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Apr 10, 2024Burrowing owl chicks, Wyoming, USA

In today"s image, we see four burrowing owls in Wyoming, USA, standing near their burrow, looking like a band of mischievous siblings. Known for their distinctive white eyebrows and yellow eyes, these owls are active during the day, hunting insects and small mammals. Burrowing owls, also known as shocos, are between 18 and 28 centimetres in height and have a wingspan of 50-60 centimetres. Their name comes from their ability to inhabit burrows dug by mammals like prairie dogs, skunks or armadillos, where they nest and roost. They often look out for each other, warning one another of predators. They lay three to five eggs per clutch, incubating them for about a month. The lifespan of these cute creatures is about six to eight years.Desktop Version

Apr 9, 2024Tulip fields in spring, Skagit Valley, Washington, USA

Walk through a real-life canvas where vibrant blossoms paint the Earth in the shadow of Mount Vernon. That"s exactly what awaits you at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington, USA. The valley, renowned for its scenic beauty and agricultural offerings, awes tourists with its blooming tulip fields from April to May. The Skagit Valley floral show spans multiple gardens.Desktop Version

Apr 8, 2024European hedgehog

A big hurray for spring for generously spreading delicious scents in the air, awakening our senses after the barren winter days. European hedgehogs have a developed sense of smell, which allows them to experience the best fragrances of the season. These nocturnal creatures usually rest in their nests made of leaves and grass during the day, venturing out to explore their surroundings at night. But when an adventurous individual takes advantage of the daylight, they might sniff through the sea of yellow dandelion flowers, just like this spiky creature in today"s image. As skilled hunters of insects and small animals, hedgehogs contribute to the diversity of this living ecosystem by consuming aphids, beetles and snails, helping to control populations of pests. So, if you come across one, respect its space and avoid scaring or disturbing it so that it can continue its own journey.Desktop Version

Apr 7, 2024North American beaver, Denali National Park, Alaska, USA

Meet the beaver: part-time lumberjack, full-time architect and all-around ecological superstar. Known as nature"s engineers, beavers have been shaping the world for millions of years. Historically, North American beavers—seen in today"s image—faced challenges from humans. They were hunted for their fur, and their "nuisance" freshwater abodes were destroyed. However, these buck-toothed, paddle-tailed dam builders have been gaining new respect in recent years. Beavers are the second-largest rodents after capybaras. These animals have beneficial effects not only on water quality but also on land. With their iron-coated orange incisors, beavers fell trees, diligently constructing not just homes but habitats. Their dams create life-sustaining wetlands for countless species. The beavers" own lodges are masterpieces of security and comfort, with the entrance strategically submerged to deter predators and provide privacy.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 5, 2024The Bahamas

Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, alfresco dining and tales of pirates—welcome to the Bahamas! With over 3,000 cays, islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, this West Indies archipelago is home to the world"s third-largest barrier reef—the Andros Barrier Reef. The country"s national cultural festival is Junkanoo, where creative expression takes centre stage at the parades, displaying costumes, musical heritage, storytelling and craftsmanship. It is celebrated every Boxing Day and New Year"s Day. For the adventurous souls drawn to nature, Dean"s Blue Hole, a 202-metre-deep marine sinkhole on Long Island, offers a thrilling experience. From the serene pink sand beaches of Harbour Island to the capital city Nassau"s bustling Straw Market and famous wine cellars, the Bahamas is more than just a destination—it"s a captivating tale waiting to unfold.Desktop Version

Apr 4, 2024Lechwe herd, Botswana

With their elegant leaps and graceful movements, lechwe are the epitome of agility and poise on the African savanna. These antelopes, known for their distinctive reddish-brown coats and lyre-shaped horns, are native to the wetlands and floodplains of south-central Africa, including the Okavango Delta in Botswana, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lechwe are social animals, often found in herds of thousands. In the heart of the delta, they are an integral part of the region"s rich biodiversity, coexisting with other species like elephants, lions, rhinos and hippos, wading through the water. Their presence adds to the delta"s natural allure, which draws in thousands of safari enthusiasts, and is proof of wildlife"s resilience in the face of environmental challenges.Desktop Version

Apr 3, 2024Rainbow across the Kakshaal Too mountains, Kyrgyzstan

As Kermit the Frog once sang, "Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide." Rainbows occur when sunlight reflects and disperses through raindrops in the atmosphere. In today"s image, we see a rainbow splashed across the majestic Kakshaal Too mountains in Kyrgyzstan. The Kakshaal Too range, with its rugged peaks and pristine valleys, is a fitting backdrop for the fleeting beauty of rainbows. A landlocked country in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The country"s nomadic traditions, such as yurt camps, which are camps that consist of portable tents covered with skin or felt, and handmade textiles like Tush kyiz and Shyrdaks, provide a glimpse into its vibrant cultural tapestry.Desktop Version

