Spending time in nature often brings not just peace of mind, but also delightful surprises. For many, a walk through fields, forests, or winding trails is a way to reconnect with the world — and with themselves. For Australian woman Kym Beechey, these quiet outings are also a chance to indulge her love of photography, capturing the hidden beauty of wildlife. Animals can be shy and fleeting, which makes every shot feel like both a challenge and a gift.
One afternoon, while on a gentle stroll, Kym noticed what she thought was a newborn tawny frogmouth — a nocturnal bird often mistaken for an owl. Thrilled at the rare chance to photograph such a tiny chick, she carefully raised her phone and zoomed in. Perched sweetly, the little “bird” even seemed to be smiling back at her. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a nature photographer.
But the magic quickly gave way to laughter. When Kym reviewed the photo more closely, she realized her adorable “chick” wasn’t a bird at all — it was a quirky banksia pod hanging from a nearby tree. These woody seed pods, which look a little like pinecones, are famous in Australia for their odd, face-like shapes. From the right angle, they can easily pass for tiny creatures.
Banksia trees, native to Australia and also found in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, are remarkable in their own right. Their seed pods open only in response to intense heat, like bushfires, ensuring new life emerges after devastation. With their strange and whimsical appearance, they’ve long fascinated people, sparking both creativity and curiosity. Kym happily added the “smiling bird” photo to her collection. It wasn’t the wildlife shot she expected, but it reminded her — and now others — that nature’s wonders aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes the best memories come not from what we set out to find, but from the surprises that make us pause, laugh, and look a little closer.