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Jun 17, 2024Green-crowned brilliant

Let"s celebrate the small heroes who help plants flourish! The green-crowned brilliant hummingbird in today"s image, also known as the green-fronted brilliant, inhabits Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama. They usually feed in the middle and upper layers of the forest. Adult males of this striking species, belonging to the nominate subspecies, boast a mesmerising plumage: their heads and breasts shimmer in shades of green to blue-green, accentuated by a vivid, metallic violet-blue patch at their throats. These tiny jewels of the forest measure between 11 to 12 in length and tip the scales at a mere 8 - 9.5 grams. Their favourite nectar comes from the Marcgravia vines. Should we care? Absolutely! From fruits and veggies to nuts, chocolate or sugarcane, there are plenty of ingredients in our diet that are brought to us by these pollinators.Desktop Version

Jun 18, 2024Lupine fields, Snæfellsnes, Iceland

As spring gives way to summer in Iceland, the rugged landscape puts on a colourful parade. Lupines were introduced to Iceland in the 1940s for soil erosion control due to their roots" soil-binding properties. The plant flourishes in sandy and salty soils and propagates rapidly, painting the countryside with hues of purple, pink and blue. Although some consider lupine to be an invasive species that threatens native plants, its arrival is welcomed by locals and tourists as a cherished characteristic of the summer landscape. You can find lupine fields in various regions, including Reykjavík and near the Skógafoss waterfall. These flowers also line the road leading to the Hellissandur Church in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as seen in today"s image.Desktop Version

Jun 19, 2024Water tower in Cuxhaven, Germany

As the summer mood takes over, we might imagine ourselves lying on the beach or bathing in the sea. Did you know that Cuxhaven has the largest seaside resort in Germany? This city on the North Sea"s coast also boasts one of the largest fishing ports in the country.Desktop Version

Jun 20, 2024Kokino, North Macedonia

Today"s image features the Kokino megalithic observatory. The ancient location is part of the Kokino archaeological site, approximately 30 kilometres from the town of Kumanovo, in North Macedonia. It is believed that Kokino observatory marked the position of the sun during summer and winter solstices, as well as the equinox, and consists of two platforms. A stone block on the upper platform of the observatory indicates the summer solstice sunrise direction when seen from a seat on the lower platform. So, when in North Macedonia, don"t miss out on experiencing this ancient astronomical wonder!Desktop Version

Jun 21, 2024Reticulated giraffes

Giraffes have fascinated travellers from around the world for a long time. These animals were viewed as symbols of status and treasured as pets among royalty. Featured here are reticulated giraffes. Their coats feature large, polygonal-shaped spots that extend onto the lower legs, tail and face. Unfortunately, only around 16,000 reticulated giraffes remain in the wild, less than half of the approximately 36,000 recorded in the 1980s. Nevertheless, recent years have observed a promising trend in northern Kenya, where populations are rebounding thanks to places like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. So, let"s pledge to protect these creatures and their habitats.Desktop Version

Jun 22, 2024Amazon rainforest, Brazil

Fresh air, lush foliage, rustling leaves and calls of thousands of species of animals and birds—welcome to the Amazon rainforest. Covering nearly 7 million square kilometres, this ecological treasure in South America extends its branches across nine nations—Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. Today, the Amazon has over 30 million human inhabitants, but it also carries secrets of lost civilisations, hinting at the existence of prehistoric humans. Earlier this year, archaeologists discovered an extensive network of cities here dating back 2,500 years.Desktop Version

Jun 23, 2024Dhaka, Bangladesh

Cultural opulence, bustling economy and spirited locals—welcome to Dhaka in Bangladesh! This megacity on the Ganges Delta, home to over 10.2 million people, is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet. Once known as Jahangirnagar after ruling emperor Jahangir, Dhaka was the provincial capital of the Mughal Empire for 75 years in total. Dhaka has been nicknamed "City of Mosques" because of the hundreds of elegant minarets that dot the city.Desktop Version

Jun 24, 2024Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia

You might have seen lakes with some unique colours before, but the Indonesian island of Flores, with its volcano Kelimutu, may steal the show. Home to three lakes, each with its own hue and folklore, this natural wonder attracts travellers seeking an otherworldly experience. Volcanic vents deep within the Earth release steam and gas, which alter the lakes" mineral compositions, causing reactions that transform their appearance periodically.Desktop Version

Jun 25, 2024Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, USA

Amid the arid expanse of the Mojave Desert in Nevada, USA, lies the natural grandeur of the Valley of Fire State Park. This park, which stretches across 18,615 hectares, is named after the fiery red Aztec Sandstone, an Early Jurassic geological formation of made up of ancient sand dunes. The park"s highlight, Fire Wave, is a geological marvel that appears like a frozen wave with its red, pink and white stripes.Desktop Version