Apr 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark

Today"s homepage takes us to Jutland, Denmark, where the arrival of spring showcases the green hues of the European beech, a national symbol of this northern land. The young leaves of these budding trees are significant to the Danish people, as they are harvested from April to May and used in cooking—particularly in salads. In the past, Europeans would often use the smooth bark of beech trees for writings texts. In fact, in the modern Dutch language, the term for "book" directly translates as "beech tree." As the sun shines through the forest canopy, wild anemones brighten up the woodland with their white petals. These blooms, representing delicate beauty and sincerity, have even starred in masterpieces by artists such as Monet and Vincent van Gogh.Desktop Version

Apr 1, 2024Mer de Glace, Chamonix, France

Don"t slip through the image of the day! The Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), a valley glacier in the French Alps, is located on the northern slopes of the Mont-Blanc massif, near Chamonix. It is the largest glacier in France, measuring over 7 kilometers in length and 200 metres in depth.Desktop Version

Mar 31, 2024A great egret in the Pantanal

Walking carefully between the floating leaves of water lilies is a delicate white egret in the tranquil waters of the Pantanal region, Brazil. These birds can regulate their body temperature by adjusting exposure to the sun and their own wings to control body heat. They are usually monogamous, forming pairs that remain together for several breeding seasons. During mating, they perform impressive rituals, including dances and vocalisations, to strengthen the couple"s bond.Desktop Version

Mar 30, 2024Brown-throated three-toed sloth

Costa Rica"s lush forests are habitats for two sloth species: Hoffmann"s two-toed sloth and the star of today"s homepage, the brown-throated three-toed sloth. Despite being larger than many tree-dwelling mammals, three-toed sloths have adapted by reducing their muscle mass and size to thrive on treetops. Their large stomachs have four chambers, which can make up to 30% of their body weight when full. These shaggy critters are so sedentary that algae grow on their coats. This symbiotic relationship provides them with a greenish hue, offering effective camouflage within the rainforest canopy. In 2021, these slow-moving creatures were declared national symbols in Costa Rica. Then-President Carlos Alvarado signed the initiative into law in 2021 to emphasize the sloths" importance in the country"s ecosystem.Desktop Version

Mar 29, 2024South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Wales, UK

Built on the rugged cliffs of Holy Island, Wales, the South Stack Lighthouse stands watch over the deep waters of the Irish Sea. The 28-metre-tall white tower has guided sailors since its completion in 1809; it provides safe passage for ships on the Dublin-Holyhead-Liverpool route. When it was built, sperm whale oil was used to light the lamps; however, over the years, the mechanism has been upgraded to more advanced technology like LED bulbs and Fresnel lenses. Automated in 1984, the lighthouse continues to serve as a vital navigational aid, with its powerful beam shining up to 45 kilometres. As the sun sets and the sky fills with colours, the silhouette of the South Stack Lighthouse in the dusk makes for a stunning sight. Visitors brave the 400-step descent down the steep cliff face to explore the lighthouse, including its engine room and exhibition area.Desktop Version

Mar 28, 2024Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China

In spring, nature puts on a vibrant display, marking the start of the season with the bloom of cherry blossoms. Around the globe, from Japan to the United States, this spectacle captivates millions of hearts. In China, cherry blossoms, known as "Yinghua," bloom from late March to late April, adorning landscapes with delicate hues of pink and white. Revered for centuries by the Chinese, these fragile petals hold profound significance in their traditions, symbolising renewal, hope and the transient nature of life. There are various locations in China to view these blossoms, including Wuhan"s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Shanghai"s Gucun Park and Luxun Park, as well as Beijing"s Yuyuantan Park. Cherry blossoms look similar to plum blossoms, but an easy way to distinguish between the two is to look at their petals. Cherry blossom petals have split ends, but plum blossoms don"t.Desktop Version

Mar 27, 2024Tea plantation near Munnar, India

Situated amid the misty heights of the Western Ghats Mountain range, Munnar is a hill station and town in the Idukki district of Kerala in India. At approximately 1,600 metres above sea level, the town boasts a landscape characterised by rolling hills, lush valleys and verdant tea plantations. In the 1880s, European settlers established the first tea plantations in the region, marking the beginning of a flourishing industry that would shape the landscape and economy for decades to come.Desktop Version

Mar 26, 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam

Welcome to Hang Rai, a blend of ancient rock formations and vibrant coral reefs! Also called Rai Cave, this cavern is part of the Vinh Hy Bay—enclosed by Nui Chua National Park—in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam. The area"s natural coral reefs are surrounded by rock formations, that are carefully stacked upon each other to form a group of caves. One origin of the name "Hang Rai" or "Rai Cave" comes from otters (rai) that were occasionally seen seeking shelter in the cave. Another explanation is attributed to the abundance of rai trees in the area, whose oil was used to waterproof boats. The landscape has an awe-inspiring sight both under and above water: colourful corals for deep divers and a scenic sunset for those who like camping in the sea breeze.Desktop Version

Mar 25, 2024Tulip fields in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

The tulips of the Fraser Valley, seen in today"s image, are bursting with vibrant colour in preparation for the Abbotsford Tulip Festival in April. Abbotsford"s rich soil is nourished by the Fraser River, flowing along the city"s northern border in British Columbia, Canada. The first inhabitants of Abbotsford were the Stó:lō Nation, residing in the area around 4,000 to 10,000 years ago.Desktop Version

