In search of a monk parakeet

Photos by Steven 

Several local birdwatchers received a tip earlier last week about a monk parakeet in Tompkins Square Park. 

The search party found the bird late in the afternoon near the chess tables. It later perched on a light pole at Avenue A and Sixth Street, where this photo was taken.

This isn't believed to be an escaped pet. Monk parakeets have established wild colonies around New York City, including a well-known group living in the Gothic Arch at Green-Wood Cemetery.