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The Rainbow Houses of Houten, Netherlands
The Rainbow Houses of Houten, Netherlands
You won"t find souvenir shops or tourist maps pointing the way—but follow the edge of Lake Rietplas in Houten, and you"ll stumble upon one of the Netherlands" most unexpectedly photogenic sights. While many flock to Amsterdam"s canals or Rotterdam"s cube houses, this quiet commuter town offers its own architectural twist. Lined up like a mirage, the Rainbow Houses shimmer in bold, painterly hues—a residential block turned an understated cultural landmark.Desktop Version
A wheatear in Peak District National Park, England
A wheatear in Peak District National Park, England
You don"t need to be a bird expert to notice the wheatear darting across open ground. These ground-dwelling songbirds are known for their upright posture and habit of hopping or sprinting between perches. Despite the name, wheatears have nothing to do with wheat or ears—the name is a twist on the old phrase "white arse," pointing to the bird"s distinctive white rump found in most species. The northern wheatear weighs less than an ounce, but travels thousands of miles between its summer homes in Alaska and northern Canada to its wintering grounds in Africa. Its migration route is one of the longest for a bird its size. Unlike many backyard songbirds, wheatears prefer wide-open spaces with low vegetation, where they can sprint and pounce on insects. And while most North American birders might only catch them in the far north, wheatears are widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa.Desktop Version
Memorial Day
Memorial Day
Today we"re honoring Americans who gave their lives in military service. Originally known as Decoration Day, the tradition began in the late 1860s after the American Civil War. Communities held springtime tributes by decorating the graves of fallen Union soldiers with flowers. Over time, it expanded to commemorate all US military personnel who died in wars. Locals observe the day with ceremonies and parades across the country.Desktop Version
Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida
Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida
Nestled in the northern Gulf Coast of Florida, is Rainbow Springs State Park. This area has served as a natural resource for humans and animals for centuries, with the Rainbow River—flowing through the park—playing a major role. The gently winding waterway is fed by Rainbow Springs, one of Florida"s largest springs. The water that bubbles up here comes from a 770-square-mile area and eventually flows into the Withlacoochee River.Desktop Version
Everglades National Park marks 90 years
Everglades National Park marks 90 years
On this day 90 years ago, Congress passed an act that would lead to the creation of one of America"s natural gems: Everglades National Park in Florida. It would be another 13 years before enough land was acquired to make the park a reality but today, it encapsulates the largest subtropical wilderness in the US. Spanning more than 1.5 million acres, the park is a lifeline to 36 federally protected and endangered wildlife species, from the gentle manatee to the stealthy Florida panther. Here, the air thrums with the calls of over 350 bird species like limpkins and snail kites, while the waters teem with life including hundreds of species of fish, sea turtles, and American crocodiles. Beyond its biodiversity, the park is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. Here"s to Everglades National Park—may it continue to inspire wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the wild world around us.Desktop Version
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, located near Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park, are the most accessible and iconic dunes in the park. They are formed by a combination of eroding mountains to the north that supply sand, prevailing winds that move it, and surrounding mountains that trap it from the south—creating a stunning landscape of rippling sand hills. Named after the resilient mesquite trees that grow here, the dunes offer breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset, as well as exceptional stargazing opportunities.Desktop Version
Juneteenth
Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the US. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, an acknowledgment of its indelible imprint on the country.Desktop Version
Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil
Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil
In the lush Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, a striated heron perches on a Victoria water lily. This water bird, also known as the mangrove heron, is about 16 inches tall. It is a master of patience, waiting to ambush its prey. It uses clever tactics, such as dropping feathers or insects to lure fish. Common in the wetlands of South America, the striated heron is also found in North America, Australia, Africa, Asia, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands.Desktop Version
Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Not far from São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal, you"ll find Vila Franca Islet. This uninhabited green islet sits quietly just south of the town of Vila Franca do Campo. Beneath its serene surface, this gem holds a lively past. First documented in 1537, around the time when settlers from São Miguel began expanding westward, Vila Franca Islet has played many roles throughout its history. It has served as a military fort, a port, a vineyard site, and even a lookout for whale-watching.Desktop Version
