For Australian photographer Kym Beechey, exploring the bushlands is more than a hobby—it’s a way to reconnect
with nature’s beauty and mystery. Her walks often turn into photo adventures, capturing fleeting wonders hidden in the wild.
One quiet afternoon, Kym spotted what appeared to be a tiny tawny frogmouth chick perched on a branch. Excited,
she lifted her phone to take a picture of the adorable “bird.” But as she zoomed in, laughter replaced awe—her
discovery wasn’t a chick at all, but a banksia pod, a woody seed pod from an Australian native tree.
Banksia pods are known for their quirky, face-like patterns that can easily fool the eye. They open only
after exposure to heat, such as from bushfires—symbols of renewal and resilience in Australia’s landscape.
For Kym, the moment became more than a funny mistake; it was a reminder that nature loves to play tricks on perception. Sometimes, the most magical
encounters aren’t what they seem—they’re gentle invitations to look twice, laugh often, and marvel at the artistry woven into the natural world.
