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Aug. 31, 2023Saguaro cacti, Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona

Massive succulents against a mountainous backdrop, underneath the sun-kissed sky—it"s prickly perfection. Pictured here are saguaro (pronounced "sah-wah-roh") cacti at Arizona"s Ironwood Forest National Monument in the Sonoran Desert of North America. Even if you haven"t seen one in person, when you hear the word cactus, you"re probably thinking of saguaro—tall, green, cylindrical, with arms pointing upward. Though they are slow growers, these plants have been known to live over 200 years and reach enormous heights, with one setting the record at 23.8 metres. Another saguaro cactus, known as "Grandaddy," survived in the sweltering desert for about 300 years, eventually succumbing to old age in the early 1990s. Cacti may not be for everyone, but they tend to grow on you (figuratively, of course)!Desktop Version

Nov. 9, 2023Birch trees, Drammen, Norway

Norway is home to many beautiful natural features, and birch forests are one of them. Surrounded by the "silver forests" and situated within the embrace of the fjords, Drammen, a city in Norway, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Birch trees flourish at high altitudes, making them a natural fit for the mountainous region. When summer passes and autumn takes over, birch leaves transform into a mosaic of gold and crimson, in stark contrast to the slender trunks and pale bark. This striking seasonal change may be part of why birch trees are associated with new beginnings and renewal. These trees aren"t just for looks, they provide habitat and sustenance for wildlife and can be used for firewood and in construction.Desktop Version

Apr. 23, 2024World Book Day

In the heart of Ireland, amidst the storied halls of the Library of Trinity College Dublin, scrolls and tomes whisper tales of long-gone eras. Today, these silent storytellers shine for World Book Day. Established by UNESCO in 1995, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of reading, publishing and copyright. But why April 23? It marks the shared death anniversary of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and several other literary greats. From book signing event around Canada, to the distribution of book vouchers to kids in many countries around the world, this day comes alive with the rustle of turning pages. Interestingly, each year, UNESCO crowns one city as the "World Book Capital." The chosen city then carries out activities aimed at promoting reading for the awarded year; this year it is Strasbourg, France. So, have you picked out a book to read yet?Desktop Version

Butterfly, fly away

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May 15, 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Welcome to Jodhpur, the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India, where it isn"t just the sky that"s blue—it"s the houses too! Jodhpur is situated in the Thar Desert. The city is called the Blue City as all the buildings in the old district are painted light blue. The name "Jodhpur" finds its beginnings in its esteemed founder, Rao Jodha. Belonging to the Rathore clan, he is recognised for establishing the foundations of this city. For more than five centuries since its founding, the city has been known for its thriving textile industry, fine furniture shops, delectable cuisine and bustling markets. Famed for its forts, palaces, mausoleums, gardens and lakes, the city boasts some famous spots like Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Come and explore the wonders of this blue city!Desktop Version

Happy New Year’s from down under

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Sep. 6, 2023Rethymno, Crete, Greece

Located in the Old Town of Rethymno, the Venetian Harbour invites you to time travel through the history of Greece. Built on the edge of the harbour, the Egyptian lighthouse stands as proof—in addition to Turkish elements—of different nations leaving their mark on Crete"s old port. Forged in the 14th century under the masterful guidance of the Venetians, this port has long served as a bustling hub for commerce and enterprise. For today"s visitors, an old wooden sailing ship replica offers a full historic adventure. For a nostalgic inland experience, visit the 16th-century built Fortezza, Rethymno"s Venetian fortress. The citadel is visible from every corner of the town and offers a panoramic view of Rethymno for locals and travellers.Desktop Version

Reflecting its stylish past today

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Sep. 3, 2025Grizzly bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States