World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day
No need to hurry, because today marks the 25th anniversary of World Turtle Day. Turtles and tortoises thrive in a variety of environments and are linked to wisdom and perseverance. All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. While turtles are smaller and built for swimming, tortoises are larger, heavier, and adapted for life on land. The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) established World Turtle Day to raise awareness and protection efforts on May 23 each year. ATR has helped rehabilitate, rescue, and rehome around 4,000 turtles and tortoises, working to protect them and their disappearing habitats.Desktop Version
Shakespeare Day
Shakespeare Day
"All the world"s a stage ..." and only a few have shaped that stage like William Shakespeare. Every April 23, we celebrate Shakespeare Day, honoring one of England"s greatest playwrights and poets. This date is special as it marks both his birth and death. Born in 1564, Shakespeare revolutionized English literature with unforgettable works like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet." Four centuries after his death, his influence remains undeniable—his stories continue to captivate, challenge, and inspire.Desktop Version
Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Beyond water, rivers carry life, history, and stories. They are nature"s ever-moving contribution to our landscapes, flowing through lands and across time. One such gem is the Snake River, which winds through Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. A particularly stunning spot along this river is Oxbow Bend—featured in today"s image—where calm waters reflect the towering Teton Range, and wildlife such as moose and bald eagles thrive. Here, water flows freely, unbound by concrete or commerce, protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, signed on this day in 1968.Desktop Version
World Donkey Day
World Donkey Day
On May 8 each year, donkeys get their moment in the sun—though they"d probably prefer the shade. World Donkey Day, established by Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar, a livestock expert from Pakistan, is all about celebrating these hardworking animals. Donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn, but that"s just a misunderstanding. They"re actually cautious thinkers. Unlike horses, which might bolt at danger, donkeys take a moment to assess the situation before reacting. From ancient trade routes to modern farms, donkeys have been essential to transportation and agriculture. In many parts of the world, they"re still the backbone of rural economies, carrying supplies across difficult terrain where vehicles can"t go. Despite their vital role, donkeys face serious challenges. Many endure overwork, poor treatment, and abandonment.Desktop Version
World Otter Day
World Otter Day
Playful, strong swimmers, and expert hunters—meet the otters. They come in 13 species of various shapes and sizes, from the sea otters found in coastal waters to the river otters frolicking in freshwater habitats. Seen in today"s image is a Eurasian otter on the beautiful Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. With webbed feet, streamlined bodies, and dense fur coats, otters are built for speed and agility underwater. They can dive deep and hold their breath for several minutes.Desktop Version
Fallen but not forgotten
Fallen but not forgotten
Today, as we observe Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the courageous individuals who gave their lives to defend our nation and uphold its values. The origins of this day date back to the 1860s, in the years following the Civil War and the first national observance was held in 1868. However, one of the earliest accounts is from October 1864, when three women in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, placed flowers at the graves of two Union soldiers. They decided to decorate the graves of all the fallen soldiers and returned to do the same the following year.Desktop Version
Independence Day of the Bahamas
Independence Day of the Bahamas
The Bahamas comes alive with color, music, and pride today as the nation marks its Independence Day. First recorded by Europeans in 1492 when Christopher Columbus arrived, the islands were initially under Spanish rule. They later came briefly under American control before becoming a British colony. After decades of legal negotiations and a growing push for self-governance, the Bahamas transitioned to full independence on this day in 1973.Desktop Version
International Day of Light
International Day of Light
Happy International Day of Light! Held on May 16, it marks the anniversary of the invention of the laser by the American physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman in 1960. This pioneering creation helped revolutionize fields from communications to health care and lasers are now found in everything from printers and barcode scanners to surgical devices. Today"s event also celebrates light"s presence in every aspect of human existence, from art and culture to science and technology.Desktop Version
Earth Day
Earth Day
On Earth Day, let"s journey to one of nature"s most stunning displays of geothermal power—Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The largest hot spring in the US, it spans 370 feet across and reaches temperatures of 160°F. This geothermal marvel is fueled by the immense heat of the massive Yellowstone volcano beneath the surface. Its vivid rings of blue, green, yellow, and orange are created by heat-loving microorganisms—called thermophiles—that thrive in the mineral-rich waters.Desktop Version
Pride Month
Pride Month
June is Pride Month, commemorating the Stonewall uprising, a series of protests by the LGBTQIA+ community that took place on June 28, 1969, in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in New York City. Various events around the world are held in June to honor and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, their history, achievements, and ongoing pursuit for equality. This month, vibrant parades hit the streets, and buildings light up in the colors of the rainbow—a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ social movements—in numerous cities to praise freedom for all. Today"s homepage shows the skyline of San Francisco, home to one of the largest and oldest Pride parades, with City Hall lit up in rainbow lights.Desktop Version
Big Bend National Park in Texas turns 81
Big Bend National Park in Texas turns 81
They say everything"s bigger in Texas—and Big Bend National Park has been living up to the slogan since forever. Efforts to preserve this 801,163-acre area of West Texas began in the 1930s and culminated in its official designation as a park on June 12, 1944. Big Bend remains one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the country. It"s not just one landscape, it"s three: the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains (pictured here), and the Rio Grande. Big Bend sits on the US–Mexico border, and its history reflects that blend. Indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, ranchers, miners, and modern travelers have all left their footprints. Petroglyphs, ruins, and old trails show the land"s story began long before it became a park.Desktop Version
National Rivers Month
National Rivers Month
The lush greenery of June is here, and so is National Rivers Month, a 30-day tribute to the veins of our planet that was created by Canadian activist Mark Angelo. Just like the confluence featured here today, where Alaska"s Easter Creek and Killik River unite in a beautiful display, we too come together every year to help preserve the nation"s rivers. With increasing threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, and overuse, it"s more important than ever to advocate for the protection of our waterways. Whether you"re paddling down a gentle stream, casting a line for some fishing fun, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, there are countless ways to connect with these flowing wonders. The US alone boasts a vast network of over 250,000 rivers that stretches more than 3 million miles across diverse terrains. Which one are you heading to?Desktop Version
World Space Week begins
World Space Week begins
Today, we"re blasting off to explore the cosmos. World Space Week celebrates the science and technology that go into exploring our universe, and how it benefits us back on Earth. Space exploration has helped scientists develop new medicines, create new power sources, and even improve farming techniques. This year"s theme is Space and Climate Change; events will be held in 83 countries to champion the role of space technology in understanding and monitoring Earth"s climate.Desktop Version
Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone
Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone
Dive deep beneath the waves surrounding the Banggai Islands in Indonesia and meet the Banggai cardinalfish. Cardinalfish have tiny, shimmery bodies with black vertical stripes and white-edged fins, which help to disguise them. Unlike some finned creatures that migrate long distances, these pint-sized fish inhabit a small world, rarely straying far from their local reefs.Desktop Version
Lei Day in Hawaii
Lei Day in Hawaii
Today, while the world celebrates May Day with parades and protests, Hawaii takes a more fragrant approach—by draping itself in flowers. On May 1, Hawaii celebrates Lei Day, a tradition that honors culture, craftsmanship, and the ever-present aloha spirit, described as "the coordination of mind and heart within each person." Since 1928, this Hawaiian tradition has been in full bloom, with leis—or garlands made of flowers, leaves, or shells—serving as symbols of connection. The idea for Lei Day came from poet Don Blanding, who suggested a holiday dedicated to Hawaii"s iconic floral garlands. Local writer Grace Tower Warren gave it its slogan, "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii," and the tradition quickly took root.Desktop Version
Palazzo Zuccari, Rome
Palazzo Zuccari, Rome
At the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome, take a left underneath the imposing Catholic church. Down an unassuming side street, there"s a surprise waiting for you: a house of monsters. Welcome to the Palazzo Zuccari, a 16th-century palace where myths seem to come to life on its façade—grotesque faces swallow up its doors and windows. Federico Zuccari, who built the palace, was well-versed in monsters. His painting of the Last Judgment in Florence Cathedral and his illustrations of Dante"s Inferno are replete with mythical beings. The monster door originally led to the palazzo"s garden because Zuccari enjoyed making his guests experience the contrast between the scary entrance and the beautiful serenity of the garden. These days, the door leads to the Bibliotheca Hertziana, a library specializing in Italian art history, from the Middle Ages to the modern day, which has occupied the site of the garden since 1912.Desktop Version