Flaco was hooting from backside of buildings on Riverside Drive between 89th and 90th and then on 250 West 90th Street when I went to look for him. Eventually he flew north, possibly to hunt in a courtyard.

February 2nd marks the first anniversary of the vandalism that released him from his cage in the zoo. I suspect we’ll see lots of stories in the news media about how wonderful it is that Flaco has survived in the city. But I doubt we’ll see much real journalism. Individuals, institutions and the media have time and time again put their self interests over Flaco’s welfare.

It’s been amazing to get to know Flaco over the last year. He is stunningly beautiful and studying his behavior has been fascinating. And of course, his ability to survive in Manhattan has surprised everyone. But the story is much more complicated than a caged bird, now free to explore the world.

Flaco is living a life in purgatory now. He is in a dangerous environment without any chance of interacting with other of his species. And he could easily become a threat to local species.

No native Eurasian Eagle-Owl hoots as much as Flaco does. He’s confused. Sadly there may be now happy ending to this story. Unless he returned to Central Park in the spring, it would be difficult to capture him and place him in a sanctuary.

Folks can love him to death on social media, but it won’t keep him from dying prematurely from rodenticides.