There's something really calming about being in nature. The peace it brings is hard to beat—enjoying quiet walks on country roads, relaxing Sunday strolls through green meadows, or long hikes under the still trees of the forest. For a lot of people, getting away from the busy city life and diving into nature has become a favorite routine. It helps them feel grounded, clear their minds, and connect with something real. Some even make it a weekly thing, realizing that being around trees, animals, and open skies is key to keeping their balance and perspective.
Another fun part of being outdoors is the surprise—you never really know what you might find. And sometimes, what you think you see isn't exactly what it looks like. Take Kym Beechey, an Australian nature lover, for instance. Kym enjoys going for walks, especially in places full of native plants and animals. She's also a hobby photographer, always searching for cool wildlife to snap with her camera. Of course, taking pictures of animals in the wild can be tough—most of them are too shy or fast to get a good shot. But one special walk gave Kym a moment she will always remember.
A Bird With a Smile?
While walking through a forest, Kym noticed something sitting low on a branch. At first, it seemed just like a baby tawny frogmouth, a bird from Australia that looks a lot like an owl. The little bird seemed to be resting and was facing her. Kym even thought it had a tiny smile on its face—a gentle, happy look that made it seem even more magical. Thrilled by the chance to take pictures of such a young bird up close, she carefully took out her phone and zoomed in.
As a beginner wildlife photographer, Kym always tries not to scare animals. She stayed back, held her breath, and took a few quick pictures, believing she had captured a special moment. But when she looked more closely at the picture on her phone screen… the reality became clear.
It Wasn't Eligible to Blink, Let Alone Fly
The “bird” she had taken such great care to photograph was actually not a bird at all. It turned out to be a banksia pod—a seed pod from the native Australian banksia tree. Even though she was completely sure she was seeing a fluffy little bird, the truth was much more about plants.
These strange-looking pods are famous for their odd shapes and textures, and from some angles, they can really look like small animals—or even faces. Some banksia pods have features that are so clear they seem to have eyes, beaks, or even expressions. It's no surprise Kym was tricked! Once she figured out her mistake, she couldn't help but laugh. Not only was her “baby bird” not able to fly—it wasn't even able to blink, breathe, or move.
The Truth Behind the Banksia Pod
Banksia trees are originally from Australia, especially in the southwestern areas, but you can also find them in parts of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Even though people often think they are pine trees, banksias are not actually conifers. Their seed pods look a bit like pine cones, but they are different in both how they are made and how they work.
What's really interesting? A lot of banksia pods only open when there's a lot of heat, especially during bushfires. The heat from the fire makes the pods pop open, letting out seeds that can grow in the fresh, nutrient-rich soil left behind. It's like nature's way of starting over after something bad happens. This is why they can look tough and sometimes even burnt. The pod that Kym thought was a bird might have gone through this process, which is why it has that twisted, cool shape that fooled her in the first place.
A Case of Mistaken Identity — And a Memorable Photo
In the end, Kym didn't manage to take a picture of a rare baby bird. But what she did get was maybe even more special: a story that's fun to share. It's a lovely and funny reminder that nature isn't always what it looks like at first.
Now, she proudly adds the photo to her collection, chuckling every time she sees it. And even though it might not qualify as a bird—or be good enough for a wildlife magazine cover—it's a unique moment that really captures the surprise and magic of the natural world.
