When we were driving in the country a few days ago, we came across these ostriches in a field at the side of the road. Unbelievable, but true! Ostriches are true dinosaurs, their skeletons have been found from over 120 million years ago. They are the largest bird, and the second fastest animal with legs. They can't fly, but can run over 40 miles an hour, and maintain that speed for over a half hour. A single stride will carry an ostrich over twelve feet. This bird has one of the most advanced immune systems known to man, which is why they live over fifty years. I couldn't believe it when this African Red-Necked ostrich walked right up to me twice. It stood just a few feet from me, looking down on me, and I wondered what it was thinking as it looked me right in the eyes. What really fascinated me were it's eyes. I had noticed that the other ostrich's eyes were so enormous that they stuck out of their heads, and in comparison, this red-necked's eyes were smaller. An ostrich's eyeballs are almost as big as baseballs. The eyes are so big and important to the bird's survival that most of the skull is used to protect them. But it sacrifices it's brain, which is way smaller than either eye! So they can see great and run fast, but can't think well. So when that amazing bird stood gazing down at me, perhaps it was thinking nothing at all. Only seeing. God knows all about body parts being in proportion, because he designed them.
"If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? ...But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. "
1 Cor. 12:17
23 comments:
I can't see great or run quite as fast as I used to, but hopefully my brain is bigger than a baseball (lol)! Interesting! I like your salmony pink background and these photos are neat- love the closes up Ginny!! They remind me of geese too. Were you a little worried? Bet they have a mean kick! (Btw), that's a blue Plumbago on the last post- thanks-
Ginny, u changed your template?? it is so red.. or is my computer heading some color problem?
I heard this type of ostrich chases after people.. :)
I would have been amazed to find this interesting bird along the roadside! Was it an ostrich farm? Some years ago my elderly Hungarian friend called to say that she had been to a culinary meeting and had come home with ostrich steaks. It was lunchtime and I was fixing my mother some fried green tomatoes. My friend brought her ostrich over and we lunched on ostrich and fried green tomatoes. Paula Dean, if you are reading this, call me for the recipe!! = )
Best,
Bonnie
Good Morning Friend, I'm up early this morning (couldn't sleep) ---so I wanted to check out your blog...
Love the Red-necked Ostrich... SO pretty.... Just think: I have a Red-headed Woodpecker and a Red-bellied Woodpecker --but YOU have a Red-necked Ostrich..... NEAT!!!!
Interesting about their immune systems. We humans should learn something from them, shouldn't we?
YES--those are BIG eyes.... Don't think we would look good with eyes THAT big... ha
Great post, Gin.
Hugs
Betsy
Talking about a red neck, this is a real red one. When I was in Singapore, I used to take the kids to the bird park. It is a good one, and there were lots of birds.
I miss your query on my silo. They are concrete silos. I don't know if they store cement powder or ready mixed concrete. There are quite a few around, and loads of trucks on the road.
I am really glad I went to cross the bridge that day. I snapped so many photos. I almost didn't go because it was cold, and we had to rush from church. My husband wasn't very keen. But then, he is the engineer, so it didn't take much to persuade him. Now he knows I go places to take photos.
How's the weather where you are>
What a drumstick! :)
Thanks for the education...I knew next to nothing about that bird.
You better watch Betsy...she'll get you into trouble.... just kidding. :)
I just had to stop by and visit after seeing you on Betsy's blog. You have a wonderful blog as I knew you would from what Betsy had to say about you. And what a great story about your red-necked friend. Also enjoyed the beautiful pics of crepe myrtles. I love them too because they bloom most of the summer. Have a great weekend.
Jeanne
These are beautiful birds! There must be a reason for the difference in their eyes.... are they a bit smaller than the usual ostrich?
I can only thank Betsy for recommending your blog. Loved your "red-neck" bird. Having lived and worked in Africa for 20 years I never saw a "red-necked" ostrich - but saw plenty of the other kind in the wild. God has put together a most intriguing and interconnected world.
so this gives a new meaning to "you might be a redneck" jokes. Not what i expected from the title.
i have nevee seen the red necked ones, have seen the others. did not know thier eyeballs were that big, did know they can run faster than you and I. these are great Ginny.
What fabulous pictures, Ginny. I'm surprised the bird let you so close to him/her. I've been told they can be mean spirited critters. What a fabulous experience that must have been. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary
Very cool ostrich! Not a very friendly-looking face, though. And that red just makes him look so angry.
Great photos and a an interesting find.
Wow - that is amazing... I love the new background.
Hi Ginny, thanks for commenting on my blog post. Most appreciated. I have seen your name too and will enjoy seeing what you post also.
Love the red necked bird. Its quite exotic looking.
In fact I really enjoyed crusing through your posts and the scriptures you added to each one. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sue
That is so cool!
This ostrich is absolutely fascinating -- I don't think I've ever seen a red-necked ostrich before. Your pictures are wonderful.
Eye to eye with an ostrich . . . most of us will never experience that! Love the photos - and the title!
Popped over from Betsy's blog and truly enjoyed my visit here! Thanks for sharing the pics of your red-neck 'dinosaur'friend ! Too cool - and you are brave to take such close up shots! Very interesting post!
So exciting that you and Betsy got to meet in person - with the hubbies at that! What a blessing!
Hi Ginny,
I am a new follower of your blog.Betsy suggested that I visit and now I'm hooked.I trust that I can leave an encouraging word now and then.
Blessings,Ruth
Oh wow, the red-necked ostrich is so cool. I have never seen one of those before, only the regular ones.
One time we had our motor home at a wildlife park. An ostrich came over and started looking in the windows. When we measured later we figured it must have been eight feet tall.
I love your new look.
I've never seen a red-necked ostrich before. Strange-looking animal! I've seen other kinds at the zoo but never an ostrich farm. I do believe there are some in the southern parts of this country too, though. (Never tasted the meat though.)
wow... thanks for sharing this Ginny. I have not seen like this red-neck chick before. I have seen some ostrich when i was in Australia and I thought they are all the same. I love looking at pictures though because for some reason I have a phobia with birds' family large and small. I feel like they will always attack me.
Hi Ginny, I have seen Ostriches at a road-side Ostrich and Emu farm in Solvang, CA north of Santa Barbara. They are interesting. Very nice photographs today. My compliments.
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