Jun 26, 2024Banggai cardinalfish

Dive deep beneath the waves surrounding the Banggai Islands in Indonesia and meet the Banggai cardinalfish. Cardinalfish can grow up to 8 centimetres and have tiny shimmery bodies with black vertical stripes and white-edged fins, which help them disguise. Unlike some finned creatures that migrate long distances, these pint-sized fish inhabit a small world, rarely straying far from their local reefs.Desktop Version

Jun 27, 2024Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance! Let the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore transport you through time. More than just a church, this Gothic structure, with its red-tiled dome, is steeped in centuries of history. Built over an older cathedral dedicated to Santa Reparata, construction began in 1296 under the supervision of architect Arnolfo di Cambio. Filippo Brunelleschi, an Italian architect and designer, engineered its dome, which is the largest brick dome ever constructed. It was built without the support of traditional wooden frameworks; its completion in 1436 was the final stage of the cathedral"s construction. It"s not just the outside that dazzles; inside there are artistic treasures to discover, from Giorgio Vasari"s fresco "The Last Judgement" to Paolo Uccello"s intricate clock face.Desktop Version

Jun 28, 2024Chausey Islands

The Chausey Islands, located north of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, form a Norman archipelago known for its unique tidal landscape. At low tide, numerous islets and sandbanks become accessible. The largest island, known as the Big Island, features stone houses and a small fishing community. The fishermen prepare their boats there, while seagulls provide a soundtrack to the sunrise. The islands are rich in history and local legends, with many stories of sailors and hidden treasures. Visitors can explore walking trails, secret beaches and crystal-clear waters of this pristine paradise. The Chausey Islands are a natural spectacle that changes constantly with the tide, offering a dynamic isolated experience!Desktop Version

Jun 29, 2024Beech forest in Nienhagen, Germany

In Nienhagen, in the north of Germany"s Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, lies a unique treasure: the Ghost Forest, a mixed forest of beech, oak and ash trees on the Baltic Sea. Summer comes to life between its mysterious trees, which seem like watchful ghosts. The small rolling hills and the sound of the sea form the backdrop for this magical scenery. Here, where the air is salty and earthy, the season unfolds in all its splendour. The gnarled beech trees stretch their branches towards the sky as if celebrating the change of time. Their leaves dance in the gentle breeze and fill the air with mysticism. Between moss-covered paths, the trees whisper past stories while the waves of the sea sing a song of renewal. Welcome to the Ghost Forest of Nienhagen, where summer spreads its fingers over the earth and envelops the soul in the infinite beauty of nature.Desktop Version

Jun 30, 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version

Jul 1, 2024Fisgard Lighthouse, Colwood, British Columbia, Canada

Canada is the second-largest country by landmass after Russia and every corner abounds in natural treasures—like the Great Bear Rainforest, the Northwest Passage, the Columbia Icefield or the Haida Gwaii archipelago—with 80% of its land being unoccupied. Looking out at the pleasant waters of Colwood"s natural harbour is the Fisgard Lighthouse, seen here. The tower was the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada, built on the Fisgard Island in the Esquimalt Harbour, British Columbia, in 1860. It was named after HMS Fisgard, a British Navy ship that spent 60 years on duty. The beacon was constructed in 1860 to assist vessels entering Esquimalt Harbour in British Columbia. The lighthouse is 17 metres tall.Desktop Version

Jul 2, 2024Italica, an old Roman city in Santiponce, Andalusia, Spain

It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the Battle of Ilipa, Roman general and statesman, Publius Cornelius Scipio, built a settlement for the veterans who helped defeat the Carthaginians. Located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, it was named Italica, after the Italian origin of its inhabitants. The city was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and played a significant role in the Romanisation of the region, then known as Hispania—today Spain. Italica flourished in the centuries following its founding, especially during the rule of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, who were born there.Desktop Version

Jul 3, 2024Meerkat family

Everybody say, "Hakuna Matata." Today let"s celebrate these adorable creatures known for their instantly recognisable upright position. But don"t be fooled by their names; meerkats are not cats. They"re small carnivores of the mongoose family, native to the deserts and grasslands of southwestern Africa. Meerkats are highly social animals, living in tight-knit groups called mobs, which can consist of up to 30 individuals. These groups are a cooperative effort, with meerkats foraging together, grooming each other, babysitting and taking turns as sentinels to watch for predators. These critters create extensive burrows where they spend the night and retreat to escape the midday heat–meerkats love their afternoon siesta.Desktop Version

Jul 4, 2024Zahara de la Sierra, Andalusia, Spain

In the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park lies a picturesque mosaic of white houses in Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain. This village is perched high in the Sierra de Jaral, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Zahara-el Gastor reservoir. It also features a beautiful network of cobbled streets that retain their Nasrid layout. This landscape was shaped during the Al-Andalus period, serving as a strategic location between kingdoms for commercial exchanges and political meetings. Its long history and evolution into a modern town date back to the 16th century.Desktop Version

