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14 Dec 2024Christmas Bird Count turns 125

For 125 years, bird enthusiasts across the Western Hemisphere have turned the holiday season into a festive, feathered affair with the Christmas Bird Count. Founded by ornithologist Frank Chapman as an eco-friendly twist on holiday hunting parties, this annual event replaced shotguns with binoculars. Since then, it has become one of the world"s longest-running citizen science projects. Every year from December 14 to January 5, volunteers of all ages and birding skill levels come together to survey designated areas called "circles." Each circle has a 15-mile diameter and participants count every bird they see or hear within it. The result is a colossal snapshot of bird diversity, with data collected from over 2,500 locations each season. It"s a serious effort to track changes in bird populations, providing valuable data for scientists working to protect vulnerable species.Desktop Version

15 Dec 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy

You might have heard of a pool of tears, but have you ever heard of a lake of tears? Well, legend has it that Lake Misurina, pictured here, in Italy"s Dolomites, was born from the sorrow of a giant named Sorapis. At more than 1,700 metres above sea level, it is the largest natural lake in the Cadore region, with its perimeter stretching more than 1.5 miles. The area around the lake is known for its beneficial climate, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Its crystal-clear waters and surrounding hotels provide a perfect getaway for up to 500 visitors. The lake played a role in the 1956 Winter Olympics, where it hosted speed skating events on natural ice, and it has even been immortalised in a pop song by singer Claudio Baglioni. With astounding views, mythical roots and activities for every season, this lake may well be the Dolomites" most alluring reflection.Desktop Version

16 Dec 2024Salzburg, Austria

Today, we"re in the Austrian city of Salzburg, a place that never goes out of style. The Advent season here creates a magical atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable time to visit this city. Twinkling decorations bring the place to life, and the cosy scents of warm chestnuts, mulled wine and freshly baked cookies mingle in the air. During this time, Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, a world-famous traditional Advent market, is hosted here. Seen on the hill in today"s image is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, home to the popular Fortress Advent market, brimming with holiday cheer.Desktop Version

17 Dec 2024Traditional red fishermens cabins, Reine, Norway

Step aside, regular beach houses—Reine"s little red cabins are here to steal the show. One of the prettiest places in the Lofoten Islands of Norway, Reine is a fishing village with a population of around 300. A trading post since 1775, it has evolved from a commercial hub to become a sought-after tourist destination. The village"s waterfront is lined with the traditional fishermen"s cabins called rorbu or rorbuer, which are mostly red in colour, as seen in today"s image. Once important to fishermen, these cabins have now become a popular pick for tourist rentals. In 1999, German painter Ingo Kühl set up a pop-up studio in a rorbu in Reine, where he painted scenes of the harbour framed by the towering mountain range. This village truly shines in winter, when you have the chance to see the northern lights twinkling in the night sky.Desktop Version

18 Dec 2024English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker

Every holiday season, as snow begins to fall and Christmas lights twinkle in the night, the story of "The Nutcracker" comes to life on stages around the world. Written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892, this beloved ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann"s fairy tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." Set on Christmas Eve, it follows a young girl named Clara, who goes on an adventure with the Nutcracker Prince as they battle the evil Mouse King. Many renowned ballet companies present their rendition of this classic every year, including the New York City Ballet, the Boston Ballet and the English National Ballet, pictured here.Desktop Version

19 Dec 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

20 Dec 2024Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Nestled in Rovaniemi, Finland, and pictured in today"s image, Santa Claus Village is a magical year-round destination where visitors can step into the enchanting world of Christmas. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, this village offers unique experiences, like meeting Santa Claus himself or crossing the Arctic Circle line. Children and adults alike can meet Santa"s loyal reindeer and explore a vibrant collection of Christmas-themed attractions designed to delight visitors of all ages.Desktop Version

21 Dec 2024Burning the Clocks

As the year winds down and the longest night of winter settles over Brighton in England, the city doesn"t hibernate—it ignites. Burning the Clocks, a winter solstice festival, is Brighton"s luminous way of letting go of the past year, lighting up the darkest hours with paper lanterns, a blazing bonfire and an explosion of creativity. This tradition was born in 1994 as a response to the commercialised chaos of the holiday season. This annual fest invites locals and visitors alike to create intricate paper lanterns symbolising their hopes, dreams and reflections from the year gone by. These lanterns are paraded through the streets in a procession that winds its way to Brighton Beach, accompanied by music. At the end of the parade, the lanterns are ceremoniously burned on a massive bonfire.Desktop Version

22 Dec 2024Christmas tree at Crystal Pier, San Diego, California, United States

Santa has plenty of runway to land, but good luck trying to find a chimney. Today, we"re getting ready for Christmas at Pacific Beach in San Diego, California, United States. While it might not snow here, there"s still plenty of yuletide spirit leading up to Christmas in sunny Southern California. Among many beautiful examples on San Diego"s Christmas Tree Trail is the 6-metre tree at the end of a festively decorated Crystal Pier.Desktop Version

