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Nov. 18, 2023Polar bear season in Manitoba

On the shore of Hudson Bay, the Canadian town of Churchill in Manitoba is quite remote, but the seasonal sights that await are worth the trek. From beluga whales and northern lights to the shipwreck of the SS Ithaka and the Sea Walls murals, there"s no end to the surprises you"ll find here. Moreover, it"s the ultimate polar bear hotspot, earning it the title of "polar bear capital of the world". From October to November, these white giants pass through, waiting for the sea ice to form so they can head out to hunt seals. Scared? Tourists can safely view polar bears from the comfort of custom vehicles. A so-called "polar bear jail" is also maintained to manage bear-human interactions. So, are you ready for a wild adventure that"ll send chills down your spine, but in a good way?Desktop Version

Dec. 18, 2023Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Carved by time, wind, and water, Capitol Reef National Park showcases rust-hued cliffs and the natural beauty of the American West. President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognised the park"s splendour by designating it as a national monument in 1937, and later it was elevated to a national park in 1971. The park was named after a series of Navajo sandstone domes that were said to resemble the US Capitol Building, while the Waterpocket Fold was referred to as a reef since it obstructed smooth transportation. Known as "a wrinkle in the Earth"s crust," the Waterpocket Fold was carved by eons of erosion. The 161-kilometre-long monocline—a step-like fold—was presumably formed around 50 to 70 million years ago and is home to towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and colourful rock formations.Desktop Version

Jan. 20, 2024Macaroni penguins, Drake Passage, Chile

Let"s flap our flippers and delve into knowing a bit more about penguins. How many kinds of penguins can you name? Today"s snapshot features agile macaroni penguins swimming in the plankton-rich waters of the Drake Passage in Chile. These charming creatures are just one of 18 species of penguins found in the Southern Hemisphere and can be recognised by their peculiar amber crests and prominent orange beak. Macaroni penguins gather in foraging groups, but males can be aggressive towards each other. To show passivity and avoid a fight, individuals often ease through colonies with their heads tucked down to their chests. Despite being beloved by us humans, penguins are threatened by reduced food availability, errant fishing nets and the profound impact of climate change on their habitat, sea ice.Desktop Version

Nov. 17, 2023Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin

The Bad River is a scenic river in Wisconsin that flows through Copper Falls State Park. From a 27-kilometre trail along the Bad River to ancient lava flows, this park has a lot to offer. The park has two waterfalls, Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, the larger one located on the Tyler Forks River. Copper Falls is a 9-metre waterfall that cascades over a series of rocks. Whereas Brownstone Falls is a 15-metre waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge. If you are a hiker looking for a challenging hike, then your search ends here because this place is for you. But remember to respect nature, follow "leave no trace" principles, and take nothing but photographs.Desktop Version

Aug. 29, 2023Zelenci Nature Reserve, Slovenia

Experience nature"s palette at its colourful best, where visitors can witness a breathtaking natural water reserve at the meeting point of three countries, At Zelenci Springs—where Italy, Austria, and Slovenia meet near the Kranjska Gora region in Triglav National Park—multiple springs combine to form a crystal-clear, aquamarine lake, a source for the Sava Dolinka River, which feeds into the Danube River.Desktop Version

Mar. 10, 2024Daylight Savings

Time is of the essence today: the second Sunday of March marks the start of daylight saving time. At 2 AM this morning, the clocks sprang forward one hour, meaning there will be an extra hour of daylight this evening. While Benjamin Franklin is often credited with inventing daylight saving, the first real proposal for changing the clocks came from New Zealand entomologist George Hudson in 1895, who valued having more daylight so he could collect insects after work.Desktop Version

Mar. 4, 2024Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Greetings from tropical Costa Rica! The conical Arenal Volcano rises to an impressive height of 1,657 metres, standing tall above the surrounding rainforest and Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country. The sleepy mountain roared to life in a massive 1968 eruption that threw rocks for close to a kilometre. The last significant volcanic activity there took place in 2010, and the once lava-lit peak is currently dormant. With over 500 species of birds, Arenal Volcano National Park is a must-visit location for birdwatchers. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including red brocket deer, pumas, white-faced monkeys, orchids, heliconias and ferns. Arenal makes for an imposing and beautiful sight, towering over the tropical trees.Desktop Version

