Astoria the Wild Turkey Returns to Midtown Manhattan - The New York Times


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Astoria's Return to Midtown

Astoria, a wild turkey, has returned to Midtown Manhattan after previously residing on Roosevelt Island. Her reappearance has delighted and concerned New Yorkers.

Reasons for Return

Birders believe Astoria's return is likely due to mating season, as she was exhibiting mating behaviors before leaving Roosevelt Island.

Midtown Adventures

Since her return, Astoria has been spotted roosting in trees and on balconies, foraging, and even encountering police. Her movements are being tracked by birdwatchers, including David Barrett who manages the Manhattan Bird Alert account on X.

Current Status

As of early Tuesday, Astoria was last seen roosting on a balcony around 58th Street.

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On Roosevelt Island, she had her home, her friends and the security of a small community where everyone knew her. Cars slowed down for her. Residents helped her cross the road.

But that wasn’t enough, it seems. Like so many before her, she flew the coop, lured across the East River by the bright lights and glamour of Midtown Manhattan. Was she seeking excitement? Danger? A date?

Astoria, the wild turkey who rose to fame last year when she unexpectedly appeared in Midtown, visiting luxury retailers, dining at high-end restaurants and roosting on Park Avenue, returned to Midtown East on Sunday.

Over the past two days, she has had some wild adventures: She has roosted in trees and on balconies, foraged in flower beds and fled from dogs. She even had a run-in with the police. Her movements have delighted and captivated New Yorkers, even as a bevy of dedicated bird-watchers have worried about her safety.

As of early Tuesday, she was still living the high life. She was last seen on Monday night roosting on a balcony around 58th Street, between First Avenue and Sutton Place, said David Barrett, a birder who runs the Manhattan Bird Alert account on X and helps look after Astoria.

Birders say Astoria probably crossed the East River to look for love.

In the days before setting off for Midtown, she had strayed to parts of Roosevelt Island, a residential neighborhood in the East River, where she didn’t usually go, and had been calling out, Mr. Barrett said. “When you put that together with the fact that it’s mating season for wild turkeys, we figured that she’s looking for a mate.”

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