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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
Short-eared owl
Short-eared owl
The short-eared owl, featured in today"s image, is a grassland-dwelling member of the owl family. Found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia, it is one of the most widely distributed bird species. This winged bird is found across Canada, primarily in open habitats such as grasslands, prairies and wetlands. This raptor belongs to the genus Asio, whose members are characterised by feather tufts ("ears") on their heads. The short-eared owl only reveals its tufts when feeling defensive. Because of its irregular wingbeats, its flight is on the floppy side, much like a moth or bat. It likes to glide a few metres above the ground in open fields and grasslands, swooping down feet-first to grab its preyDesktop Version
Paralympic Games begin in Paris
Paralympic Games begin in Paris
The Summer Paralympic Games get underway in Paris today. More than 4,000 athletes from all around the world will meet in the French capital to compete in 22 sports across 549 different events. Delegations from 184 nations will parade down the iconic Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde rather than entering a stadium. This year, the Canadian Paralympic Team consists of 20 members that includes five Paralympic medallists, like Greg Stewart and Brent Lakatos. The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960. 23 nations took part, competing in eight sports, including wheelchair basketball and para-athletics.Desktop Version
World Rainforest Day
World Rainforest Day
Fresh air, lush foliage, rustling leaves and calls of thousands of species of animals and birds—welcome to the Amazon rainforest. Today, on World Rainforest Day, let"s give a shout-out to this region. Covering over 5,500,000 square kilometres, this ecological treasure in South America extends its branches across nine nations—Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.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
Sea Otter Awareness Week
Sea Otter Awareness Week
This week is Sea Otter Awareness Week, an event that draws attention to these fluffy floating mammals. The otter featured in today"s image was photographed in Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States. Sea otters are native to the northern and eastern coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. Weighing 14 to 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.Desktop Version
Autumn in the Ogilvie Mountains, Yukon
Autumn in the Ogilvie Mountains, Yukon
Fall in Yukon brings a calm, impressive beauty as the northern hemisphere tilts away from the sun. The leaves transition to vibrant gold, amber and crimson hues, offering a visual feast. The Ogilvie Mountains in Yukon, seen here today stand tall with their highest peak, Mount Frank Rae, reaching an elevation of more than 2,300 metres. This range was named after William Ogilvie, who was a Canadian Dominion land surveyor. Part of the Yukon Ranges, these mountains are crossed by the Dempster Highway, a route famed for its pristine views. Some of the picturesque peaks of Ogilvie Mountains are located within Tombstone Territorial Park. Wildlife, from moose to Canada lynx, roams the terrain in fall, searching for the last bounties of the season. Yukon"s fall is a fleeting period, characterised by crisp air and autumn hues.Desktop Version
Finnish Independence Day
Finnish Independence Day
Happy Independence Day, Finland! On this day in 1917, the Nordic nation declared its independence from Russia. Finland had been a grand duchy of the Russian Empire since 1809, and it was part of the Swedish Empire for the previous 600 years. However, during the Russian revolutions of 1917, Finnish nationalists saw their chance to establish an independent nation. After several months of negotiations, Finland declared independence on December 6.Desktop Version
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." These words by former secretary-general of the United Nations Kofi Annan capture the essence of International Literacy Day, celebrated every September 8. Established by UNESCO in 1966, this observance not only celebrates those who can read but also highlights the ongoing battle against illiteracy. With approximately 775 million people worldwide still lacking basic literacy, this day resonates powerfully within the hallowed walls of the Stockholm Public Library in Sweden, or "Stadsbiblioteket" as it is known to locals, featured in today"s image.Desktop Version
Caribbean flamingos, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Caribbean flamingos, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Ever seen a group of flamingos take to the skies? If you have, there"s a good chance they were Caribbean flamingos, also known as American flamingos, as seen in Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, in today"s image. Flamingos are referred to as a flamboyance when in a group, but they can also be called a stand, colony or pat. The Caribbean flamingo is the largest flamingo species in the Americas and the only one native to North America. These vibrant birds are typically found around brackish and saltwater areas, like marshes, estuaries and along coastlines. Because of their pink colour, they"re often confused with roseate spoonbills. However, their long necks and bent bills distinguish them from other wading birds like the great blue heron and wood stork.Desktop Version
World Meteorological Day
World Meteorological Day
Today, we celebrate World Meteorological Day, commemorating the founding of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in 1950. For the annual event, WMO places emphasis on a different pressing topic each year. The slogan of 2025, "Closing the early warning gap together," highlights the importance of timely weather alerts and early action.Desktop Version
International Rock Day
International Rock Day
Are you ready to make some noise? It"s International Rock Day! Wait, not that sort of rock. On this day, we"re all about granite, limestone and slate. There are three types of rock: igneous are formed from solidified magma and lava; sedimentary rocks are layers of sedimentary particles such as sand; and metamorphic rocks are the result of heat and pressure on other kinds of rock.Desktop Version
Tufa formation on Mono Lake, California, United States
Tufa formation on Mono Lake, California, United States
