrant birds.
One of the reasons Wagner Park is such a hotspot for hummingbirds is because of the variety of flowers and plants that are cultivated there. The park has both warm and cool gardens, which means there are different types of flowers and plants that bloom at different times of the year. This ensures that there is always a food source for hummingbirds, even when flowers are scarce in other areas.
I remember visiting Wagner Park in the late summer and being amazed at the number of hummingbirds I saw. The gardens were bursting with colorful flowers like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine, all of which are known to attract hummingbirds. It was a delight to watch these tiny birds flit from flower to flower, their wings beating so quickly that they were practically a blur.
Another place in New York City where you can see hummingbirds is in Central Park. While Central Park is more known for its vast green spaces and natural areas, there are also cultivated gardens throughout the park that provide a haven for these beautiful birds.
One area in particular that I have found to be a hummingbird hotspot is the Conservatory Garden at 105th Street and Fifth Avenue. This formal garden is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct style. The South Garden, in particular, is known for its abundance of flowers, including many that are attractive to hummingbirds.
I vividly remember spending a morning in the Conservatory Garden, sitting on a bench and patiently waiting for hummingbirds to appear. And sure enough, before long, I saw a flash of iridescent green as a hummingbird darted from flower to flower. It was a magical sight that I will never forget.
In addition to Wagner Park and Central Park, there are also other smaller parks and gardens throughout the city that may attract hummingbirds. These include the High Line, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Each of these places has its own unique features and plantings that may entice hummingbirds to visit.
So if you’re in New York City and want to see hummingbirds, I would highly recommend checking out Wagner Park, Central Park, and other parks and gardens in the area. These cultivated spaces provide a reliable food source for hummingbirds, making them a great place to observe these incredible birds up close.