Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Hiding in Plain Sight

In this photograph the nightjar is seen resting like a stone behind the grass, hiding in plain sight. The bird was so difficult to spot even though it was within 10m from our safari jeep, and this shows the effectiveness of its camouflage for evading predators. The bird’s mottled brown, grey, and beige plumage mirrors the patterns and colours of dried leaves and twigs, creating an impressive camouflage that makes it almost invisible to predators. Its eyes are closed, and it lies motionless, trusting in its disguise. Soft shadows from nearby plants add depth, while dim, diffused light highlights the intricate details of its feathers, creating a serene, tranquil mood in this secretive moment of rest.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: India
Camera: NIKON D7500
Copyright: © Sethu Raj R