Manhattan Owls Vanish After Water Tower Construction Resumes
A cease-and-desist order paused work to protect the birds, but the family has not been seen since a new nesting box was installed.
By Amelia Clarke ·
Barn owls that nested on a Manhattan water tower for the first time have disappeared following a brief construction halt. Workers dismantled part of the structure on West 75th Street last week, prompting officials to intervene to protect the birds.
The family, believed to consist of two adults and five fledglings, had been raising young on the rooftop. Residents and bird experts monitored the site closely as the parents returned nightly to feed their chicks. The nesting event drew attention from local authorities and the public due to the rarity of barn owls in the borough.
State regulators issued a cease-and-desist order after the work began, citing laws that protect nesting birds and their habitats. Construction paused to allow for an alternative solution. On Monday, officials confirmed that a new nesting box was installed for the owls. This allowed workers to resume reconstruction of the water tower to ensure residents receive clean drinking water.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Lander stated that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation authorized the resumption of work on Monday. Lander noted the decision balanced the need for infrastructure maintenance with the protection of the local wildlife.
Despite the installation of the new box, the owls have not been spotted. Jessica Wilson, executive director of the NYC Bird Alliance, described the birds as secretive and difficult to locate. She confirmed this was the first time she knew of barn owls nesting in Manhattan. The constant construction noise and presence of workers likely made the new box less appealing to the young birds.
The presence of the owls caused disruptions in other city events. The New York Road Runners canceled a drone show scheduled for Friday before the marathon to avoid disturbing the family. Local residents, including Upper West Side resident JF Grossen, expressed attachment to the birds, noting the unusual connection to nature they provided during the nesting period.
The water tower reconstruction continues now that the legal hold has been lifted. Bird enthusiasts and neighbors remain hopeful that the family will find a quieter location to settle. The fate of the fledglings is currently unknown as they have left the immediate vicinity of the water tower.
Source: ABC7 New York
