I’ve never had such a clear view of the nursing process of a bison calf.
On Antelope Island bison cows with newborn calves typically remain in isolated areas of the island for a few days after giving birth but ten days ago a herd of cows and calves crossed the road to access water sources on the east side of the island. I’ve photographed nursing calves previously but this was the best look I’ve had at the actual process. Some of these photos are slightly out of sequence but I believe this order represents the behavior accurately.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
Here the calf has its eyes on the prize – an udder with four milk bearing teats.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
The calf would alternate teats and was extremely demanding in that it head-butted the udder repeatedly. The force of the head-butts from this 100 lb (approx.) calf made me wince each time it happened, which was often.
1/800, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
Here the calf is reaching for one of the far teats. This is the best view I’ve ever had of the nitty-gritty details of a nursing calf. It’s interesting to note that even at this tender age these calves have horn nubbins.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
After a few minutes of nursing the calf was apparently satisfied enough to allow its mother some peaceful grazing but it wasn’t long before the demanding little rascal insisted on more milk.
I just now realized that after two days of wild horse posts I had promised that I’d get back to birds. I’m afraid keeping that promise will be delayed for one more day.
Ron
I’m so moved by this exquisite series – what it reveals seems so much bigger than the moment. Thanks for capturing this magic set of moments and for sharing these with us! You’ve made my evening.
A truly beautiful series which brought back some memories (though not of bison). Whoever coined the phrase ‘gentle as a lamb’ had obviously not seen them head butting their mothers while nursing. I have seen lambs shift their mother’s footing despite the size/weight disparity.
That’s right! After reading your comment I remembered seeing that behavior in sheep too, Elephant’s Child. Interesting how it all might have evolved, both behaviorally and physiologically.
I especially like the first and last images, The first is the cutest, best portrait of a buffalo calf I’ve ever seen and the last shows the size difference so well…
Interesting that you’d say that about the first image, Patty. That shot strongly appealed to me too.
Cori Campbell said it all! I agree 100%. Your expertise as a photographer, your powers of observation, and your informative, thought provoking comments on behavior, are priceless…be it feathered or 4-legged, winged or hooved subjects…or the landscapes they live in. They’re all part of what most of us love so much…please keep “detouring” and taking us along with you…
So very nice of you to say so, Patty. I hope I continue to live up to those high standards. And I promise you more “detours” in the future!
As I understand it, with ungulates, the head butting is what makes the milk drop down into the udder – or something like that! I’ve had to bottle-feed a deer fawn or two for brief periods and if you’re not expecting it, the instinctive head butts can make you lose hold of the bottle. I’ve also seen goat kids do it. But I’ve never had that experience with other mammals and have had the privilege of raising a badger, various kinds of squirrels (OMG flying squirrels …), a bear cub (briefly), even a deer mouse (honestly!), and helped with brush rabbis, porcupine, otters, raccoons, and more. They are far more polite!
Louise, When I was writing the post I wondered if that was the purpose of head-butting but I hesitated to speculate and didn’t have time to research it. I remember seeing it in cattle when I was a kid in Montana but had mostly forgotten about it until I saw this bison calf giving its poor mama a presumed lower gut-ache. The butting was very powerful.
Keep ’em coming! Thank you!
I hope to, Cheryl. Thanks.
Ron you take the most tale telling photos no matter the subject, and I for one think that this is the core reason that people follow your blog. As with most hobbies the more you do, the better you become, and then you feel you would like to branch out into other areas of interest. I think this is a natural progression. That is not to say, don’t continue to share the amazing bird photographs that brought people to your page, it means you have an interest in exploring another species, mammals. Don’t stop there, you can incorporate reptiles and amphibians or whatever crosses your path. I truly believe that you won’t lose the interest of one single person if you were to broaden “our” horizons with your stunning photos and narratives that accompany them. At the end of the day your are the administrator of this blog and you have the final say on what gets posted. Please continue to share whatever you decide to share with us. Thank you.
Cori
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Cori! Typically, birds are the focus of my photography but I take every opportunity to photograph other wildlife too. But this horse shoot is the first time I can recall doing a photo trip specifically for a subject other than birds. I think I’ll do it more often when the opportunity presents itself.
With such wonderful photos I don’t mind waiting a little longuer for the birds…
Great job.
Thank you.
Thanks, Jorge. I’m planning on posting birds tomorrow.
Beautiful shots. It’s great that you were able to catch this behavior so close up. I especially like the last photo, because it shows the beauty of the baby.
Thank you, Susan. I meant to welcome you back earlier from your extended trip -wow, 4 months away must have been quite the experience!
Thanks, Ron. It was a wonderful time, a cruise around the world. We went to some very unusual places and had some great wildlife (bird and other animals) sightings and encounters. As much fun as that was, it is nice to be back and able to catch up on all your blog posts.
Incredible photos! I for one am enjoying these pictures!
Thanks, Leisa.
I agree with Deb, birds, bisons, stangs,s It’s all great!! Great closeups. Bisons almost seem prehistoric when I look at them. The calf has sucsh a beautiful face. Thanks Ron.
They look somewhat prehistoric in the flesh too, Ellen. Thank you.
Wonderful shots Ron, delay all you want!
For us,living in other parts of the country, we can only read about Bison. The only time I observed Bison in the flesh was in Montana many years ago, so I am delighted with all your western critters, and especially the way you portray them. Many thanks for sharing!!
I hope you get back to Montana one day to enjoy them again, Dick. Or maybe Antelope Island…
Birds, Bison or ‘stangs, It’s all good!!!
I love the way you put that, Deb – short and sweet!
Wonderful shots Ron! Thanks for sharing.
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.