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Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
Amidst the mist-covered cedars and Sitka spruces of Canada"s Great Bear Rainforest, the Vancouver Coastal Sea wolf roams free. These canines, seen in British Columbia in today"s image, thrive in this ecosystem, which stretches from the north of Vancouver Island to the Alaskan border. This unique subspecies of the grey wolf is specific to the region and leads a semi-aquatic lifestyle, swimming between islands in search of food. Their diet primarily consists of fish, clams, mussels, crabs, otters and seals. This marine-based diet is a major difference with other wolf species, which feed almost exclusively on meat. These animals live in closely bonded groups, communicating with each other through growls, barks and whines, so they"re often heard before they are seen.Desktop Version
Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Olympic National Park in the United States, established in 1938, offers an escape into unspoiled wilderness. It covers nearly 1,440 square miles on Washington"s Olympic Peninsula. With a labyrinth of ecosystems that range from glacier-capped mountains to temperate rainforests, the park is a home for wildlife as well as a retreat for thrill-seekers and history buffs. Within it lies Shi Shi Beach, a serene stretch where the Pacific laps against sea stacks and sandy shores, as seen in today"s image. Recognised as an International Biosphere Reserve, this national park features 600 miles of trails, where hikers can embark on a trek along the coast to see the beach"s sea arch at Point of the Arches, an outcrop that has over 30 sea stacks, columns of rock rising from the beach.Desktop Version
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night
"Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot!" The tale begins in 1605, when a man named Guy Fawkes became part of a conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5. Alongside a group of disillusioned Catholics, Fawkes had hatched a bold and dangerous plan to kill King James I and end Protestant rule in England. Their secret weapon? Thirty-six barrels of gunpowder hidden in the cellars of Parliament, enough to blow the entire place sky-high. However, the plan was discovered a day before and the plot foiled. And so, 5 November became a day of celebration—not of the plotters, but of their failure. Today, communities gather to burn effigies of Fawkes, light fireworks and enjoy treats like bonfire toffee, remembering the night the plot went up in smoke—literally!Desktop Version
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
A place where poetry, history and nature blend—welcome to Grasmere in England"s Lake District. This village was once the cherished residence of the celebrated poet William Wordsworth, who described it as "the loveliest spot that man hath found." Here, visitors are greeted by old cottages and homes built from local bluish-green slate. Dove Cottage, Wordsworth"s humble abode from 1799 to 1808, and the adjacent museum offer a dive into the poet"s life. His later residence, Rydal Mount, continues the story just a short journey away. The heart of the village is St Oswald"s Church, which dates to the 13th century. This landmark is Wordsworth"s final resting place. Not far from the church, the aroma of the renowned Grasmere Gingerbread, made from a secret recipe, will set visitors" mouths watering. The village"s annual Grasmere Sports, which began in 1868, is an event that showcases traditional Lakeland activities like fell running, wrestling and hound trailing.Desktop Version
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
Today is the International Day for Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves may sound like a scientific mouthful, but they"re essentially nature"s sweet spots—places where biodiversity, or variety of life on Earth, thrives. These areas, recognised by UNESCO, keep ecosystems healthy, protect endangered species and help regulate climate through forests, wetlands and other crucial habitats. There are 759 biosphere reserves across 136 countries. From the lush greenery of Sundarbans in India to the vast expanses of the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve in Australia, each reserve is unique.Desktop Version
American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Once upon a time, in the boundless grasslands of North America, there roamed creatures of great strength and majesty—the American bison. These animals were a key part of life for many Native American tribes, providing food, clothing and tools. Their population dwindled perilously low in the late 1800s, falling from as many as 60 million to fewer than 1,000 due to excessive hunting and disease. Enter a group of conservationists, ranchers and Native Americans who stepped in to save the species. Now, over 500,000 bison roam again, many in protected areas like Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, featured in today"s image.Desktop Version
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
The Badische Weinstraße is a picturesque route that stretches over 300 miles along the Black Forest, leading you through some of Germany"s most beautiful wine-growing regions. In today"s image, we find ourselves in Varnhalt, a charming wine village that is part of Baden-Baden. One of the region"s highlights is the Nägelsförsterhof winery, which has been in operation since 1588. This vineyard is well-known for producing Riesling wines, renowned for their exceptional quality.Desktop Version
Happy Halloween!
