Mee Outdoors Photography

Would you believe this one is about cows?

I see a lot of cows, as most people hiking in rural areas will.

Here’s the first collection of what I’ve observed from bovine encounters.

Disclaimer for images of random sizes. They’ve been taken over a good number of years on a good number of devices.

Merrily greeted

A joyous meeting with bright and curious little ones that just made my heart sing.

They cautiously became braver until the lovely little one on the right came bounding up to me for a chat and a scratch.

Cautiously greeted

On the contrary though, there are other meetings with cattle that can make people (me included) nervous.

One thing I consistently find with cows is that they are inquisitive.

That doesn’t necessarily mean they want to interact with you, but they can be very interested in strangers. Especially when they don’t see many people.

After all, I may have had apples, or have been sent to brush them. They aren’t to know, so they often have to come and investigate.

Meadow grazing

This lady and her friends make the decision to graze and rest right at the foot of a stile we were attempting to use.

Now, this post is not advice about managing cows. But I have found that, where cows are in the way, you can chivvy them on by asking them to move, waving your arms about and patting them on the bum. This is not something I would ever do if the cows in question seemed upset in any way.

Here, though, they were blissed out in a meadow during the peak of the summer sun, more interested in relaxing and just enjoying their day without any exertion or aggravation.

Lakeside posing

I can’t really describe this individual, loitering on the edges of Crummock Water.

He was at least semi-keen on investigating the comings and goings of people on the footpath.

That said, they didn’t seem to want any interaction, despite being in the way. In my opinion, this picture is just awkward.

I didn’t know what he was doing.

I didn’t know what I was doing.

It was all just a bit odd.

We parted ways.

Courting

Bulls generally aren’t pictured in the best light. There are plenty of reasons for this, and I’m certainly very wary whenever I walk through their fields.

What we see and experience less is the more everyday side of a bull. Days spent grazing, grooming cows and calves, socialising and just being attentive and sweet.

This picture doesn’t quite do justice to his size or power. But he was only interested in a tender moment with absolutely no interest in me.

Mini Galloway

I feel the belted-Galloway has to be up there as a breed most folks recognise.

The little ones are just so light and fluffy. Mind, I didn’t like the attitude on this one.

He had no encouragement from anyone else in the herd, but I felt like he was try to instigate an issue with me. Very standoffish.

Which is amusing while he’s this size. When he grows to be around 100 stone though, it’s altogether less comical.

Maxi Galloway

Though, temperament varies by each creature, and this young adult bull was just wonderful.

As they age, much like with people, they lose the baby hair, and this adult is all coarse, though with a magnificent fringe.

He was calm and sweet and appeared to be politely asking for a nose rub.

Final moosings

All these pics were taken during safe situations where none of the animals appeared to be in any form of distress.

It’s important to respect the animals, keep your distance at any sign of distress, and never standing between cow and calf.

They’re intelligent animals and aren’t to be rushed by strangers. If in doubt, give them space, or choose an alternative route.