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May 16, 2023American Wetlands Month

It"s American Wetlands Month, a time to celebrate swamps, marshes, bogs, and other types of these important ecosystems. Wetlands play a vital role in storing carbon, improving water quality, and serving as habitat for many endangered plants and animals, including American crocodiles and whooping cranes. And yet, wetlands are threatened. Over the centuries, they have been drained to provide land for farming, industry, and housing. Pollution and invasive plants pose further threats. Since the late 1700s, more than half of the 221 million acres of wetlands that once existed in the 48 contiguous states have disappeared.Desktop Version

Mar 3, 2022World Wildlife Day

Today is World Wildlife Day, the UN-sponsored tribute to efforts that protect the plants and animals that make our world so special. This year"s WWD theme is "recovering key species for ecosystem restoration"—key species like the greater one-horned rhinoceroses you see here in northeastern India"s Kaziranga National Park. These unique creatures have staged a remarkable comeback from the verge of extinction in the early 20th century, when their numbers had dwindled to a precarious low of around 100 animals. But with the concerted efforts of Indian and Nepalese wildlife authorities, the population of greater one-horned rhinos has slowly built back up to around 3,700 today.Desktop Version

Apr 11, 2025Tulips, Netherlands

From the famous tulip fields to the world"s largest flower auction, the Netherlands and tulips go a long way back. Tulips didn"t originate here. These beauties arrived in the country in the late 16th century, brought from the Ottoman Empire. By the 17th century, they became so valuable that a single bulb could cost more than a house. This period, known as "tulip mania," is considered one of the first recorded financial bubbles. When prices crashed in 1637, fortunes were lost, but the love for tulips remained.Desktop Version

May 12, 2022International Nurses Day

While the uniform style has changed since these American Red Cross nurses proudly posed together in Paris, France, in 1919, the medical care and kindness provided by nurses the world over has remained steadfast. Today we"re celebrating International Nurses Day, which is observed on May 12 each year to turn a well-deserved spotlight on nurses and the contributions they make to society. The theme for 2022"s observance is "Nurses: A voice to lead—Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health." It"s a fitting topic, especially when nurses have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more than two years, nurses have suffered from critical staffing shortages while facing a health crisis of tremendous proportions. For all that nurses have endured and for all they"ve contributed to our personal and collective well-being, we offer our heartfelt thanks.Desktop Version

May 13, 2023World Migratory Bird Day

The migration of birds, such as the pelicans seen here over California"s Salton Sea, is part of the pulse of our planet"s ecosystem. Around 40% of bird species migrate, typically in the fall and spring, some traveling incredible distances. Tiny hummingbirds can migrate 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico overnight. Arctic terns fly between the Arctic and Antarctic each year, potentially racking up more than 1.5 million miles over a lifetime. The bar-tailed godwit can travel 7,000 miles in eight days, without stopping. On World Migratory Bird Day, we can help our feathered friends by protecting their habitats and taking simple steps like leaving less lights on at night, leaving out birdseed, and making windows more visible to avoid collisions.Desktop Version

May 5, 2023Cinco de Mayo

Contrary to what many people believe, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico"s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. Instead, May 5 marks Mexico"s victory over better-equipped French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although the French Empire would counterattack and take the city a year later, the unexpected victory was a morale boost which still has symbolic significance. While in the US, Cinco de Mayo is a popular festival celebrating Mexican American culture, celebrations in Mexico are relatively quiet and focused mostly on Puebla.Desktop Version

Feb 10, 2024Happy Lunar New Year!

Celebrating the first new moon of the lunar calendar, an estimated 2 billion people gather worldwide to usher in the Lunar New Year with vibrant celebrations and family reunions. The festivities, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, last for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. From envelopes to lanterns, red is the dominant color, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Streets come alive with the rhythm of drums as the dragon dance takes center stage. Our homepage today shows a bird"s-eye view of the dragons—elongated puppets with shimmering scales, animated by a team of dancers. Lunar New Year is a popular time for families to reunite and is said to be responsible for the world"s largest annual human migration. Each year is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals and 2024 heralds the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of nobility, power, and success.Desktop Version

Jun 9, 2023Cappadocia, Türkiye

Welcome to Cappadocia, a historical region in Türkiye known for its fantastical landscape. A magical moment to enjoy here is watching dozens of hot air balloons rising into the dawn sky. Every sunrise and sunset gives life to the "fairy chimneys" of this striking region, mysterious towering rock formations reaching up to 130 feet high. The unusual landscape was formed over millions of years by volcanic eruptions. Another attraction here that you won"t see from the air is Derinkuyu, a city dating from 1400 BCE that is completely underground. This subterranean city sheltered citizens from invaders who swept through over the centuries. When you experience the ancient wonders of Cappadocia, it"s easier to understand how old the world is.Desktop Version