Happy 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
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
If you"re looking for a Halloween destination that combines history with a hefty dose of hauntings, Edinburgh Castle is the place to be. Positioned high on an extinct volcano, these fortress walls have seen wars, royal births, executions and plenty of other drama since the 11th century. But what really sets it apart is its reputation as one of Scotland"s most haunted spots. It"s no surprise that with more than 1,000 years of history, some have reported ghost sightings.Desktop Version
Great horned owl
Great horned owl
The Halloween season is upon us, so let"s meet one of the holiday"s icons: the great horned owl. With its keen vision, eerie vocalisations and silent flight, this owl has historically been revered and feared. In folklore and mythology, owls were considered symbols of wisdom and omens of death. On Samhain, the Celtic precursor to Halloween, the owl was believed to be the kin of roaming spirits.Desktop Version
Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
As autumn covers the landscape with amber hues and the chill of Halloween approaches, the time-honoured tradition of carving jack-o"-lanterns comes to life. Originally from Ireland and Scotland, this craft was taken to America by immigrants who initially used turnips and potatoes to create lanterns, but later found pumpkins more plentiful and easier to carve. By hollowing out pumpkins and lighting them with candles, they transformed the gourds into flickering defences against evil spirits.Desktop Version
British Summer Time ends
British Summer Time ends
Time is of the essence today: the last Sunday of October marks the end of British Summer Time. At 2 AM this morning, the clocks fell back one hour, meaning there was an extra hour of sleep. While the idea of summer time was mentioned in 1784 by American inventor Benjamin Franklin, the first serious proposal for changing the clocks in the United Kingdom came from British builder William Willett in 1907. He valued having more daylight and felt so strongly about this that he published a pamphlet called "The Waste of Daylight. Over time, many countries adopted the practice to give people more daylight in the evenings during the summer months.Desktop Version
Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
In the coastal region of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania in Germany lies the Gespensterwald, which means "Ghost Forest," seen in today"s image. This spine-tingling forest covers about 445 acres (180 hectares), with its gnarled beech, hornbeam, ash and oak trees twisting toward the sky. The salty sea air from the Baltic Sea and the moist climate contribute to the trees" distorted shapes, giving rise to the forest"s haunted moniker. Visitors experience light-hearted brushes with the supernatural, such as the crunch of dead leaves, a friendly spirit waving hello from afar or a mischievous ghost peeking from behind a tree. The strategic lighting, which casts ghostly shadows, along with the sculptures and decorations placed along the path, are elements that enhance the forest"s ghostly aura throughout the year.Desktop Version
Frankenstein Friday
Frankenstein Friday
Picture yourself at the highest peak in the Alps, where the air is crisp and the views are breathtaking. The towering presence of Mont Blanc, seen in this image, has left an indelible mark on literature, most notably on Mary Shelley"s "Frankenstein." The last Friday of October is Frankenstein Friday, honouring Shelley"s literary genius and the fascinating creature born from her imagination. "Frankenstein" was conceived during a ghost story challenge. In 1816, an 18-year-old Shelley, along with fellow writers Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Polidori and Lord Byron, spent a stormy summer in Switzerland. There, she penned the tale of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. A pivotal scene in the novel takes place on a glacier near Mont Blanc, where Victor is confronted by his monstrous creation. This setting, with its surreal beauty and treacherous terrain, perfectly captures a sense of awe and terror.Desktop Version
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
In the ghostly silence of Bodie in California, United States, it feels like time stands still. This once-booming gold rush town was established in 1860. Bodie was named after WS Bodey, a prospector who discovered gold but tragically died in a blizzard before seeing the town"s rise. When large deposits of gold were found there, it grew to nearly 10,000 residents, with saloons, dance halls and breweries lining its streets. But as the gold ran dry, so did the town"s fortunes. The mines closed, the population dwindled, and by 1915, the place was abandoned. Bodie"s streets are now empty, its wooden buildings frozen in decay.Desktop Version
Madame Sherri Forest, New Hampshire, United States
Madame Sherri Forest, New Hampshire, United States
Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield in New Hampshire, United States, is a captivating destination steeped in history and natural beauty. It was once the site of an extravagant house built in the 1930s by Madame Antoinette Sherri, a flamboyant 1920s costume designer known for her lavish parties. Madame Sherri"s dramatic arrivals in town, often in a chauffeur-driven Packard, draped in furs, became the talk of the locals. As her fortune declined, her "castle" fell into disrepair and was vandalised. In 1959, she returned to find her property in ruins and never came back. A fire destroyed the house in 1963, leaving behind only the stone foundation, an iconic staircase and a large fireplace leading to a lone chimney.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 Judgement in Florence Cathedral and his illustrations of Dante"s Inferno are replete with mythical beings.Desktop Version
