Can you spot the owl bravely protecting her nest in a tree?
THIS sneaky owl is almost invisible while protecting her nest in a tree.
While nestled inside a tree cavity, this female eastern screech owl has camouflaged itself to defend its nest from any incoming predators - and at first glance, can't be seen at all.
The incredible images were snapped by Blake Hess, a 47-year-old delivery driver from Colorado, US.
The amateur nature photographer has been following this family of owls for five years.
This particular owl family returns to the same nesting spot every year and finally, earlier this year, Blake managed to capture their magnificent camouflage technique.
Blake said: “These are the photos we all dream of. Finding this nest site and these small eastern screech owls is very difficult but when you do it really pays off.
“This is why I photograph these special situations, so I can share them with other people who love nature.
“This is the female owl and she has been sitting on eggs or young owlets all day.
“She will come out and stretch, then give herself some relief during the day, she sits low and does not show much of herself as she protects her young.”
Blake has been coming back to the same spot for the last five years trying to get this shot and has managed to finally get it to show the world.
Blake said: “This is very rewarding, and it gives me great pleasure to share these images with others.”
“I have been studying these owls and watching the same pair for years, watching behaviour and learning how these unique birds live and survive in the world today.”
