Buffy fish owl poses with prey on road at Hampstead Wetlands in front of 'paparazzi'

Photographers at Hampstead Wetlands Park recently got a rather up close and personal experience with one of the resident buffy fish owls.

On Aug. 15, around nine photographers were waiting in the evening to get good shots of the owls in action, as they are nocturnal.

One wildlife photographer, Jeffrey Ong, told Mothership that he has been following the owl pair for the past five years.

The birds are currently nesting at a large tree there, and have had chicks.

Hunting

After some waiting, the female owl was spotted flying around and eventually perching on a lamp post.

Another photographer, Ong Chee Peng, described the bird to be in a "hunting mood" and searching for food for her babies.

Soon enough, the owl sprang into action.

"It was intensely focused and so I just kept my eyes on the owl. Sure enough, it took off and dived towards the drain grate in front of me," Chee Peng said.

The owl then emerged with her latest catch — a frog — clasped in one leg.

It then took a breather by landing in the middle of the road — prime opportunity for the waiting photographers to capture a shot.

In a video of the scene taken by a third photographer, Rovena Chow, the men could be seen scrambling into position.

After composing itself for a moment, the owl took off again to feed its young, swooping low and just above the head of one man.

Not long after, the owl started hunting again, Jeffrey said.

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 Jeffrey Ong and Rovena Chow