Bing Images archive 2023/09

• 

  2023-09-01National Mushroom Month

  When the Mushroom Council decided it was high time to "champignon" these versatile fungi, they settled on September as the perfect time to do so. National Mushroom Month highlights their importance and encourages you to know your mushrooms. For example, poisonous jack-o"-lantern mushrooms are sometimes misidentified as edible chanterelles. Others have medicinal properties like today"s homepage species, turkey tail, used to treat lung conditions in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research showed them exhibiting anti-tumor properties and helping fortify the immune system. Other mushrooms 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!

• 

  2023-09-02National Hummingbird Day

  It"s National Hummingbird Day, a day to celebrate these tiny wonders. Their colorful plumage and ability to hover mid-air make them particularly eye-catching. The rapid flapping of their wings—an average of 53 times a second—creates their trademark humming sound and works up quite an appetite: These little birdies can feed every 10–15 minutes! Today"s homepage star is an Allen"s hummingbird, which grows to about 3.5 inches in length and is found along the west coast of North America, most commonly in California. National Hummingbird Day aims to boost the preservation of these mini marvels, by protecting them and their habitat.

• 

  2023-09-03Skyscraper Day

  Skyscraper Day pays tribute to the towering architectural wonders that dominate our city skylines. Observed on September 3, it also marks the birthday of Louis Henry Sullivan, a pioneer of modern architecture who is often called the "father of skyscrapers." Found in the world"s biggest cities, skyscrapers serve as symbols of progress, ambition, and reaching new heights. Manhattan, the dense, vibrant heart of New York City, boasts a mesmerizing skyline with an array of iconic skyscrapers. These structures, like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Chrysler Building, define the city"s architectural and cultural legacy and captivate millions of visitors every year.

• 

  2023-09-04Labor Day

  Labor Day is a well-earned day of rest for many workers across America. The food we eat, the shelter over our heads, and the transportation that moves us around all exist thanks to our collective labor. Organized labor movements grew in the 19th century, along with calls for a day to honor workers" contributions. The first Labor Day was celebrated with a parade in New York City in September 1882 and similar events spread throughout the country. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill declaring the first Monday in September as Labor Day. Today, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, but let"s not forget to take a moment to give thanks for the work we all put in to take care of our communities, our families, and ourselves.

• 

  2023-09-05Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway

  A beautiful island popularly known as "Norway in miniature," Senja"s diverse landscape boasts mountainous terrain as well as lush greenery. At 600 square miles, it is Norway"s second-largest island, connected to the mainland by the Gisund Bridge. The most notable spot on Senja is pictured today, Mount Segla, a magnificent peak that is visited frequently in summer, with a trail starting in Fjordgård, a fishing village in the north of Senja. It"s a tough hike to the top, more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Other tourist attractions include Ånderdalen National Park and Tranøya, an island off the south coast of Senja known for its tranquility.

• 

  2023-09-06Rethymno, Crete, Greece

  The Venetian harbor in the Old Town of Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete, invites you to time travel through history. Its Egyptian lighthouse and Turkish elements are proof of different nations leaving their mark on Crete"s old port. Forged in the 14th century under Venetian rule, this port has long served as a bustling hub for commerce and enterprise. For today"s visitors, a replica of an old wooden sailing ship offers a full historic adventure. For a nostalgic inland experience, visit the 16th-century Fortezza, Rethymno"s Venetian fortress. The citadel is visible from every corner of the town and offers a panoramic view of Rethymno.

• 

  2023-09-07Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates

  Desert-dwelling camels have been central to lives in the United Arab Emirates for thousands of years. A key mode of transportation for Bedouins, camels long helped them traverse the sweltering sands in search of water and supplies. These dromedaries were also used as currency to fulfill obligations such as dowries or zakat, an annual charitable fee in Muslim communities. Camel milk is a valuable and nutritious ingredient in many recipes in the region, while camel racing keeps people entertained to this day, illustrating the versatility of these hardy creatures.

• 

  2023-09-08International Literacy Day

  Jane Austen, author of "Pride and Prejudice," is one of the best-known writers in English literature, so it"s not a surprise that there are multiple festivals honoring her legacy. The largest is held here, in the English city of Bath, where Austen lived from 1801 to 1806. On September 8, International Literacy Day, the city begins its annual 10-day Jane Austen Festival with hundreds of Austen fans walking the streets dressed in costumes from Britain"s Regency era, in the early 19th century.

• 

  2023-09-09Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand

  When the sun sets over Thailand, the Wat Chaiwatthanaram Buddhist temple lights up to welcome the night at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. These ruins are evidence of the area"s rich history as the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which grew in power between the 14th and 18th centuries to rule Siam, or present-day Thailand. Around 1630, Wat Chaiwatthanaram was built on the orders of the dynasty"s King Prasat Thong, to symbolize the center of the universe and connote his aspiration to become the future Buddha.

