Bird Found At Port Washington Marina: Is It Yours?

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — It was Sunday afternoon on Safe Harbor Capri — a marina in Port Washington where the East River meets the Long Island Sound.

Manhattan resident Linda Strauss docks her boat there, typically spending long weekends on the water. But what began as a relaxing day in the summer sunshine soon turned into a weekend like no other.

As Strauss was getting ready to leave Port Washington, she spotted a green bird — clearly lost — trying to drink the saltwater. Springing to action, Strauss gave the bird some food and water, while her husband — who was also on the boat — went out and purchased a cage and some seeds.

The new cage doesn't fit on their boat, so for now the bird is living in the marina office. The couple hopes they can reunite the bird with its owner.

"She is eating fruit and seeds and responding to people," Strauss told Patch on Monday. "She seems quite happy and we have several people who have expressed an interest in adopting her but we hope to be able to unite her with her family."

At first, Strauss thought she accidentally captured a wild bird. But then she remembered the bird had a leg band. Breeders typically use leg bands to help identify and keep track of their birds.

"There are markings on the band so that should be a good way for the true owner to identify her," she said.

If you have lost a green bird — perhaps a female Quaker Parrot or Monk Parakeet — call Strauss at 516-281-8602.