Occasionally I have to do the tourist thing… and photograph the “hairy coo,” or its equivalent in other places. So, yes, this is a picture of a cow, or “coo” as they say Scotland. These cattle are apparently a unique breed found in Scotland. Several things distinguish them: that long fur, the ability to thrive in very cold climates, and the horns found on both males and females. The Scots seem to be quite proud of them.
Continue reading Highland Hairy Coo
Yes, more cute “coo.” I know, not my usual subject. But these “hairy coos” are a big deal in Scotland, and they really are striking and marvelous creatures — especially if you come across one or more in a pasture on a foggy or rainy day. It is hard to imagine many other things that feel more like the Scottish highlands.
Continue reading Hairy Coo Calf
Like the brochures say, no visit to Scotland is complete without seeing the hairy highland “coos.” While coos (or, in American English, “cows”) are not my usual subject, the critters were there and I had a camera, so I made some photographs. In this case, a small herd was right next to the road north of Portree, so we paused on our daylong route out and around the end of the island to view them.
Continue reading Back-Scratching Hairy Coo Calf
This time of year I head to the flatlands of the Central Valley, looking for migratory birds to photograph. But these are not the only critters I see. As I drive along backroads and levees and across pastures I see some distinctly less exotic animals such as ground squirrels. At one location they make their holes everywhere, including next to and under the gravel roadway. I’m used to watching them race away as a I approach. But not this one.
This squirrel had climbed up the stem of a dried plant, positioned itself in the “v” between two branches and under a loop of dried seeds. It was just… sitting there. It didn’t react to the presence of our vehicle, it didn’t appear to be feeding. Other than providing an excellent target for hungry raptors, I have no idea what it was up to.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.
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