Bing wallpaper for mobile

Hottest Latest
World Octopus Day
World Octopus Day
Today, we celebrate a creature with three hearts and the uncanny ability to change colour at will: the octopus. Octopuses are cephalopods, marine animals like squids and cuttlefish that have tentacles. Among their many species is the mototi octopus, pictured here. It was discovered in 1999 around Rapa Island in the South Pacific and is known for the "fake eyes" or ocelli—vibrant blue and yellow rings—between its eyes and arms. Found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Australia and Okinawa in Japan, mototi octopuses are masters of disguise. They usually have a dull orange-cream-brown colour but when alarmed, they can quickly shift to striking maroon with white stripes along their body and arms. Also known as poison ocellate octopuses, these cephalopods are highly venomous. But you don"t need to worry about running into one, because they tend to be shy and solitary, often hiding in crevices, shells or man-made objects like bottles and cans.Desktop Version
Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
If fashion had a bird ambassador, the cock-of-the-rock would steal the spotlight. The males? They look like they"re wearing a bright orange-red costume, complete with a huge crest that almost covers their beak. With its bold colours, this native South American bird isn"t just about looks—it"s got the moves too.Desktop Version
Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia
Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia
Imagine a colossal puzzle made from over 2 million stone blocks—that"s Borobudur, seen in today"s image. Built during the 9th century in the reign of the Shailendra dynasty—an influential ruling family in Southeast Asia—it"s the world"s largest Buddhist temple, standing tall on the island of Java, Indonesia. This ancient sanctum has withstood centuries of natural challenges, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, thanks to its advanced interlocking stone system. Historically, Borobudur was an important pilgrimage site. After being abandoned for centuries, it was rediscovered in the 19th century by the English lieutenant governor Thomas Stamford Raffles.Desktop Version
Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Olympic National Park in Washington, United States, established in 1938, offers an escape into unspoiled wilderness. It covers nearly 3,700 square kilometres on Washington"s Olympic Peninsula. With a labyrinth of ecosystems that range from glacier-capped mountains to temperate rainforests, the park is a home for wildlife as well as a retreat for thrill-seekers and history buffs. Within it lies Shi Shi Beach, a serene stretch where the Pacific laps against sea stacks and sandy shores, as seen in today"s image. Recognised as an International Biosphere Reserve, this national park features over 890 kilometres of trails, where hikers can embark on a trek along the coast to see the beach"s sea arch at Point of the Arches, an outcrop that has over 30 sea stacks, columns of rock rising from the beach.Desktop Version
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
Covered bridges like the West Cornwall Covered Bridge in Connecticut, United States, pictured in today"s image, were designed with roofs and siding to protect their wooden structures from weathering, greatly increasing their durability. While many were built in the 19th century, few have survived to the present day, and the ones that have are often preserved for their historical and visual significance.Desktop Version
Distillery Winter Village
Distillery Winter Village
Long before LED lights and Instagram shots, Christmas markets were places for neighbours to gather—steaming mugs in hand, carols in the air and crafts laid out on wooden stalls. Originating in Germany in 1434, these open-air fairs brought warmth to cold winters. Canada soon embraced that same spirit, turning snowy evenings into celebrations that felt both old-world and wonderfully local. Today, cities from Montreal to Vancouver—with stops in Quebec City, Edmonton, Banff and Toronto—keep the tradition glowing with their own festive markets.Desktop Version
International Day of Human Space Flight
International Day of Human Space Flight
Not so long ago, humanity took its first step beyond Earth. For thousands of years, we gazed at the stars, dreaming of what lay beyond. Then, on April 12, 1961, one man left the planet and changed history forever. That morning, Soviet pilot Yuri Gagarin climbed into a small, spherical spacecraft named Vostok 1. The countdown began. The engines ignited. As the rocket roared toward the sky, he called out, "Poyekhali!"—"Let"s go!" And just like that, Earth had its first space traveller.Desktop Version
A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
In the world of clever hunting, the black heron rules the roost. This bird thrives in shallow, open waters and at the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It"s also commonly spotted in marshes, rice fields, seasonally flooded grasslands and along riverbanks. At first glance, this feathered genius seems like any other wading bird, with its long legs, slender neck and pointed beak that aid in hunting. But when it hunts, this jet-black African species showcases an extraordinary skill—it takes the shape of an umbrella, as seen in today"s image. While fishing, the heron dips its head, extends its wings around its body and forms a shaded canopy.Desktop Version
Happy World Water Day!
