PICS: Owl camouflages against tree trunk to hide in plain sight

An owl perfectly camouflaged itself while sleeping in a tree, hiding in plain sight.

Alice McKay (67) was visiting the Britannia Conservation Area in her hometown of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, last month when she photographed the tiny bird of prey.

The retired schoolteacher was over the moon to find the grey owl perched asleep in the tree, considering how almost impossible he was to spot.

"The owl was sleeping while the temperature was still cold and I was thrilled to find him, especially considering how well he's camouflaged.

"I enjoy photographing any kind of wildlife that I can find but usually birds as they're most easily found in an urban area."

Owls usually camouflage themselves as a means of survival, but the tactic can also help them hide from their prey before an attack.

There are around 200 species of owl in the world, with 16 of them living in Canada.

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