There has been plenty of birthing activity recently. I reckon we have now seen 9 calves. All mothers and babies appear to be Ok, although they are fairly rapidly removed from the field and placed in the barn.

The most recent mother was No 84 at 4:15 this afternoon, and last Saturday the original limping cow also gave birth.

Last evening there was unusual bellowing coming from the hospital field. We went out into the garden in the dark and saw a midwife cow galloping past the fence and towards the source of the noise. At first light this morning the first calf of the season is visible under the trees by the river. It is amazing to see the calf walking unsteadily less than 12 hours after being born. Mother and baby appear to be doing fine. Later on, the mother cow rejoined the remaining herd leaving her calf snoozing in the grass. We are looking forward to more calves over the coming weeks.

The 'dirty dozen' have also been placed in the hospital field together with the existing heifers and the limping seniors. The first arrival must surely be imminent!

Another cow from the main herd has joined the occupants of the hospital field. Not sure exactly what her problem is. The other senior cow is still limping around with the bandaged hoof.

The still August evenings are perfect for bat watching and also for star gazing. Mars is spectacularly bright.