Curiosity... Theirs and Mine

One of my favorite things, when I have a little extra time...
(and the ground is dry)
is to lie on my stomach in one of the animal pens and watch the animals.


Of course, I don't lie on my stomach when I am in with the equines...
that would not end well, I am sure!

But, with the goats, or sheep, or pigs...
it's the perfect vantage point for just observing normal life
and enjoying animal curiosity.


Yesterday I spent a little time with the Nigerian Dwarf goats.

Star and Ash, sisters, and mothers to Stella and Audrey,
are quite friendly.


Stella and Audrey are shy.


But if I lie on my stomach and patiently wait,
curiosity will overcome even the shy goats.


Star came over for some scratches.


Ash proceeded to snack on my hair.


Curiosity got the best of Audrey and she just could not help herself.
She had to come in for a closer look...


and a sniff.


I wonder what it was she was smelling?


This smelling phenomenon is called the flehmen response...
it facilitates the transfer of pheromones to a smelling organ that is located on the upper palate.

This picture also illustrates how goats do not have upper teeth in the front of their mouths...
which is why I never worry about children feeding them crackers.
No fingers get nibbled by these sweet creatures.


Lastly, I wanted to show you a cloud formation that I caught yesterday afternoon.
I have never seen anything like this before.
Curious, indeed!


Isn't it a wondrous thing?
Each and every day I am awestruck by the beauty of this world.
It never ceases to surprise and amaze me!

Comments

This N That said…
Interesting cloud formation and views of the animals. If I got down on my stomach I would have to have help getting back up. I can do it but it takes a while. Beautiful pictures. Nice angles enjoy this supposed to be rainy day.
Interesting article, Reading was fun.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
love the lower animal photos--that first one is my favorite--
I recently moved to Fl in Sept and one of the things that I love is watching the clouds here--they pile up one on top of another and the light sometimes is so pretty in them--but your photo of clouds is a truly different and wonderful one--and rare--very rare I am sure--
smiles, di
Country Gal said…
Yup nothing like getting down to the animals level and see the world from their prospective . Lovely photos . thanks for sharing , Have a good day !
Hi Beverly,
I love that you spend such quality time with your animals.. I did not know that these goats had no upper teeth.. How interesting...

This cloud formation is beautiful! Looks to me like waves in an ocean
Wishing you a beautiful week.
blessings,
Penny
An American in Tokyo said…
I never knew goats didn't have upper teeth!!
Wow, how interesting!! =D

The last photo is awesome!!
NanaDiana said…
I love that you get so up close and personal with your sweet animals. I also love how goats will try to eat ANYTHING! lol

That cloud formation is really AMAZING. I have never seen anything like that either. xo Diana
deodar said…
The goats might not have upper teeth but their back ones are like razors! Don't ask how I know that.
Unknown said…
Love this visit from ground level. Photos are wonderful from this level. I love how you interact with your animals!
Lynne said…
I think your animals love you as much as you love them!
Gorgeous cloud formation . .,.