That branch just moved? It may very well be a Tawny Frogmouth alarmed by your presence and therefore sitting in a static posture, looking just like an old branch stub.

 

They can be very hard to spot, unless they have young, in which case the young birds have not quite learned the pose. The natural quriosity just gets the better of them, and they have to have a look at who is watching.

These birds often come into care, following being hit by cars.
They feed mainly on insects, and are therefore often seen sitting on the side of the road. Or in the middle of the road.

Unfortunatly it is commonly believed "the bird will fly off at the last minute", when it comes to Tawny Frogmouths, they may try, but in most instances they are not able to, it is a heavy bird, and very slow to take off.

Another reason for the Tawnys to come into care, is insect spray, rat and mouse poison, and snail bait.

The poisons we use on insects, the poison we use in our garden , all have a detrimental effect on whatever feeds on what we have sprayed or poisoned.

This bird is a natural predator to most of the pests we try to control, lets make sure we allow this bird to thrive in our gardens, and create a natural balance.

Albino Tawney Frogmouth