BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers. But these images are in fact amazing long-exposure shots of fireworks. These vibrant photographs were captured by Californian amateur photographer Alan Sailer, 58, when he decided to look into the shapes and colours of fireworks. 'I wanted to capture the fireworks at the precise moment they burst, to give them the look of a flower,' said Alan. 'I decided to take them with the focus varied just as the firework explodes, so I could focus on the colours and different shapes that each firework contains
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
A trout manages to escape the jaws of a hungry cormorant - only to find itself back inside the bird's long beak .
From vivid greens to glowing pinks, the colours of the aurora borealis fill the night sky above a snow covered Lapland .
SWIMMING in unison, millions of silverside fish dwarf the divers .
SAILING over crystal clear waters, the Bajau people of Malaysia live their lives almost entirely at SEA .
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
The beds are consumed by moss instead of customers at this abandoned hotel .
THIS BIGFOOT 'Jesus bird' may look silly, but he's perfectly designed for walking on water .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
IN THE not so MISTY MOUNTAINS of Wiltshire, there lies an abandoned hobbit house .