Environment
Buffy fish owl chick falls from nest at Hampstead Wetlands Park, returned to parents with help of boom lift
Reunited.
June 25, 2025, 03:43 PM
Members of the public recently banded together to return a stranded buffy fish owl chick to its nest.
The owl family resides at Hampstead Wetlands Park, and on Jun. 23, the chick was found on the ground by birdwatchers.
Speaking to Mothership, photographer David Tan, who had headed there with the aim of photographing the owl parents, speculated that the chick fell due to strong winds and heavy rain from a thunderstorm in the morning.
Photo courtesy of David Tan
Stranded chick
Birdwatchers subsequently called the National Parks Board (NParks) for assistance.
When NParks officers arrived at the scene at about 11am, Tan said they observed the owl parents for awhile to see if either one would fly down to retrieve the chick.
Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Photo courtesy of David Tan
With the nest located about five storeys high up in the tree, returning the chick was no easy feat, and the officers had to call for a boom lift.
Photo courtesy of David Tan
In the meantime, the chick was gently brushed to get rid of debris and ants.
Photo courtesy of David Tan
Video courtesy of Rovena Chow
It appeared sluggish, perhaps tired out from the fall and all the activity that day.
Video courtesy of Rovena Chow
Reunited
Tan added that the nest was apparently damaged as well.
Rovena Chow, another birdwatcher, told Mothership that the chick was placed in a plastic container lined with nesting material, which served as a substitute nest.
The container also had holes on the bottom to ensure proper drainage.
Photo courtesy of Rovena Chow
With container in hand and chick secured safely inside, a worker was able to reunite the fledgling with its parents at around 1:30pm.
Photos courtesy of David Tan
Photos courtesy of David Tan
Photos courtesy of David Tan
Tan observed that the female owl immediately flew to the chick, and was later seen inspecting and attending to it.
Photos courtesy of David Tan
Video courtesy of Rovena Chow
More on buffy fish owls
The buffy fish owl is an uncommon resident, according to Birds of Singapore.
They have only ever been recorded to lay one egg each breeding season, which gives them the smallest clutch size of all owls.
As per their name, they feed on fish, but also other small prey such as lizards and rodents.
They are typically found in close proximity to waterways including coastal areas.
Top photo courtesy of Rovena Chow and David Tan
