Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in September 2021.

Kym Beechey, an avid hiker in Popran National Park, Australia, recently had a nature encounter that left her both amused and slightly befuddled. Known for her leisurely pace while hiking and capturing the beauty of wildflowers with her camera, Beechey experienced a moment of excitement that took an unexpected turn.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

During one of her leisurely strolls through the park, Beechey, usually unable to catch the swift movements of wildlife, spotted what she believed to be a baby tawny frogmouth, a bird resembling an owl. The creature seemed to be perched low on a limb, presenting Beechey with a rare opportunity.

Thrilled by the prospect of capturing a photo of the elusive bird, Beechey swiftly reached for her phone, ready to immortalize the moment. The seemingly smiling bird became the focal point as she zoomed in to get a closer look.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

However, as Beechey focused her lens, the unexpected truth revealed itself – her feathered friend was, in fact, not a bird at all.

“It wasn’t until I focused the photo and wondered why it wasn’t flying away that I realized it was, in fact, just a banksia pod,” Beechey chuckled. “Just a cute, adorable banksia pod.”

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Banksia pods, distinctive growths from banksia trees native to Australia, possess a unique appearance, and this particular pod had a charm that could easily be mistaken for a friendly bird. Despite the initial misidentification, Beechey embraced the humorous twist of her encounter with the pod masquerading as an owl-like creature.

While the bird turned out to be a botanical illusion, Beechey found joy in the encounter, turning what could have been a fleeting moment of disappointment into a source of laughter. The not-actually-a-bird picture now adds a touch of whimsy to her collection of stunning wildflower photographs.

This amusing incident serves as a reminder of the surprises that nature can offer, even when things are not what they initially seem. Beechey’s misadventure with the banksia pod adds a lighthearted twist to her hiking escapades, demonstrating that sometimes the unexpected surprises in the great outdoors come in the form of clever imitations by Mother Nature herself.

Photo Credit: Kim Beechey/Facebook

As hikers continue to explore the wonders of Australia’s national parks, stories like Beechey’s highlight the charm and unpredictability of the natural world. In the end, whether it’s a genuine bird or a banksia pod in disguise, each encounter contributes to the rich tapestry of experiences that make outdoor adventures truly memorable.

Sources: The Dodo