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 GLOWING range of greens and blues sweep across the sky in a spectacular display of light .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
THIS DANGER-mad female pensioner could be the oldest Brit to cage dive with CROCODILES .
HUDDLED together in the hollow of a tree, it would be easy to overlook these two sleepy owls as they blend into the trunk .
Balanced on one leg, a frog assumes the crane kick martial arts stance made famous in the movie The Karate Kid .
HIDDEN in the middle of the Mojave Desert, a secret oasis awaits intrepid travellers .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .
ESCAPING A LANDFILL FUTURE, these amazing science fiction inspired sculptures are made from everyday objects .
A panic stricken kitten that got her head stuck in a car tyre has been freed by quick thinking RSPCA staff .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .