Kym Beechey was hiking in Australia’s Popran National Park one day. She snapped pictures of wildflowers.
She hikes slowly because she wants to take in the scenery. Typically, she isn’t quick enough to capture the creatures in the neighborhood.
But on this particular day, she hoped to get up close and personal with a monster. Luck was now on her side, she reasoned.
According to Beechey, the birds are typically too rapid for her to photograph. So when she saw what she thought was a baby tawny frogmouth (a bird that looks like an owl) sitting on a limb, she became delighted.
She couldn’t believe how fortunate she had been. So she hurriedly grabbed her phone.
She was preparing to photograph the small bird, which appears to be smiling for the camera. She then zoomed closer to obtain a better image.
She was then let down. The smiling bird was actually something else.
According to Beechey, she magnified her camera and questioned why the “bird” wasn’t flying away. Then she discovered it was a banksia pod.
It was a cute banksia pod that resembled a smiling bird. These pods emerge from banksia threes.
This one stood out. That’s why Beechey mistook it for a cheerful bird greeting her.
Doesn’t that look like a happy baby bird?
The young bird was, in fact, a banksia pod.
Banksia pods are native to Australia’s southwest. They can, however, be seen growing in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
They are frequently compared to pine cones. However, Banksia trees are not conifers.
As a result, they have nothing in common with pine trees. The pod is the Banksia tree’s fruit.
They are derived from trees of the Banksia genus. Bull Banksia pods are large and sturdy enough to be used in woodworking.
The size of the tree from which the pods emerge can vary. The species capable of producing large seedpods is known as Banksia grandis.
They are appealing to artists and are frequently transformed into crafts. They are also being offered online!
After the banksia’s lovely red or yellow flowers fade, the cone remains on the tree.
The seeds then sprout. It is also possible to see both blossoms and mature cones on the same tree at the same time.
The pods breaking open give them their distinct appearance. They are releasing their seeds throughout the process.
The “baby bird” made the hiker giggle. She still enjoyed the experience.
Even though the adorable creature was a hoax, Beechey was nonetheless happy with what transpired. She now has another image to add to her collection of gorgeous wildflowers.
Because these plants have a distinct appearance, they can be mistaken for something else. In reality, each banksia pod can differ from the others.
Have you ever encountered a plant that looked like something else? Was it a bird or another animal?
