Eric Medard / Little owl (Athene noctua) chick taking first flight, learning to fly, France, June

David Maitland / Pigeon louse fly (Ornithomya avicularia) amongst the feathers of a Tawny Owl (Strix aluco). Feltwell, Norfolk, UK.

David Maitland / Pigeon louse fly (Pseudolynchia canariensis) amongst the feathers of a Tawny Owl (Strix aluco). Feltwell, Norfolk, UK.

Nature Production / Canopy Owl Fly (Ascalaphidae) Japan

Philippe Clement / Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) ready to fly away from signpost, captive, England, UK

Silvia Reiche / Owl Fly (Ascalaphus sp) on grass, St. Nazaire le Desert, France

Piotr Naskrecki / Owl Fly (Ascalaphidae) adult on snag, Namibia

Piotr Naskrecki / Owl Fly (Ascalaphidae) larva, camouflaged on the trunk of a savannah tree, Botswana

Piotr Naskrecki / Owl Fly (Ascalaphidae) on mossy branch, Costa Rica

Mark Moffett / Owl Fly (Ascalaphidae) detail showing unusual double eyes, Barro Colorado Island, Panama

Mark Moffett / Owl Fly (Ascalaphidae), Barro Colorado Island, Panama

Konrad Wothe / Owl Fly (Libelloides coccajus) on twig, Monti Sibillini National Park, Italy

Konrad Wothe / Owl Fly (Libelloides coccajus) portrait, on stem, Monti Sibillini National Park, Italy

Kevin J Keatley / Young Barn owl (Tyto alba) prepares to fly. Barn Owl Trust, UK Devon. 200 yr old tree. 3 months, released under licence.