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Dec 14, 2024Northern hawk-owl, Canada

Meet the northern hawk-owl—featured in today"s image—a striking bird that is as fierce as it sounds! This medium-sized owl is found in the boreal forests of North America and Europe. Active only during the day, it has exceptional hearing and can plunge into the snow to capture rodents. With its long, tapered tail and a small head resembling a hawk, the northern hawk-owl is a striking sight. Known for its high-pitched, sharp call, the owl"s vocalisations are simple yet distinctive. It often emits a series of whistling hoots, making it stand out among its owl relatives.Desktop Version

Mar 10, 2025Lion, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

In Uganda"s Queen Elizabeth National Park, some lions take napping to new heights—quite literally. The tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector have a habit of sprawling across the branches of giant fig trees, as seen in today"s image. Experts believe they climb to escape ground-level heat or pesky insects, but these naps make for an unforgettable sight. This vast park spans volcanic craters, open plains and dense forests. A safari here promises encounters with Uganda"s incredible wildlife. Lions, hold a special place in human history, frequently appearing in sculptures, paintings, national flags, literature and films. The Asiatic lion used to roam large areas from Saudi Arabia and eastern Turkey to Iran, Mesopotamia and across the Indian subcontinent, stretching from the Indus River to Bengal and Central India"s Narmada River. However, since the early 20th century, its habitat has been confined to Gujarat"s Gir National Park and surrounding areas.Desktop Version

Mar 22, 2025Cenote Nicte-Ha, Tulum, Mexico

One of nature"s most mesmerising freshwater wonders, Cenote Nicte Ha in Tulum, Mexico, is featured in today"s image. A cenote is a natural sinkhole that arises from the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing groundwater. Named after the Mayan words for flower "Nicte" and water "Ha", this open cenote is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and beautiful water lilies. Sunlight filters through its open surface, supporting vibrant aquatic life. For the ancient Maya, cenotes were sacred portals to the underworld and vital water sources in the Yucatán Peninsula. With a maximum depth of approximately 10 metres, Cenote Nicte Ha remains a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, offering a glimpse into an ancient and fragile ecosystem. Freshwater is not only essential to life—it"s life!Desktop Version

Dec 18, 2024Jim Corbett National Park, India

Hold onto your hats and binoculars, because in Jim Corbett National Park, the river is no ordinary waterway—it"s an elephant expressway! India"s oldest national park was established in 1936 and named after the naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. Housed in the foothills of the Himalayas near the popular hill-station of Nainital, the Jim Corbett National Park is known for its significant tiger population. During the summer months, the park becomes a bustling hub of wildlife activity, with Indian elephants frequently spotted roaming in herds numbering several hundred. As part of the Terai Arc Landscape Programme, the park is among the thirteen protected areas targeted for preservation and restoration. The overarching goal of this programme is ambitious yet crucial: to safeguard three of the most iconic terrestrial species, namely the tiger, the Asian elephant and the great one-horned rhinoceros.Desktop Version

Apr 6, 2024Himeji Castle, Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan

Welcome to the timeless wonder of Himeji Castle, Japan"s majestic architectural marvel. This serene castle is the country"s largest and most visited. Dating back to 1333, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an advanced defensive design and five National Treasure structures. Himeji Castle is renowned for its stunning white exterior that resembles a heron taking flight, earning it the nickname "White Heron Castle." The castle"s design incorporates strategic features, including intricate wooden structures, a labyrinth of pathways and multiple gates and towers.Desktop Version

Apr 25, 2024Adélie penguins, Antarctica

Why fly when you can slide? These flightless birds primarily inhabit Antarctica, with species varying from emperor penguins to today"s image star, Adélie penguins. In 1840, the French adventurer Jules Dumont d"Urville discovered the Adélie penguins and honoured his wife, Adèle Dorothée, by naming them after her. Despite their small size, Adélie penguins are sleek swimmers and can dive as deep as 175 metres in search of shrimp-like krill or fish. They are social animals which gather in small colonies for foraging, hunting and protection. While it may seem mischievous, Adélies steal pebbles from nearby nests to strengthen their own, safeguarding their eggs and chicks from Antarctica"s harsh conditions and predators.Desktop Version

