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Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
This scenic view is of Lake Tekapo on the South Island of New Zealand. The lake undergoes a remarkable transformation each year from mid-November to December, when vibrant Russell lupines burst into colour, elevating the natural beauty to new heights. The plants" blooming heads, made up of pea-like flowers, can reach up to 150 centimetres. While photographers and nature lovers come to witness the varied hues of purple, blue, and yellow lupins spread wide across Lake Tekapo, the Russell lupines have a somewhat controversial story. These invasive, exotic plants grow in dense stands, boxing out other flora. While these plants might be appealing to tourists, they can create a negative imbalance in the region"s ecosystem.Desktop Version
French River, Ontario
French River, Ontario
The French River flows in natural beauty through Ontario, along with a rich history. A pivotal route for Indigenous people and explorers, this river played a crucial role in the fur trade era around 1615. In the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, the river witnessed voyagers navigate its challenging waters. Designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1986, this river covers a distance of 110 kilometres. The river became a victim of overfishing, and in 1994 the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources implemented firm measures to protect fish. The surrounding French River Provincial Park offers opportunities for responsible fishing, hiking and camping. The river"s rapids and waterfalls contribute to its appeal, while its surrounding forest provides habitat for various species including moose, beavers, otters, bald eagles and turtles.Desktop Version
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Today"s image features a spot in Sydney, Australia, where shimmery waters meet famous landmarks: Port Jackson, more commonly known as Sydney Harbour. On the right, we see a bird"s-eye view of the Sydney Opera House, an architectural icon with sail-like shells that shine bright under the Australian sun. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site took 14 years to complete and hosts over 1,500 performances annually. Just across the harbour, to the left of the image, the Sydney Harbour Bridge—affectionately called "the Coathanger" for its arching steel frame—connects the city"s northern and southern shores. When it opened in 1932, it was the world"s widest long-span bridge. Adventurous visitors can climb its 134-metre summit for breathtaking panoramic views.Desktop Version
Gateway to Latin America
Gateway to Latin America
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Rufous hummingbird
Rufous hummingbird
Blink, and you miss them. Rufous hummingbirds don"t just fly—they dart, hover and zip through gardens like tiny, feathered rockets. They migrate thousands of kilometres from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest, making one of the longest migratory journeys relative to body size. The males arrive first, flashing their signature coppery-orange feathers to claim territory. They perform dramatic aerial dives to impress potential mates, reaching speeds of nearly 80 kilometres per hour. With wings beating up to 42 to 62 times per second based on gender, they burn energy fast, making frequent pit stops at flowers and feeders to fuel up. Once the display is over, the female gets to work, building a soft, camouflaged nest in trees or shrubs, where she raises the tiny chicks on her own.Desktop Version
Shell-ebrating sea turtles
Shell-ebrating sea turtles
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West Indian manatees, Crystal River
West Indian manatees, Crystal River
Have you ever come across a manatee? These friendly aquatic mammals are herbivores, grazing primarily on seagrasses and aquatic vegetation. Manatees have a fascinating history that spans millions of years. They are closely related to elephants and can be traced back to the Eocene era (about 56 to 33.9 million years ago). These slow-moving sea cows have, over time, adapted to life in warm, coastal waters.Desktop Version
River Thames, London, England
River Thames, London, England
The River Thames in England has more than 80 islands along its course. As the longest river entirely in England, the Thames has been a silent witness to time"s dance, from Roman conquests to Shakespearean dramas on its banks. Over the centuries, kings and queens have weathered its tides, with the iconic Tower of London standing sentinel along its banks. Starting in Gloucestershire and winding through cities like Oxford, Windsor, and in today"s image, London, it flows for 346 kilometres before merging with the North Sea. With a range of freshwater and near seawater habitats, the river is a haven for an array of wildlife like mute swans and bottlenose dolphins. It also flanks several Sites of Special Scientific Interest. With every ebb and flow, the Thames invites us on a journey through time, a fluid chronicle of England"s enduring saga.Desktop Version
City of ice
City of ice
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Union Square, Manhattan, New York, USA
Union Square, Manhattan, New York, USA
