Crowds flock to catch rare sighting of barn owl in Toa Payoh

The appearance of a magnificent barn owl in Toa Payoh on Sunday afternoon (Mar 15) saw excited crowds flocking to catch a sight of it.

Stomper Jin Yik alerted Stomp to the incident that occurred near Block 81 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh.

Photos and videos submitted by Jin Yik show the owl perched on a tree and surrounded by a horde of camera enthusiasts.

Jin Yik said: "A lot of people gathered around to see the owl and it was even stopping cars."

According to Shin Min Daily News, around 60 people rushed down to see the bird in the span of 30 minutes.

(Photo: Shin Min Daily News)

A 57-year-old man told Shin Min that it is not easy to catch sight of the barn owl as it is known to rest in one place for a day before flying elsewhere.

He said: "It was my first time seeing a barn owl. I drove 20 minutes here just for it."

Two police officers subsequently arrived at the scene to maintain order, reported Shin Min.

Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen also posted about the "unusual VIP" in his constituency.

View more photos in the gallery.