OUR SMALL HERD

Our original four boys came from Ardo Alpacas in Aberdeenshire. We are not alpaca breeders and have our boys purely as pets. Our experience is that you don't need to be a breeder and that a 'batchelor herd' can give much pleasure to the owner. We have 5 acres including our big garden and grazing for the boys, 15 miles north of Inverness, Scotland. I spin, knit, felt and crochet with the fleece from the boys.

Clicking!!

Just a reminder that clicking on (most) of the photos will show them greatly enlarged.

Sunday 26 August 2018

Wagtails and apples!

More good weather this week with plenty of sun but also rain at times - and lower temperatures.  Yesterday was a lovely day and Fergus just fancied a snooze in the sun!
Fergus was quite happy to allow the other three boys to pay attention to a flock of sheep in the adjoining field being rounded up by the farmer and his collie.
During the past couple of weeks we have had many young Pied Wagtails flying around the paddocks chasing flies.  You may need to magnify this photo to see them but there are three or four around Faro and one near Fidget's chin (nearest camera.)  The birds are catching the flies which lift off the ground when the alpacas walk through the grass - similar to the actions of Swallows around the feet of cattle.
We continue to keep a close eye on Fidget since the Vet's visit but his weight appears to have stabilised and he is eating, drinking and behaving normally.  Going to the toilet takes an abnormally long time however but this does not appear to bother him.   There are two Pied Wagtails to the left of Fidget (looking at the picture.)
We've had a change to Bank Holiday weather today when the rain arrived.  Apple feeding time for the boys and Faro looks like he will enjoy his slice!  Fyta is looking on.
Fergus loves apples - well, he loves any food - and here he is enjoying a couple of slices.  Fyta is closest to him and Fidget is in the background.
I've mentioned previously that this year we have an abundance of apples on all of our trees. This is the fourth year of growth for these trees and they are all doing really well in the warmer temperatures.  I love the beautiful colour of these 'Fiesta' apples.
And finally............ we have some lovely flowers in the garden at present.  The white lilies are at the rear and the white hanging bells of the Galtonia (Summer Hyacinth) are at the front.

2 comments:

  1. Your boys are all looking well! Glad to read that Fidget is holding onto his weight.
    We too get wagtails in one of our paddocks, they seem to prefer open areas in the sun and have their favoyrite spits for catching insects! Love to you both and your boys from La Grand-Mere!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Judy, thanks for that - hope you and Ron are also well. Hope your lovely beasties have had a good summer too. Weather still holding here although a bit chillier in the mornings! Look after yourselves. Shirley & Robbie

      Delete