Upper West Side Barn Owls Relocate After Water Tower Work

The two adult barn owls and five fledglings that had nested in a water tower near West 75th Street and Central Park West appear to have left the site, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said on November 2. The birds were seen over the weekend at other locations, where feedings were also reported to be taking place.

The family drew attention after workers removed the tower’s roof during repairs, disturbing the nest. The state Department of Environmental Conservation ordered work to stop while it investigated. Crews were seen working at the tower again on Friday, and bird conservationists said they were alarmed that construction had resumed.

A nesting box was installed on the tower on Saturday. NYC Bird Alliance executive director Jessica Wilson said all five fledglings had been seen a few blocks away. She said the young owls might be too old to use the box.

Hoylman-Sigal said he hoped further repairs could be delayed for another week because a few owls had been seen perched at the tower. Wilson urged people who encounter the birds to keep their distance, avoid flash photography and loud noise, and keep dogs away. The owls are protected by state law, and destroying an active nest is illegal.

Experts believe this may be the first known time barn owls have nested in Manhattan. Race organizers called off a planned drone display before the marathon to avoid disturbing the family.