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A black heron canopy feeding in Botswana
A black heron canopy feeding in Botswana
In the world of clever hunting, the black heron rules the roost. This bird thrives in shallow, open waters and at the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It"s also commonly spotted in marshes, rice fields, seasonally flooded grasslands, and along riverbanks. At first glance, this feathered genius seems like any other wading bird, with its long legs, slender neck, and pointed beak that aid in hunting. But when it hunts, this jet-black African species showcases an extraordinary skill—it takes the shape of an umbrella, as seen in today"s image.Desktop Version
International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace
Every year on September 21, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Peace, or World Peace Day. Established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, the day begins with the Peace Bell Ceremony held at the UN headquarters in New York City. The bell was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan and is inscribed with a message of hope: "Long live absolute world peace."Desktop Version
Happy St. Patricks Day!
Happy St. Patricks Day!
St. Patrick"s Day, celebrated on March 17, honors Ireland"s patron saint and national apostle, Saint Patrick—a fifth-century missionary. A national holiday in Ireland, the festivity is marked by a range of cultural events, parades, and traditional music and dance enjoyed across the globe. Interestingly, the first St. Patrick"s Day parade wasn"t held in Ireland but in the US. The earliest celebration was organized by Irish vicar Ricardo Artur in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601.Desktop Version
Fibonacci Day
Fibonacci Day
On Fibonacci Day, mathematicians and scientists honor one of their own: Leonardo Bonacci, better known as Fibonacci. The medieval mathematician popularized the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, with its use of zero, decimal points, and 10 numbers instead of the ponderous Roman numeral system. He"s most famous, however, for his sequence of numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8... By adding the first two numbers, you arrive at the third, and adding the previous two numbers, you arrive at the next number, and so on. Disregarding the zero, the first four numbers correspond to today"s date, 11/23.Desktop Version
International Day for Monuments and Sites
International Day for Monuments and Sites
Happy International Day for Monuments and Sites! Also called World Heritage Day, the event highlights efforts to conserve our cultural heritage. Some of the amazing heritage sites around the world include Machu Picchu in Peru and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The stone structure in today"s image is part of the medieval city walls of Ávila in Spain. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries to defend the city against attack, these fortifications stretch for 1.5 miles around Ávila. Nowadays, visitors can walk around sections of the walls, enjoying views of the city and the surrounding countryside.Desktop Version
Songkran—Thai New Year
Songkran—Thai New Year
New Year celebrations don"t always come with fireworks—sometimes, they come with buckets and a nationwide water splash fest! Thailand"s Songkran festival is a unique mix of spiritual traditions and all-out water fights. Held from April 13 to 15 this year, the holiday is deeply rooted in Buddhist customs and focuses on cleansing and starting afresh. During this time, people visit temples, offer food to monks, and pour scented water over Buddha statues and elders" hands as a sign of respect. Meanwhile, the streets turn into water battlegrounds, with locals and tourists alike getting soaked in the spirit of renewal. Traditional parades roll through the lanes, and in some places, the "Lady Songkran" or "Miss Songkran" contest steals the show, with contestants dressed in stunning Thai outfits.Desktop Version
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Today"s photo features a spot in Sydney, Australia, where shimmery waters meet famous landmarks: Port Jackson, more commonly known as Sydney Harbour. In the center, we have a bird"s-eye view of the Sydney Opera House, an architectural icon with sail-like shells that shine bright under the Australian sun. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site took 14 years to complete and hosts over 1,500 performances annually. Just across the harbor, on the left side of the picture, the Sydney Harbour Bridge—affectionately called "the Coathanger" for its arching steel frame—connects the city"s northern and southern shores. When it opened in 1932, it was the world"s widest long-span bridge. Adventurous visitors can climb its 440-foot summit for breathtaking panoramic views.Desktop Version
Rock formations at Sedona, Arizona
Rock formations at Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is a place where nature, history, and spirituality converge amidst stunning red rock formations. These fiery sandstone creations, part of the Schnebly Hill Formation, were shaped over millions of years during the Permian Period as sediment accumulated in an ancient sea. Over time, erosion has further sculpted Sedona"s landscapes, which now glow brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. Notable formations such as Wilson Mountain, Seven Sacred Pools, and Cathedral Rock offer iconic views.Desktop Version
Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
