Ruby has arrived for long stay and we've been treating her to the joys of rural life. Plenty of cuddles with out three little lambs!
Iggy, Nattie and Pachuli
On walks we've heard but not seen the Golden Oriole and a medium spotted woodpecker has it's nest with young near the Pla d'Artigue.
On Saturday we ventured into the mountains on a short walk from the Col de la Core to the Cabane d'Eychelle. There's still a fair bit of snow and after the cabane snowshoes or crampons would be advisable
Etang d'Eychelle in the background
The Etang d'Eychelle is still partially frozen but it was alive with mating frogs.
When we got home in the early afternoon it was clear that Barley was getting ready for labour. We moved the sheep to the shelter field. Barley separated herself from the flock but allowed a visit from Louise (who is now blind and very old). We realised that Louise is Barley's mother. At about 8.45 she gave birth to a little male lamb, who we called Louis. We got mother and baby safely in the barn just before dark...fortunately as ruby saw the fox shortly afterwards, obviously attracted by the baby lambs first cries.
