Moorland Sheep

Up until recently, if I photographed a sheep, it would be on the way to or from a scenic spot. In that instance, I would be rushed and loaded up with kit. This year, I decided to take less equipment and spend a bit of time with the sheep in the warm Spring weather.

This ewe was looking at me, looking at her and seemingly pretty relaxed about it.

As long as I kept relatively still, and kept movements quite smooth, I was able to get quite close to the mums and their lambs. It made me realise how hard the ewes work to keep themselves and their babies fed. Their wool is impressive too. Amazing to think all that beautiful, robust wool started off as grass.

This was a typical scene, the young lamb having a snooze whilst mum is feeding nearby. The view from up here on Bodmin moor is stunning. We are looking across the lowlands of Cornwall and Devon towards Dartmoor from up here.

I spent a long time with these two and when they moved, just managed to catch them pausing to look in the same direction, before they moved away.

It’s always lovely to see twin lambs together. This photo was taken on a photo walk so I had my “walkabout” lens which does not have such a long telephoto range. I got as close as I dared, but I like the context of the wall and fields behind. They had clearly found a comfy little nook.

The lambs really thwack their mums to get the milk. This image has a sense of survival. It is a harsh environment, even on a warm Spring day.

Moorland animals are a nice subject in bright sunlight, when landscape photography would look a bit washed out. Spring dawn and dusk are not at very convenient times for my lifestyle and so it was nice to get out with my camera and enjoy the light and subjects that were available. It made for some relaxing afternoons and, as ever, I learned more about photography.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like to visit the gallery of moorland animals.