Monday, February 16, 2026 · Updated Monday, February 16, 2026
Kyiv, Ukraine
As winter descends upon Ukraine's capital, a remarkable natural phenomenon unfolds on the Dnipro River. Hundreds of swans, accompanied by a myriad of ducks, congregate along the partially frozen waterways, creating a majestic scene of urban wildlife amidst the city's iconic backdrop.
The image displays a large congregation of waterfowl on a body of water within Kyiv, Ukraine. In the foreground and midground, a dense cluster of approximately 30-40 white mute swans (Cygnus olor) is observed at the dark grey water's edge, partially bordered by dirty, melting ice and snow. Multiple swans have their long necks submerged or bent downwards into the water, suggesting feeding or drinking. Other swans float upright, facing various directions. In the background, scattered further out on the same body of water, approximately 20-30 smaller, brown ducks are visible. The water shows minimal ripples, indicating calm conditions. The overall environment suggests a cold weather period due to the presence of ice.
The large flock primarily consists of graceful white Mute Swans, their elegant forms contrasting sharply with the dark, rippled water and the surrounding dirty ice floes. Numerous smaller, dark-feathered ducks, including Mallards, dot the river's surface, contributing to the dense avian gathering. Many swans are observed with their long necks submerged, foraging for food.
The image depicts a dense congregation of water birds on a dark body of water, partially bordered by dirty ice, consistent with a winter scene on the Dnipro River or one of its connected lakes or bays within Kyiv, Ukraine. In the foreground and midground, a large group of approximately 30-40 adult Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) are present, characterized by their white plumage and orange beaks with prominent black knobs. These swans are swimming closely together, with several appearing to face the viewer. One juvenile swan with mottled brown and white plumage is visible in the mid-right portion of the frame. In the background, numerous smaller ducks, predominantly Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), are scattered across the water; an estimated 50-70 individuals are discernible, including some males with distinct green heads. The water itself is dark, and irregular fragments of dirty, yellowish-white ice and snow are visible along the lower edge of the frame, suggesting sub-freezing temperatures. No human figures are present. The birds are stationary or moving slowly within the confined open water.
Adding a touch of human connection to this natural tableau, a man is captured on the snow-covered bank, diligently feeding the eager swans from a bag. This daily ritual highlights the coexistence of urban life and nature, providing sustenance for the waterfowl during the harsh winter months.
A wide shot depicts a winter scene on the Dnipro River in Kyiv, Ukraine, under an overcast sky. The foreground features dark, rippled water with numerous white Mute Swans clustered densely, some appearing as juveniles with greyish plumage, alongside irregular white ice sheets along the immediate edge. In the midground and extending towards the distant shore, a large flock of Mallard ducks floats and swims. The distant shoreline is low-lying, lined with bare trees, and features several indistinct low-rise structures and a faint, taller vertical element on the horizon. No human subjects are visible.
The image depicts a winter scene on the Dnieper River in Kyiv, Ukraine, under a uniformly overcast grey sky. In the foreground and midground, a large congregation of approximately 40-50 Mute Swans, consisting of both white adults and several greyish juveniles, is densely clustered near a snow and ice-covered riverbank on the right side. Numerous smaller, dark-plumaged ducks are scattered across the dark, unfrozen river water, extending into the midground. A single grey pigeon stands on the snowy bank in the midground, near the water's edge.
The riverbank on the right is covered with a thick layer of snow and ice, revealing some underlying brown patches where ice may have melted or eroded. On the distant left bank, a line of bare deciduous trees extends horizontally. In the background, the prominent Pivnichnyi Bridge (North Bridge), a cable-stayed bridge characterized by a tall central pylon and multiple cables forming a harp-like pattern, spans the Dnieper River. Further beyond the bridge on the far shore, sparse buildings and what appears to be a water tower are visible.