23 Dec 2024Celebrating Festivus

"A Festivus for the rest of us!" This is the unofficial motto of this non-commercial alternative to Christmas. Celebrated on December 23, Festivus was popularised by the TV show "Seinfeld," although it was actually invented by the family of one of the series" writers. This celebration centres around the unadorned aluminium Festivus pole. After dinner, the traditional Festivus "airing of grievances" gets underway. This consists of telling friends and family the ways they"ve disappointed you over the year. According to some mental health professionals, this tradition could be good for people"s mental well-being, providing some much-needed catharsis at what can be a difficult time of year for many people.Desktop Version

24 Dec 2024Silent night, sparkling lights and hearts full of joy

Christmas markets in Germany are a cherished holiday tradition that welcome visitors into a magical world of twinkling lights, festive music and delicious seasonal treats. These markets date back to the Middle Ages and are held in town squares throughout Germany, with iconic examples in cities such as Nuremberg, Munich and Dresden. Each market displays unique regional crafts and festive customs. Here, guests can discover handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys and cosy winter accessories, along with specialties like mulled wine (Glühwein), gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and roasted nuts—ideal for enjoying while immersing themselves in the enchanting atmosphere.Desktop Version

25 Dec 2024Merry Christmas!

Deck the halls, it"s Christmas time! Christmas Day is a holiday packed with joy, warmth and cherished traditions. For many, it"s a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, bringing family and friends together to exchange gifts, share meals and enjoy festive décor. Beyond its spiritual roots, Christmas also lights up the season with beloved customs—decorating trees, carolling and eagerly awaiting Santa"s arrival. These traditions, blending both old and new, make the holiday a magical experience filled with connection and cheer.Desktop Version

26 Dec 2024Boxing Day

As the last notes of Christmas carols linger in the air, Boxing Day arrives. This day is celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada and several Commonwealth countries. In the past, it was customary for the wealthy to give boxes filled with gifts to their servants on the day after Christmas. The tradition evolved into a day for charitable giving to the less fortunate. Today, while the spirit of giving remains, it has transformed into a holiday about enjoying bustling sales and a lineup of soccer matches.Desktop Version

27 Dec 2024Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled in Slovenia gets plenty of attention in summer, but winter? That"s when things slow down in the best way. The lake"s emerald waters take on a softer tone, and Bled Island, with its quaint church, looks straight out of a winter fairytale, as seen in today"s image. The 1.3-mile lake, surrounded by the snow-dusted Julian Alps, was formed over 14,000 years ago through glacial and tectonic activity. The first signs of settlement on Bled Island date back to the New Stone Age (10,000 BCE to 3,000 BCE). Additionally, archaeologists uncovered an Early Medieval graveyard here from the 9th century CE. Today, it houses the Church of the Assumption—built in its current form near the end of the 17th century—where visitors ring the "wishing bell" for good luck.Desktop Version

28 Dec 2024Green sea turtle

Today"s image shows an endangered green sea turtle swimming in the waters off New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Found along the coastlines of over 140 countries, they nest in more than 80 countries all year round. Green sea turtles have been recorded in Britain and Ireland, including the south and west coasts of England, and the north-west of Scotland and Shetland. Despite their size and strength, they face significant challenges, including hunting, boat collisions and entanglement in fishing nets. In the image, the turtle is gliding over staghorn coral, a threatened species of marine invertebrate. This coral can grow to around 2 metres and is crucial to marine ecosystems. Thanks to its rapid growth, it acts as a marine nursery for juvenile fish, as well as providing buffer zones against erosion and storms. Let"s take a moment to appreciate the progress we"ve made in protecting our planet"s most vulnerable species—and remember that the work is far from over.Desktop Version

29 Dec 2024Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia

Imagine a colossal puzzle made from over 2 million stone blocks—that"s Borobudur, seen in today"s image. Built during the 9th century in the reign of the Shailendra dynasty—an influential ruling family in Southeast Asia—it"s the world"s largest Buddhist temple, standing tall on the island of Java, Indonesia. This ancient sanctum has withstood centuries of natural challenges, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, thanks to its advanced interlocking stone system. Historically, Borobudur was an important pilgrimage site. After being abandoned for centuries, it was rediscovered in the 19th century by the English lieutenant governor Thomas Stamford Raffles.Desktop Version

30 Dec 2024Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia

At the heart of Tasmania, an island state off the southeastern coast of Australia, lies Mount Field National Park. Covering more than 60 square miles, it"s one of the state"s oldest national parks. As you follow the winding road up through the park, you"ll see a whole range of landscapes, from temperate rainforests full of some of the world"s tallest eucalyptus trees to alpine moorland. These ever-changing views are what give the park its nickname, "the park for all seasons." One of the park"s must-visit sites is Russell Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that plunges more than 50 metres.Desktop Version

