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
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
CLINGING onto nothing but ice, this brave climber reaches heights of 1000 FEET as he scales frozen solid waterfalls .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
A little brown bear cub shows his doting mum that she is always on parent duty as he uses her as a scratching post .
Splashing around in the water, a mother otter and her son are tangled in a family feud .
SPLASHING in the water and fighting in-between rocks, these energetic tigers enjoy their fun-filled morning .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
This is the amazing moment two white-tailed kites take an in-flight meal - exchanging prey at 100 foot high in mid air .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .