espy — to catch sight of; to see at a distance, especially unexpectedly

a hiker with binoculars around their neck suddenly stops and points excitedly toward something in the distance between the trees. Their eyes widen with surprise as they lean forward to get a better look. Through a gap in the forest canopy, a rare red bird perches on a distant branch that was previously hidden from view. The hiker had been walking normally when this unexpected wildlife sighting caught their attention. A hiking companion behind them follows the pointing gesture and squints to see what was spotted. Other small forest animals seem undisturbed in the foreground, unaware of the discovery. catching sight of something at a distance, especially unexpectedly