Photo credit: Celia Ackerman/Gotham Whale

Andres De Guzman says his social media notifications are exploding after he posted this video of a humpback whale he spotted spouting off in the Hudson River earlier this week.

"Out of the corner of my eye, I see this something coming out of the water out of the river, and I look at my wife and I’m like, 'Oh my God, did you see that?” he said.

De Guzman was taking a walk with his wife Roda Marsafawy near Pier 84 on the West Side when the whale made the surprise appearance.

“It was sort of surreal, like something you would see in the movies, and we were just really in awe,” said Marsafawy.

Danielle Brown is the lead researcher at Gotham Whale. She says whale sightings are becoming more common in the New York area likely due to an increase in prey species. However, it's rare for one to make its way into the Hudson River with so much boating traffic.

The last time they spotted a humpback whale here was four years ago. Despite that, experts believe this is likely healthy and just going after food.

"We do know that they feed on a fish called Atlantic Menhaden, and there is a lot of Atlantic Menhaden in the Hudson River right now, so it's very likely the whale followed the fish in that direction,” said Brown.

Researchers are familiar with this specific whale known as whale 89.

Whales can be distinguished from others based on their unique markings.

89 was first identified in June of 2018 off Jones Beach. Brown says the whale was also spotted last month on November 27th off of The Rockaway.

While it may be a majestic sight, Brown is urging New Yorkers to remember the Hudson River not the safest environment for the whale.  

"So it's very important for boaters on the water both commercial and recreational to be vigilant to be aware that this whale is there and to keep an eye out for it,” she said.

De Guzman and Marsafawy say they certainly will be keeping an eye out for it from their Hell’s Kitchen apartment.

"We have definitely adjusted our work from home situations so facing the window facing the river and we’re just like glued to the river at all times 24/7. Whale watch,” he said.

Brown says she can't be sure how long this whale will stay around, but on average a humpback whale stays in the New York City area for 30 to 40 days.