In the distance, the distinctive silhouette of Kyiv's cityscape emerges, featuring the gray arches of a prominent bridge and the glimmer of a golden-domed church against an overcast sky. Other glimpses reveal the Pivnichnyi Bridge and the Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge, framing the scene with architectural landmarks. Bare deciduous trees line the distant banks, completing the serene yet stark winter landscape. This gathering offers a poignant reminder of nature's enduring presence in the heart of a bustling capital, a quiet testament to life's persistent flow.
This image depicts a snow-covered street scene in Kyiv, Ukraine, during winter. The primary subject is a multi-story building, likely a private residence, constructed of light brown brick with a distinctive red conical roof featuring a finial atop a cylindrical turret on its right side. Snow accumulates on the roof ledges and other horizontal surfaces of the building.
In the foreground, a dense, snow-laden evergreen hedge, possibly thuja, runs horizontally across the frame. A black wrought-iron fence, partially obscured by snow, forms the base of this hedge. A black wrought-iron gate, adorned with decorative circular and vertical elements, is positioned centrally in the fence line; its bottom rails are buried in the snow, and it appears slightly ajar. Behind the evergreen hedge, to the right of the gate, a black, multi-lamp street light is visible, also dusted with snow.
Beyond the main building, to the right, bare deciduous trees are visible against an overcast, grey sky. The ground in the foreground and beneath the fence is covered in a uniform layer of white snow. No individuals are present in the scene, and no explicit actions or interactions are depicted.
The image displays a winter scene in Kyiv, Ukraine, characterized by significant snow cover under an overcast sky. In the mid-ground, a person wearing a dark jacket walks away from the camera, pushing a stroller from which a small child in a brown jumpsuit steps or walks alongside, holding onto the stroller handle. They are on a snow-covered path showing visible footprints and tracks. To the left of the path, a black, ornate metal fence runs parallel to a line of snow-laden evergreen trees. To the right, decorative black lampposts with dual globe lights are spaced along the path. In the background, two prominent high-rise residential buildings with distinctive ornamental, tiered dome roofs are visible; these are characteristic of the 'Korona' residential complex, located in the Pozniaky/Osokorky district of Kyiv. Other multi-story residential buildings extend into the far background. Several indistinct figures are also visible walking further down the path.
The video shows two people walking along a snowy path on a cloudy day. The path is lined with a fence on one side and street lamps on the other. In the background, there are several tall buildings. The scene appears to be in a city park during winter.
A man in a dark hat, red and dark blue jacket, and blue jeans stands on a snow-covered bank and feeds a flock of white swans by throwing food from a white and red bag. The swans are densely packed at the edge of the water near the bank, surrounded by ice floes. Behind the man and the swans is a river under a gray bridge of an unusual design, and a cityscape with buildings and a church with a golden dome is visible in the distance. The sky is overcast and gray.
The video shows a body of water with a flock of swans and ducks. The swans are mostly white, with a few juvenile swans that are greyish. They are swimming close to the shore, where there are patches of ice. A large group of ducks swim in the background. The water is choppy. The day appears overcast and cold. People are speaking in the background.
Kyiv, Ukraine · Feb 16, 2026, 12:24 PM
The image displays a large congregation of waterfowl on a body of water within Kyiv, Ukraine. In the foreground and midground, a dense cluster of approximately 30-40 white mute swans (Cygnus olor) is observed at the dark grey water's edge, partially bordered by dirty, melting ice and snow. Multiple swans have their long necks submerged or bent downwards into the water, suggesting feeding or drinking. Other swans float upright, facing various directions. In the background, scattered further out on the same body of water, approximately 20-30 smaller, brown ducks are visible. The water shows minimal ripples, indicating calm conditions. The overall environment suggests a cold weather period due to the presence of ice.
The video shows a large group of white swans congregating in a body of water partly covered with ice. Most of the swans are adults with distinctive orange beaks, but a few cygnets with mottled gray and white plumage are also visible within the group. In the background, numerous ducks are swimming in the open water. The shoreline is visible, covered with snow and ice. The water is dark and somewhat choppy, while the sky is overcast, creating a muted, cold-weather scene. The swans are closely packed together, suggesting they may be feeding or seeking warmth in the area where the water remains unfrozen.
