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Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
Just a few kilometres north of the bustling capital city of Seoul, South Korea"s Bukhansan National Park is a treasured retreat for city dwellers and international visitors. The park, established in 1983, hosts lush forests, ancient temples and the three granite peaks of Bukhan Mountain. Among the park"s ridges and valleys, water deer, wild boar, chipmunks and squirrels roam freely. A careful ear might pick out the rat-a-tat of woodpeckers or the chirpy melody of the various songbirds that perch in the trees. The park is also home to Bukhansanseong Fortress, whose current structure dates back to 1711. The fortification was constructed to protect Seoul from external threats, which it did during the Korean War.Desktop Version
Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, United States
Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, United States
Tourists often equate Hawaii with relaxation, but one of its most well-known attractions—the Road to Hana—might have you gripping a steering wheel tightly. Stretching for 103 kilometres along the northern coast of Maui from Kahului to the quiet town of Hana, the highway has over 600 curves and numerous one-lane bridges. The drive takes focus, so don"t forget to stop and relax at the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Some highlights along the route include the Waikamoi Ridge Trail, the easily accessible Twin Falls and the black sands of Waianapanapa State Park.Desktop Version
Whooper swans
Whooper swans
An elegant creature for a majestic setting. These all-white birds with yellow-and-black bills, gliding on the mirror of Lake Kussharo in Japan, are whooper swans—the Eurasian equivalent to the North American trumpeter swans. Named for their loud "whooping" call, these beauties, with a wingspan between 2 to 3 metres, are one of the world"s heaviest birds that are able to fly. While whooper swans are Finland"s national bird, they only spend their breeding season there. Those swans, as well as others in various northern areas, migrate to warmer, often coastal areas when cold weather sets in. All that travel doesn"t ruin their relationships—these waterfowl form strong, monogamous pairs that can last for life.Desktop Version
Northern Lights
Northern Lights
Embark on a celestial journey as the night skies over Penticton, British Columbia, are transformed into an enchanting canvas of light. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular, luminous display dictated by the whims of a geomagnetic storm. This phenomenon unfolds when charged particles from the sun travel to Earth, colliding with atoms in our atmosphere at high altitudes. The excited atoms emit energy in the form of light, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of green, blue, purple and pink. Penticton"s northern geographical latitude allows for residents to witness its ethereal glory when the aurora dips low enough. Imagine snowshoeing into a snowy clearing and being met with this gorgeous light show!Desktop Version
Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Glimmering in aquamarine tones, Lake Louise rests amid the Canadian Rockies in Alberta"s Banff National Park. The Indigenous Nakoda people refer to the lake as Ho-run-num-nay, meaning "lake of the little fishes." The lake was later named by settlers for the British royal family"s Princess Louise, along with the adjoining town, which has the highest elevation of any Canadian town at an almost 1,586 metres. This glacial lake is accessible throughout the year via the Trans-Canada Highway, and visitors can participate in activities like hiking during the summer and skiing in the winter.Desktop Version
Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
There aren"t a lot of things that beat a cozy winter nap. This Eurasian wolf agrees, having been lulled to sleep by the serene surroundings of the Bavarian Forest National Park, or perhaps just the comfort in knowing they"re an apex predator. This national park—Germany"s first, established in 1970—comprises the largest area of forest in Central Europe. The softly rolling mountains, such as Great Rachel, Little Rachel and Little Arber, make for modest challenges for hikers who wish to wander through the abundant stands of Norway spruce. They aren"t alone in the park, though—the forest teems with life, including lynxes, bears, pygmy owls and Eurasian wolves. These wolves form a close-knit pack led by an alpha pair and have only recently been spotted regularly in the park after decades of being hunted out of Western Europe.Desktop Version
Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France
Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France
Bonjour! Waking up in Paris sounds royal, doesn"t it? Peek through your screen today at the Pont Alexandre III in the magic hour of twilight. Arching over the Seine, the bridge was opened in 1900 and named after the Russian tsar, Alexander III, to commemorate the Franco-Russian Alliance signed in 1891. Befitting the nobility of the event, two 17-metre pylons sit upon each bank of the river, crowned with gilt-bronze sculptures of the winged horse Pegasus. And that"s only at the start of the bridge! From the centre of the bridge, standing above reliefs decorated with nymphs, you can admire the romantic garden and monument of the Esplanade des Invalides on one side of the river and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais museums on the other.Desktop Version
