Yesterday we moved the lambs and mothers from the paddock near the barn to the high ground up the lane.  The ground closest to the barn needs a recharge after a period of grazing; the fields above are a virtual sea of grass and clover.  Last night they camped out along the stone wall that runs beneath the row of sugar maples.  My tour of the pasture this afternoon revealed  the lambsters happily ensconced, not showing any signs of missing the shelter of the barn.

With the ewes grazing nearby, the lambs lounged in pools of shade.  It was cool, breezy and surprisingly black-fly-free for this time of season.  So I hung out with them for a while . . .

Tupelo and Savannah came by for conversation and finger nibbling.

The view looking downhill, toward the West Barn

(Click for a closer look)

Each of my  pasture inspections includes a check for Jackson, bottle lamb errant.  His tendency to stray from the flock  has become worrisome, especially now that the sheep are farther afield.  A lone lamb is an easy target for a predator.   

Finding him is usually not difficult.  If he doesn’t appear at my side when I call, I just look for his body guard . . .

Crackerjack has intuitively stepped in as Jackson’s personal guardian.    I am in awe of this llama.  I never would have imagined it possible for him to bond so strongly with his charges.

Note here how Jackson has wandered away from the flock and Crackerjack has stationed himself at his side.  Amazing, really.

While manning my booth at the Mass. Sheep & Wool Fair last weekend, I stepped up my efforts to find a new home for Jackson, telling his story to nearly everyone who stopped by.  He truly is a lost soul in a large flock and would be much happier (and safer) on a smaller farm.  Today I received word via email that Christine, shepherdess of a smaller flock, would be glad to have him.  I will truly miss this little guy (still on the bottle at 10 weeks!) but am so relieved to know he will go to a good home.