Ungainly take off: The bird looks more assured with both feet on the ground as it stalks for preyThese bizarre images show a group of owls marching through a Lancashire farm in search of dinner for their newly-born young.
The birds, who had just hatched owlets, strutted while they hunted for food.
The scene was captured by photographer Austin Thomas, who said he had to stay camouflaged and stop himself from laughing so he wouldn't disturb the birds.
He said: 'They are both fascinating and amusing at the same time.
Head first: The owl's fascinating movements were captured by photographer Austin Thomas. In this action shot, the bird lunges forward with both legs stretched behind him- perhaps he is preparing to fly
On the march: The speckled owl has a determined look in its eye as he pushes ahead from the pack. The owl's movements mimick that of a marching army
Hop to it: The owl looks serene as it moves through the air, on a mission to find food'They have such personalities and facial expressions it was incredibly difficult not to laugh at times as the action was genuinely funny.
'They give no warning and move erratically in random directions when they decide to move. That is difficult for me to predict and also difficult for the camera electronics to keep the owls in focus.
Left, left, left, right, left: This image of the owl head-on shows him balance on one leg in a regimented fashion'It actually reminded me of the nursery rhyme 'The Grand Old Duke of York' because of their movement.
'These owls are definitely at the top my of favourite things to take pictures of - I never get bored of watching them.'
On the move: The owl stretches its talon in mid-air as it struts to find food for its young. The pictures give an up-close look at the bird
Getting in a flap: The brown owl extends a wing and looks ready to fly as it gains momentum on the groundsource: dailymail
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