Alas: "Goldie" Remains AWOL

Several attempts at rescue failed this week.

After a week of fruitless searching, flyering, e-mailing, and other efforts to get the word out about Goldie, the free-flying parakeet at Brooklyn College, no sightings have been made. We hope this little bird found shelter before it got as cold as it is now in New York. We want to thank all who helped in this effort, especially Crystal, Bob, Denise, and Barbara, who worked tirelessly to bring this bird in. If there is solace to be gained from this experience, it is that we put together a good team, worked on a good cause, and leaned much about what it takes to accomplish a parrot/parakeet rescue in New York.

Can "Goldie" Survive Among the Wild Ones?

"Goldie" is seen atop the chain link fence surrounding Brooklyn College's athletic field in mid-September, 2005. Can this Budgie survive a winter in Brooklyn?

UPDATE 10/12: BROOKLYNPARROTS.COM WILL ATTEMPT TO RESCUE GOLDIE ON SATURDAY MORNING

Late this summer, a yellow parakeet was seen flying among the flock of wild parrots who've made their home at Brooklyn College. Nobody knows where this little bird came from, but it's presumed to be an escapee from a nearby home.

The budgie -- referred to either as "Goldie" or "The Yellow Guy" by local birders -- seems to be quite happy among the wild parrots. Goldie also spends a lot of time with the local sparrows, foraging, flocking, finding food, and otherwise darting about the campus as if she'd always been there.

But much uncertainty remains about this little bird's long-term prospects. One correspondent notes that a bright yellow bird like Goldie is certain "hawk food" (Red-Tailed hawks residing in nearby Prospect Park frequently overfly the campus). Some have suggested that an intervention is necessary to save Goldie. Others note that wild budgies can actually survive a winter in the Northeast, as long as they are allowed to use a vacated nest and have access to a steady source of food.

Should BrooklynParrots.com mount an expedition into the wilds of Brooklyn to capture this bird? If so, how exactly does one capture an escaped budgie? With a butterfly net? An empty cage with food inside? A tape recorder playing parakeet sounds? Should we leave Goldie alone and hope that nature's course is a kind one?

We are truly at odds over this budgie, and welcome any suggestions from our readers. If you have a suggestion, please send it on to steve@brooklynparrots.com If the decision is made to try to save this little guy, we need to move quickly, for winter is just around the corner.