A rare family of barn owls moved into Manhattan's Upper West Side. New Yorkers are captivated

A rare family of barn owls has taken up residence in Manhattan's Upper West Side, captivating New Yorkers who have lined the streets nightly to catch a glimpse of the elusive birds. This marks the first documented case of barn owls nesting in the city in modern history, according to experts. The discovery was first made by Elisabeth Williams, an Upper West Side resident, who alerted local media on October 6 after spotting multiple owls at a water tower on West 75th Street near Central Park West.

The barn owl family has drawn crowds of both avid birders and casual observers eager to witness the rare sight. Jessica Wilson, executive director of NYC Bird Alliance, noted the excitement among New Yorkers, emphasizing the magical and secretive nature of the owls. David Barrett, a local birder, reported seeing at least one adult barn owl and five fledglings at the water tower, with some claiming to have spotted up to six fledglings.

The sightings have been accompanied by peculiar screeching noises, initially mistaken for a child in distress by residents, before being identified as the characteristic barn owl vocalization. The barn owls' presence has been a source of joy and fascination for New Yorkers, with some residents even considering themselves future birders after the unique experience.