The world in photos: Feb 2-8

Team Volvo competes during the Quebec Winter Carnival ice canoe race on the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City, February 8, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Here's a look at some of the most striking images that reveal the major stories from around the world in the past week. Migrating starlings fly in formation across the sky near the southern Israeli town of Rahat. People celebrate Sri Lanka's 67th Independence Day in Colomb. Over 300 mermaid enthusiasts participate in the annual Merfest convention in North Carolina.