• 

  2023-09-10Grandparents Day

  Have you called your nana, abuela, pop-pop or lolo lately? No matter what you call them, there"s no better time to pick up the phone than Grandparents" Day, held on the Sunday after Labor Day. Grandparents play a special role in our lives, helping to raise new generations, passing down family history and sharing the wisdom of their experience. Wisdom is not always indicated by a thick Wilford-Brimley-esque mustache, but whiskers do lend a certain esteemed quality. Perhaps that"s why these Atlantic walruses look like they"re about to tell you why they voted for Hubert Humphrey.

• 

  2023-09-11Patriot Day

  On September 11, Patriot Day is observed as a national day of service and remembrance to honor the 2,977 people who died in the attacks on the United States in 2001. Congress established the day in 2002 with bipartisan support, and ever since, US government buildings, both domestic and abroad, fly the American flag at half-staff. Many citizens and businesses do the same in remembrance. Patriot Day also honors the hard work and sacrifice of the first responders who bravely put themselves in harm"s way in the hours and days after the attacks.

• 

  2023-09-12North Sea at sunset, Norddorf, Germany

  The small village of Norddorf is one of the oldest on the island of Amrum, off Germany"s North Sea coast. Nestled amidst stunning natural beauty, Amrum is home to around 2,300 people and has a strong maritime heritage. Museums and lighthouses offer a glimpse into the island"s past. Tourists can also explore the unique wildlife of the Naturschutzgebiet Amrumer Dünen (Amrum Dunes Nature Reserve), home to various bird species, like the red knot and brent goose, as well as plants like the common sundew and ragged robin.

• 

  2023-09-13Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, India

  Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India. The group of monuments—ancient temples, majestic palaces, and intricate ruins—are remnants of the former capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled much of South India between the 14th and 16th centuries.

• 

  2023-09-14Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia

  Hustai National Park in Mongolia is home to a very special and rare breed, the Przewalski"s horse. Regarded by some as the only truly pure wild horse today, it is easily recognized by its pale yellowish-brown coat, a short, stiff mane, and short legs. The Przewalski"s horse, also called the "takhi" in Mongolia, was once extinct in the wild but has been successfully reintroduced through conservation efforts in the 1990s. An interesting fact about these horses is that they have 66 chromosomes, compared with 64 in domestic horses. Remarkably, Przewalski"s horses can mate with domestic horses to produce hybrids. These hybrids have 65 chromosomes and can breed and have their own offspring.

• 

  2023-09-15National Hispanic Heritage Month

  From early Spanish colonialism to modern day civil rights struggles, the timeline of Hispanic and Latino history in the US is a rich one. Hispanic Heritage Month—September 15 to October 15—is dedicated to the history, culture, and heritage grounded in Latin America. It began as Hispanic Week in 1968 and has since evolved into a 30-day celebration. Why does it start in the middle of the month? September 15 sees the first of a series of independence days in several Latin American countries—El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They are followed by Mexico, Chile, and Belize, which mark theirs on September 16, 18, and 21, respectively.

• 

  2023-09-16Oktoberfest begins

  Welcome to Oktoberfest, the world"s biggest beer festival, held each year in the German city of Munich. Dating back all the way to 1810, it began with the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig, later Ludwig I of Bavaria, and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The celebrations took place on the fields in front of the city gates, which were named Theresienwiese, or Theresa"s Meadow, in honor of the bride. The festivities lasted for five days, filled with exciting activities such as parades and horse races. It was so popular that Oktoberfest became an annual event that now draws more than 6 million people. This year"s festival starts today and lasts 18 days. Beyond Munich, it has become a popular celebration in multiple countries, and cities inside and outside of Germany imitate the festival and cherish its German traditions.

• 

  2023-09-17Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba

  The tiny Cuban tody can only be found on Cuba and its neighboring islands. Despite their colorful plumage, including that sparkling green head, their size can make them hard to spot. However, they are easy to hear. The soft sound of "pprreeee-pprreeee" or a short "tot-tot-tot-tot" will tell you there"s a tody somewhere nearby.

• 

  2023-09-18Fall Astronomy Week

  The Milky Way has billions of stars; among them, our own sun finds its place. The galaxy"s name is derived from the radiant, pale appearance of the band of stars and gas clouds that graces Earth"s sky. Methodical observations of the night sky started with early civilizations but astronomy, the oldest natural science, remains a source of fascination today. It"s what brings stargazers to Portugal"s Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a site free from heavy light pollution. Now"s a good time to seek out your own celestial spectacle, as it is Astronomy Week and the main event, Saturday"s Fall Astronomy Day, this year coincides with the autumnal equinox.

