New Jersey bird lovers, now’s your time to track hummingbirds as they begin their spring return to New Jersey, with an interactive migration map offering a clear look at when the tiny birds are expected to arrive across the state as they head north from their wintering grounds.

With spring 2026 hummingbird migration season under way, the migration map tracks reported hummingbird sitings nationwide, giving New Jersey residents a real-time look at how the birds’ northward journey is unfolding as spring temperatures warm and food sources become available. The birds are already heading into New Jersey, though not North Jersey as much, but you can keep a close eye on the map to track the hummingbirds’ arrival in the state.

When hummingbirds arrive in New Jersey

The migration map shows early spring hummingbird sightings approaching the state — with the first ruby-throated hummingbirds typically appearing here in mid-April, followed by more frequent reports through early May as spring temperatures warm.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, hummingbirds generally return to New Jersey in mid- to late-April, though North Jersey and New York City start seeing the tiny birds closer to early- to mid-May.

While weather and local conditions greatly impact hummingbirds’ return, most NJ residents see the fast-flapping birds come to their feeders and yards through early May — when sightings really ramp up.

Should you put out hummingbird feeders yet?

Yes — late April is still a good time to put out hummingbird feeders in New Jersey, especially as sightings increase across the state and more birds arrive from the south.

Putting feeders up now can help support early arrivals and won’t interfere with natural feeding habits. Use a simple nectar mix of four parts water to one-part white sugar, and avoid red dye, according to the National Garden Bureau.

Here’s a full story on hummingbird food tips and what flowers to plant to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

What hummingbirds look like in New Jersey

Most hummingbirds spotted in New Jersey are the ruby‑throated hummingbird, a tiny bird — about three inches long — with shimmering green backs. Look for fast wing beats (up to 80 beats per second) and rapid hovering as they sip nectar at tubular flowers and feeders.

Adult males have a distinctive ruby-red throat that flashes in the sunlight, while females lack the red coloring and appear more muted, with pale gray or white underparts.

How to use the hummingbird migration map

The migration map tracks reported hummingbird sightings as birds move north during spring, offering a snapshot of how close they are to New Jersey.

As sightings begin clustering just south of the state, it’s a strong signal that hummingbirds are arriving or will soon — making the map a useful tool to check throughout late April.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.

WILDWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) — The City of Wildwood has approved an ordinance that will close its boardwalk daily from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., year-round, a move city leaders say is aimed at reducing late-night, unruly crowds ahead of the busy spring and summer season.

The ordinance was passed on Wednesday by the City Council and is set to take effect May 13, just ahead of Memorial Day.

Officials described the closure as an extension of existing safety measures, including a 10 p.m. curfew for those under 18 and a backpack ban, which they say have already improved conditions on the boardwalk.

“We don’t want to do this, but we have to be proactive. We have to,” Commissioner Krista McConnell said.

Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski said the decision was driven by public safety concerns in a city that sees large seasonal crowds.

“This is a tourist destination, and we’re trying to keep our residents and our tourists safe,” Mikulski said.

Police Chief Joe Murphy told commissioners that simply adding more officers has not been enough to address late-night issues, particularly involving younger crowds. He said recent problems in places such as Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Virginia Beach helped shape his support for the ordinance.

“First and foremost, the mere presence of uniformed officers is not having a great effect on influencing the adolescent age crowds that we’re seeing down here,” Murphy said.

“We are more convinced that this closing time is needed to help mitigate these late-night crowd issues.” Murphy added. “I believe these closures will not only reduce our early morning offenses but will also help with the resilience of our officers.”

Wildwood has experienced unrest and some violence during warmer months, including the assault of an off-duty Stone Harbor police officer on the boardwalk last March.

The ordinance, however, has drawn opposition from some residents and business owners.

Oswald Salvatico of Wildwood questioned whether a full closure is necessary, saying, “There’s no need to shut down the boardwalk for a few bad apples.”

Business owners raised concerns about the economic impact during what they describe as a short and critical season.

David Zarfati of Cape May Courthouse said rising costs have already strained businesses.

“There’s a slim three-month season for these businesses to make it, and we’ve already had the cost of goods go up. We’ve had our minimum wage hike up. We’ve had payroll taxes hiked up, insurances are hiked up. It’s like we can’t catch a break,” Zarfati said. “Now you want to shave off, whether it’s 5% or 10% of our seasonal income, that’s just another blow to business owners.”