Jan. 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland

Awe-struck by this white winter expanse? That"s exactly what visitors feel when they witness the Bernina Pass in the Alps, in the Graubünden region of Switzerland. It attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world and stands tall at an elevation of 2,328 metres. This pass may be home to ski areas now, but it was a vital trade route during the Middle Ages. Fun fact: The first evidence of skiing dates to around 6000 BCE in Russia. Boasting excellent snow conditions from November to March, the Bernina Pass is a must-visit spot on every skier"s bucket list!Desktop Version

Oct. 30, 2023Common raven

The common raven is an intelligent and adaptable bird known for its striking appearance and remarkable behaviour. This elegant bird is easily identified by its characteristic wedge-shaped tail and glossy black feathers. Their keen eyesight and agile flight make them proficient hunters, often scavenging for prey or stealing from other predators. Ravens are known for their playful behaviour and their omnivorous diet, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including carrion, insects, and small mammals.Desktop Version

Mar. 12, 2025Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France

If you"re a lover of history with a dash of drama, the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, in the centre of northern France, has you covered. This fortress has seen it all—battles, power shifts and royal connections. Originally built in the 14th century, the medieval castle was designed to guard the Loire River and control access to the region. Over time, it evolved into a residence for nobility, most notably serving as the home of Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, who was a trusted minister of King Henry IV. The castle played a significant role during the French Wars of Religion from 1562 to 1598 and has witnessed countless moments of intrigue and diplomacy. In 1940, during World War II, the castle wall was hit by shells, creating massive holes, but the framework remained intact.Desktop Version

Jan. 10, 2024Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece

It"s time to step up! With sedentary lifestyles becoming more common, the quest to stay healthy has taken centre stage. Take the Stairs Day has emerged as a reminder that small, intentional choices can make a significant impact on our overall well-being. The day is aimed at fostering lung health through the conscious choice of movement over convenience.Desktop Version

Jan. 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia

These aren"t your ordinary rocks! One of the oldest known religious locations, the Devils Marbles, holds significant value for Aboriginal Australians as an ancient sacred site. Today, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve—also called Karlu Karlu—in the Northern Territory of Australia preserves the collection of giant, round, gravity-defying boulders. These rocks are composed of granite, and their peculiar shape is the result of millions of years of weathering and erosion. One can explore the walking trails, gaining insights into the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories associated with the rocks. Whether you"re a geology nerd or just a casual nature lover, embrace the minerals around you and rock on!Desktop Version

Sep. 5, 2023Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway

An assorted land of mountainous terrain on the west with lush greenery on the east, Senja is a beautiful island popularly known as "Norway in miniature". At 1,554 square kilometres, it is Norway"s second-largest island. Gisund Bridge connects the island to the mainland in the town of Finnsnes. The most notable spot on Senja is pictured today, Mount Segla, a magnificent peak that is travelled frequently during summers with a trail starting in Fjordgård, a fishing village in the north of Senja. It takes a tough hike up the steep mountain to get to the over 610-metre-tall crest. Other tourist attractions on the island include Ånderdalen National Park and Tranøya, an island located on the south coast of Senja, celebrated for its tranquillity.Desktop Version

Jan. 11, 2024Eurasian lynx

Ready for a next-level staring contest? The Eurasian lynx, sporting grey or rusty fur with patterned dark spots, is hard to catch sight of, even though it is widely distributed from Europe to Central Asia and Siberia. Known for their elusive nature, these cats often go unnoticed for years in their native habitats. Their low vocalisations are heard by other lynx but can escape the notice of humans. Eurasian lynx are primarily active at night, dawn and dusk, but can hunt during the day when they need to. These solitary hunters are renowned for their keen senses and remarkable agility. In temperate forests, where they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping prey species numbers in check, their primary food includes rabbits, hares, marmots and other small mammals.Desktop Version

