Bing wallpaper for mobile

Hottest Latest
Polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
What"s drawing scientists, travellers and cameras to Manitoba, Canada, this week? Polar Bear Week is here, and it"s more than a date on the calendar. The town of Churchill takes centre stage. Each autumn, hundreds of polar bears gather near here, waiting for the bay to freeze so they can hunt seals again—their primary food source. Ever wondered how they stay warm? A thick layer of fat and a dense undercoat trap heat. Their tangle-resistant hairs shake dry after swimming, and natural oils stop the coat from freezing. Sadly, warmer temperatures delay that freeze, forcing the bears to fast for longer. To cope with the delay, they rest, conserve energy and sometimes wander the area. Scientists track their movements to learn how migration patterns shift each year. Polar Bear Week celebrates these mammals while reminding us that their future depends on what we do about a warming planet.Desktop Version
Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States
Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States
Exit Highway 101, and Bandon, in Oregon, United States, greets visitors with salty air and the gentle clang of harbour bells. The town began as a small settlement in the 1850s and grew into a centre for timber and salmon fishing. Cranberries became a key crop and are still celebrated each September during the Cranberry Festival. Old Town reflects that past with boardwalk cafés and galleries, while the Coquille River Lighthouse stands restored at Bullards Beach as a reminder of the days when its beacon guided ships.Desktop Version
Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday
Every second Sunday of November, the United Kingdom presses pause. Shops may buzz, trains may run, but at 11 a.m., the nation falls silent. For two minutes, the usual noise of life is replaced by a collective stillness. This is Remembrance Sunday—a day less about "time off" and more about "time out" to reflect.Desktop Version
Black-tailed prairie dogs, Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
Black-tailed prairie dogs, Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
If you think small creatures can"t make a big impact, you clearly haven"t met the residents of Roberts Prairie Dog Town in Badlands National Park, in South Dakota, United States. These black-tailed prairie dogs are tiny, furry and endlessly entertaining. The town is one of the park"s largest prairie dog colonies, where hundreds of these social rodents scurry, dig and "bark" at passing visitors. Each prairie dog has a role—lookouts scan for predators while others maintain intricate burrow systems that can stretch up to 10 metres in length.Desktop Version
Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Nestled in the heart of Germany"s Teutoburg Forest, near the town of Horn-Bad Meinberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, the dramatic rock formations known as the Externsteine rise majestically into the sky. These sandstone pillars, formed around 70 million years ago, are among Germany"s most significant natural and cultural landmarks. They captivate visitors with their unique shapes and rich historical significance, attracting thousands each year. The rocks reach heights of up to 35 metres. As early as the Middle Ages, the site was used as a place of worship, as evidenced by a remarkable 12th-century relief carved into the stone depicting the Descent from the Cross. It is the oldest of its kind north of the Alps.Desktop Version
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Think modern sports are dramatic? Ancient Romans had front-row seats to spectacles far more intense inside the Colosseum. Commissioned by the Flavian emperor Vespasian in 72 CE and finished by his son Titus in 80 CE, this amphitheatre broke tradition with its predecessors that were built into hillsides for natural support. Instead, the Colosseum was a fully free-standing architectural giant. Crafted from stone and concrete, its arches and vaults supported an arena that could host up to 50,000 spectators. Gladiators, exotic animals and even staged sea battles thrilled the crowds, while hidden elevators and trapdoors created sudden, dramatic appearances.Desktop Version
Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Of all the plants on Earth, the quiver tree looks the most like a vision from the future. Found in Southern Africa, including parts of Namibia, these striking giants are not true trees but a species of aloe adapted to life under the desert"s scorching sun. Their thick trunks store water, while their branches reflect heat, helping them endure harsh conditions. Reaching up to 7 metres in height, with some living for more than 100 years, quiver trees are also vital to their ecosystem. They offer rare perches and nesting sites for birds in landscapes where few other trees exist.Desktop Version
Mother manatee and calf, Crystal River, Florida, United States
Mother manatee and calf, Crystal River, Florida, United States
