It’s (sleeping) eye is right in the center of the frame.
He is facing left.
Tail to the right. The tail extends all the way to the edge of the frame in this one.
The light shifted a little (the bird didn’t) for this one. They’re perfectly motionless and don’t make a sound.
Pauraques are easy to find in the spring and summer when they call and jump up and down at dusk, feeding on flying insects. They’re pretty much impossible to locate as they sleep in the leaf litter in the winter. They won’t flush until you almost step on them. They like to sleep in the same spot every day though. This bird was located years ago at Estero Llano Grande State Park. Park staff put some dry brush around it so we’ll know where to look, yet won’t be able to step on it. (Even knowing where it’s supposed to be, it’s still a challenge to locate.) This bird disappears from here all summer, but is back every day during the winter