staff check 13 July all 25 seen in 3 groups, all good

Unable to look on 17th and 20th July

 I am having my pacemaker replaced on Thursday before the battery in my current one runs out. 

While I am able to walk it is advised to go easy for a few days so I won’t be able to do looking duties on Friday 17th and Monday 20th. All being well I will be back on Friday 24th.

Monday 13th July - All 25 seen

 Between 08:00 - 10:00

All seen in 3 groups this morning

///ringers.stack.zebra (east of Horse pond) 7 Sussex’s 219,035 and 033

///tables.loyal.boost (north side Horse pond) 021,270,271 and 220

///blows.menu.estimated (close to the lookout) 222,020,234,217,940,230,228,214,227,072 and 030

On my return from the lookout the Sussex’s, 219,035 and 033 were making their way along the northern edge of horse pond and hopefully settle in the shade under the trees.

All the cattle were good this morning 

Sunday 12th July - All 25 seen

At 09:30 this morning, the seven Sussex cattle, along with steers 20, 21, 30, 35, 219, and 228, were well spread out grazing in the pasture about 450 metres west of the Sandy Bowl, around ///aside.palm.supply. They were all friendly, stopping to say hello and enjoy plenty of attention. Youngster 228 thoroughly enjoyed a long back scratch while standing in the shade beneath one of the large trees. Older steer 21 preferred to stand close and chew his cud as I helped keep the many flies away from his eyes. By 10:25, the group crossed the path to the west and disappeared into the bracken as they made their way towards Horse Pond for a drink before settling beneath the trees to the west of the pond. All thirteen were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 10:30, cows 214, 234, and 940, along with steers 33, 220, 222, 227, 230, 270, and 271, were huddled together resting beneath the large tree near ///fuzz.arise.braked. Several were lying in the bracken, trying to keep the many flies away from their eyes. Cow 72 was lying in the sunshine slightly to the northwest, contentedly chewing her cud despite being pestered by flies, while youngster 217 was grazing among the bracken further southwest. Cow 72 was happy to be approached and enjoyed plenty of gentle strokes around her face and neck. After a short while, youngster 222 got to his feet and wandered over to greet me, enjoying a neck scratch before returning the affection with gentle head rubs. He then shuffled forward and thoroughly enjoyed an extra-long back scratch. The others were all friendly when I checked on them, with many getting to their feet to enjoy a little attention.

By 11:20, youngster 217 had joined the group, and they all started to get to their feet and gather beneath the large tree. A short time later, they followed the path to the northeast, stopping beneath the trees at the far end. After resting for a short while, they moved into the same pasture the earlier group had been using and began to graze. They mostly kept to the shade of the bracken and trees, gradually making their way southeast.

I said my goodbyes shortly after midday, just as the first of the group began crossing the path to the south and moving into the pasture near ///fuzz.arise.braked to continue grazing. All twelve were happy, relaxed, and in good condition despite the prospect of another hot afternoon.

The cows were all good today.

 

Saturday 11th July - All 25 seen

The cattle were seen in three groups today – the seven Sussex cattle, plus steers 21 and 219, near the water tower; cows 72, 214, 234, and 940, along with steers 20 and 271, under the trees to the east of James Bond Pond; and the remaining ten steers under the trees to the east of Horse Pond.  

All were very friendly, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs as I checked on them. Despite the slightly cooler weather and a refreshing breeze, there were still a lot of flies about.  The group by Horse Pond were worst affected, with a few teary faces where flies were irritating their eyes and causing them to water.

Overall, the cattle were in good spirits – happy, relaxed, and looking well.  They appear to be coping well with this long hot spell.