Jul 5, 2024Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia

Welcome to a land where greenery meets the endless blue! Situated on the North Queensland coast of Australia is Noah Beach, a sanctuary encircled by the dense foliage of the Daintree Rainforest. Bordered by the waters of the Coral Sea, this beach is a fascinating blend of two distinct ecosystems—the rainforest seamlessly meeting the azure waters of the sea. This secluded area of the Daintree National Park boasts a stretch of soft, golden sands. In this national park there are towering trees, lush ferns and other plant species that are unique to the area. This rainforest is the largest continuous expanse of its kind in Australia and is believed to have existed for up to 180 million years, making it the oldest tropical rainforest in the world.Desktop Version

Jul 7, 2024Rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province, Vietnam

Amidst the rolling hills of Vietnam"s Yên Bái province, the rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải district are a mosaic of agricultural excellence. The Hmong people, an ethnic minority known for their rich culture and vibrant attire, have meticulously carved these cascading hills for generations. The Hmong migrated to northern Vietnam in the 19th century from China. They were skilled in shifting cultivation—an agricultural system in which lands are cultivated temporarily and then returned to their natural vegetation—of crops including millets, rice, corn and barley.Desktop Version

Jul 8, 2024Blueberries growing in the wild

Celebrate and indulge in the sweet, tangy flavours of this beloved fruit! Blueberries are categorised into two main types: highbush (cultivated) and lowbush (wild). They have been around for over 13,000 years in the wild. Their bluish colour comes from a pigment named anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and improved brain function. Hammonton, in New Jersey, USA, holds the title of the "Blueberry Capital of the World" as over 80% of the state"s cultivated blueberries come from this town. The sandy, acidic soil and optimal climate create ideal conditions for blueberry farming. These scrumptious berries are fibre-rich and packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. So, toss them in your smoothies, sprinkle over oatmeal or savour them fresh and flaunt your blue-stained smile!Desktop Version

Jul 9, 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina

Today, Talampaya National Park invites us to venture into Argentina"s ancient heart. Situated in La Rioja province, this 2,150-square-kilometre park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, towering red rock formations, reaching skyward at 143 metres, are etched with the secrets of prehistoric life. The park is home to some of the oldest dinosaur remains ever found. Talampaya is also a canvas for ancient art. The park"s cliffs and caves feature petroglyphs created by the Ciénaga, Diaguita and other Indigenous cultures that inhabited the area between the 3rd and 9th centuries CE. Moreover, nature"s beauty is shown in the local flora, like xeric shrubs and cactus, and fauna. Guanacos, hares and foxes roam free, while condors, white-throated cacholotes and Sandy gallitos grace the skies. So, if the spirit of adventure beckons, heed its call.Desktop Version

Jul 10, 2024Collared aracari

Black and yellow plumage, bright eyes and an oversized bill—meet the collared aracari, a fascinating tropical bird. Gracing the forests from Mexico through Costa Rica, where today’s image was taken, to Colombia and Venezuela, this member of the toucan family gets its name from the red collar on the back of the neck. Measuring 38 to 40 centimetres long and weighing approximately 225 – 455 grams, this bird is a wonder of nature"s design. Both male and female aracaris share the same dazzling appearance. These birds circle through the air in groups of 6 to 15 and at night, they snuggle together in tree cavities. Their song is as unique as their look—a sharp "seek" or a whimsical "pink," sometimes a purring sound or even a raspy "grhhrr." Although deforestation and hunting pose threats to these birds, they are currently classified as a least-concern species. For now, collared aracaris remains a captivating sight, a splash of colour and a burst of life amidst the sprawling branches.Desktop Version

Jul 11, 2024Gangi, Sicily, Italy

Perched atop a charming hill in Sicily, Gangi has earned its title as Italy"s most beautiful town, a distinction that speaks volumes about its rich history and culture. This village had about 16,000 residents in the 1950s, but today, it is home to a little more than 6,000. In Gangi, the essence of traditional Sicilian life is palpable. Wander through its cobbled streets and you"ll find ancient churches and elegant palaces. The locals, known for their warm hospitality, invite you to savour the flavours of local cuisine and immerse yourself in their way of life. The town"s history as a cultural hub in the 18th century is evident in its many literary clubs and the grand noble residences that were constructed during that period. Keen on revitalisation, Gangi attracts attention by gifting abandoned houses to those committed to their restoration. Whether you"re exploring its historical depths or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery, Gangi promises an authentic and enriching experience.Desktop Version

Jul 12, 2024Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA

Under the glacial gaze of Mount Rainier in the state of Washington, USA, a carpet of wildflowers bursts into life. Every summer, the meadows around this mountain are coloured with vivid shades of blooming subalpine flowers: purple asters, pink coralroot and yellow tiger lilies are just some of the plants on show here. Also known as Tahoma, at over 4,300 metres, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in the state. It is covered by 93 square kilometres of glaciers and permanent snowfields, making it the mountain with the highest glacier cover in the lower 48 states.Desktop Version

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