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World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day
Celebrate our travelling 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 penny, and makes the trip all the way across the Gulf of Mexico—a seemingly impossible feat for its size. 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 more than 18,000 miles. Their migration routes are passages created based on environmental cues.Desktop Version
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Welcome to "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found" Grasmere in the Lake District, England. Known for its connections to the "Lake Poets" like William and Dorothy Wordsworth, the area offers more than just poetry—it"s a feast for the eyes in autumn. Its name harks back to Old English and Old Norse, suggesting a lake flanked by greenery. For those up for more of a climb, hikes to the hill of Helm Crag provide a higher perspective of this place"s beauty. The annual Grasmere Sports, dating back to 1852, includes the age-old tradition of Cumberland wrestling and fell running. And for the sweet-toothed? The legendary Grasmere Gingerbread, popularised by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson in the 19th century, whose recipe remains a guarded secret, is an irresistible treat.Desktop Version
Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
The Sorano is a serene medieval village perched atop a cliff in the Italian province of Grosseto, southern Tuscany. Walking through the age-old cobblestone streets, one can explore the Fortezza Orsini, a fortress-turned-museum that dates to the 11th century. Visitors engage with centuries-old tales of power and defence with each step they take inside the fort. Near Poggio San Rocco and Poggio Croce hills lies a necropolis—a large, ancient burial site—with well-preserved Etruscan tombs that hint at the area"s long history.Desktop Version
Aspens near Marble, Colorado, USA
Aspens near Marble, Colorado, USA
Slender white trunks reaching skyward and leaves fluttering even in the gentlest breeze—aspen trees are a symbol of the American wilderness. Found across the western states, especially in Utah and Colorado, these trees are the most widespread native species in North America. Their autumn foliage is breathtaking, with their leaves turning a vibrant yellow that lights up the landscape, as seen in today"s photo, which was taken near Marble, Colorado. Aspens are not only beautiful but also biologically fascinating. They grow in large colonies that originate from a single root system, making them some of the largest living organisms on Earth.Desktop Version
World Octopus Day
World Octopus Day
Today, we celebrate a creature with three hearts and the uncanny ability to change colour at will: the octopus. Octopuses are cephalopods, marine animals like squids and cuttlefish that have tentacles. Among their many species is the mototi octopus, pictured here. It was discovered in 1999 around Rapa Island in the South Pacific and is known for the "fake eyes" or ocelli—vibrant blue and yellow rings—between its eyes and arms. Found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Australia and Okinawa in Japan, mototi octopuses are masters of disguise. They usually have a dull orange-cream-brown colour but when alarmed, they can quickly shift to striking maroon with white stripes along their body and arms. Also known as poison ocellate octopuses, these cephalopods are highly venomous. But you don"t need to worry about running into one, because they tend to be shy and solitary, often hiding in crevices, shells or man-made objects like bottles and cans.Desktop Version
World Architecture Day
World Architecture Day
Build your excitement—it"s World Architecture Day. Initiated by the International Union of Architects in 1985, this day is celebrated on the first Monday of October. Today"s image features the Elbphilharmonie on the Grasbrook peninsula of the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany. Designed by the Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, this concert hall is a modern architectural marvel perched atop an old brick warehouse from 1963. A centrepiece of the new Hafencity development, it"s Hamburg"s tallest inhabited building—there are 45 luxury apartments on the upper floors—reaching a height of 114 metres.Desktop Version
Follow the teacher!
Follow the teacher!
