'Barry,' Central Park Barred Owl, Dies After Being Hit By Vehicle

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A barred owl that made its home in Central Park died Friday after being hit by a park vehicle, the Central Park Conservancy said.

The barred owl, which had become known as "Barry" to its throngs of daily observers, was flying low around 2:30 a.m. Friday above the park's West Drive. It was "likely searching for a meal" when it collided with a Conservancy maintenance vehicle, the nonprofit said.

The vehicle had been driving at around 15 miles per hour with its lights and flashers on, a Conservancy spokesperson told Patch. Staff reported the incident and contacted Urban Park Rangers, Conservancy officials said in a Twitter post.

Though it wasn't immediately clear whether the barred owl was in fact Barry, David Barrett of the Manhattan Bird Alert Twitter account told Patch that Barry was nowhere to be seen Friday afternoon at her normal perch in the Ramble.

The barred owl had captured the attention of bird watchers and enthusiasts since last fall as it made its home in the park.

"The barred owl's presence in Central Park brought so much joy, reminding all of us that the park is a vital green space for all New Yorkers, including the wildlife that call it home," the Conservancy said in a statement.

The announcement on Twitter received dozens of condolences in the comments.

Nick Garber contributed to this report.