On Roosevelt Island, she had the safety of her home, friends and a small community where everyone knew her. The car was late for her. Residents helped her cross the path.
But that didn't seem to be enough. Like many before her, she was seduced across the East River by the bright lights and charms of Midtown Manhattan and flew through the shed. Was she looking for excitement? danger? date?
Astoria, a wild turkey that unexpectedly appeared in Midtown last year, visited luxury retailers, dined at fine restaurants, roosts on Park Avenue, and rose to fame when he returned to Midtown East on Sunday.
Over the past two days she has been on several wild adventures. She roosts on trees and balconies, foraging in flower beds, and escaped from the dogs. She was used to the police. Her movements were delighted to be captivated, even if the dedicated birdwatcher was worried about her safety.
As of early Tuesday, she was still living a high life. She was last seen Monday night on a roost on the balcony around 58th Avenue between First Avenue and Sutton Place.
Bader says Astoria crossed the East River probably to find love.
For the days before departing for Midtown, she had been wandering around part of Roosevelt Island, a residential area in the East River, where she didn't normally go and called out to her, Barrett said. “When we put it together with the fact that it was wild turkey mating season, we thought she was looking for a companion.”
Since arriving in Midtown on Sunday morning, Astoria appears to have restricted searches for partners in areas around Sutton Place, one of the city's wealthiest areas.
Whitney Devlin, 80, who lives near 58th Avenue, said it was a suitable place for discerning birds. She arrived at the house Monday afternoon, looking at Astoria, sitting in the front courtyard surrounded by tulips, carrying faint orange and blue rainbow light in her brown feathers.
“It should be a very elegant area,” Devlin said. “Of course you saw what she looks like. She's experienced. She's been out since 2024.”
She said Astoria was posing well for the photo and didn't appear to be disturbed by the crowd of fans gathered. “I didn't ask for an autograph,” she added. “I didn't want to guess.”
Seeing Astoria was the highlight of her day, Devlin said.
Named after the Queens area where she may have been first discovered, Astoria avoided capture by authorities. Videos posted on social media show officials, including some police officers, are trying to hound her into the career box before she can throw herself into the air. New York police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Barrett, a birder, said attempts to catch her were counterproductive.
He was worried about how she would take the fare amid the bustle and bustle of Midtown, in a limited area for busy traffic and foraging. On Roosevelt Island, she is well known and cared for. There are very few cars. Signs crossing Türkiye were built to allow her to safely cross the road. And residents know to be careful of her.
“I hope she realizes the mistake she has made and fly quickly. “If that's the case, she can eat, she gets all the water she needs and she'll be fine.”
What attempt she could have found a companion? “That's not possible,” Barrett said. “She is the only wild turkey in Manhattan.”
Delvin said he heard someone in the neighborhood have two pet turkeys and said, “She's probably better off being single.”
