23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Why are woodcocks‘ eyes set so high?

This woodcock, beak fresh from probing mud, fixed me with an intense gaze from its high-set eyes. Thanks to the perfect concealment of the foreground, I captured the moment before it decided to flee.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Beijing, China
Camera: DC-G9
Copyright: © Yunchong Liu