Horns up, heads high! Featured here is a group of gemsboks, a large antelope, reigning over the sprawling savannas in southwestern Africa. Indigenous to the arid territories of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and parts of Zimbabwe, they thrive mainly within the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. They can survive in extremely dry conditions and can go without water for weeks, getting moisture from the food they eat. Moreover, gemsboks are adept runners, achieving speeds of up to 37 miles per hour. Their distinguishing trait is their notably elongated, straight horns. Although both genders possess these formidable defenses, the females" horns tend to be slightly longer and sleeker while the males" horns are thicker with broader bases. So, if you ever find yourself in the sandy plains of the Kalahari, keep an eye out for these desert gems.Desktop Version
First day of National Park Week
First day of National Park Week
Get your hiking boots on—it"s National Park Week! This nine-day-long event encourages people to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our national parks. It"s an excellent time to learn about these protected areas, participate in preservation efforts, and enjoy their scenic views. You can join in by visiting a national park, sharing information about these natural treasures, and appreciating the vital role they play in our country"s heritage.Desktop Version
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile
Wildlife roams freely in one of Chile"s most stunning protected areas, where towering peaks and ancient glaciers shape the land. Established on this day in 1959, Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia turns 66 years old today and covers over 448,000 acres. Originally called Grey Lake National Tourism Park, it was renamed in 1970 and later designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Its most recognizable feature—the three massive granite peaks known as the Torres—stands over 8,000 feet tall. These formations took shape through magma intrusion and uplift, followed by millions of years of glacial erosion, leaving behind the jagged spires seen today.Desktop Version
National Gardening Week
National Gardening Week
It"s time to grab a trowel, roll up your sleeves, and get planting: National Gardening Week is starting today! Taking place in the first full week of June, this event was created by the National Garden Clubs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the joys of horticulture. First celebrated in 1987 this week is all about getting more people involved in gardening and spreading awareness of how important gardens are. Being home to a wide range of trees, flowers, shrubs, and grasses, gardens can help the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, filtering water, and encouraging insect life. Gardening clubs across the country celebrate this week by organizing workshops, visiting public gardens, or placing plants at public facilities. They"re also great for people; tending to a garden is good exercise, and being outside in the sunshine is a great way to get more vitamin D. Gardening can even boost your mood, helping you to feel more relaxed and peaceful.Desktop Version
World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day
Today, let"s embark on a watery adventure as we celebrate World Oceans Day. This day is about honoring and protecting the world"s oceans and serves as a reminder of the critical role oceans play in supporting life on Earth. These gargantuan water bodies, after all, teem with wonders, from the tiniest plankton to the grandest whales like the humpbacks we see here. The oceans also produce almost half of the oxygen on our planet thanks to the photosynthesis of plankton—tiny plants, algae, and bacteria. Moreover, they absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change caused by human activities.Desktop Version
World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day
Celebrate our traveling feathered friends on World Migratory Bird Day! Some migrations are truly astounding. The bar-tailed godwit embarks on a 6,835-mile nonstop flight across the Pacific from Alaska to New Zealand. The tiny ruby-throated hummingbird, weighing less than a nickel, makes the trip all the way across the Gulf of Mexico. Migratory birds navigate the globe, instinctively knowing when and where to move to exploit seasonal abundance. The Arctic tern outshines them all with its intercontinental journey from pole to pole, covering roughly 25,000 miles in its annual round trip.Desktop Version
Black History Month
Black History Month
Though we are nearing the end of Black History Month, the legacy of Black artists stands tall throughout the year. Today we are highlighting the works of Charles McGee, a painter, sculptor, and educator from Detroit, whose works are found all over the Motor City. The 20-foot-tall sculpture seen here, "United We Stand," represents themes of togetherness, unity, and balance and sits outside the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. McGee"s pieces, which he produced up until his death in 2021, often feature abstract collections of lines, patterns, and allusions to nature, either in striking black and white or vibrant colors. He is one of many Black artists who have left an indelible mark on the great canvas of American art, along with others such as Joshua Johnson, Edmonia Lewis, Jacob Lawrence, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kara Walker, and Kehinde Wiley.Desktop Version
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
The lighthouse featured in today"s image stands in southern Portugal"s popular Algarve region. Built in 1919, Alfanzina Lighthouse helps ships navigate dangerous waters near the town of Carvoeiro. A popular tourist destination, the lighthouse also has become a symbol of the region"s deep links to the sea. If you"re lucky enough to live near a lighthouse, this weekend is the perfect time to pay it a visit.Desktop Version
Black bear cub emerging into spring
Black bear cub emerging into spring
