Rare Pelican Sightings Surprise New Yorkers as Climate Change Reshapes City's Ecosystem

On November 16, 2025, scientists in New York City were closely monitoring a remarkable sight: dozens of brown pelicans, a species typically found in southern regions, had been spotted in the city's Jamaica Bay. This unexpected occurrence has raised the possibility that the pelicans may start to call the city their permanent home.

Conservation specialist and photographer Benjamin Forbes, who works with the NYC Plover Project, recently trekked to the shorelines of Breezy Point, Queens, where he encountered the surprising avian visitors. Forbes reported seeing at least 45 pelicans, which he described as "quite incredible" given that these southern birds should have already migrated south by this time of year.

Experts say the surge in pelican sightings is a mixed signal, as it reflects the impact of climate change on the city's ecosystem. While the improved water quality in New York's coastline has allowed for the return of whales, seals, and other marine life, the presence of the pelicans suggests that some species are being pushed further north due to warming temperatures.

Ecologist Jose Ramirez-Garofalo of Rutgers University warns that the situation could lead to the displacement of other species as the pelicans adapt and thrive in their new environment. However, he also notes that the pelican sightings are a testament to the city's environmental progress, as decades of cleaner water have made the coastline more hospitable for a diverse array of wildlife.

As New Yorkers witness this unexpected avian influx, the presence of the brown pelicans serves as a vivid reminder of the ongoing transformation of the city's ecosystem, driven by the far-reaching impacts of climate change.