Instead of searching for a bird directly, search for an unusual shape.
Ask yourself whether a section of the picture could be interpreted differently.
A shape that looks like part of a tree might actually contribute to the outline of the hidden animal.
Search the Picture in an Organized Way
Another useful strategy is to avoid scanning randomly.
When people try to solve visual puzzles, they often jump from one interesting area to another.
They notice a raccoon.
Then a rock.
Then the tree.
Then another animal.
Then they return to the same areas.
This can create the illusion that they have carefully searched the entire picture when they actually have not.
A more organized approach is to divide the illustration into sections.
Start at the top.
Move slowly from left to right.
Examine each area before continuing downward.
Once you reach the bottom, you will have systematically covered the entire picture.
If you do not find the bird on your first pass, repeat the process.
But this time, look specifically for shapes that could form a bird’s body.
Look for the Basic Shape of a Bird
You do not need to recognize a complete bird immediately.
Instead, look for individual features.
Could one shape be a head?
Could another line form a beak?
Is there a curved area that could represent a wing?
Could a pointed shape be a tail?