31 Dec 2024Hogmanay

When it comes to ringing in the New Year, Scotland takes the cake—or perhaps the haggis, its national dish. From torchlight processions to street ceilidhs, Hogmanay is the New Year"s Eve celebration that says, "Why settle for one night of celebration when you can have three?" The term "Hogmanay" has murky origins—some link it to the French "hoguinané," which means "gala day," others to Norse or Gaelic roots. But what it means today is clear: an unmissable celebration filled with fireworks, folk songs and feasting. This year, the festivities kicked off on December 29 with a dramatic torchlight procession.Desktop Version

1 Jan 2025Happy New Year!

Happy New Year"s Day! Humans have celebrated the new year since at least 2000 BCE, but various cultures have chosen different days coinciding with equinoxes or lunar cycles. The Romans established January 1 as the beginning of the year in 153 BCE, but this fell out of favour throughout Europe during the medieval era. Since 1582 and the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, however, much of the world now celebrates the new year today. In addition to watching fireworks, drinking champagne and making resolutions in the wee hours of the morning, other global traditions include making noise, eating lucky foods and giving gifts.Desktop Version

2 Jan 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

Perched on a terrace above the Inn Valley at 1,460 metres, Ardez is a hidden gem in eastern Switzerland renowned for its deep cultural roots and stunning preservation of history. This picturesque village, starring in today"s image, showcases the rich traditions and unique language of Switzerland"s Romansh-speaking communities. Its homes are adorned with sgraffiti—decorative designs etched into plaster—and colourful murals, both iconic art styles of the Engadin region. Dating back to 840 when it was first referred to as Ardezis, the village"s history includes Steinsberg Castle, originally owned by the Bishop of Chur. Though destroyed during the Swabian War in 1499, the castle"s tower has been restored multiple times and stands today as a proud reminder of its past. In 1975, Ardez was chosen as a Swiss model village for its exceptional preservation efforts, which have kept its historic charm intact.Desktop Version

3 Jan 2025Happy Birthday, JRR Tolkien!

"Don"t adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story." Today, on Tolkien Day, fans around the world honour the master storyteller who crafted the epic adventures of Middle-earth: JRR Tolkien. While Tolkien may have started the tale, it"s his readers who carry it forward, generation after generation, diving into the pages of "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," and beyond. Tolkienists are encouraged to celebrate the author"s birthday with a toast at 9 PM local time—to participate, all you must do is stand and raise a glass of your choice, say "The Professor," and take a sip.Desktop Version

4 Jan 2025Bản Giốc – Detian Falls, Vietnam

Welcome to a spot where rivers meet borders in the most stunning way: Bản Giốc – Detian Falls, featured in today"s image. Tucked between the karst hills of Daxin County in China and Trùng Khánh district in Vietnam, these falls tumble along the Quây Sơn River. Over 25 metres tall and nearly 300 metres wide, it holds the distinction of being the widest waterfall in Vietnam. Located just 169 miles north of Hanoi, this waterfall has gradually worn away its crest over the years, inching upstream. For most of the year, they flow as two distinct cascades, but come summer, when the rains swell the river, they merge into one big fall.Desktop Version

5 Jan 2025Plum-headed parakeet

Birds come in many shapes and colours, but few are as striking as the plum-headed parakeet, photographed at Shimoga, Karnataka, India, in today"s image. Native to the Indian subcontinent, these birds are found in forests and open woodlands. There have been reports of plum-headed parakeets making their way to places like New York and Florida in the United States, and even parts of the Middle East. In the United Kingdom, some of these birds were brought in as exotic pets and either escaped or were released. Parakeets are often spotted in flocks, chattering melodiously or indulging in their favourite fruits, seeds and blossoms. Their quick, agile flight and playful nature make them a delight in the wild or as beloved pets. Known for their distinctive calls that echo through the air, these birds are also capable of mimicking human speech.Desktop Version

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

In the Italian province of Ravenna lies the Basilica of San Francesco, recognised for its beauty and historical significance. This Romanesque church, originally built in 450 CE, 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 a 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

7 Jan 2025Moeraki Boulders, South Island, New Zealand

Are you ready to rock the new year? Today is Old Rock Day, a day for celebrating and learning about old rocks and fossils. Although rocks are common, few of us take the time to consider how amazing they are. Forged in volcanoes or moulded by millennia of pressure, these solid masses of minerals hold the key to understanding how our planet formed. Rocks can also contain fossils, the remnants of long-extinct organisms, which give scientists clues about what creatures and plants have lived on Earth during its 4.5-billion-year history. The United Kingdom, with its rich geological diversity, provides a front-row seat to the ancient forces that shaped our planet. On the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon, rocks over 180 million years old tell tales of dinosaurs, ancient seas and volcanic activity. And don"t forget the Giant"s Causeway in Northern Ireland, with its impressive columns of basalt.Desktop Version

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