Mudgee: Footage captures an ostrich taking a stroll on a regional road

A long neck has caused a bottleneck on a country thoroughfare, with bemused motorists forced to slow down as a mild-mannered bird with a curiosity streak took to the bitumen. See the footage.

Motorists could have been forgiven for stretching their own neck muscles after performing double takes on an odd road user in regional NSW.

An ostrich, seemingly in no hurry to show off its top speed, meandered down a road near Mudgee on Friday, creating an impromptu bottleneck of sorts as onlookers giggled at their newfound, long-necked friend.

Mudgee resident Wes Pirie posted the video on a Facebook community page which said he saw the ostrich taking a stroll under a railway bridge in Lue, near Mudgee, around 1pm on Friday.

At first, Mr Price thought he was slowing down for roadworks until the feathers came into view, telling this publication he was towing a horse float to Kandos when he turned around a corner and saw multiple cars had stopped.

“We had to pull over to the side because we thought there might’ve been a traffic light or something but then next minute we saw an ostrich,” he said.

The ostrich on a road near Mudgee. Photo: Wes Pirie.

“It was very funny.”

People were quick to comment on the video, with one questioning if the ostrich was a new mode of transport.

“I wonder if I could sell my car and get around on this with a saddle,” one person joked.

“If anyone’s game enough to catch it, I’ll take it,” another person commented.

This publication understands the ostrich is now safe and off the road.

Whether it has found some sand to bury its head in has not been confirmed.