PERCHED on a branch, this Little Owl plays third wheel to two love birds. Clearly not bothered by their uncomfortable onlooker, the owls pucker up and put on a very public display of affection. This trio of Little Owls were photographed by Uzbek photographer Ilia Shalamaev, 36, after he spotted the scene on a trip to the town of Kiryat Gat, Israel. “Here you can see a family of owls playing and having fun on a branch, not far from their nesting place,” says Ilia, now of Beit Hashmonay, Israel.
CONTRASTING settings reveal some of England’s most beautiful landscapes in all their glory .
With their guts spewing and eyes hanging out, these are the cuddly toys children might be reluctant to curl up to .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
FINALLY catching a meal, a pair of great white egrets fight over their dinner .
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers .
From foster care to the MAGICAL world of cosplay, a young girl’s dreams become reality after being adopted by a photography loving couple .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
From a floating jelly fish to a relaxed seal, Britain’s unappreciated beach life is captured above and below the water .
A middle spotted woodpecker swoops into her nest and feeds her young in a forest in Trentino, Italy .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .