Manhattan Barn Owls Leave Rooftop After Water Tower Repairs
Workers dismantled a water tower where the rare birds nested, prompting a state order to stop construction until a new box was installed.
By Jonathan Hoffmann ·
Barn owls have vacated a rooftop on West 75th Street in Manhattan, marking the end of a brief but highly visible residency. The birds, which included two adults and five fledglings, were the first barn owls known to nest in Manhattan. They chose a water tower as their home, drawing attention from local residents and conservation experts alike.
The situation became contentious when construction crews began dismantling the water tower last week. Harming the birds or destroying their nest is a violation of state law, which prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue a cease-and-desist order. The order halted work to protect the owls until a solution was found.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Lander confirmed that the state agency allowed workers to resume reconstruction on Monday. Lander stated that the goal was to ensure residents received clean drinking water. "I've heard Monday from NYSDEC allowed workers to resume reconstruction of the water tower for purposes of making certain that residents get clean drinking water," Lander said. A new nesting box was installed for the owls before construction continued.
Despite the new structure, the owls have not been seen in the area since the installation. Jessica Wilson, executive director of the NYC Bird Alliance, noted the difficulty of the new arrangement. "All owls are magical. Captivate New Yorkers. Nocturnal. Secretive. Hard to find. First time I know of barn owls nesting in Manhattan," Wilson said. The noise and activity from the ongoing construction likely made the new box an unattractive option for the family.
The presence of the owls affected city events in the weeks before their departure. The New York Road Runners canceled a drone show scheduled for Friday before the marathon to avoid disturbing the owl family. Local residents had become emotionally invested in the birds. JF Grossen, an Upper West Side resident, described the experience as a rare connection to nature. "We don't have connection to nature so when something like this.. a miracle happens, it's pretty cool," Grossen said.
The owls now appear to have moved to a quieter location. While the young birds may return to the area in the future, their current absence allows the water tower repairs to proceed without interruption. The incident highlighted the intersection of urban infrastructure maintenance and wildlife protection in a dense city environment.
