Last week we were lucky enough to get a blizzard. It’s very dry here and at this point we aren’t too particular in how moisture comes.
Dan O’Brien 2013 Blizzard
We were also expecting to see our first calf at anytime and although we received 20″ of snow we weren’t too concerned. Bison evolved in this country and are well adapted to weather extremes. There is a theory that bison can hold off giving birth until after a storm has passed. We’re unsure if this is fact, but the morning after last week’s blizzard, we got our first glimpse of this year’s first baby. Mother and baby are doing well.
First Baby Buffalo
Dan brings hay to supplement the lack of grass. I tag along to get photos of the herd and a glimpse of the new babies. The new mom’s remove themselves from the main herd and set up what we call “the maternity ward”, complete with new and expecting mothers.
Dan O’Brien Feeding hay
Buffalo on the Horizon
Mom with late fall Buffalo Calf
Buffalo Herd after Blizzard
Within a few days we had 5 baby calves, and another blizzard on the way. The snow came heavy last night without wind, frosting the landscape all the way to the horizon. I grabbed my camera gear this morning and headed out with Dan for the morning hay feeding. The weight of the snow quiets the ranch to where all you can hear is your heart beat and the soft grunts of the buffalo. They seem undisturbed in their warm down, wooly coats.
Buffalo Eating Hay
Two Yearling Bulls
While Dan rolls out 2 tons of hay, I go off in search of the maternity ward to insure that all is ok. I find them content in a shallow wooded draw. Babies close to their mothers, until the little ones take off, leaping occasionally on their new wobbly legs! The mothers stay close behind, nudging them further into the draw and out of my view. A great morning!
The Maternity Ward
Buffalo Babies
Comments 6
What beautiful photos, Jill!. How excited you must be to see the “newlings.” Spring must surely be on its way.
I just love you guys! You give me new hope in this Monsanto plagued world. Your story – and the story above, with the pictures, honestly brought tears to my eyes. With all the corruption and ignorance in the world, there are good people like you who we can look to for goodness. Thank you for being true.
Kathleen
This is a beautiful testimony for GOD’S work. To think you share his beauty first hand is awesome. Some day would like come see a herd w/new babies. Keep up the good work.
gorgeous but as i finish lambing here i am so grateful have the snow.i know it has its good points and the pictures are so good but sorry i am happy with my girls and worrying if it will freeze while lambs are coming.God bless and hope you have wonderful fruitful calm spring.thanks for sharing your world
Thank you for sharing these photos of the babies. I love what you guys are doing. I just placed my first order a few days ago and cannot wait to receive it. I agree with what Kathleen had to say. It is always inspiring to see the hard work other people are doing.
Thank you!
I USED TO LIVE NEAR LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES IN TN. BABY SEARCHING FOR THE BUFFALO BABIES WAS THE WAY I PASSED TIME WHEN I WAS OFF FROM THE SHERIFF’S DEPT. TO DE-STRESS. GOD REALLY DOES AMAZING THINGS. BE BLESSED YOU ALL AND SAFE.