Manhattan water tower repairs displace seven barn owls

A family of seven barn owls that roosted in a Manhattan water tower has been located after maintenance work disrupted their habitat. The birds, a popular attraction on the Upper West Side near Central Park, moved to nearby roosting spots over the weekend following the removal of the tower's roof.

The disturbance began Thursday morning when construction crews started repairs on the water tower. Jessica Wilson, executive director of the NYC Bird Alliance, said the group called the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation immediately upon learning of the work. Wilson and officials met on the site and found the top of the tower had been torn off.

Barn owls are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which generally forbids disturbing active nests. NYS Senator Erik Bottcher stated that the DEC issued a cease-and-desist order to halt construction. Despite this warning, crews returned to the site on Friday to continue their work.

The DEC installed a nesting box on the tower on Saturday. Wilson noted that the five fledglings were likely too old to use the new box but confirmed that all five were seen a few blocks away over the weekend. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal wrote on social media that the owls appear to be adjusting to their new circumstances. He described them as true Manhattanites finding alternative roosting locations.

Hoylman-Sigal said a few owls were spotted perching on the tower the previous night. He hopes the DEC will delay further repairs for at least another week to ensure the birds' safety.

Wilson advised New Yorkers to give the birds space. She instructed residents to avoid flash photography, loud noises, and letting dogs approach the owls. She also recommended avoiding rodenticides to help protect the species.