ONLY the eagle-eyed will be able to pick out the hidden bird in this stunning natural optical illusion in under five seconds. Artists and designers are often eager to create tricky puzzles that challenge the mind, but Mother Nature is the master of camouflage. In this close-up photo of tree bark, a small nocturnal bird is hiding in plain sight.

The great horned owl was photographed near Denver, Colorado . Its brown plumage blends in perfectly with the tree it sits upon. Only those with the eyes of a hawk will be able to tease out the little owl in under five seconds.

Any luck? If you are struggling, here is a hint: Look for the bird's small horns — they stick out. Owls are some of the most difficult birds to spot in the wild although there are over 250 owl species in the world, according to the Owl Research Institute . The great horned owl is the most widely distributed owl in the US, well known for its piercing yellow eyes and deep hoot.

But catching a glimpse of one in the wild is no simple feat — even in an image. It's your last chance to find the owl before the solution is revealed below. Experts have found that testing your skills with brainteasers and optical illusions is a great way to exercise your mind.

People who regularly challenge themselves with puzzles can improve their memory acquisition, special reasoning, and overall mental acuity in just a few minutes a day. Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive be.