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
STAIRWAY obsessed photographers have captured psychedelic shots that will mesmerise you .
SITTING quietly at the edge of the lake, these two baby bears watch and learn as the adults hunt for fish .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
This is the amazing moment two white-tailed kites take an in-flight meal - exchanging prey at 100 foot high in mid air .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
While often referred to as the kings of the jungle, gorillas - for all their might - are notorious hydrophobes .
An osprey soars through the air at 30 miles per hour before swooping down to catch its prey from a lake .
SKIPPING on the spot, an adorable little owl embraces the 'running man' challenge .
A BAMBI was dramatically caught in mid-air by a greedy Nile crocodile in a once-in-a-million flying pincer move .
THIS BIGFOOT 'Jesus bird' may look silly, but he's perfectly designed for walking on water .
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .