LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish. The photographs, taken off the coast of Isla Mujeres, near Cancun, Mexico, show how these water creatures work cooperatively to cut off a portion of a school of sardines swimming close to the seafloor, and drive them to the surface. American photographer Doug Perrine, 60, managed to capture the moment the sailfish manage to herd the bait into a tightly packed ball, ready to pick off for dinner one-by-one. ‘The sailfish took-turns swimming through the bait ball slashing with their bills to kill the fish, which are quickly gobbled up,’ Doug said. ‘Sometimes they light up or change to a bright colour pattern.
WITH a paw in the air and his tongue hanging from his mouth, it is clear to see that this little groundhog is struggling to wake up and leave behind the comfort of his burrow .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
THESE LOVE BIRDS can’t keep their beaks off each other as they share a very public display of affection .
SKIPPING on the spot, an adorable little owl embraces the 'running man' challenge .
RACING through the mountain range on horseback, the Kazakh people practice their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles .
A cheeky owl fancies a game of hide and seek as it peeps out from behind a tree .
WELCOME to the 125 decibel boombox bus that could damage your hearing if you party too close to its giant speakers .
From a floating jelly fish to a relaxed seal, Britain’s unappreciated beach life is captured above and below the water .
Lying angelically with a range of expressions etched on their tiny faces, little bundles of joy are innocently captured in their first few days in these adorable photographs .
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .