A secretary bird in County Meath, Ireland
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325594)
Rockingham, Australia
June 18, 2017 2:24am CST
Recently we went to Tayto Park, an adventure park in County Meath, Ireland although we were more interested in the animals that they had there. While most of the animals and birds had reasonable sized cages, the poor secretary bird obviously felt very confined and continually walked up and down the front of his enclosure. I was intrigued with the large 'quills' that protruded from his head as is he were carrying spare pens.
Later I googled them and found out the following:
Secretary birds are large terrestrial raptors and stand over 1 metre in height. The plumage is genearlly grey with some black and white thrown in. There are black flight feathers on the wings and a crest of black-tipped feathers on the back of the head. They are monogamous birds and mate for life.
Although terrestrail, they are birds of prey, hunting small mammals, reptiles, birds and large insects. They are adept at catching and killing snakes and may kill them by continually stamping on them.
They are native to Africa and prefer savannas with scattered acacia trees and short grasses which allows for better vision when hunting.
19 people like this
19 responses
@crossbones27 (48417)
• Mojave, California
18 Jun 17
That is a bird. Pretty neat. Do me a favor look at the picture the way I see it. Kind of looks like a goat if it did not have wings on the other side. Would say that is a goat. That is awesome, thanks for sharing. Small goat and see the body now, starting to look more like a bird. lol
4 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
18 Jun 17
I thought it was a goat as well. Pretty bird!
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
19 Jun 17
@JudyEv - I think the bird is just at the right angle that his head looks like that of a small goat.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
18 Jun 17
I was a secretary and knew many secretaries - no bird secretaries but some were bird-brained LOL Cool bird.
3 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
19 Jun 17
@JudyEv LOL, yes it does, that's funny!
2 people like this
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
21 Jun 17
he looks a bit punkish.... lol... hope you're having a nice time...
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325594)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Jun 17
@sueznewz2 We had two warmish days but today has been pretty overcast. I've packed away most of my cardigans.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
18 Jun 17
Never heard of this one before. I also thought it was a goat at first. An odd, but pretty bird.
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
23 Jun 17
Very interesting 'bird"! Are they called Secretary birds because
of the quills?
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
18 Jun 17
I have seen these birds in photos before.
It is sad they are captive really.
But it is a beautiful bird.
2 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
24 Jun 17
I have heard of the secretary bird, but don't remember ever seeing a photo of one. Again, very interesting. I would love to visit Ireland.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
25 Jun 17
@JudyEv I have always wanted to visit Ireland. Have you ever seen the movie,
"Scarlett" It's a continuation of the story of "Gone With The Wind." It was supposed to have been filmed in Ireland.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325594)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Jun 17
@IreneVincent Yes. Although I haven't seen tons of movies I do remember this one. And it was set in Ireland and the scenery certainly was authentic.
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
18 Jun 17
No wonder that poor bird was pacing. No food, no woman. Egad, crisis time.
2 people like this
@buenavida (9985)
• Sweden
23 Jun 17
What a great variety there is in God's works.. We can just admire the Great Artist! 
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
22 Jun 17
Poor secretary bird, I imagine a raptor would indeed find a cage confining. But such is the way of the world isn't it? We want to view the birds and they get to have a pampered and safe life even if they would rather be taking their chances in the wild. I love those head quills.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325594)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Jun 17
Half the Irish people we've met don't want to come to Australia because they are scared stiff of snakes but we see very few really. I guess it's just fear of the unknown.
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
18 Jun 17
Those "quills" are unique. There must be a purpose for them not just decorative.
1 person likes this
