I love going on night drives as you can often have unusual sightings.
I was in South Luangwa National Park when we came across this Spotted Eagle Owl by the side of the road. The owl let the safari car come very close. I had never been as close as to be able to take a portrait shot of a wild bird.
I used my 500mm lens with a Nikon SB800 flashgun.
I particularly like the details on the picture, like the little parasite on one of the owl's eyes.
Date: 02/03/2008
Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Photographer: Arnaud Germain