P-p-pick on someone your own size! Brave Penguins Face Seal In Antarctica

Despite being a common meal for seals, the unflappable bird drew itself up to its full height to square up to its blubbery foe - seemingly unfazed by the intimidating metre-tall marine mammal.

And after the show of strength, the seal thought better of attacking - leaving both to slink away without a scratch.

Photographer Mark Connell, 51 from Australia, spotted the exchange as he sailed around the Antarctic Peninsula.

He captured penguins sliding on the ice, humpback whales waving their fins and even a leopard seal catching the sun from a floating piece of ice.

Mark, who has been a photographer since he was 12, said he was stunned by the wildlife of the Antarctic region.

He said: “The animals - penguins, seals, birds and whales mainly - can appear at anytime in the ocean or on ice flows.

“I spent many hours on ship deck watching the surrounding water and icebergs for whales and penguins to swim by.”

Mark also spent time exploring the ice on foot – but made sure not to disturb the colonies of penguins and seals.

He said: “The penguin colonies were a challenge to walk around as the snow and ice is covered in quano [excrement] and the smell can be nauseating.

“But the animals show no fear and will actively approach you, making for some great images.”