Tuesday 29th September - All 25 seen

At 17:00 this afternoon, steers 20, 33, 217, 227, 228, 230, and 271 were relaxing and chewing their cud near ///caller.ghost.tables, west of James Bond Pond, while older steer 21 was grazing nearby. As I was approaching, youngster 228 got up and wandered over to greet me, quickly leaning in for a neck and back scratch. The others were happy to be approached for their checks, with several also standing up for back scratches. As I said my goodbyes at 17:25, they all drifted off to graze. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 17:30, cow 72 was grazing contentedly among the trees and bushes further northwest near ///bravo.scoop.roost. She was very friendly and enjoyed having the sides of her neck scratched while standing close. In the pasture to the north, on the far side of the path, steers 30, 210, and 1626, along with cow 212, were browsing leaves and gorse. All five were relaxed and in good condition.

At 17:50, cows 214, 234, and 940 were grazing among the gorse and bramble near the main entrance to the Gelvert reserve. Further west, steers 197, 219, and 1640, along with cows 211 and 1396, were grazing along both sides of the main path, enjoying a mix of grass, gorse, and bramble. Cow 211 was especially friendly, greeting me with gentle head rubs before thanking me with licks after a long neck scratch. The group carried on west towards Beacon Hill Road, with the group of three girls following closely behind. All eight were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

Finally, at 18:15, youngster 270 emerged through the gorse bushes along the side of the path near ///fills.renamed.aviators. He was quick to say hello and enjoy plenty of attention. In the pasture to the east, steers 35, 220, and 222 were well spread out grazing. Youngster 222 spotted me coming and wandered over to meet me. He was happy to just stand for plenty of scratches, shifting around enthusiastically when I found a particularly itchy spot. He was ever so affectionate, offering the sweetest head rubs and even some licks. Steers 35 and 220 were happy to take a break from their grazing to stand and be checked.  I said my goodbyes at 18:50 as darkness was beginning to fall, leaving youngsters 220, 222, and 270 gathered near ///shred.tarred.cubed, with older steer 35 having wandered around the corner for a drink of water from the large pool.

The cattle were all good today.