By Alan Small.
Tawny Frogmouths, by Alan Small.
Don’s response
Tawny Frogmouths, as many readers may know, are known for their exceptional camoflage and daytime roosting behaviour. Unlike other nocturnal hunters like the owls or nightjars, Frogmouths will hide in plain sight. Thanks to their grey plummage and ability to remain absolutely motionless, when they’re perched in a tree, they look like broken branches — unless they open those startling eyes.
This pair is almost certainly a male and female (they mate for life) and photographer Alan Small has used just the right amount of fill flash to show them off to excellent advantage. Since they usually shut their eyes to better blend in with the surroundings, Alan has done well to catch them in an alert but not alarmed (their beaks would be open) mode.