Welcome to the world, bear cub! After spending the first months of its life inside the den, this little American black bear may be puzzled by the outside world. The cubs are born between January and February and emerge from their dens in the spring, weighing around 5 pounds. By their first birthday, they can grow to about 80 pounds. However, their weight—which ranges between 100 and 600 pounds for adults—depends on their age, sex, the season, and food available in their area. Black bears are the only bears found in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which provides the setting for today"s image.Desktop Version
Finnish Independence Day
Finnish Independence Day
Happy Independence Day, Finland! On this day in 1917, the Nordic nation declared its independence from Russia. Finland had been a grand duchy of the Russian Empire since 1809, and it was part of the Swedish Empire for the previous 600 years. However, during the Russian revolutions of 1917, Finnish nationalists saw their chance to establish an independent nation. After several months of negotiations, Finland declared independence on December 6.Desktop Version
The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Welcome to Jodhpur, a city in the Thar Desert in India, where it isn"t just the sky that"s blue—it"s the houses too! The buildings in Jodhpur"s old district are painted light blue, giving rise to its nickname: The Blue City. For more than five centuries, this city in the state of Rajasthan has been known for its thriving textile industry, fine furniture shops, cuisine, and bustling markets. Among its forts, palaces, mausoleums, gardens, and lakes, are the famous Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Come and explore the wonders of this blue city!Desktop Version
Wildlife Conservation Day
Wildlife Conservation Day
It"s Wildlife Conservation Day—an important reminder to celebrate and defend our planet"s incredible biodiversity. Many species face extinction, including African forest elephants, Cross River gorillas, and Yangtze finless porpoises. Since its launch in 2012, this special day has highlighted illegal wildlife trade and other threats that animals face. It also draws attention to the need for stronger long-term solutions.Desktop Version
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." These words by former secretary-general of the United Nations Kofi Annan capture the essence of International Literacy Day, celebrated every September 8. Established by UNESCO in 1966, this observance not only celebrates those who can read but also highlights the ongoing battle against illiteracy. With approximately 775 million people worldwide still lacking basic literacy, this day resonates powerfully within the hallowed walls of the Stockholm Public Library in Sweden, or "Stadsbiblioteket" as it is known to locals, featured in today"s image.Desktop Version
Black History Month
Black History Month
Today, the United States begins an annual, monthlong celebration of African Americans and their contributions to the country"s history and culture. The forerunner of Black History Month was created in 1926 by historian Carter Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland to study and promote the legacy of Black Americans. The weeklong celebration was observed in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Its popularity grew over the next 50 years in large part because of the civil rights movement, and President Gerald Ford expanded it to a full month in 1976. Other countries honor their own Black histories, including Canada, which also celebrates Black History Month throughout February.Desktop Version
Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
In Yorkshire Dales National Park, the ancient village of Gunnerside is brimming with English charm and history. Picture yourself strolling through its narrow lanes, surrounded by rolling hills, lush pastures, and stone cottages, with the roar of the Swale River your only soundtrack. Designated in 1954, the national park is spread across 841 square miles, and there are over 1,000 farms in this area. One of the area"s most distinctive features are its dry stone walls; built without any kind of mortar, they can last hundreds of years. There are thought to be over 5,000 miles of these walls in the Dales.Desktop Version
Happy Fat Tuesday!
Happy Fat Tuesday!
Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a vibrant tradition that marks the last day of indulgence before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Rooted in ancient Roman celebrations like Saturnalia, Mardi Gras evolved as Christianity spread, blending local customs—most notably Carnival festivities—with religious observances. The name itself originates from French, with the word gras meaning "fat," referring to rich, fatty foods like meat, eggs, and cheese that are traditionally enjoyed before the fasting season begins.Desktop Version
National Find a Rainbow Day
National Find a Rainbow Day
Have you ever spotted a rainbow and felt a little lucky? National Find a Rainbow Day, celebrated today, is all about looking to the sky for that magical mix of sun and rain. Nature"s color wheel has long been linked to myths and legends, from Norse gods to the Irish leprechaun"s pot of gold. But beyond folklore, the science behind rainbows is just as compelling. The first real explanation came from Theodoric of Freiberg, a German physicist, in 1304. He discovered that rainbows form when sunlight enters a raindrop, bends, reflects inside, and then bends again as it exits. This process splits light into its colors, creating the spectrum we see. The classic "ROYGBIV" (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) doesn"t tell the whole story—rainbows contain millions of colors blended together.Desktop Version