Rhea laying egg captured on camera at Dorset farm park
The rare sight's been spotted at Farmer Palmer's near Poole
The little seen moment of an egg being laying by a Rhea bird has been captured on camera at a Dorset farm park.
Visitors to Farmer Palmer's near Poole spotted it happening and passed on the footage to staff.
Eggs laid by rheas are about the size of 10 to 12 chicken eggs, but what makes them unusual is what happens next.
The mother lays the egg, normally in long grass, and then abandons it, leaving the dad to scoop it up with his beak and start incubation.
Mike captured the moment and said:
“I was taking my 3 year old around on the go-karts when I saw the Rhea circling another Rhea on the floor. I assumed the one lying down was unwell, so we stopped for a few minutes to observe.
"Interestingly, the Rhea that was lying down appeared to be aggressively pecking at the circling Rhea, so I assumed it was defending itself. I then noted the standing Rhea to be adjusting and “puckering” before I saw a flash of yellow. I then got my phone to record."
When the males sit on their nest, they can feel protective and defensive, therefore they keep females and people away.
The team at Farmer Palmer's is respecting his space by keeping distance whilst making sure the Rheas are looked after.