How lovely it is to lie, snug in bed, and listen to the weather roar outside. The rain lashes against the house and a gust of wind from the east whistles under the eaves from time to time. The window is slightly ajar - wide enough to let in air but not enough to let in too much of that wicked weather. All of me is warm and cosily tucked up. I've a book to read; Wolf Hall which has, amongst all things promised on the cover, a most soporific effect. All is well in my bed-time world.But what is that raucous din that breaks the night air? It is a shed-full of young cattle bawling just the other side of the garden wall, that's what. I think they have been brought to over-winter here and their assorted mothers have stayed elsewhere. They have been weaned. It is a heart rending noise - and one I've written about before. They'll settle down and get used to being in this strange place without the reassuring presence of their mums.
I've just been across to see them and they are mostly quiet now. Though wary at first, their nosiness soon overcame any fear of a fool with a camera and they jostled and snorted to get a better look. We had a few words along the lines of 'Shh. No more of that noise tonight.'
I got a moo or too by way of answer. That's a 'Yes' then?
10 comments:
Ooh, your warm, cosy tucked-up-with-a-book-ness sounds lovely. I feel sad for the calves, though. That keening and bellowing is so heart-rending. I'm sure they will soon settle down to calm grazing, but it's such a hard thing to listen to.
Prize or no, I will remember your comment and check Wolf Hall from the library if I find a patch when sleeping is elusive.
Those dear calves surely had a better night after your visit. Surely, you and your camera gave them something totally new to have a calf whisper about, quietly, quietly.
You truly painted the picture perfectly. xo
Oh, bless; poor calves. It's just like that here in the city with the young students when they're first separated from their mothers - hooting and hollering all night.
Those eyes.........and their poor mams must miss them too.
We are a kind hearted lot arent we? I'm sure calves have always fretted when parted from their mums but I have to agree with you that it's a sad noise and they always seem to have a sad look in their eyes to go with it. Hope they settle down soon. Hope to see you soon. A x
They do make a raucus noise don't they? When I worked on the Beef Unit we used to get calves in at five days old. They were adorable and so patheticallty grateful for company and a bit of TLC. However a few months later they were great hulking beasts full of zip and drive. Ohh we had to be careful then!
what a snug picture your post presents!
But I absolutely agree about cows and calves when they have been separated.
I hate going past the local farm when the calves have been taken away from their mothers and the poor old cows bellow and howl for days on end for their babies.
I'm supposed to be used to it by now but it still breaks my heart. Soppy and sentimental, I know.
The first time I heard this I found it heartrending . It's one of the reasons why I live in town .... I feel less guilty about enjoying butter , cream and cheese .
Here in Brittany they seem to be in the habit of leaving an adult cow with the young ones to keep an eye on them. You se her in the middle of the field like a teacher on playground duty and if anything upsets them they all come running. I think its rather wise and kind!
ps the word verification for this was HYpers which sort of sums up your young heffers n'est pas?!
Aw, how sweet of you to go out and settle them down. I didn't realise how nosy cows were until we moved here - they really stare, don't they?
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