Happy World Water Day!
March 22 is World Water Day, a United Nations initiative highlighting the importance of freshwater and its conservation. This day raises awareness about the global water crisis and promotes actions to ensure clean water for all. Freshwater is vital—not just for drinking, but for ecosystems, agriculture and cultural heritage.Desktop Version
Amber Fort, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Amber Fort, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Walk through the streets of Jaipur district in the state of Rajasthan, India, and you"ll be greeted by grand palaces and towering forts that shape the region"s landscape. One of the most prominent among them is Amber Fort, which is perched on a small hill about 11 kilometres from the main city of Jaipur.Desktop Version
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
In the ghostly silence of Bodie in California, United States, it feels like time stands still. This once-booming gold rush town was established in 1860. Bodie was named after W.S. Bodey, a prospector who discovered gold but tragically died in a blizzard before seeing the town"s rise. When large deposits of gold were found there, it grew to nearly 10,000 residents, with saloons, dance halls and breweries lining its streets. But as the gold ran dry, so did the town"s fortunes. The mines closed, the population dwindled and by 1915, the place was abandoned. Bodie"s streets are now empty, its wooden buildings frozen in decay.Desktop Version
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
The Badische Weinstraße is a picturesque route that stretches over 500 kilometres along the Black Forest, leading you through some of Germany"s most beautiful wine-growing regions. In today"s image, we find ourselves in Varnhalt, a charming wine village that is part of Baden-Baden. One of the region"s highlights is the Nägelsförsterhof winery, which has been in operation since 1588. This vineyard is well-known for producing Riesling wines, renowned for their exceptional quality.Desktop Version
International Mountain Day
International Mountain Day
Today, we celebrate International Mountain Day, an event to honour the towering giants of our planet. Among them are the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or the "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," seen on the right in today"s image. A part of the Sexten Dolomites in northeastern Italy, they"re one of the most famous mountain groups in the Alps. These three peaks—Cima Grande, Cima Ovest and Cima Piccola—are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates adventurers and nature lovers alike. During World War I, the front line between Italy and Austria-Hungary cut through the peaks, leaving the area with many remnants of the conflict, such as fortifications, trenches, tunnels and commemorative plaques.Desktop Version
Antarctica Day
Antarctica Day
Today, Antarctica Day shines a spotlight on one of the world"s most remarkable international agreements—the Antarctic Treaty. Signed in 1959 by 12 nations, this treaty designated the entire continent as a demilitarised zone, with a special focus on promoting scientific research and collaboration. This day honours the spirit of global cooperation, reminding us of the collective responsibility to protect the planet"s last great wilderness.Desktop Version
English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
Every holiday season, as snow begins to fall and Christmas lights twinkle in the night, the story of "The Nutcracker" comes to life on stages around the world. Written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892, this beloved ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann"s fairy tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." Set on Christmas Eve, it follows a young girl named Clara, who goes on an adventure with the Nutcracker Prince as they battle the evil Mouse King. Many renowned ballet companies present their rendition of this classic every year, including the New York City Ballet, the Boston Ballet and the English National Ballet, pictured here.Desktop Version
Night view of the RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, United States
Night view of the RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, United States
She was never meant to fade away. When the RMS Queen Mary sailed in 1936, she stole the spotlight across the Atlantic—an Art Deco liner that broke speed records and carried celebrities, royalty and dignitaries. War transformed her from a floating palace into the "Grey Ghost," stripped of luxury and loaded with Allied troops. Between 1942 and 1948, the RMS Queen Mary, along with 59 other ships, played a significant role in Canada"s post-war history by transporting women and children—known as war brides—from Europe to Canada. In 1967, after 30 years at sea, she retired to Long Beach in California, United States, where her decks now serve as hotel corridors, guided exhibits and a living monument to maritime history.Desktop Version
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day
Today, dig deep and unearth your inner Indiana Jones or Lara Croft on International Archaeology Day. Started in 2011, it occurs on the third Thursday in October, celebrating archaeology"s benefits for society today. Global events include exhibits and hands-on excavations, some of which run throughout the month, and many provinces and parks, historic landmarks and local museums also hold events.Desktop Version
Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
