Manhattan's Only Wild Turkey Has Her Own Entourage

Astoria, a wild turkey, has become a local celebrity in New York City, with three women who visit her daily and keep a close eye on her well-being.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A wild turkey named Astoria has become a local celebrity in Manhattan, with three middle-aged women who have appointed themselves as her caretakers. The women coordinate their schedules to visit Astoria daily, making sure she is safe and cared for as she roams the Battery park area. Astoria's story highlights New York City's relationship with celebrity wildlife, as well as the challenges of protecting a wild animal in an urban environment.

Why it matters

Astoria's presence in Manhattan is unusual, as wild turkeys are more commonly found in the Bronx, Staten Island, and other outer boroughs. Her story sheds light on the city's wildlife and the efforts of local residents to protect and care for an unexpected animal neighbor. It also raises questions about the balance between allowing wildlife to thrive and ensuring public safety in a densely populated urban area.

The details

Astoria first arrived in Manhattan last spring, briefly roosting in Sutton Place and landing on Park Avenue before settling in the Battery park area near the SeaGlass Carousel. Three women - Stella Hamilton, Anke Frohlich, and Keiko Komiya - have appointed themselves as Astoria's caretakers, visiting her daily and coordinating their schedules to ensure she is safe and cared for. The women feed Astoria, provide her with water, and keep a close eye on her as she explores the park, concerned about the risks she faces from traffic, people, and dogs. Astoria spends her days strutting around on the ground and then flies up into a tree to roost for the night.

  • Astoria first arrived in Manhattan last spring.
  • Astoria was first spotted in Astoria, Queens before making her way to Roosevelt Island and finally Manhattan.
  • Astoria flies up into a tree to roost for the night about 20 minutes after sunset each evening.

The players

Astoria

A wild turkey who has become a local celebrity in Manhattan, drawing the attention and care of three women who visit her daily.

Stella Hamilton

A retired nurse and birder who lives on the Upper East Side and has been visiting Astoria daily since first encountering her last April.

Anke Frohlich

A Greenwich Village resident who runs an alternative healing practice and started photographing birds during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Astoria.

Keiko Komiya

An English student and avid birder who was originally from Chiba, Japan and has been following Astoria since first spotting her on Roosevelt Island in 2024.

Sunny Corrao

The deputy director of the New York City parks department's wildlife unit, who noted that wild turkeys are not unusual in the city, with large flocks in the Bronx and on Staten Island.

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What they’re saying

“She's the only known turkey in Manhattan, but this is not unusual.”

— Sunny Corrao, deputy director of the city parks department's wildlife unit (dnyuz.com)

“New York City is actually great habitat for a wild turkey.”

— Jessica Wilson, executive director of NYC Bird Alliance (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.