Dec 7, 2023Verdon Gorge, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France

Stretching nearly 100 kilometres, the Verdon Gorge is Europe"s largest canyon, with majestic cliffs climbing up to 750 metres in height. The emerald hue of the Verdon River"s waters, hidden far below this blanket of clouds, lends its name to this spectacular natural site, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Visitors or residents of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Hiking in the southeast of France can visit the canyon for rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding—the adventure options are endless. If you find yourself in Marseille or Nice, a day trip may be in order.Desktop Version

May 3, 2024The Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA

You know you"re in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA, when the sun gives you a warm "welcome"! This arid land is home to various animals such as roadrunners, Gila monsters, and the Morafka"s tortoise. The Sonoran Desert experiences two rainy seasons, which leads to the blossoming of colourful wildflowers such as the brittlebush, seen in today"s image. These hardy shrubs seen here are adapted to the dry climate, with their silvery-grey leaves covered in fine hairs that help reduce water loss through transpiration. Brittlebushes produce bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters at the ends of their branches, adding a splash of colour to the desert landscape. Another drought-loving desert flora is the saguaro cactus, which can live for over 150 years and grow up to 12 metres tall. These cacti offer food and shelter to desert species. The saguaro is also a sacred plant in the culture of the Tohono O"odham people, used for sustenance and rituals.Desktop Version

Mar 25, 2025European goldfinches

Bright flashes of red, gold and black dart through meadows and hedgerows—European goldfinches are hard to miss. These small birds are widespread across Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia, favouring open woodlands, orchards and gardens. Their pointed beaks are perfect for extracting seeds from teasels and thistles, though they also eat insects during the breeding season.Desktop Version

Dec 22, 2024Crystal Pier, San Diego, California, United States

Welcome to a timeless spot that has long captivated visitors to San Diego"s Pacific Beach: Crystal Pier. Stretching out over 260 metres into the water, the family-owned pier has been a Pacific Beach icon since 1927. Once home to a ballroom and carnival-like midway, Crystal Pier has since become a mellower vacation destination and one of the few places on the West Coast with rental accommodations over the ocean. Open to the public during the day and 24/7 for hotel guests, the pier is an ideal place to take in panoramic coastal views, watch whales and surfers playing, do some fishing or bathe in glorious coastal sunsets. Pacific Beach also has a lively restaurant, bar and club scene if eggnog isn"t your thing. There are certainly colder places to spend Christmas, but perhaps no place cooler than Crystal Pier.Desktop Version

Oct 11, 2023The Painted Hills, Oregon, USA

Oregon"s John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, specifically the mesmerising Painted Hills, are one of the most well-known spots in the world to see and study fossils. Layers of vividly coloured clay-rich soils make for a captivating landscape. These hills contain a record of changing climates and ecosystems that spans millions of years. Here, visitors can freely explore a museum that displays fossils of plants and animals that thrived long ago. One can get a glimpse of fossils of opossums, oreodonts, sabre-toothed tigers and turtles by visiting the Clarno unit of the monument. These remnants serve as a reminder of the dynamic and fascinating history our planet holds.Desktop Version

Apr 30, 2025Iguazu Falls seen from Paraná, Brazil

Featured in today"s image is one of the largest waterfall systems in the world—Iguazu Falls—located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, within the Iguazu River. Spanning approximately 3 kilometres in width, the tallest waterfalls reach up to 82 metres. The falls consist of around 275 individual waterfalls—each one different, yet all equally mesmerising. One of the most iconic features of the falls is the Devil"s Throat canyon, which is almost 90 metres wide and nearly 80 metres deep. The name "Iguazu" is derived from the Guarani or Tupi words "y," meaning water, and "ûasú," means big. Here, every drop of water, every trail and every encounter tells a story of beauty, strength and connection.Desktop Version

