Misty Mornings at Kannamangala

Kannamangala Lake looked like it had decided to hide under a blanket that morning. A thick mist wrapped everything in silence and mystery. Even the birds seemed unsure whether to show up or sleep in. The lake was calm and still, with only the occasional ripple breaking the fog’s spell. Sightings were few, but there were still moments worth smiling about — just enough to stitch together a post from this sleepy, misty morning.

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The first view of the lake was pure stillness. The mist sat heavy on the water, blurring the edges of everything it touched. Trees stood like faint outlines from a half-remembered dream, and the fallen branches scattered across the lake looked more like sketches than real shapes. Even the reflections seemed hesitant, dissolving before they could form. The only sound was a distant coot calling through the fog, as if checking if anyone else was awake.

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A white duck sat quietly among the dew-drenched grass. Its orange bill added a touch of warmth to the cool grey morning. The air was still, and the duck calm, as if both were waiting for the day to begin.

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Fallen branches, draped in fog, became serene perches. Little Egrets were luminous against the grey, while a dark Pond Heron perched high above.

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For a long while, the lake seemed frozen in time, until a sudden burst of motion from a Little Grebe shattered the stillness. It flapped its wings wide in a dynamic display, sending ripples across the calm water.

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A burst of color shattered the grey. A White-throated Kingfisher landed briefly on the bare branches. With its bright red bill pointed down, it surveyed the water, then launched into a vivid streak of flight, bringing immediate life to the misty scene.

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Perched atop a mossy, weathered rock post emerging from a thicket of foliage, a Little Egret stood in perfect profile, surveying the lake with quiet patience.

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The eye was drawn to a patch of vibrant life tucked away in the undergrowth. Clinging to its rough, green stem was a cluster of bright purple flowers belonging to the Snake Weed.

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Between the bird's quick dives, I managed to get a clear shot of the Little Grebe.

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Despite waiting for the sun to break through, the mist refused to budge. The metal bridge leading out over the water looked lonely and half-swallowed by the grey. I decided to call it a day and slowly made my way back, savoring the quiet magic of the morning one last time.

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Just as I crossed the bridge to exit, two Little Egrets performed a spectacular closing act. 

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One of them immediately plunged into the water. 

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In a flash of motion, it pulled back a shimmering small fish clutched firmly in its bill.

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A small, black millipede with bright yellow spots was inching its way across the sandy parking lot.

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A sleek, brown slug was also making its deliberate, slow journey across the coarse, gritty ground of the parking lot.

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Just before leaving, a final glance into the canopy revealed a true jewel of the morning. Perched among the green leaves was a Brahminy Starling.

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Kannamangala Lake had shared its secrets, and I carried the calm of the mist quietly with me as I left.

What did you enjoy most about this morning by the lake? Share in the comments!

PS: Off on a family beach road trip! Might be a little quiet here for a bit, but more stories will follow soon.