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NewsScottish NewsWhat a hoot: the moment baby owl (1lb) stops tractor (20 tons)

What a hoot: the moment baby owl (1lb) stops tractor (20 tons)

THIS is the moment a 20-ton tractor was stopped in its tracks by a 1lb baby owl.

The stubborn tawny owlet decided to sit in the middle of a single-track road in the hamlet of Dalqueich (corr) in Perth and Kinross – and refused to move for anyone.

The baby owl was very unimpressed and refused to budge for 20 minutes
The baby owl was very unimpressed and refused to budge for 20 minutes

 

The images, caught on camera by a passer-by, show the tiny creature appearing to scowl at the enormous vehicle in front of it.

At one point the bird – which appeared healthy and to have fledged – seemed to fall asleep as traffic begins to build up along the road.

The tractor driver's view of his small - bur formidable - adversary
The tractor driver’s view of his small – bur formidable – adversary

 

The driver tried to shoo the bird away – but it only shuffled its feathers and settled down once again.

It took 20 minutes and several calls to the SSPCA to seek guidance before the farmer managed to move the bird to safety and carry on his journey.

The tractor driver tries to make friends in a bid to  keep the traffic moving
The tractor driver tries to make friends in a bid to keep the traffic moving

 

Colin Boag, from Perth, caught the action on his pocket camera, and described the scene as “cuteness overload”.

He said: “He was sitting in the middle of a single track road at Dalqueich, and quite determined he was not for budging.

“We tried to shoo it to the side of the road but a wee stretch was as good as it got.

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After taking advice from the SSPCA the bird was gently moved to a safer spot by the side of the road

 

“After he was placed at the bottom of the tree he fell asleep again.

“It was completely unfazed by any humans. It was wonderful to see at such close range.”

Tawny owls, known for their stubborn reputation, are the most common woodland owl in Britain.

And the driver was able to get on his way
And the driver was able to get on his way

 

They are nocturnal and can often be heard calling at night. During the day, most nest up a tree and are rarely seen unless disturbed.

It is estimated there are 50,000 pairs of breeding tawny owls in the United Kingdom.

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