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 puppy bit off more than he could chew when he stole a six inch Chinese spare rib from his owner and swallowed it WHOLE, Cheeky Staffordshire bull terrier Rossi had his life SPARED when he underwent a life-saving operation to remove the bone from his stomach after swiping part of the takeaway meal .
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
DIVING down at a speed of 75mph, this is the moment a hungry osprey caught his prey .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
This is the moment a nimble red fox and a lumbering Alaskan brown bear were locked in a tense stand-off .
DINING under the stars, this restaurant takes you back in time - inside an ancient cave .
This cheeky macaque gets up close and personal as he examines the dental hygiene of his fellow primate .
Like a scene from a fairytale, THOUSANDS of fireflies create an enchanting glow as they dance in a forest .
ROLLING up snow in its tiny paws, this little squirrel is looking for a snowball fight .
Full of tired and busy commuters, these underground stations are rarely admired for their architecture or beauty .
PUCKERING up and enjoying some quality time, these are the most lovable monkeys on the planet .