What a week it's been on the farm! Last Saturday was Woolapalooza. As I've said before it really is a staff favorite, and judging from the number of folks who visited us that day (about 3,000), I'd say it's a family favorite too. A few shots from the day:
Here's an action shot of the sheepherding demonstration. It's amazing to watch the dogs at work, a terrific combination of instinct and training (by Kate who does our sheepherding demonstrations).
Kevin shears all of our sheep each year during Woolapalooza. Rather than electric clippers, he uses shears.
Look how soft and white the fleece looks near the skin. He leaves about an inch of fleece on the sheep.
Bart the goat was a bit too curious, so he had to be confined while his usual companions, the sheep, were being sheared. He watched the proceedings like a hawk.
Here's what I'm calling the "Bart's a prisoner," shot. Soon enough though he was back out romping around the pasture with his newly shorn companions.
The "after" shot of two of the newly shorn ewes.
Along our "sheep-to-sweater trail," visitors could see how wool is processed and how products are made from it. Here's a felted hat created by one of our teacher- naturalists Tia.
Post Woolapalooza the sheep fun continued with many, many lambs being born.
Today we have so many lambs that the sounds of babies bleating is nearly earsplitting! With a total of 16, we are now truly in the midst of our spring baby-boomlet.
This little newborn was still trying to hunt down where to get the milk!
But let's not forget about the goat kids. They've gone from soft and adorable, to curious, active, and really very entertaining! Seems like the ram is very relaxed about being used as a trampoline.
Birding at the farm has also started to pick up. There were even reports of an eastern meadowlark here at Drumlin Farm. Our staff has been out trying to find it, but no luck yet. We have however, seen a wide variety of other birds. Pam and I spotted (or rather Pam spotted and then painstakingly identified and showed me where to look) 21 species on a recent morning walk.
Here's a shot of a particularly willing model, a song sparrow. Don't forget, starting this weekend is the Spring Optics Sale at the shop, members get 15% off binoculars, scopes, tripods and accessories!
And in Drumlin Farm in the media news- we were thrilled to have a visit from Béa of La Tartine Gourmande (a local food blog) this week! We've seen her beautiful photos from her visits to the farm before and it was great fun to show her around in person. If you're looking for some cooking inspiration check it out (take note CSA members, it's a great source for seasonal recipes).
