# NYC barn owls get new nesting box

> Rare barn owls in Manhattan find temporary home after construction threat.
- Title: NYC barn owls get new nesting box · ABC7 New York | Shortify
- Summary: Rare barn owls in Manhattan find temporary home after construction threat. Manhattan barn owls received a new nesting box amid construction but remain…
- Keywords: nyc barn owls, manhattan, rooftop water tower, barn owls, new york city, nesting box, construction, barn owl nesting, news, local, NYC, barn
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-barn-owls-rare-birds-get-nesting-box-amid-construction/20010013
- Published: 2026-11-03T02:43:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nyc barn owls, manhattan, rooftop water tower, barn owls, new york city, nesting box, construction, barn owl nesting, news, local
## Barn owls nest in manhattan
Barn owls have nested in manhattan for the first time ever, raising young on a rooftop water tower.
## Residents hear barn owls
Upper west side resident jf grossen became invested after hearing owls behind his apartment.
## Owls displaced by construction
Workers removed part of a water tower where barn owls nested, displacing the birds.
## State issues cease-and-desist
The state department of environmental conservation issued a cease-and-desist order to protect the owls.
## New nesting box installed
A new nesting box was installed for the owls, allowing construction to continue.
## Owls leave construction area
Despite the new nesting box, barn owls have left the area due to construction noise and workers.
## Key takeaway

Manhattan barn owls received a new nesting box amid construction but remain elusive after displacing from their rooftop water tower nest.