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Manhattan Water Tower Hosts First Documented U.S. Barn Owl Nest

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 11:44 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Barn owls have nested in a Manhattan water tower, the first documented U.S. nest.
Two adults and up to six fledglings occupy the hole near 76th Street and Central Park West.
NYC Bird Alliance director Jessica Wilson warned poisoned rats could kill the owls that feed on them.
Resident Elisabeth Williams alerted media on Oct. 6 after seeing multiple owls at the tower.

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Story summary

Barn owls have nested in a Manhattan water tower, the first documented U.S. nest.
Two adults and up to six fledglings occupy the hole near 76th Street and Central Park West.
NYC Bird Alliance director Jessica Wilson warned poisoned rats could kill the owls that feed on them.
Resident Elisabeth Williams alerted media on Oct. 6 after seeing multiple owls at the tower.