Oct 1, 2023Lake Bled, Slovenia

Nestled amidst the Julian Alps, Slovenia"s Lake Bled invites you to step into a storybook setting. The star of the show? The tiny Bled Island, which beckons with the promise of legends and "rowmance." Make your way there on a traditional, flat-bottomed pletna boat, piloted by oarsmen whose skills have been handed down through generations since 1740. The island is home to the 17th-century Assumption of Mary Church, with its special bell that, legend says, will make wishes come true. If you look to the shore directly above the island in our image, you can spot Bled Castle overlooking the lake"s expanse. The castle—one of the oldest in Slovenia—is positioned on a precipice above the town of Bled on the northwestern shore of the lake.Desktop Version

Dec 14, 2023Christmas Bird Count

In the world of birdwatching, the Christmas Bird Count, first held back in 1900, is a highlight of the year. The original bird count involved just 27 people spread over 25 locations in the US and Canada. Since then, the annual bird census has grown exponentially, with participants in more than 2,360 locations across various countries.Desktop Version

Aug 2, 2024Virgin Islands National Park established

In 1956, businessman and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller saw the beauty of St. John, one of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, and knew it had to be preserved. He donated more than 5,000 acres of land to the National Park Service, and today we"re marking the 68th anniversary of Virgin Islands National Park. Covering about 60% of St. John and 5,650 acres of submerged lands, the park boasts stunning white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and historic sites.Desktop Version

Oct 31, 2024Happy Halloween!

Do you sometimes get spooked? If you do, that means you have a healthy sense of fun and fear. And what better day of the year than Halloween to indulge in all things scary? The holiday we know today traces its roots to ancient traditions, including the Celts" Samhain, the Romans" Feralia, and medieval Christian observances. Today, costumed people mingle in the streets, not unlike their ancestors who donned animal skins to divine the future or celebrate saints and martyrs.Desktop Version

Mar 22, 2022World Water Day

You can almost hear the crash and feel the spray of this cluster of pristine waterfalls in southern Idaho. Could there be a better place to celebrate World Water Day? Since 1993, the UN has dedicated March 22 to advocate for sustainable management of freshwater resources and bring attention to topics relevant to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Each year a different aspect of this critical resource has been emphasized, with themes like "Valuing Water," "Water and Climate Change," "Water and Jobs," and "Why Waste Water?" This year"s theme is "Groundwater—Making the Invisible Visible."Desktop Version

Mar 7, 2023Terraced rice fields, Yuanyang County, China

Reflecting the colors of the sky, this spectacular hillside in Yuanyang County, China, is just a small part of the vast Honghe Hani Rice Terraces UNESCO World Heritage Site. For 1,300 years, the local Hani people have carved thousands of these asymmetrical terraces around the contours of the Ailao Mountains in Yunnan province.Desktop Version

Jan 10, 2025Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada

Ever heard of frozen bubbles? Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada, has them during the winter, and they"re not just beautiful—they"re science in action. Created in 1972, Abraham Lake is a human-made reservoir that spans more than 20 square miles along the North Saskatchewan River. Thanks to glacier-fed waters from the Rocky Mountains, the lake stays transparent even in the coldest months. Glacial meltwater carries fine sediment that scatters sunlight, while natural filtration through rocks keeps pollutants to a minimum.Desktop Version

Jan 6, 2025Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy

In the Italian province of Ravenna lies the Basilica of San Francesco, recognized for its beauty and historical significance. This Romanesque church, originally built in 450, features a sturdy square bell tower added in the 9th century, enhancing the basilica"s exterior. Its design features three naves, divided by two rows of 12 columns each. Featured in today"s image is the basilica"s real showstopper: The basement crypt, or burial chamber, is a stunning model of early religious design. Complete with vaulted ceilings that slope down into rows of stone columns, its floor is a work of art itself. It"s inlaid with beautifully intricate mosaic tiles that have withstood the test of time.Desktop Version

Oct 31, 2023Halloween

Halloween is here! A night when glowing jack-o"-lanterns decorate doorsteps across the country. The custom has its roots in 19th-century Ireland, where turnips and potatoes were sculpted into scary faces. When Irish immigrants arrived in the US, they found pumpkins much easier to carve and a new tradition was born. The digital age has made things easier still, for those whose carving skills are not up to scratch. This image was created with Bing Image Creator (now even better with DALL·E 3)—create your own jack-o"-lantern with the power of AI.Desktop Version

