Work halted after Manhattan barn owl nest is damaged

Repairs to a rooftop water tower on West 75th Street damaged a nest occupied by two barn owl parents and five young birds, prompting bird advocates and local officials to seek an immediate halt to the work. The owls had drawn attention after being spotted on the Upper West Side earlier in October. Active barn owl nests are protected by law.

On Thursday, October 29, workers removing part of the tower’s roof disturbed the nest. Video taken by onlookers appeared to show a worker using a torch, with smoke rising near the nest. On Friday, October 30, birders saw workers return to the roof, despite efforts to stop further activity.

State Department of Environmental Conservation officers and NYPD officers entered the building that afternoon and spoke with workers. The crew left, and state officers served the property owner with a cease-and-desist order. The demolition was to remain halted while environmental officials investigated possible violations.

The nest was mostly destroyed, and the young owls were seen on nearby buildings. They can fly but have not yet learned to hunt, wildlife advocates said, and still need their parents. Volunteers sought advice on a replacement roost, while the New York Road Runners canceled a planned drone show to avoid disturbing the birds. Advocates urged people to keep their distance, avoid flash photography and limit noise as the owls move around the neighborhood.