Barn Owls Nesting in Manhattan: A Rare Sight Draws Crowds

The Upper West Side of Manhattan has become home to a unique spectacle: a family of barn owls nesting atop a water tower near Central Park. This marks the first recorded occurrence of barn owls nesting in Manhattan, as noted by Andrew Farnsworth, a migration ecologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The presence of these elusive birds has generated significant interest, with numerous people gathering each night to catch a glimpse.

“To the best of our knowledge, there hasn’t been a nest in Manhattan, at least in recorded history,” Farnsworth commented about the barn owls.

Discovering the owls didn’t occur until last week when Elisabeth Williams, a local resident, informed a news outlet on October 6. Williams and her husband first spotted multiple owls on the water tower atop a building on West 75th Street, near Central Park West. Prior to this, they had seen a single owl on their apartment windowsill and were astounded.

“In Manhattan, you normally have to make an effort to find nature,” Williams said. “But this was right outside our window.”

Rare Sightings in New York City

Birds have fascinated New Yorkers before, with species like American woodcocks stopping in Bryant Park during migration and the late Eurasian eagle-owl, Flaco, becoming a beloved figure after escaping a zoo enclosure. Similarly, Pale Male, a red-tailed hawk, captivated many during his three-decade presence above Fifth Avenue.

However, barn owl sightings in New York City parks are uncommon. According to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, New York sits at the northern fringe of the barn owl’s range, and their population has decreased significantly, as noted by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Jessica Wilson, executive director of NYC Bird Alliance, expressed excitement over the owls’ appearance. “Owls really capture attention because they are magical, nocturnal, and secretive. It’s thrilling to have this chance to see them,” Wilson said.

Onlookers and photographers gather nightly to observe the owls. Val Coleman, a retired New Yorker aiming to see the owls, remarked, “I’ve only seen a barn owl once before, and that was in California.” He expressed hope that the owls avoid consuming poisoned rats.

David Barrett, a local birder, reported sightings of one adult barn owl and five fledglings at the water tower. He noted the presence of two adult owls, with some photographers suggesting as many as six fledglings.

“Having a family of barn owls breeding in Manhattan is special news,” Barrett stated.

Screeching Noises

Before the barn owls were discovered, Williams and her husband heard screeching noises, initially doubting they came from a barn owl due to a phone app’s suggestion. Thomas Obersteiner, another resident, noted the screeching sounded like “someone being murdered outside” in mid-September.

Obersteiner revealed that he and his wife often mistook the owls’ screeches for distressed children until news reports identified the source. Farnsworth explained that the screech is typical for barn owls, used for communication.

Obersteiner, who offers his roof deck for photographers seeking owl sightings, said last week 20 enthusiasts gathered there. “We can’t say no because it’s so much fun,” he remarked.

Williams and her husband might become bird watchers after their “delightful” experience with the barn owls. “I think we’re about to become birders,” she commented.