Stable door, barn, Cotswolds

I've known this barn for nearly 20 years, but have never had the chance to look inside as it's been closed all that time. 

While walking past today I spotted that the top part of the old stable door was open and went to have a look. I got the shock of my life - a beautiful, delicate barn owl that had been roosting inside erupted past me, brushing my face with one of its wings as it went.

Luckily no damage was done to either party, and I watched with reverence as the owl drifted off into a more secluded part of the barn. A fantastic moment that I will never forget.