Today we celebrate the real influencers, our teachers—Happy World Teachers" Day to all the educators across the globe. Every year, on October 5th, we recognise the essential role of teachers in shaping society. Since 1994, this day has celebrated the invaluable contributions of teachers in nurturing young minds. It serves as a reminder to appreciate, assess and improve the teaching profession while acknowledging the challenges educators face in guiding future generations.Desktop Version
World Space Week begins
World Space Week begins
Today, we"re blasting off to explore the cosmos. World Space Week is a celebration of all the science and technology that go into exploring and researching our universe, and how it benefits us back on Earth. As well as helping us to understand the universe we live in, space exploration has played an important role in helping scientists develop new medicines, create new power sources and even improve farming techniques. This year"s theme is Space and Climate Change; events will be held in 83 countries to celebrate the vital role that space technology plays in understanding and monitoring how Earth"s climate is changing.Desktop Version
National Poetry Day
National Poetry Day
Today, a lyrical wave sweeps the United Kingdom—it"s National Poetry Day. A tradition since 1994, it unites people from bustling cities to serene lochs in a celebration of verse on the first Thursday of every October. Founded by William Sieghart, this event aims to make poetry more visible and engaging. It"s a day when Prince Charles might recite Seamus Heaney, and train announcement boards become stanzas of TS Eliot and Auden. Everyday spaces transform into stages for the spoken word—a railway station or supermarket might suddenly echo with an epic. This year the special day focuses on the theme of "counting." So today, our image of Loch Morlich in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for finding poetic inspiration. Why not let poetry alight upon your day?Desktop Version
Wind River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA
Wind River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA
Nestled within the sprawling Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, United States, the Wind River lives up to its name—whipping through the rugged terrain and carving out a path that adventurers can"t resist. This 85-mile river flows from the Philip Smith Mountains to the East Fork of the Chandalar River, winding through a valley filled with lakes and wetlands. Part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, this river valley is a bustling habitat for Dall sheep, moose, caribou and grizzly bears. For those who prefer their adventures with a paddle in hand, the Wind River is a waterway that offers everything from tranquil stretches ideal for soaking in the scenery to rapids that"ll keep your heart racing. So, while the Wind River may sweep you off your feet, be sure to leave nothing but footprints behind.Desktop Version
Black History Month
Black History Month
It"s Black History Month. Originating in the United States in the 1920s, the annual celebration crossed the Atlantic to British shores in 1987—a year that also marked the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation and the birth centenary of Black nationalist Marcus Garvey. The initiative was spearheaded by Ghanaian activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who recognised the need for a dedicated time to reflect on Black history in Britain. This movement has since grown, and today, it"s a cornerstone of our cultural calendar. From educational events and festivals to thought-provoking exhibitions, October is packed with opportunities to learn and celebrate.Desktop Version
Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
What"s the perfect thing to do under the midnight sun? If you"re a walrus like the ones in today"s image, the answer might be taking a quick dip with your crew, chowing down on clams and mussels, and then sunbathing on a beach or ice floe. Welcome to Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Photographed in the waters off Spitsbergen, the largest of the archipelago"s nine islands, these aquatic mammals are year-round residents that are often found in male or female herds. Male walruses can be almost 3.6 metres long and weigh more than 1,180 kilograms, and during mating season, they use this girth to fight among themselves for dominance over groups of females, called harems.Desktop Version
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
Covered bridges like West Cornwall Covered Bridge, pictured in today"s image, were designed with roofs and siding to protect their wooden structures from weathering, greatly increasing their durability. While many were built in the 19th century, few have survived to the present day, and the ones that have are often preserved for their historical and visual significance.Desktop Version
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Let"s explore the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. On the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh in India, this ivory-white marble mausoleum will certainly leave an impression. The Taj, seen in today"s image, was commissioned in 1631 by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, to honour his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This tomb is the centrepiece of a sprawling 42-acre (17-hectare) complex, which also includes a mosque, a guest house and beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by a grand wall. Laid out in a striking rectangular shape, the tomb is flanked by giant arches and alcoves that merge Indo-Islamic and Mughal architectural styles.Desktop Version
Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Steeped in history, the Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice is a prime example of Baroque architecture. Constructed between 1631 and 1687, the church was a votive offering for the city"s deliverance from a devastating plague in 1630. Built at the entrance to the Grand Canal, its dome dominates the Venice skyline, as seen in today"s image. Italian architect Baldassare Longhena envisioned this structure at the age of 26, and it became his lifelong project, which was completed after his death. The exterior of the church, with its volutes—spiral, scroll-like ornaments and statues contrasts with the spacious octagonal interior adorned with works by Renaissance artists like Titian and Tintoretto. Each November, Venice commemorates the church"s significance during the Festa della Madonna della Salute, a cultural celebration that includes festive processions and offering of candles in gratitude for deliverance from the plague.Desktop Version
Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
Tucked away in the highlands of Costa Rica, Los Quetzales National Park offers a kaleidoscope of lush habitats, including one that"s home to the blue-throated toucanet. Measuring 29 to 37 centimetres in length, these non-migratory birds use their dexterous toes to navigate branches, while their distinctive bills deftly forage for fruits, insects and small lizards.Desktop Version
Sequoia National Park, California, USA
Sequoia National Park, California, USA