Dec 19, 2024Sibiu Christmas market, Romania

As the winter chill sets in, the city of Sibiu transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland as it hosts one of Romania"s most popular Christmas markets. The Sibiu Christmas Market, known in Romanian as Târgul de Crăciun din Sibiu, is held in the central square from the end of November until early January. Sparkling strings of lights drape across the square, seen in today"s image, creating a canopy that bathes the cobblestone streets in a warm, festive glow. There also stands a beautifully lit Christmas tree, surrounded by charming wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to locally made treats like cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread; vin fiert, an aromatic mulled wine; and covrigi, a type of pretzel served warm and sprinkled with salt.Desktop Version

Dec 15, 2022Borovets ski resort in Bulgaria

This frosty scene shows Borovets, Bulgaria"s oldest winter resort, established in 1896. It"s a budget-friendly skiing alternative to the more expensive resorts in the Alps, especially for beginners and those looking for fun on the slopes without shelling out the big bucks.Desktop Version

Aug 31, 2019Walk the line

Our homepage today shows two climbers slacklining between boulders near Bishop, California. Look closely and you’ll see something very similar to tightrope walking: The slackliners anchor a thin strip of webbing between two points and then walk across (very carefully, of course). Bishop is near the Sierra Nevada and is a popular destination for climbers interested in both slacklining and bouldering. What"s bouldering? That"s rock climbing without ropes or harnesses. Instead, climbers simply shimmy up rocky crags and free-standing boulders—but no higher than 20 feet, for safety’s sake. And where there are rock climbers, you’ll likely find slackliners.Desktop Version

Mar 5, 2024Bangkok, Thailand

In vibrant Thailand, the city of Bangkok pulses with life! Covering an area of more than 600 square miles, it is estimated that over 10 million people live there, roughly 15% of the country"s population. The capital city is home to a bustling urban infrastructure, featuring a complex network of traffic circles and highways. In 1864, the completion of Charoen Krung Road marked a turn in the city"s transit by serving as a pioneering construction project utilizing Western techniques. The introduction of a complex elevated expressway network in 1972 and the Don Mueang Tollway has made it easier to drive in and out of the city. Over the years, the road network has evolved to meet the demands of this sprawling urban expanse.Desktop Version

Oct 1, 2022Yosemite National Park turns 132

There are thousands of waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, but perhaps none are as well known as Bridalveil Fall. First things first: Don"t call it "falls" because then someone may think you were in Utah where another waterfall bears the surprisingly similar name, Bridal Veil Falls. Bridalveil, as seen in the photo, is often the first waterfall visitors to Yosemite encounter. It plunges 617 feet and flows year-round, fed with water from Ostrander Lake nearly 10 miles away. When the flow is light, brisk winds blow the water sideways. That"s why the Ahwahneechee Native Americans, who have lived in the Yosemite Valley for centuries, traditionally called the waterfall Pohono, or "Spirit of the Puffing Wind."Desktop Version

Mar 7, 2024Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain

Jutting into the sky above Els Ports Natural Park, the Roques de Benet are a cluster of rock formations in Catalonia, Spain, whose tallest peak stands about 3,330 feet above sea level. Overlooking the vast wetlands of the Ebro Delta, the peak offers views of streams and pine forests, with trails that lead into the mountains. The word "Benet" comes from Arabic, hinting at the area"s varied past, including both Arabic and Christian settlers. These days, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, from ibex and otters to vultures and eagles. Animals aren"t the only inhabitants of the area. The villages nestled at the base of this massif still maintain their shared traditions, such as the age-old craft of using vegetable fibers to create baskets and kitchen utensils.Desktop Version

Nov 21, 2024Lion cubs, South Africa

Curious about what it"s like to be a lion cub living in the wild? Let"s explore their life. African lion cubs like those featured here, sunbathing in the wilderness of South Africa, start life tucked away in a secluded den. Blind at birth, these little ones are vulnerable in the first few weeks of their lives and depend entirely on their mothers. At around 8 weeks old, they meet the rest of the pride and learn to socialize so they can find their place in the group. After they hit 6 months, they begin to go out hunting with adults, learning essential skills through real-life adventures.Desktop Version

Dec 8, 2022The Cathedral of Florence, Italy

Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence helped lead Europe out of the Middle Ages as a center of politics, finance, art, and culture. Seven-odd centuries later, it"s a snap to get aerial views of that era"s marvels, like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (known more simply as the Cathedral of Florence). A crowning achievement in a city of crowning achievements, the complex includes a campanile, or bell tower, and a white-roofed baptistery in addition to the cathedral with its grand dome.Desktop Version

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