A manatee makes the most of his underwater guests by rolling onto his back for a belly rub. The manatee appears apprehensive at first, but he soon cosies up to the divers. The photographs were taken by marine biologist Andrew Pearson in Crystal River, Florida at the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. The 32 year old photographer, of Southampton, says: ‘We spent several days snorkelling with wild manatees.
Swirling water and sand create amazing aerial images of river deltas across Iceland .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
COURAGEOUS CLIMBERS scale frozen waterfalls in Canada, as the ice threatens to collapse beneath them .
With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .
Fetching a tiny carrot and a head-shaped snowball, a red squirrel builds the perfect snowman .
AN American accountant has grown the world's biggest MELON and smashed his way into the record books with his mammoth 350 .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
THESE kaleidoscopic-like photographs capture England’s churches and cathedrals in all their glory .
PERCHED on a branch, this Little Owl plays third wheel to two love birds .
LEAPING through the air this determined little mouse is on a mission for food .