The image depicts a dense congregation of water birds on a dark body of water, partially bordered by dirty ice, consistent with a winter scene on the Dnipro River or one of its connected lakes or bays within Kyiv, Ukraine. In the foreground and midground, a large group of approximately 30-40 adult Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) are present, characterized by their white plumage and orange beaks with prominent black knobs. These swans are swimming closely together, with several appearing to face the viewer. One juvenile swan with mottled brown and white plumage is visible in the mid-right portion of the frame. In the background, numerous smaller ducks, predominantly Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), are scattered across the water; an estimated 50-70 individuals are discernible, including some males with distinct green heads. The water itself is dark, and irregular fragments of dirty, yellowish-white ice and snow are visible along the lower edge of the frame, suggesting sub-freezing temperatures. No human figures are present. The birds are stationary or moving slowly within the confined open water.
A dense aggregation of approximately fifteen swans floats in dark, calm water. The swans are predominantly white, though several individuals display areas of light brown or greyish plumage on their backs and necks. All visible swans feature orange beaks with distinct black markings at the base, including the nostrils. Numerous water droplets are visible on the feathers and beaks of the birds. Several swans have their heads submerged or partially submerged in the water, indicating feeding or preening behavior. Other swans hold their heads upright, with one bird in the lower-left foreground visibly dripping water from its beak. The image is a close-up, providing no discernible background elements or shoreline. This scene is located within the city of Kyiv, Ukraine, likely in one of its urban waterways such as the Dnipro River or a park pond.
A wide shot depicts a winter scene on the Dnipro River in Kyiv, Ukraine, under an overcast sky. The foreground features dark, rippled water with numerous white Mute Swans clustered densely, some appearing as juveniles with greyish plumage, alongside irregular white ice sheets along the immediate edge. In the midground and extending towards the distant shore, a large flock of Mallard ducks floats and swims. The distant shoreline is low-lying, lined with bare trees, and features several indistinct low-rise structures and a faint, taller vertical element on the horizon. No human subjects are visible.
A winter scene depicts a large gathering of waterfowl on a dark, open body of water, likely a section of the Dnieper River or one of its connected reservoirs within Kyiv, Ukraine. In the foreground, approximately two dozen mute swans are densely clustered near a patch of snow and slushy ice at the water's edge. The majority of these swans are adult, exhibiting pristine white plumage with orange beaks tipped in black. Several juvenile swans with mottled brown and white plumage are interspersed among the adults. Their heads are predominantly held erect above the dark, rippled water. Extending into the midground and background, a large, scattered flock of numerous ducks, primarily identifiable as mallards by their characteristic dark heads and brownish bodies, floats on the water. The distant horizon features an indistinct, dark landmass, likely a wooded far bank, beneath an overcast sky. No human presence or artificial structures are visible.
The image depicts a winter scene on the Dnieper River in Kyiv, Ukraine, under a uniformly overcast grey sky. In the foreground and midground, a large congregation of approximately 40-50 Mute Swans, consisting of both white adults and several greyish juveniles, is densely clustered near a snow and ice-covered riverbank on the right side. Numerous smaller, dark-plumaged ducks are scattered across the dark, unfrozen river water, extending into the midground. A single grey pigeon stands on the snowy bank in the midground, near the water's edge.
The riverbank on the right is covered with a thick layer of snow and ice, revealing some underlying brown patches where ice may have melted or eroded. On the distant left bank, a line of bare deciduous trees extends horizontally. In the background, the prominent Pivnichnyi Bridge (North Bridge), a cable-stayed bridge characterized by a tall central pylon and multiple cables forming a harp-like pattern, spans the Dnieper River. Further beyond the bridge on the far shore, sparse buildings and what appears to be a water tower are visible.
