Barn Owl Family Nests in Upper West Side Water Tower

Biloxi Gulfport, MS, October 18, 2026 —

A family of barn owls has established a nest in a water tower on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, an occurrence described as unprecedented for the area in recorded history. The unusual nesting site has attracted public attention, with New Yorkers gathering nightly in hopes of seeing the birds.

The reported sighting stands out because the owls have nested in a water tower in this part of Manhattan, rather than at a location typically associated with wildlife observation. The available information does not identify the specific tower or say when the owls first settled there.

The family’s presence has made the site a point of interest for people hoping to catch sight of the elusive birds. The gatherings have been described as taking place nightly, although no estimates were provided for how many people attend or how long the public attention has continued.

Details about the owls’ nesting and the response to their presence remain limited. No information was provided about the birds’ number, the nest’s status, any involvement by wildlife officials, or whether steps have been taken to protect the animals or manage public access. The account also does not identify a source for the claim that this is unprecedented in the area’s recorded history.

For now, the confirmed details in the report are the family’s nest in an Upper West Side water tower and the nightly interest from New Yorkers hoping to observe them. Further information about the location, timeline and any official response was not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wxxv25.com, see more information here.