Forget dolphins doing flips or sharks stealing headlines—manatees win hearts by doing, well, almost nothing. And that"s the charm. Manatees are found in the warm coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Amazon Basin and West Africa. They can weigh up to 550 kilograms, yet their diet is strictly vegetarian. These whiskered mammals are slow swimmers in a fast-paced world. They cruise at around 5 miles per hour—great for relaxing, not so great when speedboats come charging through. That"s why "no-wake zones," or sections of waterways with a strict speed limit, are there to keep manatees safe.Desktop Version
Irohazaka Road in autumn, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
Irohazaka Road in autumn, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
If you think the alphabet is straightforward, Japan"s Irohazaka Road in Nikko will twist that belief right out of you. Named after the old Japanese syllabary "Iroha," this mountain pass once had 48 hairpin bends—each curve matched to a character of the alphabet. Today, it"s a pair of separate one-way roads—one goes up, the other comes down and both make drivers feel as if they"re spelling out a story with every turn.Desktop Version
A traboule in Lyon, France
A traboule in Lyon, France
In Lyon, France, you don"t just walk through the city—you glide through it. The traboules, a network of hidden passageways threading between courtyards and buildings, turn a simple stroll into a treasure hunt. They were the original shortcuts, allowing residents to dodge rain, carry goods or move discreetly through the medieval quarters. Today, they"re less about practicality and more about discovery. These passages date back to the fourth century but became essential during the Renaissance, when silk traders used them to shuttle delicate fabrics safely from workshops to the river without braving the weather. Later, during World War II, Resistance fighters used the traboules as escape routes.Desktop Version
National Hiking Day
National Hiking Day
National Hiking Day is more than a date—it"s an invitation to step away from screens and into the rhythm of nature. This day celebrates the simple act of walking under open skies and reminds us that health and happiness often begin with a single stride. From the rolling hills of the Lake District to the rugged cliffs of the South West Coast Path, Britain"s trails are diverse. The Peak District was the country"s first national park and remains a hiker"s favourite. Meanwhile, Snowdonia National Park in Wales promises climbs that make your calves burn.Desktop Version
Male hooded merganser, Oregon, United States
Male hooded merganser, Oregon, United States
Each autumn, the quiet waterways of Oregon, United States, become seasonal waypoints for hooded mergansers—small diving ducks native to North America. They are agile divers, plunging beneath the surface to catch fish and other prey. Males, known as drakes, stand out with their fan-shaped white crests, dark heads and chestnut-brown sides, while females, called hens, are brownish grey with smaller crests. Oregon"s lakes and wetlands provide sheltered feeding grounds as these birds migrate or winter across the continent.Desktop Version
Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
Step closer, and the details begin to speak—every stone, spire and statue seems to hold a story of its own. Conceived in the late 19th century, the Hungarian Parliament Building was designed to reflect a nation"s ambition, blending Gothic Revival elegance with distinctly Hungarian motifs. Architect Imre Steindl"s vision took shape over two decades through the work of more than 1,000 craftsmen. Even the central dome, rising 96 metres high, carries meaning: the height honours the year of Hungary"s millennium anniversary in 1896. Completed in 1904, the building still dominates Budapest"s skyline as a powerful national symbol.Desktop Version
World in Progress by artist Saype in Geneva, Switzerland
World in Progress by artist Saype in Geneva, Switzerland
If you think art belongs only on walls, Swiss-–French artist Saype would like to draw your attention elsewhere—to the ground beneath your feet. In Geneva, Switzerland, he turned an ordinary patch of grass into an extraordinary message with his art, "World in Progress," which is featured in today"s image. Look more closely, and you"ll spot the artist himself posing with his artwork.Desktop Version
World Hello Day
World Hello Day
This harbour seal, photographed at Robert Moses State Park on Long Island, New York, seems to be onto something—spreading good vibes, one wave at a time. That"s exactly the spirit of World Hello Day, celebrated every November 21. This cheerful observance began in 1973 when two American brothers, Brian and Michael McCormack, launched it as a peaceful response to global tensions. They mailed 1,360 letters in seven languages to world leaders, inviting them to join the first celebration. Their message was simple yet powerful: personal communication can help preserve peace. Today, people in more than 180 countries participate.Desktop Version
Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
There are big statues—and then there"s the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved into a riverside cliff at the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu Rivers in Sichuan, China, this statue is an ancient engineering marvel. Construction began in 713 CE under a monk named Hai Tong, who hoped that the Buddha"s presence would calm dangerous river currents that threatened passing boats. He was so devoted that when funding ran out, he reportedly gouged out his own eyes to prove his sincerity. Construction took roughly 90 years and was completed long after Hai Tong"s death. At 71 metres tall, it is the largest stone Buddha in the world. Its shoulders stretch about 28 metres wide, its ears measure nearly 7 metres long and each foot extends 8.5 metres. Drainage channels built inside the statue protect it from erosion, helping explain its remarkable preservation for more than 12 centuries.Desktop Version
