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 DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
A photographer has travelled the length of the UK capturing lighthouses and their picturesque surroundings .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
The beds are consumed by moss instead of customers at this abandoned hotel .
STAIRWAY obsessed photographers have captured psychedelic shots that will mesmerise you .
AIRPORT staff have been put on alert after diet pills that come in grenade shaped containers sparked security alerts .
LIFTING their heads high and bumping beaks, these aggressive pelicans clash over fish .
AN ADORABLE one-eyed kitten has been dubbed the 'pirate cat' because of his pirate-like facial expressions .
WELCOME to what could be the world's tallest TOTALLY wooden construction .