Red Dogs

Usually in about mid April we will start to notice a random cow or two off on her own, away from the herd and normally seeking out the wooded or secluded parts of the pastures...this means calving season is upon us! Sometimes the cows will disappear for a day or two, then all of a sudden you will see them back with the herd with a new Red Dog (baby bison calf) by their side, other times some of the cows will group together and create their own little nursery herd, with new moms joining the group each day. This starts a chain reaction within the herd and after a few weeks there can almost seem to be 2 different herds. The groups interact with each other on and off throughout the day, and many times settle down together at night, but during the day or when the established herd is out grazing, the "nursery herd" can usually be seen off on its own or together off to the side. It reminds me of a bunch of new moms at a playground, gathering up the toddlers when a group of older kids moves in to ruff house and play.