Dec 17, 2023Bohemian waxwings

Among their feathered friends, Bohemian waxwings, clad in their elegant greyish-brown plumage, stand out as the wandering singers of the Northern Hemisphere. Their striking appearance comes from the contrast between their velvety grey body and the vibrant, waxy red tips gracing their secondary wing feathers. If alarmed, they freeze with their bill and neck pointing upwards. In winter they feast upon cotoneaster, juniper and rowan berries—the latter is their favourite. As spring casts its spell, these nomads engage in nesting. The female waxwings craft the nests, laying 2 to 6 bluish-grey eggs. The hatchlings are fed a diet of insects and fruits by both parents. One can easily spot these sociable birds, as they often gather in chirpy flocks in North America and Eurasia.Desktop Version

May 4, 2025Plaza de España, Seville, Spain

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain, as seen in today"s image, is one of the unforgettable filming locations from the Star Wars films. This beautiful square, with its semi-elliptical shape and stunning architecture, was used as the city of Theed on the planet Naboo. The scene where Senator Amidala arrives in Naboo, featuring Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen, was filmed here. Plaza de España"s unique design, with its central building, towers and fountain, adds a touch of magic to the Star Wars universe. This historic square, designed by Aníbal González, was originally built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929.Desktop Version

Oct 10, 2023Mount Sopris, Colorado, USA

The colossal Mount Sopris stands out in the Elk Mountains, part of the Rocky Mountain range, in the state of Colorado, United States. Situated near the town of Carbondale, Mount Sopris has two distinct summits, East Sopris and West Sopris. It"s a common misconception that Mount Sopris was a volcano. In reality, the magma within Mount Sopris didn"t erupt; it underwent crystallisation deep beneath the Earth"s surface, approximately 3,048 metres down, creating a massive rock-covered dome. In addition to its natural allure, Mount Sopris was a hallowed site for various Indigenous peoples, including the Ute tribes, who have historically inhabited the region. In the past, the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys served as seasonal dwellings and hunting territories for the Parianuche and Yampa bands of the Ute people. The mountain continues to be a beloved emblem of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, drawing in visitors and adventurers alike.Desktop Version

Jan 29, 2024Golling Waterfall, Salzburg, Austria

From the untamed Salzachöfen Gorge to the world"s oldest salt mines at Hallein, to Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world, Austria is home to many wonders. Though gentle and humble, the Golling Waterfall in the state of Salzburg are certainly one of them. With two major cascades, one tumbling down after the other from the mouth of the Schwarzbachfall cave, this 76-metre fall is a sight to behold in every season—whether it"s framed by the lush greenery of spring or the icy embrace of winter. The region has been protected as a natural monument in Austria since 1985. Whether you are into hiking, photography or just looking to spend some quality time in nature, this is a great Austrian destination.Desktop Version

Dec 25, 2024Lakes of Covadonga, Asturias, Spain

The dazzling Lakes of Covadonga, nestled in the heart of the towering Picos de Europa mountain range in Asturias, northern Spain, is an iconic tourist destination, particularly captivating in winter. The sight of these lakes draped in a blanket of snow and surrounded by majestic mountains creates a breathtaking natural spectacle that fascinates and attracts visitors from all over. In addition to their stunning beauty, the lakes hold deep historical significance. Nearby lies the emblematic Cave of Covadonga, the site of the renowned Battle of 722, a milestone in the Reconquista. This corner of Asturias is the perfect place to immerse yourself in both nature and history.Desktop Version

Aug 22, 2024Ocean City, Maryland, USA

Here is a beautiful coastal getaway offering endless fun and adventure—welcome to Ocean City, Maryland in the United States. Ocean City remained a quiet fishing village until 1875, when the Atlantic Hotel opened its doors, marking the town"s transformation into a burgeoning resort destination. Today, it is one of the most popular vacation spots in the country, offering a plethora of activities for people of all ages. The town"s iconic four-kilometre-long boardwalk is lined with restaurants, shops and amusement parks. Pristine sandy beaches that stretch for 16 kilometres are perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball or building sandcastles, and the ocean waters beckon for a refreshing swim. With plenty of adventure and a heritage deeply rooted in history, Ocean City is a charming retreat that draws visitors back time and again.Desktop Version

