Bing wallpaper for mobile

Hottest Latest
International Beaver Day
International Beaver Day
Known as nature"s engineers, beavers have been shaping the world for millions of years. Historically, North American beavers faced challenges from humans. They were hunted for their fur, and their "nuisance" freshwater abodes were destroyed. However, these buck-toothed, paddle-tailed dam builders have been gaining new respect in recent years. These animals have beneficial effects not only on water quality but also on land. With their iron-coated orange incisors, beavers fell trees, diligently constructing not just homes but habitats. Their dams create life-sustaining wetlands for countless species. Meanwhile, their lodges are masterpieces of security and comfort, the entrance strategically submerged to deter predators and provide privacy. The rodents have no trouble getting in, as they can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes. So, "woodn"t" it be nice to give a shout-out to these creatures on International Beaver Day?Desktop Version
Japan Castle Day
Japan Castle Day
From Strawberry Day to Cat Day and even Vegetable Day, Japan has a list of faux holidays, which are the clever results of "dajare" or word plays. Today"s date, April 6, makes up the Japanese word for castle, "shiro" from "shi" (4) and "ro" (6). Hence, the celebration of castles. What better opportunity than Castle Day, to learn about the country"s largest and most visited castle—Himeji Castle? Dating back to 1333, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an advanced defensive design and five National Treasure structures. The castle has also withstood time and nature"s fury, surviving the bombings of World War II and the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. In addition, nearly 700 years of glory, local legends and ghost stories reverberate through the 83 rooms of this hilltop fortress. Would you care to explore?Desktop Version
The Bahamas
The Bahamas
Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, alfresco dining and tales of pirates—welcome to the Bahamas! With over 3,000 cays, islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, this West Indies archipelago is home to the world"s third-largest barrier reef—the Andros Barrier Reef. The country"s national cultural festival is Junkanoo, where creative expression takes centre stage at the parades, displaying costumes, musical heritage, storytelling and craftsmanship. It is celebrated every Boxing Day and New Year"s Day. For the adventurous souls drawn to nature, Dean"s Blue Hole, a 202-metre-deep marine sinkhole on Long Island, offers a thrilling experience. From the serene pink sand beaches of Harbour Island to the capital city Nassau"s bustling Straw Market and famous wine cellars, the Bahamas is more than just a destination—it"s a captivating tale waiting to unfold.Desktop Version
Red lechwe, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Red lechwe, Okavango Delta, Botswana
With their elegant leaps and graceful movements, lechwe are the epitome of agility and poise on the African savanna. These antelopes, known for their distinctive reddish-brown coats and lyre-shaped horns, are native to the wetlands and floodplains of south-central Africa, including the Okavango Delta in Botswana, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lechwe are social animals, often found in herds of thousands. In the heart of the delta, they are an integral part of the region"s rich biodiversity, coexisting with other species like elephants, lions, rhinos and hippos, wading through the water. Their presence adds to the delta"s natural allure, which draws in thousands of safari enthusiasts and is proof of wildlife"s resilience in the face of environmental challenges.Desktop Version
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Deep green temperate rainforests alternate with rocky shores, and sandy beaches on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Let"s visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve! The area that spreads across 511 square kilometres was recognised as a national park in 1970. The Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations of the region have walked these lands for centuries. Today, seven of the 15 Nuu-chah-nulth tribes have at least 22 small reserves within the park and nine bordering it. Another notable feature of the reserve is the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone. This temperate forest terrain is home to several animal species such as black bears, Vancouver Island cougars and martens.Desktop Version
Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Today"s homepage takes us to Jutland, Denmark, where the arrival of spring showcases the green hues of the European beech, a national symbol of this northern land. The young leaves of these budding trees are significant to the Danish people, as they are harvested from April to May and used in cooking—particularly in salads. In the past, Europeans would often use the smooth bark of beech trees for writing texts. In fact, in the modern Dutch language, the term for "book" directly translates as "beech tree." As the sun shines through the forest canopy, wild anemones brighten up the woodland with their white petals. These blooms, representing delicate beauty and sincerity, have even starred in masterpieces by artists such as Monet and Vincent van Gogh.Desktop Version
April Fools Day
April Fools Day
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, well, it must be April Fools" Day! Although no one is quite sure of the origins of this day, it has been celebrated for centuries in many different countries. Humour really does transcend borders! Over the years, there have been some truly memorable April Fools" Day jokes: in 1957, a BBC programme convinced its viewers that spaghetti was harvested from trees, while in 1985, Sports Illustrated readers were amazed to read about a pitcher who could throw a ball at 270 kilometres per hour.Desktop Version
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter! Do you like your eggs boiled or painted? The practice of painting chicken eggs, which originates from Persian traditions, was adopted by Christians in the early 17th century to commemorate this holiday, also called Pascha. Hungarian artist, Tünde Csuhaj—living and working in the small city of southern Hungary, Szekszárd—has mastered the craft. The internationally recognised egg-painter developed her own etching technique to create lace-like patterns. The meticulous designs appear on all sorts of eggs, including chicken, goose, swan and even emu or ostrich eggs. The intricate motifs of incredible craftsmanship are often shown at national and international fairs and exhibitions. Are you inspired? Grab a paintbrush and test your egg-painting skills.Desktop Version
Brown-throated three-toed sloth
Brown-throated three-toed sloth
Costa Rica"s lush forests are habitats for two sloth species: Hoffmann"s two-toed sloth and the star of today"s homepage, the brown-throated three-toed sloth. Despite being larger than many tree-dwelling mammals, three-toed sloths have adapted by reducing their muscle mass and size to thrive on treetops. Their large stomachs have four chambers, which can make up to 30% of their body weight when full. These shaggy critters are so sedentary that algae grow on their coats. This symbiotic relationship provides them with a greenish hue, offering effective camouflage within the rainforest canopy. In 2021, these slow-moving creatures were declared national symbols in Costa Rica. Then-President Carlos Alvarado signed the initiative into law in 2021 to emphasise the sloths" importance in the country"s ecosystem.Desktop Version
South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Wales, UK
South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Wales, UK
Built on the rugged cliffs of Holy Island, Wales, the South Stack Lighthouse stands watch over the deep waters of the Irish Sea. The 28-metres-tall white tower has guided sailors since its completion in 1809; it provides safe passage for ships on the Dublin-Holyhead-Liverpool route. When it was built, sperm whale oil was used to light the lamps; however, over the years, the mechanism has been upgraded to more advanced technology like LED bulbs and Fresnel lenses. Automated in 1984, the lighthouse continues to serve as a vital navigational aid, with its powerful beam shining up to 44 kilometres. As the sun sets and the sky fills with colours, the silhouette of the South Stack Lighthouse in the dusk makes for a stunning sight. Visitors brave the 400-step descent down the steep cliff face to explore the lighthouse, including its engine room and exhibition area.Desktop Version
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
In spring, nature puts on a vibrant display, marking the start of the season with the bloom of cherry blossoms. Around the globe, from Japan to Canada, this spectacle captivates millions of hearts. In China, cherry blossoms, known as "Yinghua," bloom from late March to late April, adorning landscapes with delicate hues of pink and white. Revered for centuries by the Chinese, these fragile petals hold profound significance in their traditions, symbolising renewal, hope and the transient nature of life. There are various locations in China to view these blossoms, including Wuhan"s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Shanghai"s Gucun Park and Luxun Park, as well as Beijing"s Yuyuantan Park. Cherry blossoms look similar to plum blossoms, but an easy way to distinguish between the two is to look at their petals. Cherry blossom petals have split ends, but plum blossoms don"t.Desktop Version
World Theatre Day
World Theatre Day
Today, all the world"s a stage. Every year on March 27, the curtains rise to thunderous applause in celebration of World Theatre Day—an ode to an art form that has influenced the masses for centuries. The day aims to promote theatre and raise awareness of how it has preserved ancient cultures, provided social commentary throughout history, and even helped form our language. Seen in the image today is the Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires, a symbol of Argentina"s rich theatrical heritage. Built in 1908, the theatre is renowned for its grand architecture and exceptional acoustics, making it one of the world"s premier opera houses. Over the years, it has hosted performances by legendary figures such as Enrico Caruso, Richard Strauss, Lily Pons, Marina de Gabaráin, Joss Stone, Branford Marsalis and many more. On this day, dedicated to drama, let"s appreciate this art form that continues to narrate stories in the most spectacular way!Desktop Version
Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Welcome to Hang Rai, a blend of ancient rock formations and vibrant coral reefs! Also called Rai Cave, this cavern is part of the Vinh Hy Bay—enclosed by Nui Chua National Park—in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam. The area"s natural coral reefs are surrounded by rock formations, that are carefully stacked upon each other to form a group of caves. One origin of the name "Hang Rai" or "Rai Cave" comes from otters (rai) that were occasionally seen seeking shelter in the cave. Another explanation is attributed to the abundance of rai trees in the area, whose oil was used to waterproof boats. The landscape has an awe-inspiring sight both under and above water: colourful corals for deep divers and a scenic sunset for those who like camping in the sea breeze.Desktop Version
Happy Holi!
Happy Holi!
It"s Holi; get ready to become a walking rainbow and sprinkle joy wherever you go! This festival of colours, spring and love is a cornerstone of Indian and Nepali culture. It is also celebrated in other countries with large Hindu populations, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Canada, the United States, Suriname, Indonesia and Malaysia. The festivity lasts for a night and a day. It starts on the evening of the last full moon of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which usually falls in March in the Gregorian calendar. As the sun sets, people gather to light bonfires, a ritual known as Holika Dahan, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The following day, the streets come alive with people splashing each other in colours, giving everyone a vibrant makeover. Are you ready for a dash of colour?Desktop Version
Silvereyes
Silvereyes
Yellow, round, tiny and gregarious—say hello to these silvereyes enjoying cherry blossoms in South Korea! While this family of passerine birds is native to Africa, Australasia and Asia, several of its species can be found in places like French Polynesia and Hawaii, where they appeared by introduction. Also known as white-eyes or wax-eyes, these avians come in a range of colours and patterns, but they all share that trademark eye-ring. They have a sweet tooth for nectar, but they"re not picky eaters, happily feeding on fruits, insects and berries. On our March adventures, let"s celebrate these beauties for adding a touch of wonder to spring!Desktop Version
World Meteorological Day
World Meteorological Day
"When clouds appear like rocks and towers, the Earth"s refreshed with frequent showers"—there"s a whisper of truth to this old proverb for the storm clouds, also known as cumulonimbus or anvil clouds, which are pictured here. Today, on World Meteorological Day, we honour the marvel that is our atmosphere. This observance, which was first held in 1961, commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation in 1950. But this day is more than just a nod to history; it is all about recognising the vital role meteorology plays in our lives. Weather forecasts may not always appear fully reliable, but thanks to advances in technology like satellites and supercomputers, they have come a long way. Because of these advancements, global weather models provide forecasts for up to 16 days and, the average lead time for tornado warnings has gone from -15 minutes in 1974 to around 15 minutes today. Cheers for the progress made and much more to come!Desktop Version
World Water Day
World Water Day
It"s World Water Day, a 31-year-old annual tradition that ripples across the globe, reminding us of the importance of this essential resource. Water is a force that quenches thirst and irrigates harvests, and in its absence, it can derail prosperity and stability. The World Economic Forum lists the water crisis among the top global risks, and with 2.2 billion people still lacking access to clean water, this United Nations observance is a call to action to address the crisis. From educational forums to local cleanups, each action, big or small, contributes to the wave of change. This year"s theme, "Water for Peace," invites us to reflect on the universal solvent"s power to foster unity. So, are you ready to dive into a current that flows deeper than New Zealand"s Blue Spring at Te Waihou Walkway? With about 70% of the country"s bottled water coming from here, this spring mirrors the clarity and serenity we yearn for in the world.Desktop Version
International Day of Forests
International Day of Forests
Today we"re branching out and rooting for woodlands to celebrate the International Day of Forests! Established by the UN 11 years ago today, this day draws attention to the need to preserve and appreciate these essential ecosystems. Covering over 30% of the land on Earth, woodlands around the world contain an incredible variety of trees; there are thought to be over 60,000 species in total. Forests play a crucial role in supplying essential resources like food, water and medicines. Featured here is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in Uganda, which is home to 160 species of trees and 100 species of ferns, as well as an extraordinary 50% of the world"s mountain gorilla population. The forest has thickets of bamboo growing between the trees, making access on foot difficult, giving this Impenetrable Forest its name.Desktop Version
Cave Dale and Peveril Castle, England
Cave Dale and Peveril Castle, England
Peveril Castle was once a medieval fortress standing tall on a limestone outcrop. Its ruins now overlook the village of Castleton in the Peak District in Derbyshire, England. Construction of the castle began shortly after the Norman conquest in the 11th century, although it wasn"t completed until the 14th century. From the castle, visitors can enjoy views of Cave Dale, a ravine that was carved by glacial meltwater over many years. In the limestone walls of the dale, there are caves and disused lead mines. From hidden caves to towering battlements, this corner of the Peak District is bursting with history and is just waiting to be explored.Desktop Version
Spring equinox
Spring equinox
Spring has officially sprung! Today marks the spring or vernal equinox, the official beginning of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere. Starting today, regions north of the equator will have more daylight hours than darkness throughout the day.Desktop Version
Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia
Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia
Over millions of years, the dazzling sandstone formation known as Elephant Rock was carved by nature. Thanks to the wind and water erosion, this 52-metre-high rock near the city of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia took on the shape of an elephant and has become a prominent landmark in the region. As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow upon the red-hued mammoth and the golden sand of the surrounding desert.Desktop Version
St. Patricks Day
St. Patricks Day
Millions of people with Irish heritage across the globe today celebrate St. Patrick"s Day. The country"s patron saint introduced Christianity to Ireland around 432 CE, and his passing on March 17, 461 CE, became a day of commemoration in his homeland.Desktop Version
Giant panda, Chengdu, China
Giant panda, Chengdu, China
Do you like scrolling through lighthearted videos of giant pandas wobbling around? These bamboo-munching creatures, with their distinctive black and white coats and playful demeanour, have captivated hearts for years. So much so that in 1961, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) adopted the animal as its iconic logo. Despite their carnivorous classification, pandas primarily consume bamboo, comprising up to 99% of their diet. The Chinese government built approximately 50 reserves for pandas. Fortunately, in 2016, the pandas were reclassified from an endangered to a vulnerable species. However, with fewer than 2,000 giant pandas remaining in the wild, the fight to protect them is far from over.Desktop Version
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford, British Columbia
The countdown to the official start of spring has begun, accompanied by constantly emerging blooms. The tulips of the Fraser Valley, seen in today"s image, are bursting with vibrant colour in preparation for the Abbotsford Tulip Festival in April. Abbotsford"s fertile soil is fed by the Fraser River, which runs through the northern border of the city.Desktop Version
Happy Pi Day!
Happy Pi Day!
They say the only constant in life is change. In mathematics, however, there are many constants, and today, we"re celebrating perhaps the most famous of them all: pi. This tasty-sounding constant is the ratio of a circle"s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. Every March 14, mathematics fans across the world get baking to mark Pi Day—a celebration of both the mathematical constant π and its delicious homophone, pie. It began in 1988, when physicist Larry Shaw connected the date (3/14) with the first three digits of this constant. Today, mathematicians and enthusiasts celebrate Pi Day with pie eating and pi reciting. Did you know that when your clock strikes 1:59 today, you will be three decimal places closer to the real value of pi? Pi is everywhere, even in nature. Pictured here is a bodhi tree in the shape of the pi symbol at Wat Phra Ngam, a temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Whether you"re a math geek or just in it for the treats, Pi Day is for everyone to enjoy!Desktop Version