This is the moment a puffin delved into the ocean and bit off more than he could chew to collect a beak full of fish. The stocky bird used its huge red and orange beak and strong tongue to grab the sandeels for a quick bite in the North Sea. Also known as the sea parrot, the animals were pictured earlier this year during the breeding season when their colours are even brighter. The pictures were captured by wildlife photographer Ron McCombe on the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland where they breed in large colonies. Puffins select a partner when three to five years old and then mate for life in season when they can be seen billing, a bonding ritual that forms a greeting or a form of puffin kissing. On land at breeding time is the only time the birds are vocal, living much of their lives out at sea in silence.
THESE kaleidoscopic-like photographs capture England’s churches and cathedrals in all their glory .
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
Fetching a tiny carrot and a head-shaped snowball, a red squirrel builds the perfect snowman .
FORGET Thorpe Park this summer as this is a 50 mile-per-hour ride over the Colorado River CANYON .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
A teacher has told how she was attacked by a murderer on her way home from a night out but courageously managed to charm him out of strangling her .
A reformed boozer, who spent nine months partying in Magaluf, has shed over 6 stone after ditching her ladette lifestyle to become a fitness fanatic .
A mischievous fox cub demonstrates his playful side by biting his sibling’s tail .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .