These images were taken three days in a row this week, showing our changing spring conditions. Jim likes the dawn photo of the sheep on the move, comparing the rams to elephants. Wednesday was a bright, sunny day and I was despairing over our need for moisture. By Thursday, the moisture arrived.
Author: Cat Urbigkit
Just out of reach
I was working outside near the house the other day, and saw Rena going across the ranch yard with a piece of pipe. What the heck? Noting her enthusiasm, which later became obsession, I knew something must be in the pipe. Rena was so intent on her task that when Rant came over to find …
Osprey
Checking on the sheep herd in the pickup truck today, I drove near our currently vacant osprey nesting platform, which was installed by the power company in response to several fried birds and numerous power outages. I used the opportunity to shut off the motor and and read a first-draft manuscript aloud to Rena the …
Reviewers needed
My next nonfiction children’s book will be released this fall, so my publishing house is currently preparing the marketing plan. The book is about pronghorn antelope, and the photographer is my talented friend Mark Gocke. This is my first nature title for kids (my other books are about agriculture). If you’re a blogger or writer …
Meeting a mouse
It began innocently enough – Luv’s Girl (all white female Akbash) found a mouse and took it to Rant (male Aziat) and turned it loose.Rant was appalled. What the heck was that tiny thing that appeared to be about to attack him!?!Was it scary? Well it might be scary!To make it stop, put your foot …
Spring strut
It’s official: spring has arrived in western Wyoming, as evidenced by the number of Greater Sage-Grouse on the lek I visited this morning. Leks are traditional strutting/breeding grounds for this biggest of our native grouse species. I usually set April 1 as my target date to visit leks, but with warm temperatures and most snow …
Freedom Arms
Freedom Arms is located in western Wyoming’s Star Valley, a logical location for a world-class revolver maker, since the Baker family has deep roots in the valley. The historic Baker Cabin, located on Etna’s main street, is the oldest building in town. It was constructed by Bob Baker’s great grandmother Anna Eliza Baker and her …
Guardian dance
Roo the burro and Rena the Akbash had a gentle dispute again this afternoon, and it resembled a beautiful dance in the snow. Valentine the new bearded pup was venturing outside the yard, and Roo made a beeline to see her, with Rena letting her objection be known.Apparently it looked like so much fun that …
Valentine, and other animals
On Valentine’s Day, we drove out to Pete’s ranch and picked up our new herding dog pup, Valentine. Rena the Akbash and Roo the burro were very anxious to meet the new baby, a bearded/border collie mix. Jim and his new girl Val had to have an afternoon nap:Lest anyone think that the puppy is …
A puppy challenge
I’m done posting images of the captive wildlife I photographed during my tour of captive facilities a few years ago, and I’m back to posting some of the shots from the ranch. This is one of my favorites – we (Jim and I) had to use a broom to safely escort this beautiful porcupine away …