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Why visit one lake when you can visit 16? Croatia"s Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the largest and oldest in the country, provides that exact opportunity thanks to a unique geological feature. The slopes of the Mala Kapela, Medveđak and Plješevica mountains funnel water into the Plitvice plateau. This water carries precipitated limestone, which gradually accumulates and hardens over time, creating a series of rock barriers called tufa. These barriers form pools, with thin, lacy waterfalls leading from one "lake" to another. This majestic display of geology and hydrology draws over a million visitors to the paths and boardwalks that wind through the lakes—they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. Even in the winter, the lakes retain their beauty, with once-roaring waterfalls frozen in place.Desktop Version
Macaroni penguins, Drake Passage, Chile
Macaroni 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
Eurasian red squirrel, Netherlands
Eurasian red squirrel, Netherlands
Have you ever been captivated by a squirrel crossing your path? If so, you"re not alone! Today"s snapshot showcases the charming Eurasian red squirrel, whose striking reddish-brown coat, white underbelly and bushy tail are a familiar sight in several countries. These furry seed distributors are not only exceptional jumpers—capable of leaping up to 1.8 metres in one jump—they can even swim to search for food or migrate. If you spot a fuzzy-tailed squirrel friend frolicking in your backyard, they might appreciate some feeding stations stocked with a variety of treats, such as raspberries or crab apples.Desktop Version
Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California, USA
Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California, USA
Step to the western edge of the United States, where Walton Lighthouse, also known as the Santa Cruz Breakwater Lighthouse, serves as a guiding beacon for passing ships. Built in 2002 in Santa Cruz, California, this 12-metre-tall modern maritime structure replaced a more modest lighthouse. The Walton Lighthouse got its name from Charles Walton, a businessman who generously contributed towards its construction costs in memory of his brother Derek Walton, a merchant seaman who tragically lost his life at sea during World War II.Desktop Version
Maldives
Maldives
With serene sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, the island country of the Maldives is located to the southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The archipelago is renowned for its seafood, lagoons and countless coconut palms. These 1,200 islands are made up of a chain of 26 atolls. Atolls are islands in the shape of rings with coral rims and lagoons in their centre. The Maldives is also home to the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, which was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in June 2011. Visitors go there to spot manta rays and whale sharks and can enjoy sustainable water activities like scuba diving and surfing.Desktop Version
Diamond Beach, Iceland
Diamond 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
Snowy owl
Snowy owl
Owls, nocturnal birds of prey characterised by their upright stance, forward-facing eyes and silent flight, encompass a diverse family of species. Among them, the snowy owl stands out as an Arctic resident known for its white plumage. The snowy owl"s thick feather coat, complete with a layer of downy under plumage, provides unmatched insulation against the biting cold. With keen yellow eyes and tufted feathers, these large raptors display exceptional predatory skills. The nocturnal predators mainly consume small mammals such as lemmings, a favourite of theirs. The nomadic birds rarely breed at the same location or with the same mate. During the cold season, they leave the Arctic and migrate to southern Canada and the northern United States.Desktop Version
Northern hawk-owl
Northern hawk-owl
Do you find yourself thriving in the daytime while your friends love to stay out late? If so, you"ve got a friend in the northern hawk-owl, one of the world"s few owls that is only active during the day. This vocal bird inhabits the boreal forests of North America and Eurasia and has different calls for mating, communicating with young and announcing that danger is nearby. Northern hawk-owls aren"t picky eaters, they"ll consume mice, rats, voles, lemmings, rabbits, shrews, moles, occasionally other small birds and have even been seen eating frogs and fish. No worries, we"re not on the menu, but if you wander too close to their nest, protective parents have been known to swoop at humans to keep them away.Desktop Version
St. Paul Winter Carnival
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Planning to visit Minnesota in the United States? Spare some time and visit the annual celebration known as the St. Paul Winter Carnival! This event transforms Minnesota"s capital city, St. Paul, into a winter wonderland of festivity and joy between January 25 and February 4. In 1885, a group of reporters visited and referred to Minnesota as another Siberia, which offended city officials. As a response, they devised a plan to showcase the area"s winter beauty. The Winter Carnival was born, featuring various seasonal activities such as bobsledding and ice horse racing. Today, the celebration serves to impress visitors and strengthen community bonds through parades, markets, winter sports and ice carving competitions and displays, such as the beautiful frozen skyline seen in today"s image.Desktop Version
Channel Country, Australia
Channel Country, Australia
There is a patchwork quilt of earth tones and narrow waterways running like veins through the Australian Outback"s Channel Country. This sprawling area is famous for its crisscrossing river channels and its transformation from a parched desert canvas to a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers when rainfall is abundant. Indigenous Australians have lived off this land for tens of thousands of years, and some in the area offer tours and classes that teach visitors how to survive in the Outback. This unspoiled region is also home to a bonanza of wildlife—kangaroos that bounce along the plains, emus that strut their stuff and preening purple-crowned fairywrens. If you"re lucky, you might even spot a bilby—a nocturnal marsupial that has rabbit-like long ears. So, are you ready to "channel" your inner explorer?Desktop Version
