Many of us spend the majority of our day glued to screens. Whether it’s the phone in our hands, the television in front of us, or the computer monitor at our desks, we are constantly surrounded by artificial light and digital stimulation. This constant exposure to technology can leave us feeling drained, making it all the more important to take regular breaks from it.

That’s why stepping outside and taking a walk in nature is essential for our well-being. Even a short stroll through a park or a forested area can work wonders for rejuvenating both body and mind. It allows us to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one. Spending time outdoors not only refreshes us but also prepares us to handle the next round of screen time more effectively.

While we all know that spending time in nature offers a range of benefits, sometimes, it also leads to extraordinary experiences. We might unexpectedly spot a deer grazing peacefully nearby or witness a stunning sunset that takes our breath away. These little moments remind us of the beauty of the natural world and offer us a sense of awe and wonder that’s hard to replicate indoors.

Something similar happened to Kym Beechey while she was enjoying a walk through the Australian wilderness. Kym has a passion for exploring the outdoors and often takes her camera with her to capture the stunning sights she encounters. On this particular day, she had an experience that was both amusing and unforgettable.

During her walk, Kym spotted what she thought was a baby tawny frogmouth, a bird native to Australia that has an owl-like appearance. Excited by the rare find, she quickly reached for her phone and, careful not to make any noise, prepared to take a picture. She didn’t want to startle the bird and miss the chance to capture such a unique moment.

As she zoomed in, Kym noticed something odd. The bird appeared to be smiling. Intrigued by this unusual sight, she decided to take a closer look. That’s when she realized her mistake. What she thought was a bird wasn’t a bird at all—it was a banksia pod!

Banksia pods, which grow on banksia trees, have a distinctive appearance that can sometimes resemble the face of a bird from a distance. Banksia trees are found in southwestern Australia, as well as in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. While they aren’t technically pine trees, the pods they produce look a bit like pinecones.

What makes these pods even more fascinating is how they open. Typically, the pods crack open during a nearby forest fire, releasing the seeds inside. This clever adaptation ensures the next generation of banksia trees will have fertile ground to grow in after the fire has passed.

While Kym might have initially been disappointed to discover she hadn’t captured a rare bird after all, her encounter with the banksia pod was still a remarkable and memorable moment. It’s not every day that you mistake a plant for an animal, and the experience left her with a fun story to tell and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature.

In the end, whether it’s spotting wildlife or simply marveling at the unique beauty of plants like the banksia, nature never fails to surprise and delight us. These experiences remind us to slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the world around us, even if it sometimes plays tricks on our eyes.