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
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
MEET the underwater British seal who is so friendly he loves to grapple divers like a friendly puppy dog .
WITH their robotic movements and pristine uniforms, these are the sexy traffic girls of North Korea that are becoming iconic figures in the secretive state .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
Armed with a snorkel, flippers and her skimpy bikini, an intrepid female free diver swims alongside an array of reef sharks .
THE CRAZE for mimicking the video game Streetfighter has spread to the streets of London .
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
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A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .