Ostriches rock. And because I’m procrastinating on a project — shocker, I know — I thought I’d stop in to bring you a bit of ostrich trivia, so that you too can dig my long-necked role model. Ostrich facts (according to wikipedia, which means they might not be true, but if I felt like fact-checking I’d go back to the job I’m getting paid to procrastinate on):
1) Ostriches can run faster than any other bird. 40 mph.
2) When threatened, the Ostrich will either hide itself by lying flat against the ground, or will run away.
3) If cornered, it can cause injury and death with a kick from its powerful legs.
4) Mating patterns differ by geographical region, but territorial males fight for a harem of two to seven females.
5) An Ostrich can live up to 75 years.
6) There have been no observations of Ostriches putting their heads in the sand. Ostriches do deliberately swallow sand and pebbles to help grind up their food; seeing this from a distance may have caused some early observers to believe that their heads were buried in sand.
7) Ostriches are large enough for a small person to ride them, typically while holding on to the wings for grip, and in some areas of northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula Ostriches are trained as racing mounts.
I’m allergic to horses, so I never got to ask for a pony. Maybe in my next life, I’ll ask for an ostrich.
Who (or what) is your role model? And why?
{ 1 trackback }
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Amy,
I had no idea they lived that long. That is one odd fact. Wikipedia is a great place to lose some time!
Me? Cats. Always identified with them, from when I was little. We didn’t have one, so I don’t quite know how it got started. I’m probably not alone in this: they’re slinky, sexy, independent, quiet, proud, and feisty. What’s not to love?
That photo is excellent. Pure determination, with a good chunk of mean thrown in. I wouldn’t have wanted to be the photographer, unless it was a big zoom lens.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Customer Service Gaffes You Never Want to Make: 3 Quickies
Kelly — I can see you as a cat. (That’s a compliment, I think.)
I like the photo too. I got it from a stock photo site, so I don’t know who the original photographer is. I’m assuming it was zoomed. (Eeek.)
I love cats.I sadly am allergic to them but I love everything about them. If there was an animal that I can relate to the most it is cats. Mostly the large ones. I also love my dog, but she is an exception I think rather than the norm. I love a few dogs, more than most dogs.
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..The Perils of Perfectionism
Wendi - I am allergic to cats and dogs. I’m not a dog person at all, although I have liked maybe one or two dogs in my day. You look a little catlike to me, although not sneaky. But perhaps attracted to shiny objects… or yarn balls. Hehe.
I’m a turtle… It’s great to crawl inside my shell and hide from the world. I can fit my laptop in here too!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele’s last blog post..Weekend Fun = Memes and Flips
Michele - I want to be a turtle now. LOL
hehehehehe
Michele’s last blog post..Weekend Fun = Memes and Flips
Amy,I think you might like to visit one of my favs Grandy over at http://functionalshmunctional.blogspot.com. you might get a kick out of her.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Big Time Hugs and God’s love headed your way.
Mike Golch’s last blog post..A Prayer request
Oh wow, Grandy is great. She is one of the people whose links I lost in the Big Computer Crash of 2008. Thanks for the link…
P.S., Blogger seems to be down at the moment, but I will try to remember to visit later.
I have a special affinity for deer. I sort of consider them my totem animal.
But I love all animals — cats, horses, dogs, elephants, giraffes, monkeys. I think we can learn a lot from them, though most people fail to do so.
I admire your admiration for the ostrich!
I’m part (very small part, if you go back a long way) First Nations, so I identify with the totem animal concept. One time while out for a walk I encountered a wolf. We locked eyes for a short time, and then he turned and walked into the woods.
So that is my animal. Not too many people, even where I live, have seen a wolf, and especially on foot. I walk very quietly, though.
-Brett
Brett Legree’s last blog post..one at a time.
Melissa — I am curious why you have an affinity for deer. (I do like how this post has turned into a “Whats your spirit animal?” quiz!!) I think deer are pretty. Have you ever read Charles de Lint’s Someplace to be Flying?
Brett - I like wolves. There was a really good movie about wolves I saw last year. I cant remember the name, but it will probably come to me around 3am… Kiss the blondies (again).
I love BEARS!!
They’re smart. They’re big and strong. And they’re adaptable too all kinds of environments, and can eat almost anything.
They’ve figured out how to break into cars, and they don’t put up with any crap. Not even from Humans. They’re on top of the food chain.
Whether Polar, Black, or Grizzly, I love ‘em all.
BEARS RULE!
(Shaking my head side to side…growling, like the bears to on TV).
GRRRAAAAHHHH!!!
Friar’s last blog post..Travels with the Bear: On the Island
Friar — good points on the bear. I can picture some dude called Friar whose face I’ve never seen growling now. (Looks a bit like a hairier Anthony Hopkins in my mind. Scary place to hang, my headspace. Hehe.)
Leave a Comment