Optical Illusion – an experience of seeming to see something that does not exist or that is other than it appears
When I first looked at this image of a Swainson’s Hawk (taken two weeks ago in the west desert of Utah) my brain had a difficult time interpreting some of the signals it was getting from my eyes. But I was in a hurry (I was in the middle of culling hundreds of images) so I stuck it in the appropriate folder and decided to look at it more carefully later. When I did, the same thing happened again – my gray matter interpretive mechanisms received some confusing visual cues.
Before I take this any further I’d like you to take a look at the image for a moment and see if the same thing happens to you and then I’ll try to explain the mental gyrations my head went through to try to interpret the image.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Each time I look at this image, at first the wing above the head appears to be the birds right wing on the far side of the body. But then a few seconds later my brain tells me that’s impossible because the lower wing is obviously the right wing and it’s impossible (or at least highly unlikely) for the hawk to have two right wings.
After a bit of study the source of the confusion became apparent – by devilish chance the curve of the left wing on the near side of the bird precisely matched the curve of the body and the head behind it, which told my brain that the wing must be on the far side of the hawk, which it isn’t. Reality became more apparent when I eventually let my eye follow the actual left wing to the rear where its curve begins to follow that of the body less precisely.
It’s interesting that our brains make snap judgments about what our eyes see and then sometimes have difficulty letting go of the original interpretation, even in the face of contradictory evidence on an intellectual level. Each and every time I look at this image I have to reevaluate what I’m actually seeing.
I’m curious to know if this photograph has the same effect on some or all of my viewers or if it only happens to me.
If so, it won’t be the first time that my synapses have fired to the beat of a different drummer…
Ron
Just looked at Swainson’s hawk, with mohawk, again…wish I hadn’t…….
The contour line of the top of that bird’d head places those “primaries” on top of the head no matter how many times I look at it. There is no way they can be attached to anything on the viewer’s side of the bird…visually impossible…this photo is going to cause my mental downfall….
I guess you’ve spent too much time among the Iroquois, Patty… 🙂
Yes, I see what you mean.Ha, I just read the reference to the “mohawk” and admit that crossed my mind.
Jane, Several of you have mentioned the mohawk but I must admit I didn’t see it until it was brought up. Now I see it every time.
Yes, I saw what you saw the first time. I realized right away that there couldn’t be two wings on the same side and had to visually examine it to see why I saw it as I did. Very cool illusion though. Your images are marvelous as is all the info you give. I look forward to your postings.
Thanks very much for the nice words and the feedback, Carol.
Oh yes. It did my head in too (though that is not difficult). A fascinating shot – thank you.
I think “doing in your head” is much more difficult than you allude to, Elephant’s Child…
This photo does the same weird stuff to my perceptions, even though it is perfectly clear that I am looking at the underside of the bird. Even knowing what I’m seeing it’s hard to get my eyes decipher the image correctly.
Thanks, Susan. It’s looking like the same thing happens to most everyone.
I’ve spent enough time with members of the Iroquois Nation to know a “Mohawk” when I see one…this bird is sporting one (avian version, of course)..he’s probably either a Fancy Dancer” or a”Traditional” and makes money on the side by competing at pow wows
Could be, Patty. Could be…
I saw what you saw,Ron. I also saw the bird with a crest (actually,more like a mohawk) on the top of its head!
It’s funny what our eyes do to us sometimes, huh, Laura?
I could see the left/right illusion right away. I think the dark tips of the primaries add to the illusion because it makes the body come forward and the wing tips recede. Fun.
Good point, Sharon – I agree.
Yes – I see what you mean
I had a similar experience when I first looked at a photo I took of an immature eagle. My brain did not see his head at first. See link to photo below
http://db.tt/b1OHlYEN
A somewhat similar effect in your image, Nancy. The curve of the eagles head matches the expected curve of the wing behind it.
Got me! Interesting illusion!
If it fooled you, Mark I suspect it might “get” just about anybody…
Even though you’ve explained it, it’s still difficult to accept. I agree it challenges reality and perceived reality!
Thanks for the feedback, Sonja.