The collared scops owl family. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A new family of feathered friends recently settled in the Jiuxi Scenic Area near West Lake.

The "fluffy littles", as they are affectionately called, are nestled in a tree hollow, captivating visitors with their large, expressive eyes that alternately appear aloof and curious.

According to Cheng Guolong, head of the Zhejiang Wildlife Protection Association's wild bird branch and the West Lake mandarin duck protection team, the owls are collared scops owls, a species listed as a nationally protected animal and categorized as a second-level protected bird in China. Their presence in Hangzhou is rare.

"Wild animals this close to us are a rare sight!" People have been enthusiastically flocking to see the new owl family. The excitement has drawn many photographers from outside the city, quickly turning the small area around their nest into a gathering spot for nearly 100 people.

To protect the owls from being disturbed and to maintain order among visitors and photographers, West Lake wildlife protection volunteers have set up a line around the field, gently reminding everyone that the best way to protect the little guests is to avoid disturbing them.

Editor: Cheng Dengyu