Owl takes a topsy-turvy view of the world when photographer catches it by surprise

The short-eared owl, which was out hunting in the marshes, made the startling manoeuvre as a sign it was intrigued by the encounter

This headturner doesn’t give a hoot who’s looking at him. The intrigued short-eared owl slowly turned its head upside down as a wildlife photographer Alain Balthazard snapped away in Champagne, France.

The bendy birds are known for putting their heads through a 270 degree spin in a display of surprise and curiosity.

Mr Balthazard, 49, said: "The short-eared owls come near my town all year. It's always amazing to observe when they turn their heads like that."

The owls – Latin name Asio Flammeus) breed primarily in Northern England and Scotland and usually live on coastal marshes and wetlands.

Medium-sized for an owl, they hunt during the day and are on the RSPB 's amber list because they are subject to conservation concern in Europe. Birdwatchers are urged to take care near communal roosting sites to help protect the species.