“Safety, of course, comes first, but we’re not sure this is the right way,” he added.

Zarfati also warned about the potential for further restrictions in the future.

“We want businesses to thrive and be busy up until 1:30, even 2 o’clock in the morning,” he said. “We don’t want a situation where we solidify 1 o’clock and then there’s a fear that 1 o’clock becomes 12 o’clock, and then 12 o’clock becomes 11 o’clock. That’s always a concern.”

Others spoke in favor of the closure.

Jimmy Murphy of Wildwood said, “Sometimes you have to look at the greater good of everybody and I think the 1 o’clock would be good.”

Mikulski said he believes Wildwood is setting a precedent for other shore communities.

“We are the first resort that’s actually closing something like this, and mark my word, you’re going to have other people that will follow us,” he said.

City officials said they plan to monitor the ordinance once it takes effect and assess its impact during the upcoming summer season.

In November, 2028 ATH Jaisier Gray received his first Power 4 offer from Syracuse. 

The offer added to a list that includes Temple and Delaware State, and the Orange have been in consistent touch since then. Gray got a closer look at Syracuse on April 9 for spring practice, and it was a chance for him to get to know the program better.

“The visit was an all around great experience,” Gray said to The Juice Online. “Not because we were in the college practice facility. But being able to interact with players and coaches and experience meetings first hand. 

“Then to be able to see the competition and the love shared between the players pushing each other to be better and strive for greatness, was the best way for recruiting. This allowed for me to get a real feel to how the next level operates and being able to mentally prepare myself for when the time comes.”

Gray gets to know the SU staff better

Among the coaches he got to meet with was defensive line coach John Scott Jr.

“We spoke about how he got to evaluate my film,” Gray said. “We also talked about me coming back up to Syracuse to their big man camp so he could get the chance to teach me in person. Not only that but we also spoke about so factors that helped me gain weight since the last time I visited and what am I doing in the offseason to develop my skills as a player.”

Gray also appreciated seeing the culture of the Orange.

“I found the program really strong minded and influential,” Gray said. “The determination to make their players the best, not only athletes but people they can be. This action invites a very mentoring aura to it. They are very family oriented with a lot of coaches and players sharing great bonds, with common knowledge and experience.”

Gray respects D.A.R.T.

Among the culture at Syracuse includes head coach Fran Brown’s mantra of D.A.R.T. (detailed, accountable, relentless, tough). 

“I respect it due to me being an athlete who takes my sport very serious, D.A.R.T. is the type of mindset that coaches love and players who want to be great but into,” Gray said. “Being Determined, staying Accountable, playing Relentless, and showing how you’re Tough is the way to play. This ideal eliminates the “losing mentality” and keeps you locked in and working always.”

As a result, Gray thinks highly of his SU offer.

“I felt extremely honored but worthy at the same time,” Gray said. “I knew that this accomplishment was a blessing but it was earned through hard work and dedication. Not just in the field and making plays as a young star but also studying and making sure my grade are up to par.”

His Indians team went 6-3 in the 2025 season, and he’s looking to show this fall that he’s continued his improvement. 

Gray is a two-way, two-sport athlete

“My 2025 football season was a big step for me,” Gray said. “I showed a lot of growth, both physically and mentally, and I feel like my game slowed down in a good way, I was reading plays better and playing more confident. I had some strong moments, but I also saw where I need to improve, especially in consistency and finishing plays. Overall, I’d say it was a solid season, but not my peak yet. It motivated me to lock in even more, because I know I can take it to another level.”

The Newark (NJ) Weequahic athlete is a two-way player who plays both offensive and defensive line, but he is being recruited on the defensive side of the ball. He is also a two-sport athlete, excelling on the basketball court with his 6’7” 250-pound frame.

“I’m the type of player who plays fast, strong and disciplined,” Gray said. “I take pride in every play throughout the game, no matter where I’m positioned on the line. I’m a very physical and high motored kid who can play both inside and outside setting  the edge. 

“I try to outwork anybody and be the best at all times, but also staying humble and knowing there’s something ti learn and someone’s who’s better than me. Being naturally gifted with length I use these strengths to my advantage and focus on my technique. Overall I’m a versatile lineman who can do the dirty work, be a leader( by example or verbally), be accountable, and still impact the game positively when my number is called.”

SUPPORT THE JUICE ONLINE

Got a Syracuse recruiting tip? E-mail Recruiting Analyst Charles Kang here.