Bing Images archive 2025/02

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  2025-02-01Alappuzha, Kerala

  Tucked away in the state of Kerala, Alappuzha offers stunning backwater views, rustic village vibes and unforgettable sunsets. The city"s landscape is mostly flat, with no major mountains or hills, though there are a few small hillocks scattered between the Bharanikkavu and Chengannur blocks in the eastern part. The area is also free from forests. This city holds a special place in the state"s cultural calendar as a key site for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place during Onam. On the western side, Alappuzha is bordered by the Laccadive Sea, and the town is crisscrossed by an intricate network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers.

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  2025-02-02Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, England

  Part engineering genius, part daredevil stunt—that"s the Ribblehead Viaduct in North Yorkshire, England. This Victorian structure, also known as Batty Moss Viaduct, has been carrying trains and turning heads since the 1870s. Built by the Midland Railway, it"s the longest and third-tallest on the Settle–Carlisle railway line. Stretching across the Ribble Valley, its 24 stone arches reach a height of 31 metres.

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  2025-02-03Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam

  Two colossal stone hands cradle a shimmering, golden walkway, as though the mountains themselves are offering it to the sky. Unlike conventional bridges, the Golden Bridge doesn"t span a river or lake. Instead, it stretches across lush landscapes, connecting two cable car stations—Marseille Station and Bordeaux Station in Thien Thai Garden. Made from reinforced concrete and framed by hands crafted from steel mesh and fibreglass, the bridge creates an image of timeless strength amid modern ingenuity. Suspended around 950 metres above sea level, the walkway offers visitors a panoramic view of the verdant countryside. A symbol of Vietnam"s creativity and natural beauty, the Golden Bridge invites you to experience a stroll like no other.

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  2025-02-04Waitangi Day in New Zealand

  What do you get when you bring together more than 500 Māori chiefs, representatives of the British Crown, and a treaty signed in 1840? A day that New Zealanders still commemorate: Waitangi Day. On this date, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing the principles for how the two cultures would coexist. Ceremonies are held at Waitangi Treaty Grounds—where the document was signed—featuring traditional Māori performances, speeches and the ever-dramatic waka (canoe) races. From festivals and concerts in cities like Auckland and Wellington to low-key community gatherings, the spirit of the day is about connection and culture.

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  2025-02-05Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

  Being the "black sheep" isn"t always a bad thing—just ask the Scottish Blackface, seen here in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. With its striking dark features and a knack for thriving in places others wouldn"t, this British breed has turned the idiom on its head. Far from an outcast, it"s the backbone of Scotland"s rural life and a true champion of the hills and moors. Interestingly, the Blackface sheep didn"t originate in Scotland but south of the Anglo-Scottish border. The breed"s history is fascinating, and varieties such as the large-framed Perth and the medium-framed Lanark types are found across the United Kingdom. Its coarse fleece is perfect for making durable products like carpets and tweeds—definitely not your average sweater material. China, Australia, India and Iran are home to some of the largest modern sheep flocks, catering to both domestic demands and international markets for wool and mutton.

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  2025-02-06Blue hour in Trondheim, Norway

  In Norway, winter isn"t just a season—it"s an experience. In the north of the country, nights stretch for 20 hours, and there are entire weeks when the sun remains hidden below the horizon. It might sound bleak, but it"s a unique time of the year. Why? Because around early afternoon, usually between 1 and 2 PM, a soft, lingering light reflects off the snow-covered ground and the deep blue sea. This forms a breathtaking, glassy blue glow that settles over the landscape. Each day, the blue hour arrives just a little later, a gentle reminder that the sun is slowly preparing to reclaim the sky.

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  2025-02-07Medieval towers in Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Georgia

  Winter turns Mestia"s medieval towers into icy fortresses. Perched over 1,400 metres up in the Caucasus Mountains, Mestia is a charming highland town in northwest Georgia. The town is home to the Svans, a cultural and linguistic subgroup of Georgians. Despite its modest size, Mestia has been an essential hub of Georgian culture for centuries, dotted with the Svan defensive towers, seen in today"s image. Most of these towers were constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries, a period often referred to as Georgia"s Golden Age. However, their roots are believed to stretch even further back, possibly into prehistoric times. Built for both protection and shelter, these towers were not just fortresses but also integral parts of family homes, reflecting the region"s history of resilience and self-sufficiency. Therefore, it isn"t just a town; it"s a living museum where history rises from these towers and echoes through the mountains.

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  2025-02-08Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, United States

  If you"re chasing sunsets and jaw-dropping views, come to Alstrom Point. Located in southern Utah"s Kane County, this spot in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stands at an impressive height of over 1,400 metres. Made mostly of Entrada Sandstone, it has the same geological roots as nearby sites like Romana Mesa, its parent peak, and Gunsight Butte, another sandstone summit to the east. Part of the Lake Powell region, Alstrom Point extends southward into the vast waters of the lake, in between Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay. When the lake is full, Alstrom Point towers nearly 300 metres above the water, offering views of the surrounding canyons. Lake Powell, spanning across Utah and Arizona, attracts around 3 million visitors every year.

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  2025-02-09Art Installation of umbrellas, London, United Kingdom

  Today"s image features one of the simplest yet most essential inventions in human history: the umbrella, or parasol. Over 4,000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, Assyria and China, these foldable canopies were first used to shield people from the sun. It wasn"t until the 17th century that the umbrella, as we know it today, gained popularity in Europe, initially as a luxury item primarily for women. Fast-forward a few centuries, and these weather shields have become a staple in pop culture, too. Remember Mary Poppins with her iconic umbrella that helped her fly, or Rihanna"s hit song "Umbrella"?

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  2025-02-10Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China

  What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This masterpiece of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534/535 CE), the grottoes contain 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is over 15 metres tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. Caves 16–20, known as the "Tanyao Five Caves," were the first to be carved at Yungang, overseen by the monk Tanyao. While you"re there, be sure to explore Cave 20"s seated Buddha idol in a meditation posture, with a standing attendant Buddha on one side.

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  2025-02-11Ashoka pillar, Kutagarasala Vihara, Vaishali, Bihar

  Today, we are in the ancient city of Vaishali—one of the world"s earliest republics.Now an archaeological wonder nestled in the Vaishali district of Bihar, this site holds layers of history waiting to be explored. It served as the capital of the Vajjika League of Vrijji mahajanapada, dating all the way back to the 6th century BCE. Vaishali also played a starring role in Buddhism, as it was here that Gautama Buddha delivered his final sermon before attaining parinirvana around 483 BCE.

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  2025-02-12Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia

  At Lake Tyrrell, southern Australia, the sky meets the Earth in a dazzling display. The state of Victoria"s largest salt lake was formed around 120,000 years ago. Over time, climate change caused water levels to drop; these days, the lake is normally dry, except in winter when it"s covered in over 5 centimetres of water. The name "Tyrrell" comes from the local Wergaia word for "sky," a nod to the Boorong Aboriginal People"s interest in astronomy. Spanning more than 180 square kilometres, Lake Tyrrell is a haven for wildlife, including Mallee reptiles, kangaroos and emus.

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  2025-02-13Happy Valentines Day!

  Love is in the air today: it"s Valentine"s Day! Across the globe, millions of flowers will be sent, and romantic restaurants will be fully booked for Valentine"s dates. This day has its origins in the story of Saint Valentine, a Roman Christian who, according to legend, performed marriages for Christian soldiers who were forbidden from marrying. Just like the human lovebirds who will be celebrating today, nature also has its own romantics.

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  2025-02-14The natural ice wall of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan

  Behold, the magic of the Misotsuchi Icicles in Chichibu, Japan! This breathtaking natural ice wall, over 25 metres wide and more than 10 metres tall, is formed by spring water freezing as it trickles down a rock face. The attraction, called "Misotsuchi no Tsurara," is only open from mid-January through mid-February, and includes coloured lights after dark, creating a scene that feels straight out of a winter fairy tale.

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  2025-02-15Happy World Whale Day!

  On the third Sunday of February, World Whale Day highlights the beauty of whales and the challenges they face. This year, on February 16, we honour these majestic creatures, like the humpback whale pictured in today"s image, known for its enchanting songs and dramatic breaches. World Whale Day began in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii, led by Greg Kauffman of the Pacific Whale Foundation, to protect humpbacks from extinction.

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  2025-02-16Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

  Featured in today"s image is Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh. Established by Emperor Akbar in 1571 to honour the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, it served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. It was named Fatehpur Sikri, meaning "City of Victory," in 1573, following his victorious campaign in Gujarat. Beyond being a military stronghold, it flourished as a hub for scholars, poets and artists, reflecting emperor"s vision of cultural and intellectual excellence. The city was entirely abandoned in 1610, marking the end of its role in Mughal history.

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  2025-02-17The Great Blue Hole, Belize

  The Great Blue Hole, found near the centre of Lighthouse Reef off the coast of Belize, is one of nature"s most incredible creations. This massive marine sinkhole, over 300 metres across and more than 120 metres deep, was formed during the last ice age when a limestone cave system collapsed and rising sea levels flooded the area, leaving behind this striking natural wonder.

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  2025-02-18European river otter

  The European river otter, pictured here, is more than just an adorable face in the wild. Found across Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa, these otters thrive in clean rivers, lakes and wetlands, serving as an important indicator of environmental health. These semi-aquatic animals are built for agility, with streamlined bodies, webbed feet and dense fur that keeps them warm even in icy waters. A single square centimetre of their fur can hold more than 70,000 hairs, making it one of nature"s most effective insulators. River otters were once endangered due to pollution and habitat loss. Yet, thanks to conservation efforts, their populations are rebounding in many regions across Europe.

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  2025-02-19Red deer, Canada

  Throughout history, red deer have captured humanity"s awe and respect. These creatures can be found across Europe, Asia, parts of North Africa and a few other regions. In Canada, these animals are primarily found in Alberta, with the prairies and parklands around the city of Red Deer offering an ideal habitat for them. The stags have antlers that grow larger each year until maturity and are usually over 70 centimetres long, weighing around 1 kilogram. These antlers have long been a symbol of power and are the only mammal organ capable of complete regeneration. Females, or hinds, are slightly smaller and antler-free, as seen in today"s image. Breeding season, known as the rut, is a time of dramatic display as males compete fiercely for mates through roaring and antler clashes. The cultural significance of red deer represents the natural cycle of life. Artistic depictions, from medieval manuscripts to modern sculptures, frequently highlight their grace and strength.

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  2025-02-20Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India

  From waterfalls to temples, Shivamogga, in Karnataka, offers experiences waiting to be discovered. Steeped in timeless lore, the city is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The region"s name itself holds a spiritual significance, derived from the Sanskrit words "Shiva-Mukha," meaning the "face of Shiva." It is home to several temples, including the Sharavati Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and a temple in the Kodachadri hills that offers vistas of the Western Ghats Mountain range.

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  2025-02-21Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, United States

  Today we are at the Gateway National Park, which was established on February 22, 2018, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The park, which lies along a picturesque stretch of the Mississippi River, commemorates Thomas Jefferson"s idea of a continental nation. At its heart stands the Gateway Arch, a breathtaking structure more than 190 metres tall that has become the ultimate symbol of St. Louis. Constructed of stainless steel, it holds the distinction of being the world"s tallest arch and Missouri"s tallest accessible structure. Finnish American architect Eero Saarinen dreamed up the design back in 1947, and by October 28, 1965, his vision had been brought to life. The arch"s futuristic design has long been viewed as a symbol of the automobile era, representing the modern, urban landscape and the promise of a technologically advanced future.

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  2025-02-22Mount Fuji Day

  Over 90 kilometres southwest of Tokyo stands one of Japan"s cultural icons: Mount Fuji. The country"s tallest mountain rises more than 3,500 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 worshiped 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 overtourism has become a real concern.

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  2025-02-23Giant cuttlefish, Whyalla, South Australia, Australia

  Prepare to be amazed by the giant cuttlefish, known for its mesmerising ability to transform its appearance in the blink of an eye. This cuttlefish is found in the temperate and subtropical waters of Australia, ranging from Brisbane in Queensland and Shark Bay in Western Australia to as far south as Tasmania. Featured here is a giant cuttlefish in Whyalla, South Australia. In this region, where males are significantly outnumbered, a unique gender imbalance fuels intense competition for mating rights.

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  2025-02-24Castle Stalker, Argyll, Scotland

  Perched dramatically on a tidal islet in Loch Laich, Argyll, Castle Stalker is one of Scotland"s most picturesque and well-preserved medieval tower houses. Built around the 1440s by the Stewarts of Appin, its history includes royal visits and even a drunken wager that briefly transferred ownership to Clan Campbell. Despite falling into disrepair by the 19th century, it was lovingly restored in the mid-20th century and is still privately owned today. Visitors can explore this historic site on selected guided tours during the summer.

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  2025-02-25Maha Shivaratri

  Today is Maha Shivaratri, a festival marked by fasting, meditation and an all-night vigil in honour of Lord Shiva. Celebrated between February and March, it falls on the fourteenth night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. But what makes this festival truly special? It marks the union of Shiva and Parvati and the powerful Tandava dance performed by Shiva. What would be a better place to experience the divine presence of Shiva than Tungnath, featured here? One of the highest Shiva temples in the world, Tungnath is perched high in the Himalayas at 3,680 metres. This sacred site, in Uttarakhand"s Rudraprayag district, is the loftiest of the five Panch Kedar temples, and sits just below the majestic Chandrashila peak.

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  2025-02-26Polar bear cub, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

  Polar bears are native to the Arctic and can be found in Alaska, Russia, Greenland and Svalbard. They"re also found in Canada—like the cub in today"s image, photographed in Churchill, Manitoba. Polar bears spend over half of their time hunting for seals on the sea ice, although they usually catch just one or two for every 10 that they try to catch. Their reliance on sea ice for hunting means that they are highly vulnerable to climate change. Sea ice is rapidly disappearing as the planet heats up, and polar bears are at risk of malnutrition and starvation as their hunting grounds vanish. Shrinking ice sheets also mean that these bears have to swim farther to find food, which depletes their energy reserves. It is important that we reduce our carbon footprints and contribute to the conservation of these amazing predators.

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  2025-02-27Tibetan New Year

  Welcome to the year 2152. That is, in the Tibetan calendar at least. Today marks the start of Losar, the new year festival celebrated in Tibetan Buddhism, which is observed in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and parts of India. Losar celebrations run for 15 days, beginning the night before with a meal of guthuk—a traditional dumpling soup. The new year is rung in with an incense burning ceremony and visits to holy places to pray for good fortune in the year ahead. Today"s image takes us to Taktsang Palphug, also known as the Tiger"s Nest, a Buddhist monastery and holy site perched 3,048 metres above sea level in Bhutan. Built around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave in 1692, it is where Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan, meditated and taught his students.

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  2025-02-28Sandstone hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States

  A breathtaking maze of sandstone formations and awe-inspiring views awaits you at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. People have lived in this area for at least 10,000 years, including the Anasazi, Pueblo and Paiute Peoples. The hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion—in the park inspired Paiute mythology: they believed them to be the Legend People turned to stone by the trickster Coyote.