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Aug 29, 2024Castellfollit de la Roca, Catalonia, Spain

Perched on the edge of a basalt cliff, a town peers at the river running below. Today"s image takes us to Castellfollit de la Roca in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. This town is not for the faint-hearted: there"s a 48-metre drop down to the Toronell and Fluvia Rivers, which converge at the base of the cliff. Many of the buildings, which are made of the same basalt that the town stands on, seem to teeter on the edge of the precipice. Pictured at the end of the crag is the 13th-century church of Sant Salvador. Although eruptions ceased some 11 millennia ago, the area is still considered seismically active. In 1428, a major earthquake struck the area, which was felt in Barcelona more than 80 kilometres away. Today, it"s a serene haven for trekkers, akin to the trails of the Western Ghats, inviting enthusiasts to explore volcanic vistas untouched by time.Desktop Version

A beach of many colours

Apr 27, 2024Leucistic Annas Hummingbird

Get your binoculars and field guide and head to a local park to spot a hummingbird! Birds come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and behaviours, making them one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth—from imposing eagles to today"s tiny snowy-winged star, a leucistic Anna"s Hummingbird. These hummingbirds are typically vibrant in colour, but leucism means that they have decreased pigmentation, resulting in a paler appearance. Unlike albino birds, these hummingbirds retain some colour in their eyes. They are equipped with specialised adaptations like a long tongue for feeding on nectar from flowers. However, their diet is not limited to nectar alone; they also supplement their nutrition by consuming small insects and other arthropods. Their lighter plumage reduces protective camouflage, making them more vulnerable to predators such as hawks and feral cats.Desktop Version

Feb 11, 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This masterpiece of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534/535 CE), the grottoes contain 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is over 15 metres tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. Caves 16–20, known as the "Tanyao Five Caves," were the first to be carved at Yungang, overseen by the monk Tanyao. While you"re there, be sure to explore Cave 20"s seated Buddha idol in a meditation posture, with a standing attendant Buddha on one side.Desktop Version

Mar 3, 2025World Wildlife Day

What better time to shine a spotlight on nature than on World Wildlife Day? This day serves as a reminder that wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility. This year"s theme is "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet." The events emphasise exchanging ideas, presenting solutions and diving into how innovative finance can help stop biodiversity loss and create a more sustainable future. Schools, conservation groups and wildlife parks host events such as nature walks, workshops, art contests, wildlife photography competitions and conservation talks to raise awareness. One species worth learning about is the southern yellow-billed hornbill, pictured here, a bird found throughout Southern Africa and commonly spotted in Kruger National Park in South Africa.Desktop Version

Oct 1, 2023Lake Bled, Slovenia

Nestled amidst the Julian Alps is the 145-hectare Lake Bled in Slovenia, inviting you to step into a storybook setting. The star of the show? A tiny island called Bled Island beckons with the allure of legends and "rowmance." Hop on a traditional pletna boat and make your way to this island sanctuary. These flat-bottomed boats are unique to Bled and only 23 boats navigate the lake, piloted by skilled oarsmen whose profession has been handed down through generations since 1740. The island is home to the 17th-century Assumption of Mary Church, which hosts a special bell that legend says will make wishes come true! If you look to the shore, you can spot Bled Castle overlooking the lake"s expanse. The castle - one of the oldest in Slovenia - is positioned on a precipice above the town of Bled on the northwestern shore of the lake.Desktop Version

Aug 21, 2023Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland

Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland is a breathtaking natural wonder, making an impressive splash in today"s image. Skógafoss is renowned as one of the largest waterfalls in the country, with a width of 25 metres and a vertical drop of approximately 61 metres. The captivating Skógafoss frequently graces visitors with the captivating sight of vibrant single or double rainbows, formed by the refraction of sunlight through the mist. Adding to its enchanting appeal, legend has it that a treasure chest is hidden behind Skógafoss, left there by a Viking settler named Prasi Porolfsson.Desktop Version

Jul 13, 2024Fairy chimneys and cave dwellings in Cappadocia, Türkiye

Today, 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. Today"s image takes us to Cappadocia in central Türkiye, and its stony structures known as fairy chimneys. These cone-shaped pillars are made of tuff, a sedimentary rock that forms as volcanic ash and debris accumulate. In the sides of the rocks, ancient residents of the area carved homes and churches. The area is also famous for its underground cities, which were cut out of the tuff to provide shelter and safety. This is just one of the many uses for rocks that humans have come up with throughout history.Desktop Version

Blurring the lines with wearable art

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Sep 14, 2024Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island, Chile

Welcome to Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, Chile—one of the world"s most remote and enchanting paradises. Famous for its iconic moai statues, this stunning island is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Experts are divided on the timeline of the Polynesians" arrival, though many researchers suggest that it occurred around the 8th century. Take in the mesmerising sunrise featured in today"s image and explore the striking volcanic craters and lush, grassy plains where the imposing statues stand. The World Heritage property of Easter Island spans more than 68 square kilometres, including four nearby islets.Desktop Version

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

King of the jungle? Nope

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Nov 1, 2024Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Let"s explore the breathtaking beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park! Located in the northeastern region of Maranhão, Brazil, this park is a conservation unit that covers an impressive area of more than 1,550 square kilometres. Created to protect the region"s flora, fauna and natural beauty, the park is a true ecological treasure, part of the coastal marine and cerrado biomes. Here, unique ecosystems such as mangroves, sandbanks and dunes are shaped by strong winds and regular rainfall.Desktop Version

The other great barrier reef

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

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 an over 6-metres tree at the end of a festively decorated Crystal Pier.Desktop Version

Turtle-y nice day for a swim

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