Had to look twice to see this bird ontop of fence post. Its about 18 inches tall (45cms). This is the weirdest bird I have ever seen in the bush (north coast New South Wales Australia) it was like a statue even though we wre within 1 metre and no matter what movements we made it did not fly away until touched!! does anyone know what it is
They're almost startling when you first see one in the daytime aren't they?! No danger though gglemons,
as long as he/she is left alone - they generally choose to take flight if you get too close anyway. That is I suspect a beautiful Frogmouth, probably a Tawny Frogmouth. Usually nocturnal, this is their "I'm a tree branch" protective camo stance during the day. Wonderful birds. They're a little more rounded & distinguishable at night, like this:
West Coast Tasmania
many thanks RubyE. I suppose we were more concerned about our little Chiwawa running in the backyard of this semi rural property. She is nice and white and weighs 5 kilos. Glad we dont have any Raptors about but the huge eagles are always a worry when we visit that area from down here in the big smoke of Sydney and heading back there again to the mid north coast this weekend. cheers
You're very welcome! Ahh I see what you mean now gglemons
- definitely a concern if a small dog is off leash with birds of prey around! The Tawny would have probably been more concerned with resting safely, in preparation for a night hunt, than grabbing a quick feed in the day though. Probably don't recommend touching the next one perhaps, as far as disturbance goes and in case he might have different ideas about an early dinner 
. Lucky lucky you though, an experience and photo to treasure! Thanks for sharing it here!
West Coast Tasmania