NYT: New York’s Latest Famous Family Is a Hoot. Yes, They’re Owls. – Gift Link

A family of Barn Owls has taken up residence on a rooftop on New York City’s Upper West Side. The family includes adolescents who are learning to fly.

The owls begin their evenings at about 7:45 p.m. with a series of screeches, Ms. Williams said. The adolescents hop along the water tower’s roof and take short test flights. Then the adults depart. Sometimes, they perch on sections of the Kenilworth Building on Central Park West, scanning alleys and the park for mice and rats. When they return with food, the children hop with excitement. By 10 p.m., the horrifying screeches begin to quiet.

Gift Link.