Nature's Comedy Show: Award-Winning Wildlife Photos That'll Crack You Up

5. Next Surfing World Champion

This amazing picture challenges our ideas about usually waddling birds by capturing a penguin riding a wave with what seems to be ideal form and natural talent. Perfect timing for the photo reveals the penguin apparently mastering the art of surfing with greater proficiency than many human aficionados.

The image's appeal gains a wonderful layer from the amusing account of the penguin charging "one fish per hour" for lessons. The photographer has caught the ideal time when the penguin's innate swimming skills complement what would seem to be professional surfing moves. The difference between our typical picture of penguins on land and this aquatic acrobat highlights their amazing water grace and adaptation. The makeup exudes confidence and knowledge, which nearly makes the observer believe this penguin could compete in professional surfing contests.