I had the honour of driving my colleagues into the paddock, and getting as close as was respectful, safe, and comfortable for the herd. Two jackrabbits bounced improbably spring-like away from the truck as we neared the bison. A red-tailed hawk swooped low overhead. Geese and goslings ran around the paddock, first investigating, then retreating from the truck. Life was buzzing around us.
Little did we realize we would see a new life enter the world!
As we approached the herd, one of our pregnant bison had her water break, and we could see she was having contractions. We watched as her belly changed shape, and she got ready to bring a new calf into the world!
We sat in awe and watched as the magnificent animal jumped, kicked, and squatted her way towards having the baby. We did decide to leave the new mother and calf alone for the final stages of birth (after all, the tour was about respect for the bison), but to see the preamble - and the exciting prospect of a new calf, gamboling about the pasture tomorrow - left everyone smiling. We go home tonight with a new experience, one not to be soon forgotten.
"Our" calf will be our herd's eighth of the season. By my estimation, we have another two or three on the way before calving is over.
It's supposed to be a beautiful, sunny weekend - perfect for looking for bison calves!
See you on the trail!
-Barret
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