Today's best photos: from a rare snowy owl in the US to a frozen lake in France

'The National' selects the most striking pictures from around the world

A rare snowy owl perches on a bald eagle flag pole topper in front of Union Station in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. (AP Photo / Carolyn Kaster)

Five-year-old Fatima plays as women weave a carpet in a home workshop in Peshawar, Pakistan. Reuters

Switzerland's Stefan Rogentin reacts after his first run at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Wengen, Switzerland. Reuters

Japanese Macaques, also known as Snow Monkeys, gather to soak in a hot spring at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Hakodate. Reuters

Children cool off in a water game at the Parque de los Ninos (Children's Park), in Buenos Aires, Argentina. AFP

Health worker Babita Khanal flashes the V-sign as she takes a group photo with children after a vaccination drive at a Monastery in Dakshinkali municipality on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. EPA

A boy uses a plastic sheet to shelter from rain at the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at Sagar Island. AFP

Artist Victoria Hunt performs 'Thaw' atop an 'iceberg' suspended above the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia. AFP

Boats sit on a frozen lake in Villers-Le-Lac, eastern France. AFP

Thursday's best photos: from fog over Kuwait City to a giant ice disk in Maine

Wednesday's best photos: from incense sticks in Vietnam to the Magh Mela festival

Tuesday's best photos: from Abu Dhabi's Corniche to Dubai's The View at The Palm

Monday's best photos: from a pilot rescued from a plane crash to a Bulgarian wedding

Sunday's best photos: from big waves in Portugal to shaving on the streets of India