BEEP BEEP

I mentioned a while back about my resident Road Runner. I know, I had no idea that Arkansas had these birds but we do.




This fellow or lady was catching grasshoppers by my car port the other day. I realize and apologize that this is not a great picture but have you any idea how fast these rascals can run which they prefer over flying?


They can actually run about 17 miles per hour and they have very little “still” time which makes taking their picture a challenge. I am still fascinated each time I see one. For years I thought they were the figment of a cartoonists mind.

Interesting but gross facts are as follows thanks to Desert USA.

The Roadrunner reabsorbs water from its feces before excretion. How “green” and sustainable is that? They must have dry poop.

The Roadrunner’s nasal gland eliminates excess salt, instead of using the urinary tract like most birds.

Its extreme quickness allows it to snatch a humming bird or dragonfly from mid air. Not good news for my hummers.

Because of its lightening quickness, the Roadrunner is one of the few creatures that preys upon rattlesnakes. Using its wings like a matador's cape, it snaps up a coiled rattlesnake by the tail, cracks it like a whip and repeatedly slams its head against the ground till dead.

It then swallows its prey whole, but is often unable to swallow the entire length at one time. This does not stop the Roadrunner from its normal routine. It will continue to meander about with the snake dangling from its mouth, consuming another inch or two as the snake slowly digests.

I personally saw one kill a red wing black bird under my feeder. He had the unfortunate black bird in his beak and repeatedly slammed him into the ground. I do know all creatures have to eat, I just don't care to watch it.

Those facts kind of keep it out of the cute and cuddly category which is sad for someone who grew up on the adorable Road Runner cartoons. Still they are very interesting birds and as long as he or she leaves my other birds alone, it is welcome.


Lesson of the day over.

I do have a favor to ask of you. My brother in law is in the University of Miami hospital awaiting a liver transplant. I have known Tom since he was in high school. Nowhere will you find a kinder hearted man. He is one of those who will literally give you the shirt off his back.

If you need something and he has it, it is yours. If he doesn't have it, he will get it. Combine that gentle heart with a wicked sense of humor and you have a man who needs to stay around a long time.

If you could include him and his family in your prayers or if you don't pray, keep him in your good thoughts. His family and I would be so grateful. Thank you so much.