Platinum Jubilee celebrations

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Aug. 19, 2024Two Atlantic puffins in Elliston

In Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic puffins, like the ones in today"s image, draw onlookers with their black and white plumage and orange beaks. As well as in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, these seabirds breed in several countries, including Russia, Iceland, Norway, and Greenland. These "sea parrots" have a wingspan of 47 to 63 centimetres and travel vast distances to mate. Surprisingly, the colour of their beaks changes seasonally; during the breeding season, it is brighter with a hint of yellow and orange. However, in the nonbreeding season, the beak sheds its yellow highlight.Desktop Version

World’s largest tulip festival

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Jan. 24, 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland

From fjords and lava fields to ice caves and black sand beaches, like the one we see in today"s image, Iceland is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Diamond Beach is one of the most popular natural landmarks in the country. Located near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, this unique beach gets its name from pieces of icebergs, broken off from glaciers, that wash ashore, resembling sparkling diamonds on the dark sand, which comes from eroded volcanic rocks. The contrast between the clear ice and black sand creates a surreal sight, especially when sunlight hits the ice, making it a must-visit destination along Iceland"s south coast.Desktop Version

Feb. 13, 2024Mardi Gras

Get ready to revel, because Mardi Gras is here! Also called Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, the holiday was originally celebrated to live life to the fullest before fasting and giving up other indulgences for Lent—though many modern celebrators are just happy to use the occasion as an excuse to party. Fat Tuesday celebrations take place in cities and countries around the world, particularly those with French influence, due to the settlers that brought the custom. Out of these places, New Orleans has become intrinsically linked with the festival thanks to its massive four-to-eight-week-long celebration.Desktop Version

Dec. 27, 2023Kirkjufell, Iceland

From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and black sand beaches, Iceland"s Snæfellsnes Peninsula has "GoT" it all. Standing here proudly is the 463-metre-high Kirkjufell. The lofty hill is often referred to as "Church Mountain" due to its distinctive shape resembling a church steeple. You might recognise it from the "Game of Thrones" series, where it featured in a scene set north of the colossal ice wall. Because of its pyramid shape, colours that shift with the seasons, and coastal location, this nunatak—a rock formation that protrudes through an ice sheet or glacier—is a frequent subject for photographers. If you"re lucky and the weather conditions align, Kirkjufell also offers a magnificent view of the northern lights.Desktop Version

A street filled with sakura trees

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Jan. 9, 2024Rio Grande, Albuquerque

Winding through the landscapes of New Mexico, the Rio Grande is a river with historical and environmental significance. It is the fourth-longest river in the United States and carves its way through the expansive Rio Grande Gorge, a canyon reaching depths of 244 metres. This river serves as a vital water source for agriculture, supporting diverse ecosystems along its course.Desktop Version

Want to hang out?

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May 27, 2024Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Set sail through time and explore the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, this cluster of over 2,000 islands and islets is spread across the rugged coast of Quebec"s Côte-Nord. In the archipelago, limestone monoliths have been carved by the persistent hands of erosion for aeons. The reserve was established in 1984, offering sanctuary not just to these geological wonders, but also to a rich tapestry of biodiversity. While here, travellers can spot nearly 200 species of birds, like bald eagles, common eider and terns, while feeling the stoic gaze of Atlantic puffins following them, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Come and enjoy the beauty of Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, where the whispers of history ride the salty sea breeze.Desktop Version

Sep. 15, 2024Ouimet Canyon in the Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park

Explore the Ouimet Canyon, seen in today"s image, a remarkable geological formation in the Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, Ontario. Formed over a billion years, this natural wonder features sheer cliffs rising 100 metres above the canyon floor, stretching for over two kilometres. Designated as a provincial park in 1972, this landscape preserves a unique microenvironment, hosting arctic plant species typically found 1,000 kilometres to the north. In 2022 the park celebrated 50 years of conserving this unique slice of Canadian natural heritage. The two viewing platforms on the west side provide spectacular vistas of the canyon"s depth and the verdant forest below. The park"s incredible geology owes its existence to the last Ice Age, which left behind this awe-inspiring feature that continues to attract nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.Desktop Version

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