“It’s been amazing to have him visit”
Ravi the Roadrunner Visits His Human Friend Almost Every Day — And Thousands Are Obsessed
For the past 20 years, San Diego resident Patrick Pearce has quietly turned his backyard into a haven for wildlife. From hummingbirds and orioles sipping sugar water to lizards feasting on mealworms, Pearce has earned a reputation as a gentle neighbor among the local critters.
But one visitor has captured not just Pearce’s heart — he’s also become an internet sensation.
His name is Ravi, a roadrunner with a raptor-like profile and the loyalty of an old friend. Roadrunners are ground-dwelling birds known more for speed than sentiment, but Ravi seems to have made an exception. Almost every day for more than a year, Ravi stops by Pearce’s yard — not just for snacks, but for companionship.
“It’s been amazing to have him visit, like a good friend,” Pearce told The Dodo.
From Curious Stranger to Loyal Guest
Ravi isn’t the first roadrunner Pearce has encountered. Years ago, a roadrunner named Scootie began the tradition. When Ravi first appeared, Pearce used the same tactic that won over the others: tossing mealworms gently in the bird’s direction — no pressure, no expectations.
The first few days, Ravi was hesitant. He didn’t take the bait, but he kept coming back. And after a few weeks, a routine formed: Ravi would show up, enjoy some worms, take a drink from the birdbath, and explore the backyard — sometimes even hopping up to look through the windows if Pearce wasn’t outside yet.
“It is so fun. He knows where we come from,” Pearce said.
When Ravi Goes “On Holiday”
Occasionally, Ravi disappears for weeks at a time — something Pearce calls “Ravi’s holiday.” The breaks can be nerve-wracking, but Ravi always comes back, like clockwork, and the reunion is always joyful.
“It’s a party when he comes back from being on holiday,” Pearce said.
A Backyard Celebrity
Thanks to Pearce’s social media posts, Ravi now has thousands of fans. One BlueSky follower even pointed out the bird’s prehistoric silhouette, writing: “This made me realize how raptor-shaped roadrunners are. Really neat.”
For Pearce, though, Ravi is more than a novelty or an internet star — he’s a daily reminder of the quiet magic of patience and kindness toward wildlife.
“He’s a once-in-a-lifetime bird,” Pearce said. “Having him around makes the world feel just a little more connected.”