Mar 24, 2024Silvereyes, South Korea

Yellow, round, tiny and gregarious—say hello to these silvereyes enjoying cherry blossoms in South Korea! While this family of passerine birds is native to Africa, Australasia and Asia, several of its species can be found in places like French Polynesia and Hawaii, where they appeared by introduction. Also known as white-eyes or wax-eyes, these avians come in a range of colours and patterns, but they all share that trademark eye-ring. They have a sweet tooth for nectar, but they"re not picky eaters, happily feeding on fruits, insects and berries. On our March adventures, let"s celebrate these beauties for adding a touch of wonder to spring!Desktop Version

Mar 23, 2024Large anvil clouds, Amazon, Brazil

"When clouds appear like rocks and towers, the Earth"s refreshed with frequent showers"—there"s a whisper of truth to this old proverb for the storm clouds, also known as cumulonimbus or anvil clouds, captured in this celestial portrait. Originating from the Latin words "cumulus" meaning "heaped" and "nimbus" meaning "rainstorm," Cumulonimbus describes a towering cloud that develops vertically due to water vapour condensation, when the lower portion is propelled upward by strong uplifting air currents. These towering behemoths are not just sky-dwellers; they are the architects of thunderstorms and severe weather conditions. A wanderer in the sky, on their collapse, they undergo a transformative two-stage journey downstream. These celestial nomads boast lifetimes of six to twelve hours, while some lasting even longer.Desktop Version

Mar 22, 2024Blue Spring, Te Waihou Walkway, New Zealand

Explore the Te Waihou Walkway while hiking along the Waihou River in New Zealand. This trail near Putāruru—officially opened by former Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2000—leads to the Blue Spring. The spring, famous for its pure water, supplies 70% of the country"s bottled water, which is sourced from an underground aquifer system. The water, radiating vivid shades of blue and green, has a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius all year round. With a robust flow rate of 42 metres per minute, it could fill a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool in just over 12 minutes. Called "Te Puna" in Maori, the spring is a natural taonga (treasure). So don"t be tempted to splash in the water; to preserve the unique vegetation and ecosystem, swimming is prohibited.Desktop Version

Mar 21, 2024Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Forests play a crucial role in supplying essential resources like food, water and medicines. Featured here is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, which is home to 160 species of trees and 100 species of ferns, as well as an extraordinary 50% of the world"s mountain gorilla population. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is characterised by its dense vegetation. The forest has thickets of bamboo growing between the trees, making access on foot difficult, giving this forest its impenetrable name. Apart from the mountain gorillas, the forest is inhabited by various primate species, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, L"Hoest"s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.Desktop Version

Mar 20, 2024Peveril Castle, Derbyshire, England

Among the green hills of Derbyshire, UK, stands Peveril Castle on a limestone outcrop. Once a medieval fortress, the ruins now overlook the village of Castleton in High Peak in north-central England. The construction of the fortification began shortly after the Norman conquest in the 11th century, although it wasn"t completed until the 14th century. From the castle, we can enjoy views of Cave Dale—a ravine carved by glacial meltwater over many years. There are several smaller caves or disused lead mines within the dale"s limestone walls. From hidden caverns to towering battlements, this corner of the Peak District is bursting with history and waiting to be explored!Desktop Version

Mar 19, 2024Tree frog on leaf

In some parts of the world, the arrival of spring is announced by the guttural chorus of tree frogs. As their name suggests, these frogs spend most of their lives in trees. They tend to be small and slender since their weight must be supported by branches and twigs in their habitats. They can be recognised by the sticky discs on the tips of their fingers and toes, which help them cling to surfaces. There are over 8,000 species of tree frogs, typically found in Central America, Europe and Australia. The American green tree frog is the official state amphibian of both Louisiana and Georgia. A fascinating fact about frogs is that they have three eyelids; the third helps them hide, hibernate and sleep.Desktop Version

Mar 18, 2024Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia

Over millions of years, the dazzling sandstone formation known as Elephant Rock was carved by nature. Thanks to the wind and water erosion, this 52-metre-high rock near the city of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia took on the shape of an elephant and has become a prominent landmark in the region. As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow upon the red-hued mammoth and the golden sand of the surrounding desert.Desktop Version

Mar 17, 2024St. Finians Bay, County Kerry, Ireland

Wind, waves and wonderful weather come together to create the crescent-shaped St. Finian’s Bay on the Atlantic coast in County Kerry, Ireland. Named after an Irish saint, Finian Cam, the bay boasts dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches and seascapes. Divers often make use of the pier in St. Finian"s Bay as a starting point to explore the Skellig Rocks. For those seeking waves for surfing at St. Finian"s Bay, springtime is considered ideal. However, caution must be exercised around the rocks. Interestingly, the Skellig Michael Islands, close to the bay, were once used as a filming location for the film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens". When visiting the bay, don"t forget to make a stop at Skellig Chocolate Company at Ballinskelligs for a taste of indulgence.Desktop Version

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