Jun 4, 2025Moritzburg Castle, Saxony, Germany

Nestled in a picturesque pond landscape just a few kilometres from Dresden, Germany, Moritzburg Castle stands proudly, as seen in today"s image. Originally built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for Maurice, Elector of Saxony, it was transformed into a country seat surrounded by a moat in the 18th century under Augustus the Strong. Today, it impresses visitors with its Baroque architecture and idyllic location on an artificial island. Majestic towers and halls, furnished with precious furniture and trophies, bear witness to the former splendour of the Saxon court. It is no wonder that this castle is not only the landmark of the town of the same name but is also regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque castles in Germany.Desktop Version

Apr 19, 2024Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland

At the heart of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in northern Scotland, lies an ancient riddle: the Ring of Brodgar. Dating back to sometime between 2500 and 2000 BCE, this Neolithic henge—a type of ancient circular earthwork—and stone circle measure about 103 metres across. Lying on a narrow strip of land between two lochs, the site initially comprised 60 stones, although today only 36 remain. The exact purpose of the structure is still unknown; in 2008, an excavation project called the Ring of Brodgar Excavation was undertaken to try to learn more about the site, but the project has not yet reached any conclusive results. In 1999, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which includes the Ring of Brodgar, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are planning a trip to Scotland, consider walking amid the echoes of history at the Ring of Brodgar while the crisp Scottish air embraces you.Desktop Version

Sep 19, 2023Hadrians Wall, England

The occasional muddy soil should not stop you from visiting the long-distance footpath of Hadrian"s Wall Path. The National Trail—a classification gained in 2003—stretches for around 135 kilometres from east to west in the north of England.Desktop Version

Sep 11, 2024Eltz Castle, Germany

Eltz Castle, located in a valley in the Eifel region, is one of Germany"s most significant and well-preserved castles. The House of Eltz, a noted German noble family, has owned it continuously since the 12th century. The castle features a mix of architectural styles, including the Gothic knights" parlour, the Romanesque keep and the Baroque structures. A key attraction is the treasure chamber, which holds one of Germany"s most important collections of medieval art, including valuable armour, intricately designed weapons and gold and silverwork. Whether you"re a history buff, an architecture fan or just someone who enjoys a good story, this castle has something to offer.Desktop Version

May 18, 2024Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Canada

Deep green temperate rainforests alternate with rocky shores and sandy beaches on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Let"s visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve! The area that spreads across 511 square kilometres was recognised as a national park in 1970. The Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations of the region have walked these lands for centuries. Today, seven of the 15 Nuu-chah-nulth tribes have at least 22 small reserves within the park and nine bordering it. Another notable feature of the reserve is the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone. This temperate forest terrain is home to several animal species such as black bears, Vancouver Island cougars and martens.Desktop Version

Sep 7, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates

Desert-dwelling camels have been central to lives in the United Arab Emirates for generations, upholding Emirati heritage and customs. A key mode of transportation for Bedouins to access water and supplies, camels are invaluable in traversing the sweltering sands. These dromedaries have even been used as currency to fulfil various obligations such as dowries or zakat, an annual charitable fee in Muslim communities. They provide nourishment: camel milk is a valuable and nutritious ingredient in many recipes. Finally, camels have successfully entertained Bedouin tribes and travellers through camel racing, further showcasing the versatility of these hardy creatures.Desktop Version

Sep 1, 2023Turkey tail mushroom

With an often-colourful flower- or umbrella-shaped body, mushrooms are easy to spot in the wilderness. But mushrooms can also be easy to misidentify. For example, poisonous jack-o"-lantern mushrooms are sometimes misidentified as edible chanterelles. But there are various other types that are primarily used for medicine, such as today"s species, turkey tail, named for its likeness, which has been used for treating lung conditions in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research showed them exhibiting anti-tumour properties and helping fortify the immune system. Many make great meal additions, and from portobello to shiitake mushrooms, there are thousands of edible species out there. Sautéed, stuffed, sliced, on a pizza or in soup, it is time to bring some umami fun(gi) to your plate!Desktop Version

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