Gambolling free

Cowcam has not been broadcasting for a few days whilst I was away taking the Londonderry Air. The weather here sounded much the same as I experienced in the North of Ireland, windy with sunshine and sporadic showers, and today has been no different. The cows and calves trotted across the field to take shelter under the trees during the heaviest downpour, but for most of the day they have been idling in the sun. Every so often a bunch of calves start running about, which seems to irritate the mothers somewhat. The older cows lower their heads to butt the calves back but they just skip aside and continue on their playful way. It's quite a sight to see the calves buck and gambol as they change direction and speed on a whim.

April Snow

The forecasted snow arrived! Only a light dusting but enough to muffle the sounds and to interest the calves for a while. The strong north-easterly wind created a blizzard and the herd moved across the field to shelter in the lee of the copse. Once the wind had died down a bit the snow eased off and as I write has almost stopped, leaving about an inch lying. Snow puts a different perspective on the landscape so I'll try and take some pictures before the thaw sets in.

Full of the joys of spring

April 1st saw the arrival of mothers and calves in the home field. To start with there were just four, but on Wednesday afternoon there was some excited mooing and a large bunch moved in from the farmyard. They careered around the field before settling down. This morning the sun is out and the mini-herd are enjoying themselves in the green grass.