Spooky Picture Of A Snowy Egret With A 'Ghost' Accidentally Captured By A Woman Photographer

Dawn Lausier had heard about a rare bird in Portland, Maine, and she was looking forward to catching sight of it (and taking a photograph if she could be so lucky!). In order to accomplish this photographic goal, she was strolling around a cove in the area where the bird had been sighted.

Unfortunately, she was not successful in spotting that particular rare bird. However, while she was there, she did see a snowy egret.

Catching sight of it, Lausier decided she might photograph it:

“This snowy egret was close to the trail, so I was happy to get a chance to take a few shots of it,” Lausier said. “I took two pictures with my cell phone and one or two with my DSLR camera.”

Lausier did not get a chance to review the photographs while at the site; it was when she got home that she had the opportunity to view the pictures. As she was going through the photos she had taken on her cell phone, she realized the first shot was truly wonderful.

When she scrolled to the second picture, she saw something she could never have imagined. It was unbelievable.

What she saw completely freaked her out.

It was the reflection of the egret above the actual bird, but it almost looked like a ghost was standing behind it. She was completely taken aback by the picture and could not figure out how it happened.

Lausier started looking for answers, asking everyone she knew. She even searched on the internet, the ultimate treasure trove of knowledge, but nothing came up.

“Most people have said it's a cool picture,” Lausier said. “Some claimed it's a messed-up setting on my camera or a corrupt memory card.”

She further added, “The thing is, it was a cell phone picture, with automatic settings and no memory card. I take lots of pictures with my cell phone and haven't had this happen before or since.”

DAWN LAUSIER

That picture definitely mystified everyone who saw it.

Although Lausier does have a theory about it, she is not fully convinced herself either. She explained it as follows:

“Not sure exactly what happened, but I think it's likely because of the contrast between the white of the bird and the dark of the water. You sometimes see something similar when trying to take a picture of the sun or moon and seeing another bright spot in the picture; however, that's usually with a mirrored camera.”

Whether it is a ghost or a camera trick, Lausier cannot determine. However, there might be a simple logical explanation for it.

If you have one, do share it with us.

DAWN LAUSIER