Manhattan water tower roof removal disturbs rare barn owl nest

The removal of a water tower roof on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has sparked outrage after exposing a rare family of barn owls. The birds, which represent a potentially historic nesting instance in Manhattan, were discovered earlier this month, drawing significant public interest and photographers to the area.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officers investigated the site and ordered the building owner to halt all demolition of the water tower pending an investigation into potential violations. Under federal and state law, destroying active nests of migratory birds without a permit is prohibited.

Reports indicate that despite a cease-and-desist order, further work allegedly occurred, resulting in the destruction of the nest. While the adult owls and their five fledglings reportedly survived the incident, the nest itself was destroyed, leaving the birds without their original habitat.