In a rare and stunning display, a humpback whale made an unexpected visit to the East River on Monday, delighting onlookers near the Brooklyn Bridge. This marks the first time in two years the majestic marine mammal has ventured into the bustling urban waters of New York City—a spectacle that underscores nature’s enduring presence, even in America’s largest metropolis.
The whale was spotted around 4 p.m., breaching the surface and slapping its powerful fluke against the choppy waters. Against the backdrop of the iconic bridge, the scene was a striking reminder that even in the heart of the concrete jungle, nature can surprise us all.
Danielle Brown, director of research at Gotham Whale, explained the significance of the sighting. “It’s much more common to see humpbacks along the coastline in the ocean,” she said. “But on rare occasions, they do venture into the river.”
This adventurous humpback didn’t just stop at the Brooklyn Bridge. Reports suggest the creature swam through the Buttermilk Channel, a narrow passage between Governor’s Island and Red Hook. This detour placed the whale about 40 miles from its usual feeding grounds along Rockaway Beach.
Why the detour? According to Brown, it likely came down to a simple motivation: food. The East River is teeming with Atlantic menhaden, a small fish beloved by humpbacks. The area is also home to other species such as striped bass and flounder, making it a veritable buffet for the hungry marine mammal.
“The whales will follow fish wherever they need to go,” Brown explained. “Sometimes that means heading into the river, especially during this time of year.”
While humpbacks are no strangers to New York waters—sightings in the nearby Hudson River occurred in 2020 and 2022—their ventures into the East River are exceedingly rare. Dolphins, however, have been more frequent visitors, hinting at a resurgence of marine life in the city’s waterways.
Despite the excitement, Brown urged caution. The waters around New York are heavily trafficked by boats, posing significant risks to the whale. “We’re hoping this whale stays safe,” she said, emphasizing the importance of reporting sightings to Gotham Whale. Such reports help researchers study the whale’s behavior and alert boaters to its presence.
Unfortunately, the lone photo of Monday’s visitor didn’t reveal identifying features, leaving its age and size unknown. However, based on previous humpbacks spotted in the area, experts estimate the whale is a juvenile measuring between 25 and 35 feet long.
As of Monday evening, no additional sightings had been reported, but history suggests the whale could linger for several days before heading back to the open sea. For now, New Yorkers have a rare opportunity to witness this magnificent creature up close—a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world.
While city life often feels disconnected from nature, this surprise visitor serves as a humbling reminder: no matter how urbanized our surroundings, we’re still part of a larger ecosystem. Let’s hope this humpback enjoys its stay in the Big Apple—and finds its way back to the deep blue safely.
