The photo is a scan of a slide taken in the 1990s.
I don’t remember the exact year, but I do remember the situation very well and the great surprise when, turning around, I saw something strange on the branch of a nearby oak tree: a fictitious nightjar was quietly, in full view and with its eyes closed, resting on that branch in the early morning light. He stood there, motionless and sleeping. He relied on his extraordinary camouflage, which made him an integral part of the bark.
In order to get the best shot of him, I struggled a bit, but nothing, he remained quiet the whole time, a short distance from me. When I had finished photographing it, I walked away, leaving it in the same position I had found it. He had not moved an inch.
Over the years I have searched and searched, in that forest and in many other places, for a good opportunity to photograph him, but without success. Its unmistakable cry has accompanied me in countless experiences in nature, in the most varied environments. Several times I have also seen it flying in the dim light of twilight in impossible situations, but I have never managed to photograph it again.
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