• 

  2023-09-19Splügen Pass, Switzerland

  With their twists and turns, record heights, and breathtaking vistas, mountain roads are not for the faint-hearted. Pictured here is the historic Splügen Pass, which winds its way through the Lepontine Alps, on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Although its modern version was built between 1818-1823, the Splügen Pass existed in some form as far back as Roman times. At 6,936 feet high, it is one of the highest paved roads in Europe, with 51 marked hairpin bends. It is closed in winter but, if spectacular mountainside views and picturesque lakes tickle your fancy, you can enjoy this ascent between June and mid-October. Have we "peaked" your interest yet?

• 

  2023-09-20Aqueduct, Arkadia Park, Poland

  Founded in 1778 by aristocrat Helena Radziwiłłowa, Arkadia Park is an English-style landscape park in central Poland. The park displays architecture and landscapes that evoke ancient and medieval eras, like this recreation of a Roman-style aqueduct. These features are brought to life by the garden"s lush greenery, tranquil water, and intricately crafted sculptures throughout the grounds, which illustrate the beauty of intermingled nature and art. Today, Arkadia Park stands as a testament to Helena Radziwiłłowa"s lasting vision and creative legacy.

• 

  2023-09-21International Day of Peace

  Every year on September 21, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Peace, or World Peace Day. Established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, the day begins with the Peace Bell Ceremony held at the UN headquarters in New York City. The bell was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan and is inscribed with a message of hope: "Long live absolute world peace."

• 

  2023-09-22World Rhinoceros Day

  Keep the five alive! That is the mission of World Rhinoceros Day, rhino specialists, and fans around the globe. Those five species are: the Javan, Sumatran, greater one-horned, black, and white rhinoceros. It is the white rhino which can be seen on our homepage, identified by its two horns and square lip.

• 

  2023-09-23Autumnal equinox

  Autumn has officially begun! In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox falls on September 23 this year, marking the beginning of autumn. Today is one of the two moments in the year when day and night are equal in length, thanks to the sun"s location exactly above the equator. In the Southern Hemisphere, today marks the vernal equinox and they are heading into spring.

• 

  2023-09-24World Rivers Day

  If you are a nature enthusiast, or simply enjoy listening to the sound of rumbling rivers, you might like to know that today is World Rivers Day. First held in 2005 during the United Nations" "Water for Life’ campaign, it was proposed by Canadian river conservationist Mark Angelo, who founded BC Rivers Day in western Canada in 1980. World Rivers Day is held on the fourth Sunday of September to celebrate and raise awareness of the benefits that rivers provide to people and the planet.

• 

  2023-09-25Sea Otter Awareness Week

  It"s hard not to smile when you spot a sea otter. Their whiskery faces, busy paws, and thick fur give the impression of a stuffed animal that has come to life and taken to the ocean. The heaviest members of the weasel family, sea otters aren"t just cute. They also play a vital role in the underwater kelp forest ecosystem, keeping the destructive sea urchin population in check—by eating them.

• 

  2023-09-26Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California

  Welcome to the concrete waves of Venice Beach, California, a skateboarder"s paradise. Built next to the beach town"s sun-kissed shores, Venice Skatepark stands as a testament to the history of skateboarding in the state.

• 

  2023-09-27Via Krupp, Capri, Italy

  Via Krupp is a cliffside pathway on the Italian island of Capri, renowned for its dramatic serpentine design. Built between 1900 and 1902 by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, the footpath connects the town of Capri to Marina Piccola beach, and allowed Krupp to access his properties. The pathway"s intricate layout, with its sharp turns and steep inclines, was an engineering marvel of its time. Via Krupp"s panoramic vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Faraglioni rock formations, and the lush landscape of the island have drawn admiration for generations. Due to concerns over preservation and safety, because of falling rocks, the pathway has faced intermittent closures, though it reopened in June this year for the first time in nine years.

• 

  2023-09-28World Maritime Day

  The sea is a tough workplace, and a busy one—the shipping industry is the backbone of the global economy, transporting more than 80% of the world’s trade. On World Maritime Day, shipping professionals and leaders gather to raise awareness about maritime safety, sustainable shipping practices, and pollution. Organized by the International Maritime Organization, a UN agency, the day also honors maritime workers. These unsung heroes work long hours and spend months away from family to keep our trade flowing.

• 

  2023-09-29Mid-Autumn Festival

  As summer"s warmth gently yields to autumn"s cool embrace, the Mid-Autumn Festival lights up the Chinese city of Guiyang, celebrating the full moon and the autumn harvest. Also known as the Moon Festival, it takes place on the 15th day of the year"s eighth lunar month in the Chinese calendar.

• 

  2023-09-30Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

  "Oak"tober is upon us and that means it"s time to turn over a new leaf! Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park spans over 200,000 acres. As summer bids farewell, the park undergoes a transformation, unveiling its most enchanting chapter: the fall season. The leaves put on their fanciest outfits—reds, oranges, and golds—creating an amazing show you won"t want to miss.