A Brief Detour

What started as a casual family paddle across the lake.

The ducklings paddled in a tight formation, while Mum kept a relaxed distance behind — with that particular calm of an experienced parent who’s figured out the secret: the best way to watch your kids is to pretend you’re not worried at all.

No rushing, no fuss. They gave off the vibe of a family with a solid itinerary and pre-approved snack breaks.

Then Mum spotted a grebe in the distance.

Instantly, the leisurely paddle turned into a diplomatic mission. The whole squad executed a synchronized course correction and paddled over to say hello — with the enthusiasm of fans who’ve just spotted a local celebrity.

The grebe, however, clearly had other plans for the morning than unexpected social calls. But that’s another story.

Southern Urals, Russia.
September, 2021.
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