All seven Upper West Side barn owls located after water tower repairs

Seven barn owls that nested in a Manhattan water tower have been found alive and relocated to nearby roosting spots, according to the NYC Bird Alliance and city officials on Monday. The family consists of two adults and five fledglings.

Construction crews began repair work on the structure on Thursday morning. They removed the roof of the water tower, which housed the owls in a hole in the side. The birds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law generally forbids disturbing active nests of migratory species.

Jessica Wilson, executive director of the NYC Bird Alliance, stated that her organization contacted the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation immediately after the roof was removed. Wilson said DEC staff responded quickly and inspected the site with her. They confirmed that the top of the tower had been ripped off. NYS Senator Erik Bottcher said the DEC issued a cease and desist order to halt construction. The order was based on an apparent violation of federal and state laws.

Despite the order, crews returned to the site on Friday to continue work. Wilson said the conservation agency installed a nesting box on the tower on Saturday. She noted that the five fledglings were too old to use the new box. However, birders confirmed that all five young owls 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 noted that feedings are taking place elsewhere.

Hoylman-Sigal said he is hoping the DEC will delay further repairs for at least another week. A few owls were spotted perching on the tower last night. Wilson advised New Yorkers to give the birds space. She urged residents to avoid flash photography, loud noise, and close contact with dogs if they see an owl. Wilson also recommended avoiding rodenticides to help protect the population.

The water tower is located near Central Park on the West Side of Manhattan. The owls had been living in the structure before the repairs began. Bird experts confirmed the family had originally been spotted nesting in the hole before the roof removal. The community of birders watched one adult and one fledgling remain at the site on the night the roof was removed. The rest of the family flew to unknown locations until they were located nearby this week.