HILARIOUS video shows players at a Highland football game forced to dive for cover after they are buzzed by an oystercatcher.
The bird was caught on camera at a match in Grantown-on-Spey and is thought to have been protecting its nest.
The footage was posted online by Buckie Thistle Football Club, from Buckie, Moray, who were playing away against Strathspey Thistle.
Buckie Thistle FC posted the video on their Facebook later that day saying “Bird attack. Just as well Jordan has sharp reactions.”
Two players are seen diving to the ground as the bird comes within inches of their hands. Players and onlookers can be heard laughing as everyone concentrates more on what’s happening in their skies than on the pitch.
At one point a player can be heard shouting: “Oh my god!”
Pamela Williams responded online: “Ahh and I thought you didn’t play football because you couldn’t run not because of swooping.”
Colin MacRae added: “The Strathy Oystercatcher at it again.”
Dave Ford wrote: “Just given me the fear – nae sleep for me tonight.”
Jordan Hume said: “I’d s*** it.”
Lewis Forbes added: “Scottish football is ace.”
Lewis A Murray wrote: “Birdemic 3: SPFL.”
Edward Eagle Tierney added: “Its nest must be near, they swoop at people walking to my work, but normally about 50 of them.”
Carol Fraser Newlands said: “Glad you had some excitement for the last game of the season!”
Buckie’s Thistle’s Director of Football, Graeme Tallis, today said the bird actually hit one of his players.
Graeme said: “It had a nest in the far corner, so when the ball was kicked over there it knew a player was going to come over.
“It went for the manager Graeme Stewart and then went for my 12-year-old son Jordan who actually got clipped in the ear by the bird.
“This happened prior to the game, the players had one eye on the warm up, and one eye on the bird. It was hilarious.”
Graeme was stunned by how many view the video has got.
“I am astounded to be honest. We thought it would be a good bit of fun for the fans to post it, but the response has been unbelievable, just unbelievable.”
Buckie Thistle went on to win the game 5-1.
