By Elizabeth Hunter
A barn owl and a tawny owl have been pictured preparing for Christmas in adorable new photos.
Lofty, the 18-year-old barn owl, was snapped enjoying some time with a Santa figurine – while Tony, a 10-year-old tawny owl, was pictured playing in the branches of a Christmas tree.
Pictures show Tony enthralled by bright red baubles as he perches on pine tree branches, while Lofty can be seen studying the faces of the Santa and snow-bird figurines next to him.
The pair live at the Scottish Owl Centre near Bathgate, with Tony hatched and hand-raised at the center.
Ruth Sheridan of the Scottish Owl Centre said: “Both of the owls are part of our ambassador team – these are owls that have been hand-reared and trained to use in our flying displays and handling experiences.
“Lofty is a very easygoing owl – very curious and very friendly.
“He was very curious about everything around him, and enjoyed looking at the twinkling lights.
“You could say the same about Tony! He’s the eternal baby – he reacts to everything as if it’s brand new.
“If it were to snow tomorrow, it would be like the first time he’d ever seen snow.
“Tony was very curious about the Christmas baubles.”
The photos were taken at nearby Polkemmet Cafe – under the watchful eye of Ruth, who says the owls will now be given a well-deserved rest, until the centre reopens in January.
“We’re closed through December, which will allow us to get maintenance done, and will also allow the owls to have a rest from flying displays,” she said.
“We reopen again for weekends in January – so the owls will get a bit of a holiday!”