Cypress trees in George L Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
Cypress trees in George L Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
Ever seen the sturdy, swamp-loving and always stylish cypress? These trees can grow to over 30 metres and usually have a pyramid-like shape when they"re young. In today"s image, we"re transported to the George L Smith State Park, which spans 1,634 acres (661 hectares) in Emanuel County, Georgia, United States. The park"s centrepiece, seen in today"s image, is a 412-acre (167-hectare) mill pond, a favourite spot for fishing and canoeing. Out of its waters grow pond cypress and bald cypress trees, two varieties that are native to the United States. Winding through the park are over 7 miles of nature trails, leading visitors through sandy landscapes past a bird sanctuary and tortoise habitat. The hardwood trees here are a haven for woodpeckers and other birds, while the soft soil provides ideal burrowing ground for tortoises. No matter the season, this park promises a peaceful retreat for all.Desktop Version
International Sloth Day
International Sloth Day
The world"s slowest mammal takes the spotlight today on International Sloth Day. Celebrated on October 20, this day invites us to learn more about their lives, including the threats they face, like shrinking habitat, and conservation efforts. There are six living sloth species, divided into two types: three-toed sloths and two-toed sloths.Desktop Version
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day
Today, dig deep and unearth your inner Indiana Jones or Lara Croft on International Archaeology Day. Started in 2011, it occurs on the third Thursday in October, celebrating archaeology"s benefits for society today. Global events include exhibits and hands-on excavations, some of which run throughout the month. Many national parks, historic landmarks and local museums in the United Kingdom also hold events. From Stonehenge to Hadrian"s Wall, the day brings history lovers of all ages together for a little archaeological action.Desktop Version
Autumn in Central Park, New York, United States
Autumn in Central Park, New York, United States
Every autumn, many of the 18,000 trees in Central Park in New York, United States, are painted in shades of yellow, red and orange. It"s one of Central Park"s most photographed seasons and autumn in the park has provided iconic backdrops for films like "When Harry Met Sally…" and "Hair." Trees sense the coming of winter not only by temperature, but by the angle at which light from sunrises and sunsets hits their leaves. Because of New York"s buildings, the unique interaction of light, shadows and temperatures often results in fall foliage occurring later in the park than the rest of the city.Desktop Version
Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
If you"ve ever seen photos of endless red fields that look like they"re on fire, you"ve seen kochia in action. In the spring and summer, this annual herb starts off with a fresh green look, resembling a fluffy green ball. As the seasons change, so does its colour—transforming into shades of red, orange and even pink.Desktop Version
Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
If you"re a fan of dinosaurs, trilobites or fossilised shells, then let"s visit the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in England. It"s like a giant natural history museum, with rocks and cliffs that reveal 185 million years of Earth"s history. But what really steals the show are the fossils, especially those of belemnites and ammonites—extinct marine creatures—that are pictured here. Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter who combed these shores, paved the way for our current understanding of fossils. Lyme Regis and Charmouth are hotspots for fossil hunting. In these towns, you"ll find beaches where fossils practically wash up at your feet. The coast"s rock formations are more than just pretty to look at—they"re iconic. Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, and Old Harry Rocks, a set of chalk formations near Swanage, are some of the examples.Desktop Version
Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
They say the grass is always greener on the other side, and no one takes that more literally than the wildebeests of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Every July, roughly 2 million of these determined grazers, along with zebras and other herbivores, set off on a journey to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of lush pastures and fresh water. The great migration, considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is a safari spectacle where survival is the prize. One of the most dramatic moments of the migration is the crossing of the Mara River.Desktop Version
Coco Beach, Goa, India
Coco Beach, Goa, India
Welcome to every beach lover"s dream: Goa. This Indian state is known for its golden shores that draw visitors from all over the world. Tourism is at the heart of its economy, and it"s no surprise that most of the buzz happens along its coastline, 78 miles of which is covered by beaches. Today"s image features Coco Beach, a gem tucked away in Nerul, a village in the northern part of the state. Despite its calm vibes, there"s plenty to do here. You can soak up the sun and dive into adventures like fishing, boating, dolphin spotting and swimming, all while immersing yourself in the local culture. But there"s something that makes this beach even more special: its historical significance.Desktop Version