Sequoia National Park was founded in 1890 in the southern Sierra Nevada to protect one of America"s natural splendors. Named after the giant sequoias that dominate the landscape, the park spans more than 629 square miles and is home to wildlife such as black bears, mule deer and over 200 species of birds, including warblers, vireos and flycatchers. The giant sequoia trees here have been rooted for more than 2,200 years and are among Earth"s oldest living organisms. The park"s renowned General Sherman tree rises to about 84 metres. Named after the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, it"s not only tall but is also nearly 11 metres wide. Visitors flock to capture moments among these ancient giants, whose reddish-brown, fibrous bark and wide-reaching branches evoke a sense of living history.Desktop Version
Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
In Iceland"s Skaftafell, autumn isn"t just a season—it"s an experience. From glaciers to waterfalls, like the one featured here today, to northern lights, this area in Vatnajökull National Park is a showcase of nature"s raw beauty. Skaftafell, once a thriving farm and now a preservation area, has been formed over thousands of years by the fierce interplay of volcanic fire and glacial water. Here, the glacier Skaftafellsjökull, a branch of Vatnajökull—the second largest ice cap in Europe—stretches out like a frozen river, inviting visitors for guided hikes. Then there"s Svartifoss, another waterfall in the park, fed by glacial meltwater. Surrounded by dark lava columns that resemble a heart from afar, this waterfall inspired the design of Iceland"s National Theatre and the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík. Skaftafell"s hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, so there"s something for everyone. While the daylight hours may be shorter in this season, there"s a brightDesktop Version
Sea otter
Sea otter
Sea otters are native to the northern and eastern coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. The otter featured in today"s image was photographed in Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States. Weighing 14-45 kilograms, they"re expert foragers, diving to the seabed to find food. These clever critters are smart as well as cute: they use rocks to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few animals that use tools. There used to be as many as 300,000 in the wild, but they were heavily hunted for almost two centuries, as their dense fur was highly prized. By 1911, it is thought that only around 2,000 were left. Thankfully, an international hunting ban, conservation efforts and reintroduction programs have helped them rebound, and they are now found in about two-thirds of their historic habitat. Despite this success, some populations are still struggling, and sea otters are still an endangered species.Desktop Version
Autumn equinox
Autumn equinox
Autumn is in the air—officially. The September equinox marks the transition from the lush summer to the mellow autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it signals the beginning of spring. The term "equinox" is derived from Latin, meaning "equal night." During this moment, the Earth"s axis is perpendicular to the sun, meaning it rises due east and sets due west, a rare moment of global balance. This balance occurs because the Earth"s axis is neither tilted toward nor away from the sun.Desktop Version
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Today, we"re raising a stein and saying Prost! Step into the capital of Bavaria, Germany, pictured here, for a celebration like no other. Oktoberfest, dating back to 1810, starts today in Munich. This grand event is a vibrant blend of Bavarian culture, tradition and, of course, beer.Desktop Version
Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA
Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA
Welcome to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, United States. This is a place where history and nature intertwine. This secluded island, reachable only by ferry or small plane, offers 16 miles of untouched beaches and a wealth of stories. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, seen in today"s image, stands out as a notable landmark. The lighthouse celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023, making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina. It boasts an 8,000-candlepower light, which can be seen up to 14 miles offshore.Desktop Version
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Ahoy, mateys, it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Today, landlubbers and seafarers alike put on their tricorn hats and hoist the Jolly Roger. The origin of this holiday goes back to a 1995 joke between two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers. During a racquetball game, one of them exclaimed "Aaarrr!" in response to an injury, and the concept of a day dedicated to pirate lingo was born. Initially an inside joke, Talk Like a Pirate Day gained popularity after the duo shared the idea with humourist Dave Barry in 2002, who promoted it in his syndicated column. Since then, it"s become a day of fun and parodic celebration—people don pirate costumes, engage in pirate-themed activities, like the kid on the ship in today"s image, and embrace mock pirate language. Whether ye be a seasoned buccaneer or a greenhorn, today be for all to enjoy. So, batten down the hatches, set sail and remember: on this day, everyone can be a pirate.Desktop Version
Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
In Japan"s Gifu Prefecture, Gujō Hachiman Castle stands majestically on Hachiman Mountain. Originally constructed in 1559, this castle has witnessed centuries of Japanese history, including the rise and fall of powerful clans. It was torn down during the tumultuous Meiji Restoration—the period that marked the return of imperial power in the country— but was rebuilt in 1933. The castle seen in today"s image is a unique wooden reconstruction, a rarity among Japan"s often concrete-rebuilt castles. This five-story structure, which includes a museum, offers a glimpse into feudal Japan while providing stunning views of the valley below. In addition to the castle, the city of Gujō is also famous for hosting the Gujō Odori, one of Japan"s oldest dance festivals. Held annually from mid-July to early September, the festival sees locals and tourists alike dancing through the night in the castle town, preserving a tradition that dates back more than 400 years.Desktop Version
Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival
For many Asian cultures, the point at which the moon reaches its fullest during the harvest season marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. It"s traditionally observed on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Dating back more than 3,000 years to China"s Shang Dynasty, this festival celebrates moon watching and the end of the harvest season. During the festivities, mooncakes—round delicacies filled with sweet bean paste, salted egg yolks or lotus seeds—are often shared among friends and family. Lanterns of different shapes, sizes and hues, symbolising good fortune, illuminate the night. Asian communities across the world come together to showcase a mélange of cultural performances, heartfelt renditions of the Moon Festival"s poetic tales.Desktop Version