An nocturnal encounter

One of the best things about shooting at night is the wildlife. Most animals seem to be less afraid at night - they are unused to seeing people in the dark, and I guess the cover of darkness affords them a degree of safety. I am often surprised at what I meet in the night: Deer of course; wild ponies; a snake; frogs and toads; foxes and the best of all encounters was this wonderful little barn owl just sitting on the branch of this dead tree as I switched on my torch. A blessing indeed.