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 lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
GLAMPING is taken to a whole new level in the form of the luxurious Pop-Up Hotel .
THIS incredible shimmer of silver fish mirrors the image of that of an underwater tornado .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
THIS is the fascinating abandoned house, complete with mystery portraits and homely items, that has been dubbed - crooked cottage .
Clinging on to their furry backs, mischievous monkeys appeared to enjoy the free transport as they rode around on a perturbed Capybara .
A hypnotherapist filmed himself sexually abusing a 19-year-old patient while she was in a trance-like state .