It’s not often that your morning is interrupted by the sight of a 6-foot-tall emu strutting down the street. But that’s what happened last week in Ancramdale.
As the flightless bird strolled by, one quick thinker managed to snap a photo. Soon, Ancram Supervisor Art Bassin was sending out community emails with the picture of the avian runaway and a message reading, “Emu sighted this morning! Last seen on Roche Drive near Snyder Rd. in Ancramdale.”
Kiersten Higgins recognized the emu right away. It was Edgar, one of nine rescued emus living on a farm, near Wiltsie Bridge Road and a short distance from Roche Drive, where Higgins is manager.
The farm’s owners, Scott and Savannah, who asked that their last names not be used, raise more traditional livestock such as pigs, cows and sheep. But they also provide sanctuary to ostriches, emus and, until they died in a barn fire last year, peacocks.
Savannah expressed surprise that of her entire emu brood, it was Edgar who made a break for it. “He’s a homebody,” she said. “And a dedicated parent.” A rarity among bird species, male emus provide nearly 100 percent of parental care, sitting patiently on eggs – each five inches long and green – and then keeping a protective eye on their young once they’ve hatched. A short video shows Edgar’s daughter, Ursula, cozily nestled under her father’s voluminous feathers.
“He takes really good care of his babies,” said Higgins, who counts Ursula, now 2 years old, among her favorites. (When Ursula broke her leg last year, Higgins kept the chick in her apartment for protection until she was fully recuperated. “It was me, my dog, and Ursula,” she said. “Crazy times!”)
The circumstances of Edgar’s escape are unclear. Emus are curious and often like to stick their heads into holes or through fence posts. In the course of exploring, Savannah suggested, Edgar may have managed to squeeze through some loose posts in the fencing.
Another possibility is that he jumped over the 6-foot fence. Earlier this year, an emu named MeeMoo got startled and leapt over a 7-foot barricade in Tennessee. In the 20-mile chase that ensued, police clocked MeeMoo reaching speeds of 40 mph. MeeMoo’s fence is now 9 feet high.
recovering from a broken leg last year. Credit: Kiersten Higgins
The Hudson Valley is a runaway emu’s paradise: Woodlands are a favorite habitat. They love to eat crickets, caterpillars and grass; they’ll even indulge in a swim on a hot day. Edgar can defend himself from predators like coyotes and bobcats: a kick from his muscular legs is strong enough to kill a dog, and the sharp talons on his three-toed feet are effective weapons. His biggest danger in the wild comes from humans and the possibility of being hit by a vehicle.
Savannah feels confident that her wayward emu, who made his escape on July 27, is somewhere on their property. “We have a 420-acre farm, and I’m sure Edgar is here somewhere.” She’s waiting to hear the unique drumming sound her emu will make using his 12-inch inflatable neck sac: Edgar announcing his return.
In the event that someone encounters Edgar further afield, Savannah warns against trying to capture him. Although he’s docile and friendly around familiar faces, he’s easily frightened by strangers. When angry, emus will stand tall, puff up their feathers and hiss. If this happens, people are advised to back up and walk away slowly. “Edgar may become aggressive and you could get hurt,” she said. “Just notify us so we can come get him!”
If you spot Edgar, call Kiersten Higgins immediately at (518) 697-9396.