Recently for the first time this year I found myself outside when it was still light and not while walking to office or shopping. In fact, somewhat surprisingly, I got to visit a lake - southern part of Pogoria III. During summer that part is full of people all day long, but now a sole snowplow was dancing on empty parking lot and outside of people I was with, there was just one child with her mother.
We have four big artificial lakes - Pogoria I, II, III and IV (the last one is also known as Zbiornik Kuźnica Warężyńska, named after the sand quarry that was there before it was turned into lake).
Big part of the lake seemed to be covered with rather thin ice, but strong enough to isolate a layer of snow from the water below, so other than the small patch of shallow water near the pier, everything was just a white plane. Before I've reached the shore I saw a sign "DO NOT FEED THE BIRDS". There was something more about when to not feed them and what food to avoid, but I didn't care to read it, not like I had anything to offer anyway. The sign is probably needed, because the sandy beach, the water patch and ice on its other side was full of birds.
First the pigeons. They were both precautious, taking wing whenever something alerted them, but also curious, sometimes sitting on railings and reinforcements of the pier just three arms length away from me and my workmates, checking if they can get some food from us. On the other hand the ducks and swans were oblivious to us, not interested at all.
Among normal dark grey and brown there were also some white with small specks.
Then the wild ducks. Males sport metallic green helmets and bright yellow beaks - gotta show 'em ladies, ey!
Personally I prefer the attire of female ducks. While they have no flashy features, their delicate feather pattern is great. And they also (like the males) have some vivid blue feathers that are hidden when their wings are closed, but can sometimes be visible when they are grooming - a nice accent, like jewellery.
Finally the swans. During summer they tend to spend their time on Pogoria II, which is kind of reserve (swimming and boats are forbidden there), and they also keep their distance (or maybe it is just me they don't like). Here is a photo from end of August for comparison:
Hell if I know which ones are males. But at least "teenagers" can be distinguished easily.
The birds looked plump and healthy, I'm sure they are getting professional winter food aid.
By the way, coincidentally I'm going to have a duck for dinner today :o)