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
TRYING their best to wriggle away, three adorable tiger cubs receive their health checks at Chester Zoo .
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
THIS LITTLE squirrel tries to keep himself snug as snow starts to fall around him .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
This tranquil setting stretches for miles as the sun sets behind the mountain .
THIS incredible shimmer of silver fish mirrors the image of that of an underwater tornado .
An aerial view of flooding in Gloucestershire .