Wednesday 4th February - 17 seen

What a difference 24 hours makes. It was a lovely, sunny day, and the cattle were dry, in good spirits, and looking well. Youngster 217 still had a wet head from browsing damp gorse, but soon lay down to rest and dry out.

At 11:10, steers 21, 30, 33, 217, 220, 222, and 230 were browsing gorse near ///liner.truck.guides. They were all friendly, pausing their grazing to say hello as I checked on them, with most enjoying some strokes. Youngster 222 came over as soon as he spotted me and enjoyed a long neck and back scratch. He was lovely and soft after the previous day’s rain and returned the affection with gentle head rubs. Youngster 230 was equally happy to stand in the sunshine and be fussed over. All seven were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 11:40, steer 20 and cow 940 were relaxing and chewing their cud in the sunshine among the heather near ///loom.smirking.bills, while older steer 35 grazed nearby in the gorse. Around 45 metres further southeast, youngster 228 was sitting in the sunshine, peacefully chewing his cud. He was more than happy to be approached for plenty of scratches. On the opposite side of the path, youngster 227 was browsing gorse, but soon came over to say hello and enjoy a long back rub before lying down to rest.

At 12:10, cow 234 was grazing in the gorse by the path at the eastern end of Sandy Hill. Nearby, cows 72 and 214, together with yearlings 270 and 271, were grazing enthusiastically among the heather on the slope, gradually making their way down towards Horse Pond. Cow 234 soon joined them. They were all very friendly and enjoyed plenty of attention. All five were happy, content, and in good condition.

When I returned to the earlier group at 12:40, steers 20 and 35 and cow 940 were lying down close to where I had seen them before. Youngsters 227 and 228 were still resting in the same spot, enjoying the sunshine. Youngster 228 soon got up for a relaxing back scratch before lying back down again at 13:00. I said my goodbyes shortly afterwards.

There was still no sign of youngster 219 or the six Sussex cattle today. I suspect they were over on Gelvert, but unfortunately, I didn’t have time to cross over and look for them.

The cows that were found were all good today.