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 blanket of fog is lit up by the colourful glowing lights of the city below .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
These are the amazing close up pictures of North Korea's mass games - after photographers were previously banned from taking shots so close to the dazzling formation dances .
TENNIS was a game made for three according to the first Victorian rule book .
A curious red squirrel takes a break from collecting nuts and tries her hand at photography .
ESCAPING A LANDFILL FUTURE, these amazing science fiction inspired sculptures are made from everyday objects .
A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
SOME OF the sea’s most terrifying creatures show their softer side as they join a group of diners for lunch .
A frilled lizard appears to be belting out a tune as it sits in a tree with its mouth open wide .