Saturday 31st May - All 4 seen - Yearling 283 has lost the tags from his left ear.

At around 15:15 this afternoon, the yearlings were resting under the trees near ///shunning.arena.tame, close to the northern perimeter fence. Yearling 276 came straight over to say hello and enjoyed a long head and neck rub. The others soon followed, keen for a greeting and some strokes.

Even though they were under the shade of the trees, it was still warm, and the boys were being bothered by large numbers of flies and horseflies. They spent their time alternating between standing huddled around the tree trunks, lying down in the dense bushes to the north, or settling close to where I was standing. They struggled to get comfortable, constantly swishing and rubbing their heads against the trees or the ground for some relief. Even though it’s all part of a cow’s life, you can’t help feeling sorry for them in these conditions.

Yearling 276 rarely left my side. For a good while, he stood tucked into my kneeling position with his head resting on my shoulder, enjoying plenty of rubs and strokes while chewing his cud. By staying so close, he got some much-needed respite from the flies. Even when he lay down, he stayed close, resting his head against my legs. The others came over regularly for more strokes as well — especially yearling 282, who lay on his side and happily enjoyed a long chin and neck rub. I was pleased to see some good hair regrowth on his neck today.

I also noted that yearling 283 has lost the tags from his left ear.

After lots more strokes and rubs, I said my goodbyes at 17:00, leaving yearlings 276 and 282 lying down resting in the bushes, while yearlings 278 and 283 were huddled together beside a nearby tree. Despite the heat and persistent flies, they all seemed happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

It was also a pleasure to meet Tony today, who was out checking on the boys as well.

The cows were all good today.

Sat 31 May 25 (14.55 - 15.30ish) Saw All Four in G4 and E3/F3. All Well. I also met up with Gordon.

I spotted them grazing in G4, as I was on the track south of their position.  I pushed my bike across the low scrub towards them.  They were making fast ground towards the NW, but I managed to catch up with them and take photos, just before they entered a young silver birch copse.

As I moved away westerly towards the cattle grid, I looked back and noticed that they too were heading in that direction.  Once under the pine trees I turned and saw a figure moving towards them from the south.  After a few minutes of waiting near the cattle grid for the cattle to appear, I surmised that the figure that I had seen could be Gordon and that they had stopped to greet him.

So, leaving my bike, I headed back east away from the cattle grid.  After about 75 yards and about 10 yards from the northern perimeter fence, I found the cattle relaxing under the shade of some pine trees.  Sitting with them giving one a well earned scratch was the figure that I had seen.  He confirmed that he was indeed Gordon and I introduced myself.  We spoke for several minutes, before I remembered that I had left my bike at the cattle grid.  I therefore left the guys and Gordon in peace.  The yearlings at that time were all contentedly laying down.

 

Great to meet you at last Gordon.

Wednesday 28th - Morning

 Found the boys in the middle of a rhododendron bush just inside the second entrance at ///teamed.clockwork.swift.  They were just chilling and chewing the cud.

As far as I could see they were fine.  I left them to carry on chilling.

Monday 26th May - All 4 seen

The boys were happily grazing near ///diverged.doing.thinks at 10:55 this morning. They were all very friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. Yearling 282 thoroughly enjoyed a long neck and chin scratch, even resting his head on my shoulder at one point. While the hair on his neck continues to thin, it doesn’t seem to be bothering him. Yearling 276 was especially affectionate, leaning in for a long neck and shoulder rub, then thanking me with gentle head rubs and licks. All four were happy, relaxed, and looking great.

After a quick graze around the western set of tank pits, the boys set off on a slow graze southwest through the pasture. They were enjoying plenty of long grass, heather, and leaves from the silver birch trees. As the wandered, they would regularly come over for more strokes and rubs. Yearling 276 rarely left my side, content to graze while enjoying back rubs.

Just before midday, I left them peacefully grazing to go and clean the water trough. I'd only just finished when they all turned up to inspect my work. They seemed pleased and enjoyed a refreshing drink. Afterwards, they began settling down nearby to rest and chew their cud. Yearlings 276 and 282 insisted on a final round of strokes before lying down, which I was more than happy to provide. I said my goodbyes at around 12:25, leaving them all resting contentedly.

It was also lovely to catch up with Jacky and her husband, who had come by to check on the yearlings too.

The cows were all good today.

Monday 26th all four seen in C8/D8 11.20

 All seen looking fine. Gordon was there so had a chat.

Boys all look fine

Sun 25 May 25 (11.15 - 11.30) All Four Seen in H5. All OK.

 Like yesterday, I found them quite easily, (unusually for when I bring friends with me and I'm on foot).

They were busily grazing on the lush grass available in the middle of the open ground between the two main E-W tracks.

We walked over to them and took photos, but grazing was far too important to them to be interrupted for scratches and stroke from the "loikes" of us.  We stayed with them circling and taking photos for about 15 mins before leaving.   They all looked well and content.

As we left they were generally heading SE.

Sat 24 May 25, (08.30 - 08.45) All Four Cattle seen in E4. All OK.

I was unable to visit yesterday, (Friday).  So, I went early this morning, (Saturday).

They were easily found sitting immediately to the east of the cattle grid.  All four were laying down chewing the cud, looking very relaxed.   

I did not want to disturb their tranquility, but 276 was happy to receive a scratch on the forehead.

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I took a short video of all four of them, but have not tried to upload it in case it caused issues to the site.    Zoe can you advise if it will allow videos to be uploaded and equally important, if you want them.