Gollinger Waterfalls, Salzburg, Austria
Gollinger Waterfalls, Salzburg, Austria
From the untamed Salzachöfen Gorge, to the world"s oldest salt mines at Hallein, to Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world, Austria is home to many wonders. Though gentle and humble, the Golling Waterfalls in the state of Salzburg are certainly one of them. With two major cascades, one tumbling down after the other from the mouth of the Schwarzbachfall cave, this 76-metre fall is a sight to behold in every season—whether it"s framed by the lush greenery of spring or the icy embrace of winter. The region has been protected as a natural monument in Austria since 1985. Whether you are into hiking, photography or just looking to spend some quality time in nature, this is a great Austrian destination.Desktop Version
Aýna, Albacete, Spain
Aýna, Albacete, Spain
Snow might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about Spain, but thanks to its diverse landscapes from high peaks to warm beaches, Spain has it all. Featured in today"s image, the tiny village of Aýna—with a population of less than 1,000—lies in the steep valley carved by the river Mundo in the Sierra del Segura mountain range. Because of its snow-capped mountains during the winter months, the town is frequently called Manchegan Switzerland—with "Manchegan" referring to the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha that Aýna is a part of. About 240 kilometres south of the capital, Madrid, Aýna offers a unique glimpse into Spanish village life.Desktop Version
International Zebra Day
International Zebra Day
It"s time for some black-and-white thinking. January 31 is International Zebra Day, a day to honour these stripey creatures. While all zebras have the iconic black-and-white stripes, there are actually three different species of zebras: plains, mountain and Grévy"s zebras. Today"s snapshot shows Burchell"s zebras, a subspecies of the plains zebra, in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa. Found across eastern and southern Africa, zebras thrive in savannas, shrublands, woodlands and even mountain regions. They spend most of their time eating—grasses, leaves and shrubs are their favourites—and have been known to travel hundreds of kilometres in search of food and water. Sadly, all three varieties of zebra are under threat from hunting and habitat destruction, so events like International Zebra Day that draw attention to their plight are more necessary than ever.Desktop Version
Polar bear, Churchill, Manitoba
Polar bear, Churchill, Manitoba
In the rugged terrain of Churchill, Manitoba, a polar bear finds solace on a bed of stone covered with ice and snow. Every year, as Hudson Bay freezes over, polar bears congregate here, waiting to return to their icy hunting grounds. The largest land carnivores, equipped with an incredible sense of smell and powerful limbs, traverse the rocky landscapes. They primarily feed on various species of seals, walruses and beluga whale. Their thick fur is perfect for insulation, and their large paws are designed like snowshoes, making them capable of surviving in the harshest of climates. A lot of globetrotters are found here during this season, paying a visit to these marine mammals, as 64 to 80 per cent of polar bears worldwide are found in Canada.Desktop Version
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day
Curious about how long this winter will last? The superstitious can take a cue from Groundhog Day"s forecast based on whether the titular animal sees his shadow. On February 2, the well-known prognosticator, Wiarton Willie in Wiarton, Ontario, emerges from his burrow to predict the arrival of spring. The outcomes? Six more weeks of winter or early spring. Once the prediction is made, it is read to the crowd, who cheer Willie on either way. The original Willie passed away in 1999, and since then, the celebration has been held with a successor to the original Willie. A relative of Willie"s, the Alpine marmot seen here today, has its own winter tradition of stocking up on food to prepare for a long hibernation. Let"s hope that Willie doesn"t see his shadow so we can exit our own.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
Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria
Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria
Step into the depths of Devetashka Cave and journey through time in one of Bulgaria"s many natural wonders. However, there is one condition for this adventure: you must not be afraid of bats! About 30,000 of these flying mammals call the cave home. The karst cave, which was formed by the dissolution of carbonate rocks by water, is now part of a public park. The presence of humans in Devetashka Cave is thought to date back to the Early Stone Age, around 70,000 years BCE, and Neolithic artefacts from 6,000-4,000 BCE have been found here. Several large openings in the cave cast natural light into the chambers, offering better illumination for photographers and nature lovers alike.Desktop Version
Monarch butterflies, Goleta, California
Monarch butterflies, Goleta, California
Monarch butterflies, with their vibrant orange and black wings, are found across southern regions, from coastal meadows to urban gardens. Born on fragrant milkweed leaves, their tiny caterpillars store the plant"s essential chemicals for protection. As they transform into butterflies, they embark on a journey soaring south, to wintering grounds in Mexico and California. Those gathered to see the clumps of butterflies in 30-metre-tall trees might confuse them for clumps of leaves, however, as the sun"s rays gently fall upon the insects, their wings will begin to flutter. Bring your binoculars and take the opportunity to witness these winged wonders huddled together, it"s truly a sight to behold!Desktop Version