Otterly Brilliant!
Monday, September 16th 2013
Fern and Liquorice, the two Dexter cattle on loan from Big Sheep Little Cow have done a fantastic job grazing the wetland bunds over the summer months. Yesterday Fern gave birth to a calf and as the weather is turning colder it was decided to return them to their farm in Bedale.
Duncan and Lucy arrived with a sack of feed which the two adults were keen to eat. The calf however was hidden in the tall grass. This is usual behaviour for these calves who behave in a similar way to young deer and hide between feeds.
The mother was eager to follow her youngster back towards the trailer which made the whole task far easier than last year's when it took three or four attempts to finally catch the mischievious cows.
Liquorice had second thoughts when she neared the vehicle!
It took quite a bit of coaxing to encourage her to load.
Once inside the calf could be checked over. It is a heifer and is in good health which is good news for the farm.
Another young mammal made an appearance at Foxglove this morning. Two Otters were seen on the lake. An adult female with a young pup (or whelp) were observed making their way along the bank. Sadly no photographs were taken but the pair were unmistakable and very likely to be the same animals that a visitor reported on Friday in the same spot.
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