Shaped by the slow passage of time, tufa—a type of porous limestone—emerges as one of nature"s most spectacular formations. While these towers can be found in various locations, today"s image highlights them at Mono Lake in Mono County, California. These stunning structures form when calcium-rich fresh water from several creeks and streams flows into the lake, mixing with its alkaline waters. Over centuries, this interaction causes calcium carbonate to accumulate, gradually creating tufa spires that rise above the lake’s surface.Desktop Version
Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
In today"s image, we see the sun beginning to disappear below the pier at Huntington Beach, California, US. First built in 1902, Huntington Beach Pier was damaged by a storm, leading it to be rebuilt just nine years later. During the Second World War, a submarine lookout post was installed on the pier to help with the war effort. These days, it"s a popular tourist spot, with visitors heading there to fish and watch surfers ride the waves out in the Pacific Ocean.Desktop Version
Traditional red fishermens cabins, Reine, Norway
Traditional 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
Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
Lake 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 1,740 metres above sea level, it is the largest natural lake in the Cadore region, with its perimeter stretching more than 2 kilometres. 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
A young jaguar on a riverbank, Pantanal, Brazil
A young jaguar on a riverbank, Pantanal, Brazil
Spot the wildlife star in today"s image; it"s the jaguar, the largest cat in the Americas, seen here gracing the Pantanal, Brazil. Jaguars arrived in the Americas some 2 million years ago, migrating from Eurasia through the Bering Strait. Today, they inhabit diverse habitats, from the woodlands of the southwestern United States to the rainforests of northern Argentina.Desktop Version
Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England
Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England
As you walk through the landscape of Hertfordshire, England, the beauty of lavender fields unfolds before you, as seen in today"s image. A member of the mint family, lavender originated in the Mediterranean, India and the Middle East. These purple-hued plants have thrived through various civilisations. It was used by the Egyptians for mummification; traces of lavender were discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun. It was also treasured by the Romans for its healing and cleansing properties.Desktop Version
World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day
Today, let"s embark on a watery adventure as we celebrate World Oceans Day. This day is about honouring and protecting the world"s oceans and serves as a reminder of the critical role oceans play in supporting life on Earth. These gargantuan water bodies, after all, teem with wonders, from the tiniest plankton to the grandest whales like the humpbacks we see here. The oceans also produce almost half of the oxygen on our planet thanks to the photosynthesis of plankton—tiny plants, algae and bacteria. Moreover, they absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change caused by human activities.Desktop Version
Crescent-tail bigeye fish, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Crescent-tail bigeye fish, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Say hello to the crescent-tail bigeye, a fish as eye-catching as its name suggests. With large, wide eyes and a distinctive tail shaped like a crescent moon, it"s hard to miss. Measuring 45- 50 centimetres long, it has a sleek body and a protruding lower jaw with small conical teeth. Its eyes are adapted to the low-light conditions of deep waters, helping it spot prey and avoid predators. This fish mainly feeds on smaller fish, crustaceans and invertebrates, fuelling its active lifestyle as it patrols the reefs and hunts for food.Desktop Version
Rocks and sand in the Sahara, Algeria
Rocks and sand in the Sahara, Algeria
From the Mediterranean coast to the vast Sahara desert, Algeria in North Africa has a wide variety of landscapes. Today, we"re exploring the area around the Tassili n"Ajjer plateau. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its rock formations and cave art. More than 15,000 ancient engravings, some dating back 12,000 years, depict scenes of daily life, hunting and mystical beings. After checking out this desert landscape, it"s time to head to town.Desktop Version
Celtic Colours International Festival
Celtic Colours International Festival
The Celtic Colours International Festival begins today in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. This festival celebrates the area"s inhabitants, including 19th-century settlers who came from Scotland and Ireland. Because of Cape Breton Island"s isolation and the lack of outside influences, the culture and traditions of these settlers remained particularly strong. Held when the island"s fall colours are most vibrant, the festival has blossomed into a nine-day extravaganza that coincides with the warm red, orange and yellow autumn foliage.Desktop Version
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
If you"re looking for a Halloween destination that combines history with a hefty dose of hauntings, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland 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. 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
Happy Cousins Day!
Happy Cousins Day!
Remember the cousin who convinced you to climb the tallest tree or the one who helped you sneak an extra slice of cake at the family reunion? Today is a good time to appreciate those childhood partners in crime who made growing up way more exciting. Cousins often land somewhere between sibling and friend, getting into trouble with you, sharing inside jokes and showing up at every family gathering. The bond may stretch over time and distance, but it seldom fades. In nature, few creatures mirror that kind of togetherness better than the ashy woodswallow, pictured here. Native to South Asia, these birds are rarely seen alone. They gather in tight groups on bare branches or perch atop high places like powerlines. From there, they launch into graceful flights—flapping and gliding as they snatch insects midair.Desktop Version
Bring the king cakes
Bring the king cakes
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