I left Hovdala in the best of moods, heading for Magle, the water and the birds. I imagined the strong cold and the water would make some grand mist.

Driving down the narrow road I saw the sun throwing diamonds my way…

…so, I stopped to collect them…

…and I became very rich…

And, richer I would be, further along the road – at Magle.

The mist had risen from some parts of the ponds, but at the far end – it hadn’t yet. It took me some time to get there though, as only the footprints of one single person were there before mine.

I certainly was richly rewarded. As the sun slowly warmed up the air – unveiling the ducks, swans and cormorants. A heron gliding low in the mist.

The mute swans were showing off their beauty, while the ducks seemed busy just staying warm.

I was looking for the whooper swans, but they were not there. Following the path further on, I finally found them.

Three of them were balancing on the thin ice – while finishing their morning toilet.

The bench where I usually rest, birdwatching,  was not very useful today…

Looking back a last time, I realized this was the finest winter day this year. Hopefully there will be some more diamonds to collect this winter… I enjoy being rich.