Take a stroll along almost any marina from Costa Rica to Alaska, and you"ll likely hear the playful barks of sea lions echo through the air. California sea lions, like the one pictured, are a common sight basking in the sun along the rocky shores of North America"s western coast. These marine mammals, belonging to the pinniped group, are often mistaken for seals. An easy way to distinguish between them is by looking at their ears—sea lions have visible flaps, seals don"t.Desktop Version
Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
What could be better than warming up winter with a feast that"s a little wild and a lot of fun? Thorrablot, Iceland"s midwinter festival, invites you to dive headfirst into tradition. This celebration of survival, culture and community, which dates to the Viking Age, was once a way for Icelanders to honour Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Today, people celebrate by gathering to feast on an array of local delicacies, including fermented shark, smoked lamb, rye bread and shots of Brennivín—often called "black death" schnapps.Desktop Version
European beech forest, Belgium
European beech forest, Belgium
Beech trees are pretty amazing. There are several species worldwide, but the European beech steals the spotlight in much of Europe. With its smooth grey bark, short trunk and sweeping branches, this tree is a standout in Belgium"s forests, as shown in today"s image. It grows in temperate regions and prefers well-drained, fertile soils, taking up to 30 years to mature. Not only do these 50-metre tall trees dominate the landscape, but their wood is also used to make some of the sturdiest furniture, flooring and even kitchen tools. Wildlife such as black bears, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks and mice love them too—beech nuts, though slightly bitter, provide a feast for all kinds of critters. In winter, the beech forests in Belgium become even more enchanting.Desktop Version
Red deer stag in Glen Affric, Scotland
Red deer stag in Glen Affric, Scotland
Striking appearance, strong presence and impressive antlers—meet the red deer, photographed in the ancient forests of Glen Affric, one of Scotland"s most beautiful valleys. Found across Europe, Asia and parts of North Africa, this species is Britain"s largest land mammal and an integral part of the Caledonian pinewoods. From featuring in cave art found throughout Europe to medieval hunting traditions, red deer have always held a special place in the human imagination. In many parts of the world, their image is synonymous with the wild, free spirit of nature.Desktop Version
Anniversary of Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
Anniversary of Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
Within the remote canyons of southeastern Utah in the United States, Natural Bridges National Monument highlights the power of erosion and the passage of time. Shaped by the relentless forces of wind and water, this monument features three magnificent natural bridges—Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo. These bridges were named to honour the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived here. Sipapu is the largest bridge, with a massive opening that could almost fit the dome of the United States Capitol. Kachina, pictured here, is equidistant from Sipapu and Owachomo. It was named after the petroglyphs and pictographs found at its base. Owachomo is believed to be the oldest of the three. Its thin, arching structure suggests it may eventually collapse. Today, this monument remains a place of awe and solitude, where visitors can hike beneath the soaring bridges, gaze at some of the darkest night skies in the country and step back into a landscape sculpted over millions of years.Desktop Version
Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
Tucked away in the highlands of Costa Rica, Los Quetzales National Park offers a kaleidoscope of lush habitats, including one that"s home to the blue-throated toucanet. Measuring 29 to 37 centimetres in length, these non-migratory birds use their dexterous toes to navigate branches, while their distinctive bills deftly forage for fruits, insects and small lizards.Desktop Version
Palace of Westminster, London, England
Palace of Westminster, London, England
London"s most famous clock tower isn"t called Big Ben—that name belongs to the massive 12,000 kilograms bell inside. It has marked time for Londoners since 1859, ringing from what is now known as the Elizabeth Tower. In 2012, officials renamed the Clock Tower to Elizabeth Tower to honour Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee. The clock has stopped only for maintenance and rare disruptions, such as bomb damage during World Wars I and II. Each of its four clock faces spans more than 6 metres, with the minute hands measuring roughly 4 metres. At 90 metres tall, the tower is part of the grand Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament.Desktop Version
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
Some bridges are feats of engineering; others feel more like an adventure. Vancouver"s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park leans into both. The bridge spans almost 140 metres across the Capilano River and sits 70 metres above it, held by strong cables that give a gentle sway as you walk. The idea took shape in 1889, when Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay built the first version using hemp rope and cedar planks. Wire cables replaced the original materials in 1903, and the site slowly expanded into a popular outdoor spot cherished by many.Desktop Version