A single patch of open water holds its ground on the lake. Around it, winter tightens its grip. Early in the morning, a light haze drifts across the wide ice surface, softening edges and muting sound. For weeks, temperatures did not rise above freezing. The cold feels settled, confident it will not be chased away anytime soon. And yet, life gathers here, drawn to the last breathing space in an otherwise frozen landscape.
The ice-free area attracts a remarkable diversity of waterfowl. Gadwalls (Anas strepera) move calmly along the edge, while Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) dabble where water meets ice. Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) glide with heavy elegance, contrasting with the more alert posture of Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus). Among them are Common Pochards (Aythya ferina) and Tufted Ducks (Aythya fuligula), diving repeatedly despite the cold. Common Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) surface with quick, efficient movements, and Greylag Geese (Anser anser) stand both on the ice and in the water, resting and feeding. The open water functions as a critical refuge, concentrating species that would otherwise be widely dispersed.
Slightly apart from this activity stands the dominant presence of the scene. More than 150 Common Cranes (Grus grus) gather on the ice. The cranes are mostly motionless. An icy east wind intensifies the cold, and the birds respond by conserving energy. Most cranes stand with their heads tucked deep into their plumage, eyes barely visible, bodies aligned into the wind. Only occasionally does a crane lift its head, briefly surveying the surroundings before returning to stillness. This behavior reflects a typical winter resting strategy, minimizing heat loss and unnecessary movement.
For a long time, nothing changes. Then, movement appears at the forest edge. An immature White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) glides into view, its broad wings carrying it effortlessly over the frozen lake. The arrival of a large raptor immediately alters the atmosphere. Heads rise among the cranes, necks stretch upward, and alert postures replace rest. The birds remain on the ice, but their attention is fully focused on the eagle. The presence of a top predator introduces a brief phase of heightened vigilance, even though no direct attack follows.
The eagle continues past, and the tension slowly eases. The cranes do not return to complete stillness. Instead, the first group prepares to leave. One after another, flocks of around 25 individuals take off from the ice. Each departure is loud and unmistakable. Trumpeting calls cut through the cold air as wings beat heavily against it. After lifting off, the cranes circle above the frozen lake for a short time, maintaining contact through calls and visual cues before moving on.
This staggered departure suggests coordinated movement within the larger group. By leaving in smaller units, the cranes reduce crowding during takeoff and maintain social structure within subgroups. Eventually, the ice grows quieter again. Ducks and geese remain near the open water, and the traces of the cranes fade into the winter sky. The lake returns to its restrained stillness, shaped by cold, wind, and the temporary convergence of species that winter has forced together.
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