From Noel Casaje

While exploring one of the private reserves in Namibia, our guide suddenly pointed to a nearby tree and said, "A Scops owl is sleeping right there." I looked in the direction he was pointing, but I saw nothing. I was standing less than ten feet away, yet the owl had completely vanished into the bark.

It wasn't until it partially opened one eye that I finally spotted it.

The bark seemed to come to life. The feathers, the shadows, and the stillness had disappeared into the tree so completely that it didn't blend in. It became the tree.

A gentle reminder that nature doesn't always hide in the shadows.

Sometimes, its most remarkable wonders are waiting in plain sight.

(Namibia- Wide Horizon Photo Tours)

African Scops Otus senegalensis