Categories: Science & Environment

The photo in the stream turns into an optical illusion as it hides a camouflaged bird: can you spot it in less than 30 seconds?

A seemingly average photo of a babbling stream may look like an average stream, but a camouflaged bird is hiding in the rocks. Can you spot the little creature?

If you’re ready to put your observation skills and eyesight to the test, take a look at this optical illusion.

An image of a stream surrounded by rocks and foliage was shared this week on the popular Find The Sniper thread on Reddit, and left users perplexed.

There is a small brown bird with a striped head perched somewhere in the photo, but it can be difficult to find in less than 30 seconds.

The bird blends almost perfectly into the gray rocks and green and brown foliage.

Social media users rushed to the comments section to share proof of where they found the bird.

If you think you can beat the illusion, set your timer for 30 seconds and study the photo below.

Ready, set, go!

Can you spot the little brown bird in this photo?

If you didn’t find the bird immediately, here’s a clue: the creature’s coloring blends into the dark color of the stream.

If you’re still having trouble detecting it, turn your attention to the middle of the stream, where the water flows into the small pond.

Editors pointed out where the camouflaged animal was hiding in the comments, with one writing: “about 1/2 of the way up, 1/4 of the way to the right.”

“Just at the end of where the little stream connects to the pond,” added another.

“Just dead center, hidden between the rocks,” observed a third.

If you still haven’t found the bird, take a look below to see where the creature was hiding.

The little bird is perched on a rock by the stream. The creature’s color blends into the dark water, making it almost impossible to spot.

Optical illusions trick our brains into seeing something that isn’t there or perceiving an image differently from how it is presented.

Puzzles test our brain receptors and can help improve our visual perception, problem-solving skills and give us a mental workout.

Ethan Davis

Ethan Davis – Science & Environment Journalist Reports on climate change, renewable energy, and space exploration

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