"These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you." Alicia Keys sure knows how to serenade the vibrant, bustling life of the Big Apple. Today"s homepage image takes us to a spot in the City that Never Sleeps—Union Square in lower Manhattan. At this historic intersection, you can find statues of George Washington—the oldest statue in any park in NYC—and Abraham Lincoln, crafted by the sculptor Henry Kirke Brown. In 1882, workers exercised their rights to free speech and assembly, organising the first Labour Day parade in Union Square. In 1997, the United States Department of the Interior recognised this park as a National Historic Landmark due to its importance in US labour history. These days, you"re more likely to see street chess players, musicians, skateboarders, dance crews and vendors of all types in the square.Desktop Version
Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
The Hustai National Park in Mongolia is home to a very special and rare breed of horse, the Przewalski"s horse. This equine species, which is regarded as the only truly pure wild horse today, is easily recognised by its pale yellowish-brown coat, a short, stiff mane, and short legs. The Przewalski"s horse, also called "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 to 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.Desktop Version
Carnival of Venice
Carnival of Venice
Don your tricorn hat and gilded disguise, it"s time to visit the Carnival of Venice, a centuries-old festival shrouded in mystique and beauty. This annual winter celebration combines revelry with anonymity, thanks to masks that often follow certain character archetypes such as the bauta, volto, Colombina and Zanni—the last two are borrowed from Italian commedia theatre. Over the course of the festivities, thousands of people take to the streets in elaborate costumes that imitate traditional 17th-century Venetian clothes. There are parades, parties and processions galore during the carnival, along with concerts and street performances, all of which last until Shrove Tuesday, which falls on February 13 this year. While revelling in the streets, you might pass by the Santa Maria della Salute, seen towards the back of today"s image, a baroque basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who was considered to be the protector of the Republic of Venice.Desktop Version
A life-sized snow globe
A life-sized snow globe
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Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim, Ireland
Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim, Ireland
Glenariff Forest Park, nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, hosts an array of wonders for nature enthusiasts. Famously known as "the Queen of the Glens," the park boasts a wealth of panoramic landscapes, serene riverside strolls, and three magnificent waterfalls. Covering over 10 square kilometres, the park is under the care of the Northern Ireland Forest Service. Apart from being a recreational haven, it supports timber production and is a site of conservation for animals such as the red squirrel and Irish hare. Whether you"re exploring the serene Scenic Trail or delving into the heart of the glen on the Waterfall Walk Trail, these journeys promise that you"ll experience some of Northern Ireland"s finest natural splendour.Desktop Version
Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Central Pacific Ocean
Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Central Pacific Ocean
Welcome to this eco-traveller"s paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Situated halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa, the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2001 to conserve, manage and restore the United States" fish, wildlife, plants and habitats.Desktop Version
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood graces Oregon"s skyline with a pointed, snow-capped peak. Standing at nearly 3,429 metres, this dormant stratovolcano is the tallest mountain in the state, drawing adventurers and nature aficionados alike. With 12 named glaciers and numerous snow fields, Mount Hood offers a wintry playground all year round. Beyond its snow-laden allure, it sustains diverse ecosystems, nurturing ancient forests and serving as a haven for wildlife, including cougars and wolves. Over the past 1,800 years, the volcano has erupted three times. According to geologists, the mountain is primarily dormant, but there is still a chance that it could erupt one day.Desktop Version
Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
In the town of Consuegra, the echoes of the adventures of Don Quixote—the hero of the Spanish epic novel by Miguel de Cervantes—still linger. This tourist destination in Castilla-La Mancha is famous for a small mountain range known as Cerro Calderico. The range is crowned with 12 white windmills, perhaps the very same that inspired Cervantes to picture them as an army of giants. With their stone walls and wooden blades, some of these windmills date back to the 16th century. Now, they are living relics of a bygone era when they were used to grind grain.Desktop Version
Marseille welcomes to Olympic torch
Marseille welcomes to Olympic torch
