“I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.” Psalms 50:11.
The road runner, also known as she chaparral cock or hen, is a strange American bird full of comical manners and mischief. Almost three feet long, including a one-foot tail, it blends into the desert countryside in its drab white and olive feathers. Year after year it lives in the same nest made of sticks and lined with snake skins.
When chased, the male road runner allows its pursuer almost to catch it, then leaps into the brush and disappears. If an intruder comes the female remains quietly on her nest until the unwelcome visitor is almost upon her before flying away. If she has chicks she hops away from the nest and pretends to have a broken leg, limping along just beyond reach of her enemy, leading it away from her chicks a safe distance until finally she flies off. How did she learn to do this? It was built in by the Creator when He placed the first road runner on the earth. He did not leave them to “discover” it by themselves.
This bird prefers to walk, having long legs and strong feet, but will fly occasionally. It is interesting to watch it strutting through the desert, neck and head stretched out, stopping often, with its tail feathers and bristly topknot bobbing up and down for no apparent reason. Its shoe-button black eyes are always alert for a careless lizard, gopher or other prey. After spotting one, it catches it in its long beak.
This bird’s life seems to be full of fun. If a horseback rider appears it is quite ready to run in front of him, challenging the horse to a race. After tiring of the game, it disappears off the side of the road. Golfers on desert golf courses, however, are not amused by its habit of snatching golf balls and running off with them.
It likes to frighten cats by rushing toward them with its wings spread, head stretched out and beak open, making odd noises. Most cats will make a quick getaway, but a cat that has seen this trick before will hold its ground and even strike at the bird with its paws. However, since no real harm results to either of them, it seems as if they both arrange these meetings just for the fun of it.
The road runner is not afraid of rattlesnakes. Coming upon one the road runner will circle the snake and tease it to strike. When the snake strikes, the road runner jumps in the air or hops aside where the snake cannot reach it. The moment the snake’s body is straightened out the bird quickly pecks it with its sharp beak. The angry snake coils and strikes again and again, but always with the same result. Finally tired out, the snake cannot continue the fight, and the bird finishes it off.
God has given special abilities to each of His creatures, and He takes pleasure in caring for them. He cares for you, too, but more than that, He loves you and invites you to be His son or daughter. How can this be? The Bible makes it plain: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26. Are you part of His happy family?
ML-03/06/1983