First calf of the year! On the heels of a fantastically cold February, March brought much-needed warmer weather and the start of calving. It is an exhausting yet delightful time of year. One month later and we’re back to sleeping through the night. It is magical to walk through the barnyard in the wee hours of the night… until it becomes a nightly routine for a few weeks and it loses its charm!
Little bodies are tucked among mama cows as they contentedly munch hay. After they’re a few days old, the calves begin frolicking together on the prairie while a babysitter cow or two try to corral them. Watching their antics brings me much joy!
The beavers of Coulee Creek have been busy. Rocky Mountain Juniper is a very dense wood – great for keeping the teeth worn to an appropriate length. All rodents, including beaver, need to munch on woody food to whittle their ever-growing teeth down. The beavers’ primary food source here is the fibrous roots of bullrushes, but they still feed on the ponderosa pines and junipers occasionally.
Coulee Creek was swollen with meltwater after February’s deep snow rapidly vanished. As the waters subsided, a gift rock became visible on the banks.
Coulee Creek Ranch 
I do like Spring in Montana.
Have you folks read the book The Crazies by Amy Gamerman? it is a must read for folks living out west.
I have a copy to loan if you want.
Bob Mackin
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