Toddler Feeding Ducks at Urgench Pond Dawn

Low-hanging clouds hover over a shallow pond near Urgench as first light skims the water from the side. A small toddler in a loose cotton shirt stands on the muddy bank, hand outstretched with bread crumbs. The sidelight highlights the rough texture of the wet earth and the ripples spreading from where ducks break the surface. Their dark feathers glisten against the pale morning sky. Shadows stretch long across the grass, revealing clumps of soil and scattered dry reeds. The child's bare feet press into the soft ground, creating small indentations. A duck tilts its head upward, beak open near the child's fingers. The water reflects the grey clouds and the pale sky above. The edge of the pond is lined with small stones and dried plant matter.