A proud stag attempts to impress the females by donning an enormous fern headdress in London's Bushy Park. Pictured at the beginning of rutting season, the stag can barely see through a mass of leaves tangled in his antlers as he parades around a small group of deer. The scene was photographed by accountant Val Saxby during an early morning visit to the park, located in Richmond upon Thames in south-west London. The 55-year-old, of Shaftesbury, Dorset, says: “I spotted the stag with six females amongst an avenue of trees in the park."
PERCHING on the edge of a flower, these loved-up caterpillars can't resist each other as they enjoy a romantic moment together .
SITTING quietly at the edge of the lake, these two baby bears watch and learn as the adults hunt for fish .
SWIMMING in unison, millions of silverside fish dwarf the divers .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
POWERFUL bolts of lightning illuminate the night sky in an incredible autumn storm over the Sardinian coastline .
A disabled sheep is enjoying a new fleece of life after receiving a specially-designed wheelchair .
Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .
A family of foster carers are facing bankruptcy and homelessness after they signed up to a Government scheme to renovate their house to be used for disabled children's short breaks .
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 .