Observing Sunda Scops Owl at Singapore Botanic Gardens and Telok Blangah Rise

Sunday scops owl at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 2015. Canon 5D3, 100-400mm.

Nine years ago, Sunda Scops Owl was spotted at the Botanic Gardens. The awakening of the Sunda scopes owl was an eye-opener for me to observe the owl waking up to hunt. The awakening of the Sunda Scops Owl at the Singapore Botanical Gardens|UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sunda Scops Owl at Telok Blangah Rise in May 2024.

This week, at Telok Blangah, Rise, I visited the nesting of the fluffy Sunda scopes owl just before they fledged. Many people were crowding to photograph the birds near the bus stop by the roadside. I was standing like a sardine, tripod to tripod. Despite the crowd, the parent birds tirelessly and continuously bring food to feed the chicks. In contrast, nine years ago, at the Botanical Gardens, we were the only two photographers there. The number of shutterbugs and birders have increased over Covid 19.

Sunda Scops Owl Fledging at Teleok Blanga Rise

The Sunda scops owl at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and at Telok Blangah Rise Singapore

Social Media

Social media has played a major role in creating awareness of the owl nesting by the roadside with photos and videos circulating, making even casual on-lookers curious about the fanfare. That’s the main reason for the curious crowd.

New Camera Technology

Today, mirrorless cameras have allowed us to take sharp pictures in the dark with an ISO of 25000, not a decade ago. With advanced noise reduction software, pictures are acceptable even at maximum ISO. Many people with mobile phones could also capture the scenes with minimal equipment and went close to the birds.

The Future of Birding.

I foresee more people will participate in the event with the spread of social media and the advancement of mobile phones. Everyone wants to have a picture to post but doesn’t understand that these are wild birds and should maintain a safe distance. As nature photographer, welfare of wildlife must come before photography. When in doubt call the Nparks Hotline,1800 476 1600 .

Observing Sunda Scops Owl at Singapore Botanic Gardens and Telok Blangah Rise