Recently, the Upper West Side of Manhattan has been buzzing with excitement. A family of barn owls has taken residence in a water tower near Central Park. Experts confirm this marks the first time in modern history that barn owls have nested in Manhattan. This unique event has attracted nightly crowds hoping to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures.
First Sighting
The presence of the barn owls became known when Elisabeth Williams, a resident of the Upper West Side, contacted a local news outlet in early October. She and her husband had spotted several owls atop a building on West 75th Street, close to Central Park West. Their discovery followed an earlier sighting of a lone owl on a windowsill. Williams remarked on the rarity of such a sighting in Manhattan, a place where encountering nature is uncommon.
“In a place like Manhattan, you normally really have to go out of your way to encounter nature,”said Williams.
Rare Wildlife in New York City
New Yorkers have shown interest in urban wildlife before, with species like American woodcocks stopping in Bryant Park during migration. Past notable bird residents include Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl, and Pale Male, the red-tailed hawk, both of whom captivated many. Barn owls, however, are scarcely seen in New York City. Situated at the northern edge of their habitat, their numbers have been declining significantly.
Public Reaction and Owl Sightings
The barn owl family’s presence has drawn both photographers and casual observers. Val Coleman, a retired New Yorker, expressed hope of seeing the owls during their evening hunts. Observations by David Barrett, a local birder, suggest at least two adult barn owls and several fledglings reside at the water tower. Owl fans have marvelled at the sight, recognizing the rarity of the situation.
“Having one barn owl is a rarity, but it’s not national news. Having a family in Manhattan is special news,”Barrett noted.
Screeching Sounds Mesmerize Residents
Before sightings, residents reported hearing unusual screeching sounds. Elisabeth Williams mentioned hearing these noises before realizing they came from the owls. Thomas Obersteiner recounted similar experiences, mistaking the sounds for cries of distress.
Farnsworth, a migration ecologist, explained that the screech is typical of barn owls, used to communicate among themselves. The eerie nature of the sound led Obersteiner to describe it as reminiscent of a horror movie.
A Community’s Fascination
Since the barn owls’ presence became known, residents like Obersteiner have opened their spaces to birdwatchers, allowing many to observe the owls. These gatherings on rooftops and streets at night highlight the community’s growing interest in these birds. Even former non-birders, like Williams and her husband, are considering taking up birdwatching due to their delightful experiences.
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