Frikkie Van Jaarsveld submitted his video of the amusing antics to Latest Sightings. Unfortunately, we have no information about where it was filmed.
Unusual round object
As the action starts in Frikkie’s video, we see a mature secretarybird standing on a burnt patch of ground. At the bird’s feet, we can see an unusual round object.
The object is most likely an ostrich egg. Judging by the egg’s discolouration, its parents likely abandoned it when the fire swept through the area.
As ground-nesting birds, the ostriches would have had no way to protect their precious egg when the fire swept through.
Tempting treat
No doubt delighted to find such a protein-rich treat lying in the veld, the large raptor set about trying to open it up. With its wings raised for balance, the long-legged bird was trying to either grab or smash the egg.
When hunting, secretarybirds will literally batter their soft prey into submission. However, its efforts to use this tactic on the egg were not going very well.
Ostrich eggs have extremely thick shells, making them difficult to break. Compounding matters, its slippery surface meant that every time the secretarybird tried to grasp the egg, its talons slid off.
Slippery soccer
Making matters worse, because of its shape, each contact meant the egg rolled away. Consequently, as it stomped and slipped and chased, its thwarted efforts came to resemble a football player dribbling a ball.
As it chased the egg across the ground, the bird seemed to get increasingly frustrated. Though it would try, try and try again, it was unable to either clutch or break the egg.
Turning heads
As the adult bird continued chasing the egg, a juvenile secretarybird wandered by. Although it watched what was going on, it just sauntered on.
Like many a teen, it wasn’t about to embarrass itself by joining its parents’ futile football fumbling.
However, it ended up embarrassing itself anyway. Engrossed with the other birds’ behaviour, it tripped over something and nearly fell flat on its face.
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Elegantly comical
Undeterred by its offspring’s disdain, the adult continued to chase the egg about. While comical, there was a certain elegance to the display.
Their hunting style often mirrors the sweeps and strides of a ballroom dancer.
Whatever your thoughts on that notion, the bird was no closer to breaking the egg than when the video started. Accordingly, Frikkie’s video concludes with the determined raptor still chasing the egg in circles.
Whether or not it finally managed to enjoy the fruits of its labour is unknown.
More about secretarybirds
Secretarybirds are so named for the long feathers found on their heads, which are said to resemble writing quills used before the invention of modern pens.
A relative of eagles and hawks, they are easily recognisable, standing about 1.3 metres tall on long, powerful legs.
Though capable fliers, they spend much of their time on the ground looking for prey. Their diet includes reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, insects and eggs.
The latter, that is, when they can grasp and open them.
Neglected Senior Pup Finally Learns What Love Feels Like After He Meets His New Family
For the past ten years of his life, all Conrad, a senior Beagle, knew was neglect and abuse.
He was found in horrific shape in one of the city shelters, completely shut down from everything.
Despite his situation being vague, Conrad’s shape spoke for itself. He was severely malnourished, had rotten teeth, and was deeply depressed. This skin-and-bones dog knew nothing but suffering for the last decade, but all that was about to change within days!
Conrad’s Heartbreaking Backstory
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad was on the way to being euthanized by the shelter he was found in when the Beagle Freedom Project team, from Los Angeles, California, came across his story.
After ten long years in a home where he knew nothing but neglect, Conrad ended up being a shelter dog with zero chance for a new start. But, the BFP team acted timely!
In coordination with their partnering rescue groups, Beagle Freedom Project took Conrad in, ready to give him the transformation of a lifetime.
In the video posted by this Californian rescue, Kait, the social media manager, explains that this senior boy hasn’t had an easy life.
“This poor boy is in horrific condition. As you can see he is severely emaciated, he’s skin and bone, his hips are sticking out, his spine is sticking out, he has extremely dry skin,” Kait, BFP’s social media manager, says in the video.
However, thanks to the community and his amazing caregivers, Conrad was given a new chance in no time.
After weeks of care, TLC, and dental surgery, Conrad finally found a glimmer of hope that things might eventually end well!
The Most Wonderful News
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad’s incredible transformation took everyone by surprise!
Despite all odds, this senior boi showed remarkable spirit and resilience, which eventually resulted in his speedy recovery!
“We are excited to share that after a month of intensive care, healthy meals, and dental surgery, Conrad is feeling much better. He is finding joy in life again— exploring, playing, and even digging through the trash like a typical beagle,” the rescue wrote in an update post.
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
But, that wasn’t about it for sweet Conrad. In the same post, the rescue announced the greatest update about this lovely dog. After spending a few meaningful weeks in a new foster home, his dad couldn’t help but go all in for Conrad!
Instead of helping him find a new home, Conrad’s foster decided to make him a permanent member of the family.
“His incredible foster dad fell in love with him and decided to ADOPT him. Conrad has a forever family,” the rescue added.
After a lifetime of neglect and abuse, Conrad will finally have a nice, cozy home and a family to love him. And, that’s pretty much everything he had been looking for this entire time.
We wish you the best golden years of your life, sweet boi!
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