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
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
MEET the little lion of suburbia with a mane that makes him look like a mini-king of the jungle .
A dog was SOW close to death after she dangerously swallowed a two-inch NEEDLE-Cute Shih Tzu Daisy could have pierced her intestines after eating the long needle and thread after finding it on the carpet .
Going for long rides through vast fields together, this twosome share an unbreakable bond .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
A fox takes a tumble and lands on his head when he tries to fend off a pair of eagles in Japan .
Suspended FIFTY metres in the air, this is the last place that you would expect to find a fine dining experience .
A cricket perches on an unusual seat after crawling up the snout of a crocodile .
SHOWING off her best assets for the camera, this cheeky orangutan is in the mood for love, puckering up her lips to blow the biggest kiss she can .
An osprey soars through the air at 30 miles per hour before swooping down to catch its prey from a lake .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .