Conservation outrage: Shatin swallow nest destroyed during breeding season

A family of swallows in Shatin has been left homeless after their nest was allegedly illegally demolished last Thursday, sparking outrage among local residents and conservationists.

The incident occurred under a footbridge connecting Shatin Centre and Lucky Plaza, where the swallows have been building their nests for over a decade, according to sources.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man removing the nest with tools at around 9.45am that day while two adult swallows frantically circled overhead.

The four fledglings that had been living in the nest have since disappeared, with the distraught parent birds repeatedly returning to the site, possibly searching for their missing babies.

While the property management claimed the nest was abandoned, long-time residents strongly dispute this.

"The swallows have nested here peacefully for years," one neighbor told Sing Tao Headline, The Standard’s sister publication. "Their presence was considered auspicious - a sign of good luck and harmony in our community."

The site had previously hosted three to four swallow nests until a mall renovation several years ago removed them. Locals were delighted when swallows returned last year, successfully raising four young ones. This year, another four hatchlings were born in mid-April before the nest's sudden destruction.

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Wong Suet-mei, a senior conservation officer at the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, explained that swallows are migratory birds that typically return to reuse old nests during breeding season (March-July).

"There's no such thing as an 'abandoned nest' during this period," she emphasized, noting that destroying active nests constitutes severe interference with breeding behavior.

Under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, interfering with protected species' nests carries penalties of up to HK$100,000 and one year imprisonment. The Animal Cruelty Ordinance prescribes even harsher punishments - up to HK$200,000 fines and three years jail time for causing unnecessary suffering.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confirmed investigating the incident, noting no permit had been issued for nest removal. They urged public respect for urban wildlife and requested reports of injured birds through the 1823 hotline.