The place to hang out with some of nature’s strangest, most magnificent birds
Just 45-minutes outside of Santa Barbara is the quaint Danish-themed town of Solvang, the Chumash Casino, world famous Santa Ynez Valley wineries, and OstrichLand USA. Never heard of it? Well, this is the place to go and watch more than 50 amazing Ostriches and Emus do their thing. What exatly is their thing? You’ll have to visit OstrichLand USA to find out!
it’s something of a surprise to see dozens of ostriches racing around a 33-acre spread along the Santa Ynez River. The spindly-legged, long-necked creatures are the big draw at OstrichLand USA. The tourist attraction on Highway 246, a mile east of Buellton, offers an opportunity to go eyeball to tennis-ball-size eyeball with one of nature’s strangest, most magnificent birds.
The owners say think of OstrichLand USA as a kind of petting zoo. Visitors are invited to feed the animals, or just stand back and enjoy the interactions and antics of these unbelievably large birds.The Ostriches and Emus that live in OstrochLand USA were raised by hand to be fed by visitors.
Ostriches may grow to 9 to 10 feet tall, weighing 250 to 350 pounds. Natives of Africa, they’re mostly vegetarians but they may eat some bugs. The non-flying birds can run at speeds up to 45 mph. And no, they don’t bury their heads in the sand.
Imagine the big babies!
During the summer months, you might see some babies at OstrichLand USA. They are fun to watch, but you can’t take any home with you because these babies aren’t for sale. They grow quickly and will be juveniles by the time winter arrives.
Ostrich Celebrities
The animals at OstrichLand USA are animal actors! They can be seen in the Fox Searchlight film Sideways, which features the Santa Ynez wine region of California’s Santa Barbara County. In fact, a stop at OstrichLand USA is included in the official “Sideways, the map,“ a Santa Barbara County wine country tour inspired by the movie.
OstrichLand USA was also featured in an episode of The Simpsons titled, How Munched is That Birdie in the Window? This episode features a Simpsons version of OstrichLand USA, referred to as “Ostrich World.”
Next time you’re traveling to the Santa Ynez Valley, be sure to allow time for a stop at OstrichLand USA and meet these captivating flightless friends. If traveling here because you’re considering buying a new home in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, please check out my comprehensive website. I will happily arrange a time for you to tour any of my listings in person and help you find your dream home. Please call me at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com.