Fibonacci Day
Fibonacci Day
Look closely at this ammonite fossil. Its swirling shell, once home to a prehistoric sea creature, holds a mathematical secret—a spiral pattern. Each new chamber is proportionally larger than the previous one, maintaining a consistent growth ratio, often associated with the Fibonacci sequence.Desktop Version
Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
Gwalior, in Madhya Pradesh, is not just a city; it is a chapter of India"s history. Towering over the skyline, Gwalior Fort is a 6th-century hill fort shaped by generations of rulers and wrapped in legend. Nicknamed "the Gibraltar of India," this fort was praised by Mughal emperor Babur as the "pearl among the fortresses of Hind" for its strength and grandeur. The fort has seen rulers from the Tomars to the Mughals and is linked to battles, royal intrigue and hidden treasures.Desktop Version
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
Ever heard coins clinking louder than applause? That"s the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, for you—a spot where history, hope and selfie sticks collide. Completed in 1762, it marks the endpoint of one of ancient Rome"s earliest aqueducts, the Aqua Virgo, which still supplies water today. The name "Trevi" comes from Tre Vie—"three roads"—signifying the junction where it stands. Designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and finished by Giuseppe Pannini, this 26-metre marvel is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous in the world. Its sculptures show Oceanus, the god of the sea, surrounded by Tritons and horses.Desktop Version
World Olive Tree Day
World Olive Tree Day
Ancient yet vibrant, twisted yet resilient, olive trees can live for over a thousand years. Even when scarred or hollowed, their trunks still send out fresh leaves each season—a living record of survival through drought, wind and fire. In 2019, UNESCO established November 26 as World Olive Tree Day, recognising these trees that have been cultivated by humans since about 6,000 BCE. Olives have carried both practical and symbolic weight through the ages: their oil was pressed for anointing, medicine and daily sustenance; crowns of their leaves graced Olympic victors; and their branches became a lasting emblem of peace.Desktop Version
Eastbourne Pier, East Sussex, England
Eastbourne Pier, East Sussex, England
When it comes to seaside icons, Eastbourne Pier doesn"t just make waves—it has been riding them for over 150 years. Opened in 1870, this Victorian marvel in East Sussex has survived tempests, fires and even wars. Stretching gracefully into the English Channel, the pier started life as a docking point for steamers. Over time, it evolved into a place where you can stroll above the water, lose a few coins to an arcade machine and gain a few back in memories.Desktop Version
Val Brandet, Corteno Golgi, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
Val Brandet, Corteno Golgi, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
Some valleys ask to be explored; Val Brandet in Lombardy, Italy, invites you to slow down and listen. Tucked inside Adamello Park and part of the municipality of Corteno Golgi—named after Nobel Prize–winning physician Camillo Golgi—this valley balances science and scenery, memory and movement.Desktop Version
Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands
Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands
Picture 21 square miles of open land, wildlife on the move and a stag flaunting its crown of antlers. In 1909, husband and wife Anton Kröller and Helene Kröller-Müller began building a private estate in Gelderland, Netherlands—what we now know as De Hoge Veluwe National Park. Their vision? To merge art and nature. They brought it to life by placing artwork within the landscape, like "Three Upright Motives" by English sculptor Henry Moore in the Pampelse Zand and the President Steyn stone bench by Belgian architect Henry van de Velde, among others.Desktop Version
St Andrews Day
St Andrews Day
When 30 November rolls around, Scotland doesn"t just turn up the heat—it turns up the pipes. St Andrew"s Day marks a national celebration of the country"s patron saint, its history and all things tartan, toasted and toe-tapping. St Andrew wasn"t born here—he was a fisherman from Galilee and one of Jesus" twelve apostles. According to legend, his relics were brought to the east coast of Scotland in the 4th century, giving rise to the town of St Andrews and inspiring the country"s flag, the white saltire cross on blue.Desktop Version
Antarctica Day
Antarctica Day
Some photos capture nature"s grand acts. Great photos reveal even more in a single frame: the delicate balance between immense power and fragile beauty that surrounds us on Earth. Today"s image of a natural arch carved into an Antarctic iceberg does exactly that—a conversation starter about grandeur, vulnerability, our environment and its present and future.Desktop Version