The image displays a winter scene on the Dnieper River in Kyiv, Ukraine. In the immediate foreground, approximately 25-30 white Mute Swans are gathered at the edge of a snow-covered bank, which includes dirty snow and fragmented ice extending into the dark water. Many swans have their heads and necks submerged below the water's surface, indicating feeding activity. Others swim upright near the bank. Further out in the dark grey river, a large flock comprising numerous ducks, likely Mallards, are swimming. The far bank of the Dnieper River is visible in the background, characterized by a dense line of bare trees under an overcast, light grey sky. No human subjects are present in the scene.
This image depicts a winter scene on the Dnieper River in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Pivnichnyi Bridge (North Bridge), a cable-stayed structure, is visible in the middle-ground, spanning the river under an overcast, light grey sky. The immediate foreground and right bank consist of snow and irregular ice formations extending into the dark grey river water.
Approximately 15-20 white mute swans are gathered at the water's edge, partially submerged or resting near the snow and ice along the right bank. Many have their necks bent downwards into the water or towards the bank. Alongside them, on the snow, are about 10-15 rock pigeons. Further out in the open water, numerous ducks, estimated to be over 50, are scattered, swimming. The left bank in the distance is snow-covered, featuring a line of bare trees and faint outlines of buildings. The right bank beyond the immediate foreground shows bare deciduous trees.
The image displays a winter scene along a channel of the Dnieper River in Kyiv, Ukraine, with Obolonsky Island visible in the midground. The foreground features a large concentration of wildlife; numerous white Mute Swans, some with orange and black bills, are densely grouped in the dark water near the snow-covered shore. Several grey-mottled juvenile swans are interspersed among them. To the right and behind the swans, a vast, tightly packed cluster of smaller, dark-feathered ducks, likely Mallards, floats on the water. Large chunks of white ice rest on the water's surface and on dark rocks along the immediate shoreline on the left.
The midground shows the dark river channel leading to the snow-covered banks of Obolonsky Island, populated by bare deciduous trees. A low, flat, rectangular floating platform or barge is moored to the island's edge on the right. In the background, the prominent Obolonsky Island Bridge, often referred to as the "Wave Bridge," extends across the channel. This pedestrian bridge is characterized by its distinctive grey concrete structure featuring multiple undulating, wave-like arches. Beyond the bridge on the far left, several urban buildings are partially visible through the trees. The sky is uniformly overcast and light grey, consistent with winter conditions. No human figures are present in the scene.
An overhead-level shot depicts a winter scene at the Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge, also known as the "Wave Bridge," over the Dnipro River in Kyiv, Ukraine. The river occupies the middle ground and foreground, with its dark, open water contrasted by snow and ice covering the immediate bank in the foreground and the far bank.
In the foreground, a large flock of swans, primarily white Mute Swans, congregate densely at the icy edge of the river, some partially submerged in the water. Several juvenile swans with grayish plumage are also present. Further out in the dark water, numerous dark-feathered ducks, likely Mallards, are scattered.
The Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge dominates the mid-ground and extends across the river. It features a distinctive design with multiple undulating, light grey, metallic arch-like structures supporting a pedestrian deck. Two individuals are visible walking on the bridge deck. Snow is visible on parts of the bridge structure.
In the background, on the left, the Epiphany Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is visible on the far bank, identifiable by its red-orange walls and golden domes. Adjacent to the cathedral and further along the far bank, urban buildings are present. The riverbanks are largely covered in snow, with bare deciduous trees and some coniferous trees visible, particularly on the right bank. The sky is overcast and uniformly light grey.
The video shows a large flock of white swans swimming in a body of water partially covered with ice. Numerous dark-colored ducks are also present in the water further from the shoreline. The shoreline is covered with snow and ice. In the background, trees and a bridge structure are visible under an overcast sky. The camera pans slightly from left to right revealing more of the birds and the surrounding landscape.
