A calm foggy morning at the Flachsee
It was one of those mornings that make you pause and smile before the day even begins. The world outside my window was wrapped in a thick, gentle fog, calm, still, and quietly mysterious. As I sipped my morning coffee, I could already feel the pull of the river.
Conditions like this don’t happen every day, and for a photographer, a foggy morning is pure magic.
Living close to the Flachsee is a blessing. It’s a place full of life, swans, herons, grebes, and of course, the elusive Common Kingfisher.
There’s also a bird hide tucked by the water, perfect for observing wildlife without disturbing it.
Without thinking twice, I packed my gear, grabbed a thermos, and headed out.
When I arrived at the hide, a few other photographers were already set up.
Luckily, the space was large enough for everyone, and the mood was cooperative, people quietly sharing sightings and respecting the environment.
It’s always great to see that kind of attitude in the field.
At first, the kingfishers were nowhere to be seen. But that didn’t matter.
The mist, the reflections, and the slow movement of the river created a serene atmosphere that felt timeless.
Soon, a group of Great Egrets appeared out of the fog, tall, elegant, and glowing softly in the diffused morning light. Their white plumage stood out beautifully against the soft blue-gray tones of the river, creating a scene that felt almost monochromatic.
Below are three of my favorite images from that series. Each showing a different side of the Great Egret’s presence in this misty environment.
After capturing those shots, I decided to stay a bit longer, partly to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and partly in hope that the kingfisher might make an appearance. The fog was slowly lifting, the light softening even more, and it felt like the river had come fully alive.
As we shared a quiet chat and a cup of coffee in the hide, keeping our eyes on the water, the moment suddenly arrived — the kingfisher appeared.
Instantly, the peaceful silence turned into a wave of excitement.
Every lens turned in his direction, shutters clicking as the bird darted around, landing, diving, and returning to perch again.
He stayed for nearly an hour, giving us plenty of opportunities to watch him fish and enjoy his energy.
It was pure joy to witness such a vibrant little creature in this calm, misty setting.
What a moment. A morning I surely won’t forget anytime soon.
Below you find my favorite images from that moment.
Gear Used
Camera: Canon EOS R
Lens: Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS
Filters: None used
Notes: Experimented with different shutter speeds and occasionally used the in-camera 1.6× crop mode to get a bit closer to the action.
