Greg Ritchie said the ostrich-cousin showed up in his yard Tuesday and thus far he has been unable to determine the bird's origins, WALA-TV in Mobile, Ala., reported Wednesday.

"He showed up yesterday around 11:00 and has been here since," Ritchie said of the emu. "Just trying to keep him here and keep him out of the highway and getting injured."

Ritchie said he has been feeding the emu cracked corn and keeping it at a distance with a rake. However, he said he is worried the big bird will wander onto the highway before he can find its owner.

"He's been around for two days now. Hopefully he'll still be here when the owner comes to claim him," he said.