There’s something deeply soothing about spending time in nature. The mental tranquility it brings is hard to match—peaceful walks along country roads, calm Sunday strolls through lush meadows, or long hikes beneath the quiet canopy of the forest. For many people, escaping the rush of city life and immersing themselves in the natural world has become a cherished routine. It’s a way to stay grounded, to reset mentally, and to reconnect with something pure. Some even make it part of their weekly habit, finding that being surrounded by trees, animals, and open skies is essential for maintaining balance and perspective.
Another delightful part of exploring the outdoors is the element of surprise—you truly never know what you’ll come across. And sometimes, what you think you see isn’t quite what it appears to be. Take Australian nature enthusiast Kym Beechey, for example. Kym loves going for walks, especially through areas rich in native flora and fauna. She’s also an amateur photographer, always on the lookout for interesting wildlife to capture with her camera. Of course, photographing animals in the wild can be tricky—most creatures are too shy or quick to pose for a perfect shot. But one particular walk gave Kym a moment she’ll never forget.
A Bird With a Smile?
While strolling through a wooded area, Kym spotted something perched low on a branch. At first glance, it looked exactly like a newborn tawny frogmouth, a bird native to Australia that closely resembles an owl. The small creature appeared to be resting, facing her. Kym even thought it had a slight smile on its face—a soft, content expression that made it seem all the more magical. Excited by the rare opportunity to photograph such a young bird up close, she carefully pulled out her phone and zoomed in.
As an amateur wildlife photographer, Kym is always mindful not to startle animals. She kept her distance, held her breath, and snapped a few quick photos, thinking she’d captured a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But once she looked closer at the image on her phone screen… the truth became clear.
It Wasn’t Eligible to Blink, Let Alone Fly
The “bird” she had so carefully photographed was not a bird at all. It was a banksia pod—a seed pod from the native Australian banksia tree. Though she had been entirely convinced she was looking at a fluffy little bird, the reality was far more botanical.
These quirky-looking pods are known for their unusual shapes and textures, and from certain angles, they can definitely resemble small animals—or even faces. Some banksia pods have features so distinct that they appear to have eyes, beaks, or expressions. No wonder Kym was fooled! Of course, once she realized her mistake, she couldn’t help but laugh. Not only was her “baby bird” not capable of flying—it wasn’t even eligible to blink, breathe, or move.
The Truth Behind the Banksia Pod
Banksia trees are native to Australia, particularly the southwestern regions, though they’re also found in parts of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Despite being commonly mistaken for pine trees, banksias are not conifers, and their seed pods—though somewhat similar in appearance to pine cones—are unique in both structure and function.
The fascinating part? Many banksia pods only open under extreme heat, particularly during bushfires. The fire’s heat causes the pods to burst open, releasing seeds that then germinate in the newly cleared, nutrient-rich soil. It’s nature’s way of rebirth after destruction. This explains their rugged, sometimes charred appearance. The pod Kym had mistaken for a bird may have even gone through this very process, giving it the twisted, eye-catching form that tricked her in the first place.
A Case of Mistaken Identity — And a Memorable Photo
In the end, Kym didn’t get a photo of a rare baby bird. But what she did capture was arguably even more special: a story worth telling. A beautiful, funny reminder that not everything in nature is what it seems at first glance.
She now proudly includes the photo in her collection, laughing every time she sees it. And while it may not have been eligible to be a bird—or eligible for a wildlife magazine cover—it’s a one-of-a-kind moment that perfectly sums up the unpredictability and wonder of the natural world.
