During a quiet walk in nature, Australian photographer Kym Beechey spotted what looked like a tiny, smiling bird perched on a branch. Delighted, she snapped a few photos — until she realized the “bird” wasn’t moving.
It turned out to be a banksia pod, a seed case from an Australian tree known for its quirky shapes. Instead of feeling embarrassed, Kym laughed. “I was sure it was a baby bird smiling at me!” she said.
Her funny discovery became a favorite photo — a reminder that nature loves to surprise us and that beauty often hides in unexpected places. The banksia, which releases seeds after fire, even symbolizes renewal — proof that life always finds a way to bloom again.