Sunday 21st December - All 25 seen - Steer 35 continues to limp but didn't appear any worse than yesterday. He is keeping up with the herd.

At 09:35 this morning, fourteen cattle were gathered near ///browsers.denser.foods. Most were browsing heather and gorse along the bushes beside the main path, while a couple had settled in the bracken to rest and chew their cud. The group was very friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. As time passed, more of the cattle lay down to rest.

Older steer 33 and yearling 271 were a little further west, alternating between foraging for acorns and eating gorse, with older steer 35 enjoying plenty of gorse nearby. Shortly after 10:00, steer 35 wandered over to join the main group. He was still limping and clearly uncomfortable, but no worse than yesterday. As before, he allowed me to approach, check him over, and take photos of his ankle. Afterwards, he lay down to take weight off the sore foot.

Many of the cattle returned for more attention, thoroughly enjoying long neck and back scratches before settling back down to chew their cud or doze. I said my goodbyes at 11:00, leaving all but cow 72 lying down. She had just emerged from the gorse bushes and came over for a back rub, happily allowing the loose gorse to be brushed from her face, neck, and back. All fourteen cattle were happy, relaxed, and—aside from steer 35’s injury—looking well.

At 11:10, I found the remaining eleven cattle on Hungry Hill. Steers 21 and 219, along with cows 214 and 940, were alternating between browsing gorse and foraging among the fallen leaves. Sussex steers 210 and 1640 were nearby doing the same, but soon wandered off. The group of four was very friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. I later caught up with the two Sussex steers near the southern fence line, where they had joined the other five Sussex cattle. Four were lying down, resting and chewing their cud, while steer 1626 foraged among the leaves nearby. All eleven were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

I said my goodbyes at 12:25, leaving them in two groups: four Sussex cattle resting while the other three foraged for acorns, and the four originals grazing happily further north.

As I was leaving, I passed the group of fourteen again. Youngster 227 was up browsing gorse, while the other thirteen were resting, chewing their cud, or snoozing. Steer 35 was still lying down and appeared comfortable. Hopefully the group will have a lazy Sunday and allow him to rest. I spent another fifteen minutes with them before saying my final goodbyes shortly before 13:00.

Except for the injured steer 35, the cattle were all good today.

Photos to follow later.