Signs of Spring in NYC Parks

Staten Island Chuck, NYC's resident groundhog at the Staten Island Zoo, predicted early spring! Take look at our timeline of some of the early signs of spring to look for in New York City:

A check mark will appear and the image will brighten when a sign of spring is discovered. This timeline is subject to change.

Snowdrops

As winter comes to an end, snowdrops emerge out of the frozen ground, usually in January or early February, as one of the earliest signs of spring. This year, a snowdrop was spotted in Sara D. Roosevelt Park on January 5! 

Crocus

The crocus is one of the first spring bulbs to bloom in some of our parks. Last year, we spotted a crocus as early as late February.

Daffodils

Many New Yorkers look to the blossoming of daffodils—NYC's official flowers—as a sure sign that springtime is arriving in NYC. The Central Park Conservancy spotted a daffodil on the first day of March last year.

Delacorte Clock

This musical clock is a favorite stop for kids walking by the Central Park Zoo. On March 2, the clock's chimes switch to its spring playlist, featuring songs like "Easter Parade" and "Younger than Springtime"!

Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time

On Sunday, March 10, 2019, time springs forward one hour. This means more daylight hours and later sunsets!

Timberdoodles

The presence of woodcocks also known as "timberdoodles" is a sign that their spring migration to the north has begun. As springtime nears, our parklands welcome warblers, songbirds, and many more feathered friends migrating to NYC. Last year, woodcocks were spotted in Bryant Park in early March. In 2017, we spotted woodcocks in Central Park in mid-March.

Red Maple Trees

Several species of trees bloom in early springtime, including red maple trees and Callery pears. Look for the red maple's very tiny red blossoms. For two years in a row (2018 and 2017) we spotted red maple blossoms in early to mid-March. Use the NYC Street Tree Map to find a red maple tree near you!

Magnolias

For many New Yorkers, it's officially springtime in NYC when the saucer and star magnolia trees in Central Park are in bloom. These magnolias usually bloom within a week of spring's arrival to mark the unofficial start of springtime.