Photographing Ostriches in California

On the latest episode of Nature in Focus, Ian Shive visits Ostrichland to photograph the largest flightless birds in the world. Can Ian capture the perfect shot for his quirky postcard?

August 15, 2022

By: Discovery and Ian Shive

Show: Nature in Focus

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The end product! A vibrant, quirky greeting card from Solvang, California! Greetings from Ostrichland!

Feed this Bad Boy! Welcoming guests from the higway into Ostrichland USA in Solvang, California.

Tour guide Destiny Stevenson shows me the ropes of how to feed ostriches...and hopefully set me up for a funny photo!

I used a handheld flash or strobe to light the ostriches while on my tour. The light helps pop the detail and colors of these incredible birds, giving a more "produced" look to the images.

Ostriches are the fasted bird in the world and the fastest animal on two legs, clocking in over 40mph when they run.

Emu's are smaller than ostriches, and much easier to visit with. This emu falls asleep in Destiny's hands.

Not all photos are winners, but even the outtakes make me laugh. Note the nictitating membrande on the eye, a type of shield that goes up over the eye when they eat.

Portrait of a pair of amazing legs belonging to the fastest two-legged animal in the world, the ostrich!

Backligting + a flash help create a unique perspective on this tall bird at Ostrichland, USA, in Solvang, California.

Ostrich eggs weigh 4-5 pounds and can sustain the weight of a full grown bird, over 350lbs. They are used to hatch new ostriches, supply restaurants, and sometimes make it into the gift shop as an ornament.

Destiny proves the strength of an ostrich egg by standing on it!

Baby ostrich are much gentler and friendlier, allowing you to pick the up and hold them. Perhaps a bit too cute for my goal of a quirky greeting card.