Get ready to soak up the sun and Olympic spirit in Marseille, France. A vibrant coastal city renowned for its rich maritime heritage and cultural diversity, Marseille serves as a gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the arrival of the Olympic torch ignites a fervour of anticipation here. The fire was lit in Olympia, Greece, on April 16. Symbolising the link between the modern games and its ancient Greek heritage, the flame embarks on its journey around France to the Paris Olympics. The Summer Olympics will begin on July 26. As Marseille prepares to host the Olympic sailing competition, the city pulsates with energy, blending tradition with innovation.Desktop Version
Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
The Amphitheatre of El Jem is a fascinating historical site located in the Tunisian town of El Jem, known as Thysdrus in Roman times. Constructed in the 3rd century CE during the Roman Empire, the Amphitheatre of El Jem is renowned for its impressive architecture. It was built using stone blocks, had a capacity to accommodate up to 35,000 spectators, and is still one of the largest amphitheatres in the world today. The amphitheatre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman amphitheatres in the world, almost equal in grandeur and architecture to the Colosseum in Rome.Desktop Version
Mount Fuji Day
Mount Fuji Day
Around 100 kilometres southwest of Tokyo stands one of Japan"s cultural icons: Mount Fuji. The country"s tallest mountain rises over 3,700 metres above the surrounding landscape, with its near-symmetrical cone covered in snow for nearly five months each year. For centuries, Fujisan—as it is known in Japanese—has been worshipped as a sacred mountain. In the Shinto faith, Fuji is deified as Asama no Okami, and shrines dedicated to it are built within sight of the mountain. February 23 is celebrated as Mount Fuji Day (富士山の日) because the word "Fujisan" can be interpreted as "2, 2, 3." Although it"s not a national holiday, people often take the opportunity to learn more about this majestic peak. It"s also a day to reflect on the future of the mountain, and how it can be preserved for future generations. Every year, more than 300,000 people climb Mount Fuji, and over-tourism has become a real concern.Desktop Version
Canada Day
Canada Day
As the sky darkens on Canada Day, a sense of anticipation fills the air over the country. Behind the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, crowds start to gather. Eyes lift toward the sky, waiting for the annual firework show, like the one in today"s image, that celebrates the birth of a nation. July 1 commemorates the passing of the British North America Act, 1867, which joined together three British colonies, the Union of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, under the self-governing country of Canada. The anniversary of the Confederation was called Dominion Day until 1982, when Canada became fully independent of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the celebration was officially renamed Canada Day.Desktop Version
Schönbrunn Palace Park, Vienna, Austria
Schönbrunn Palace Park, Vienna, Austria
In 1743, Empress Maria Theresa decided to lavishly remodel the Schönbrunn palace, Austria, which served as the cherished residence of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Complemented by its lush gardens, which house the world"s oldest existing public zoo, Schönbrunn is a true gem of the Baroque era. Both the splendid buildings and the meticulously manicured gardens are now under the ownership of the Austrian government. This pastoral path in the park, graced by a canopy of trees, offers an escape from the bustling city. So, take a leisurely stroll and let the charm of this enchanting estate transport you to centuries past.Desktop Version
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, United States
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, United States
Sometimes it"s nice to get away. Thanks to environmentalist Howard Zahniser, Americans can do that in one of the country"s many wildernesses—areas sheltered from human activities. Pictured in today"s image, Crystal Lake is one such protected area. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington, the Enchantments has more than 700 lakes and ponds and some of the best rock climbing in the Western United States. It"s also home to mountain goats, ptarmigan, pikas and numerous types of alpine flowers. If you want to see Alpine Lakes Wilderness yourself, however, be prepared to wait. Few permits are granted for day hikes, and of the 40,000 people who entered last year"s lottery for overnight permits, only 2,558 received one.Desktop Version
Among the most photographed in the Rockies
Among the most photographed in the Rockies
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Lake Magadi, Kenya
Lake Magadi, Kenya
What an unearthly view! This aerial photograph shows a flamboyance of lesser flamingos against the backdrop of Lake Magadi in Kenya. The lesser flamingo is one of the six species of flamingos and is known for its vibrant pink plumage and distinctive feeding behaviour. These birds prefer to eat near the surface of the water due to the way their beaks are built. They primarily inhabit African soda lakes that have a high carbonate concentration. Lake Magadi is one of the soda lakes that are brimming with cyanobacteria and algae, providing ample nourishment for the flamingos. The spectacle of thousands of these avian wonders congregating at the lake reveals the importance of these unique ecosystems.Desktop Version