Two summers back I passed this guy's lofty perch on 8th Avenue at least ten times a week on my way to and from the Cancer Center, but last year I never saw (or heard) him once. Two days ago I noticed his shriek, after leaving White Colums on Horatio Street, while still almost two blocks away.

The sidewalk vendor below the bodega could hardly have been indifferent to the loss of the parrot's raucus companionship. He may not be as pleased by the bird's return as Barry and I were. The year before last he had told me, when I asked about his colorful neighbor: "damn thing never shuts up!" Still, I'd like to think they had developed some form of comity, especially now that they're back together.