3 weeks Ago By Quinn Mercer
Traffic came to an unexpected pause in Manhattan today when a wild turkey decided to make the rush hour its stage. According to NBC New York, the bird was spotted trotting into busy lanes near East 59th Street and First Avenue around 8:30 a.m.
, causing a stir among commuters and pedestrians alike. The NYPD reported that the turkey, evading capture by animal services, made a daring escape when authorities attempted to intervene.Despite the chaotic energy of a turkey on the loose, the bird might be no stranger to the city's concrete jungle.
Neighbors on Manhattan's East Side greeted the reported return of the feathered interloper, potentially identifying her as "Astoria," also known as "Rosie," a turkey known for island-hopping and city dwelling since May 2024. The community has previously provided food and water, as described by PIX11. Experts believe the turkey, who made it through the winter with the help of kind locals, may be looking for a mate.
She’s expected to return to Roosevelt Island, where she was previously spotted.However fleeting her appearance in Manhattan's bustling traffic scene, "Astoria" has etched her presence in the city's collective digital memory. Social media has become a space documenting the bird's urban escapades, tracing her pathway across New York's diverse boroughs.
The wild turkey, with flocks already in Staten Island and the Bronx, has come to represent wildlife resilience in the middle of city life.The turkey’s origins are still unclear, but it’s quickly become an urban mascot. While her rush-hour appearance surprised the NYPD and animal services, the bird appears unfazed by the attention.
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