The rare Brown Wood Owl at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden has bred again after four years, attracting a large number of birdwatchers to the farm’s nature reserve to catch a glimpse of the owl.
Pictures uploaded by the farm to social media show the owl covered in white feathers, as groups of photographers set up their tripods on the hillside to capture its image.
However, the farm noted that it will temporarily close access to the area to minimize disturbance to the young owl and its parents.
The farm emphasized its role in protecting the birds and managing visitors, some of whom may use laser pointers or play owl calls to obtain the perfect shot, which causes great disturbance to the animals.
It also acknowledged that the closure may cause dissatisfaction to some photographers but stressed the importance of prioritizing the owls’ safety.
“We hope everyone understands that the well-being of the birds comes first, and we appreciate your cooperation,” the farm said in the post.