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.
A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .
MASKED intruders look sinister but really they are a gang of urban exploring pranksters .
An aerial view of flooding in Gloucestershire .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
Jostling their quills into the noses of some unlucky cubs, this is the moment two feisty porcupines ALMOST defeat a pride of seven lions .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
Like a scene from a fairytale, THOUSANDS of fireflies create an enchanting glow as they dance in a forest .
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
THESE LOVE BIRDS can’t keep their beaks off each other as they share a very public display of affection .
WITHOUT A care in the world, this little snow monkey puts his feet up and settles in for a snooze .
BRAIDED, sculpted and beaded, these are the eye-catching hairstyles worn by the tribal women of Angola .