Established in 1918 to preserve the aftermath of the Novarupta eruption, Katmai National Park and Preserve in southern Alaska, United States, spans over 16,500 square kilometres of raw wilderness. It is home to the alpine tundra, boreal forests and salmon-rich rivers that support brown bears, moose, wolves and hundreds of bird species, including the rare Aleutian tern. Also residing here is one of the most iconic symbols of the North American wilderness—the grizzly bear. Don"t be fooled by their shaggy coats and lumbering walk—these predators can weigh up to 410 kilograms and still run at 56 km/h. Young grizzlies often "play-fight" to build strength, sharpen survival skills and figure out their place in bear society. It may look cute, but it"s serious practice for life in the wild.Desktop Version

Apr. 20, 2024Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

In Wyoming, US, you might want to visit Yellowstone National Park, which was the world"s first national park. Established in 1872 after the Protection Act was signed by the then-president of the US, Ulysses S. Grant, the park is known for its flora and fauna—including Rocky Mountain wolves and grizzly and black bears—super volcano and many geothermal features, including the one we see in today"s image. The Grand Prismatic Spring is in the Midway Geyser Basin. Its display of colours is caused by microbial mats, multi-layered sheets of microorganisms, ranging from deep blues and greens to fiery oranges and reds. There is so much waiting to be explored out there, so gather your friends and get out into the wild.Desktop Version

Living rock

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A bridge that holds up history

Apr. 21, 2024Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA

As National Park Week unfurls its green banners in the US, let"s take a stroll down Sparks Lane, a gem situated within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. Established in 1934, the park encompasses over 2,114 square kilometres of wilderness. The forests, which cover most of the park, are home to 1,500 species of flowering plants, 952 algae, 65 species of mammals and over 240 species of birds, making it an International Biosphere Reserve.Desktop Version

Feb. 29, 2024Leap Day

Are you a "leapling?" No, not like this Eurasian red squirrel; rather, that"s the term for anyone born on leap day! A leap year is a calendar oddity that exists because Earth"s orbit and our usual year count are slightly out of sync. Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to revolve around the sun. To compensate for those extra 5 hours, February gets an extra day—leap day—every four years. The concept, dating back to the ancient Romans, was refined in the Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. While the purpose of the day is to keep our year aligned with the solar calendar, it can also serve as an extra day to prepare for spring! Cultures worldwide mark leap days and years with unique customs. In Ireland and Britain, women propose to men, in Greece, marrying during a leap year is said to bring misfortune, and in France, a satirical newspaper is published.Desktop Version

Celebrating the tropics

Apr. 3, 2025Rufous hummingbird

Blink, and you miss them. Rufous hummingbirds don"t just fly—they dart, hover and zip through gardens like tiny, feathered rockets. They migrate thousands of kilometres from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest, making one of the longest migratory journeys relative to body size. The males arrive first, flashing their signature coppery-orange feathers to claim territory. They perform dramatic aerial dives to impress potential mates, reaching speeds of nearly 80 kilometres per hour. With wings beating up to 42 to 62 times per second based on gender, they burn energy fast, making frequent pit stops at flowers and feeders to fuel up. Once the display is over, the female gets to work, building a soft, camouflaged nest in trees or shrubs, where she raises the tiny chicks on her own.Desktop Version

A galaxy full of stars

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Apr. 7, 2024International Beaver Day

Known as nature"s engineers, beavers have been shaping the world for millions of years. Historically, North American beavers faced challenges from humans. They were hunted for their fur, and their "nuisance" freshwater abodes were destroyed. However, these buck-toothed, paddle-tailed dam builders have been gaining new respect in recent years. These animals have beneficial effects not only on water quality but also on land. With their iron-coated orange incisors, beavers fell trees, diligently constructing not just homes but habitats. Their dams create life-sustaining wetlands for countless species. Meanwhile, their lodges are masterpieces of security and comfort, the entrance strategically submerged to deter predators and provide privacy. The rodents have no trouble getting in, as they can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes. So, "woodn"t" it be nice to give a shout-out to these creatures on International Beaver Day?Desktop Version

Frosty Finland

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