STAR-TI-LING: 40,000 STARLINGS MIMIC HITCHCOCK'S THE BIRDS- This could be the fearsome scene from Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds as a flock of 40,000 starlings bask in the heat of a wonderful British sunset. The extraordinary light and shadows echoes the 1960s hit film as huge numbers of the birds appear ready to descend and attack earth below. Fortunately it was actually a far more peaceful setting on Brighton Pier as the amazing murmuration of the birds gathered around the coastline of the seaside resort. They swooped around in the winter sun in February this year, as captured by Hove based photographer Alan Mackenzie. He said despite the large numbers of birds, they have dramatically dwindled in recent decades.Alan, 32, said: "Moments like this make me proud to live on such a beautiful planet and appreciative of the fact that, as a human living in the modern world, I am privileged enough to observe it all
ALL IS not as it seems in these deceptive cityscapes .
THIS is the incredible moment a pelican throws a fish into the air and SLAM DUNKS it into its enormous throat sack .
LEAPING for joy five-feet above the waves this baby whale cutie is saying HELLO to its family after being lost .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
THEIR gnarling teeth at the ready, these two baboons fight it out for the last piece of fruit .
BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .
An adorable orangutan named Pongo celebrates his first birthday at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, America .
Balanced on one leg, a frog assumes the crane kick martial arts stance made famous in the movie The Karate Kid .
PERCHING on the edge of a flower, these loved-up caterpillars can't resist each other as they enjoy a romantic moment together .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
A unique business in Birkenhead, Merseyside is sure to leave you HALF-CUT with its unusual pub and barbers combination .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .