Yet every so often there's a moment when a wildlife photographer takes an "impossible" shot.

It's the career-defining image that captures the essence of the animal: the sinewy beauty of muscles knitting up and down its body as it runs or flies, the powerful intensity of its glare, the coil of its body as it prepares to strike.


***SEE MORE INCREDIBLE IMAGES FROM THE BOOK!***


The picture above shows the Great Gray Owl which may look fluffy and cuddly but the impact of its landing can break through snowbanks that would support a 13-stone human being.

DINNER: An adult Barn Swallow feeds a bug to a fledgling in mid-flight

This incredible image was taken from 'On Feathered Wings': Birds in Flight' by Richard Ettlinger which features the work of seven wildlife photographers who have made it their careers to capture the majesty of birds in flight.

From rare eagles to snowy owls, ducks landing in water to sparrows feeding in flight, these action shots show the sheer magnificence and agility of birdlife around the world.


On Feathered Wings: Birds in Flight By Richard Ettlinger, Abrams, £19.99