Netizen Shiu Ling shared on the Facebook group, Singapore Wildlife Sightings a smiling wood owl she sighted at Pasir Ris Park. The wood owl was all fluffed up and appears to be smiling for the camera.
Ms Ling in her post said that she spotted the owl on Feb 22, 2022 (22-02-2022). Such a rare date for a rare sighting indeed!
In her post, she said, “So adorable! Spotted Wood Owl baby recently out of the nest, having a fluff-up and taking a look around, 22/2/22 evening Pasir Ris Park.”
Other netizens marvelled at how fluffy and adorable the wood owl was.
NParks Flora & Fauna Web, a Singapore government agency, stated that wood owls are the largest owls that can be found in Singapore. However, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and disturbance.
“Large. Earless head. Bold black-barred bluffy underparts are distinctive. Upperparts dark brown with white spots. Eyes dark brown. Bill grey. Tarsus feathered,” NParks describes the bird.
The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), a non-governmental organization and a registered animal welfare charity with the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth discussed how to lessen and overcome human and wildlife conflict.
ACRES stated on their website, “With increased habitat loss, our native wildlife is forced to adapt and seek food and shelter in urban areas. It is important that we appreciate our biodiversity and strive to move towards a progressive society where we learn to co-exist with these animals.” /TISG