Hiding in Plain Sight

The world can be a dangerous place, especially if you are smaller than other creatures and lower on the food chain. It’s hard not to notice the quick getaways of small animals like rabbits and squirrels as they disappear behind bushes or up trees at the slightest hint of our approach.

But like all of us, small animals have to eat, and rest. They can’t be running every minute of the day. Maybe that’s why, every now and then, when I notice something odd about a twig or branch, something not quite right on a tree trunk, or a funny movement behind the leaves of a bush, I’ve learned to stop walking and look. Often when I do this I discover something wonderful.

The world is full of beautiful, tiny creatures, and it’s fun to take a peek into their lives as they go about their routines completely undisturbed, unafraid, unaware of our presence. In moments like this, when the animals are not revved up by fear, we see them as they truly are. When I am gifted with these opportunities, I try very hard to make my own presence unknown as well. I remain as still as possible, moving my body and my camera very slowly. I make as little sound as possible, trying to avoid crunchy leaves and sticks, being careful where I place my feet. And then I watch. Sometimes an animal doesn’t do much. It might be resting, like the moth on this tree. I’ve circled it for you because this moth has picked a very good spot on which to camouflage itself!

Likewise, this frog has found a great place to take a break. It blends in so well that I missed it, but Scott took a closer look!

But this chipmunk, behind its screen of leafy branches, was very busy. Have you ever seen an un-busy chipmunk? I haven’t! It went about whatever work it was up to, and seemed completely unaware of my presence.

Small animals rarely let us in. We are too great a threat to them. Most often, frogs hop into the water from the pond edge before I even see them. Chipmunks are down their holes in a flash, and moths and butterflies fly away very quickly. So when opportunities like this come along, it’s a great gift. My wish for you is that you have an opportunity to look into the lives of chipmunks, frogs, moths, and so many of the small animals with whom we share the planet. Just be on the lookout for a shape or color that ever so slightly disrupts the pattern. Something that doesn’t quite belong. Then stop. And look.