THIS wonderful picture of a Little owl standing on a stone wall with Bradley in the background was taken by James Raper.

The Little owl with its piercing yellow eyes is also known as the owl of Athena or owl of Minerva, and is found in much of the warmer parts of Europe and North Africa. It was introduced into Britain at the end of the 19th century.

The smallest of Britain's owls, it eats small mammals and birds smaller than itself.