Manhattan’s Upper West Side saw a flurry of activity on Friday when officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation entered a residential building at 15 W. 75th St. and ordered an immediate stop to demolition work on a water tower that had become the home of a family of barn owls.
Rare nest discovered
Local birdwatchers have been monitoring the tower since May, noting that sightings of barn owls in New York City are extremely uncommon and that it is illegal to destroy an active nest. The owls chose the water tower as a safe nesting site, a fact that remained largely unknown until a few weeks ago when word spread through the city’s bird‑watching community.
State intervention
State environmental officers arrived on Friday afternoon, escorted by building management, and instructed the contractors to halt any further demolition until a full assessment could be completed. The officials emphasized the legal protections afforded to active nests and the importance of preserving the birds’ habitat.
Community response
Since the news broke, dozens of bird enthusiasts have gathered outside the building at night, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare owls. Peter Davenport of The Linnaean Society of New York urged residents to respect the birds’ space, saying, “People who see these owls need to really be aware that they’ve lost their sort of safe place, and to really give them space if they see them in the park or in buildings.”
Local photographer David Lei has been documenting the owls’ condition, sharing regular updates with the community. Many New Yorkers expressed concern about where the birds might relocate if the nest is ultimately lost, with some suggesting Central Park as a possible alternative habitat.
What comes next?
The DEC officers remain on site as questions continue about the scope of the work that was being performed. Eyewitness News reached out to the building’s management for an explanation of why demolition proceeded after the nest was discovered, but no response had been received as of Friday night.
Conservation groups in the city are calling for a careful review of the situation and for any future construction projects to include wildlife assessments before work begins. The incident highlights the delicate balance between urban development and the preservation of the city’s limited natural habitats.
How residents can help
Bird advocates recommend that anyone who spots the owls—whether on the water tower, in nearby parks, or on other buildings—keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the birds. Providing a quiet environment can increase the chances that the owls will successfully raise their young and continue to thrive in an urban setting.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
