In the winter the cows have the run of the whole farm, all the ditch banks, the shorn off crop fields, the fields we have not farmed in years because getting the irrigation water over to them is just too hard, and the ‘upper end’. (This is what we call the back of our place.)
Come calving season the cows come to live in the corrals. We have lost calves before to the coyotes, and our sheep raising neighbors and the dairy about three miles above us have lost animals to mountain lions. (We sometimes see the mountain lion footprints on the ditch banks, but that is another story).
A cow in the middle of birthing a calf is a very vulnerable animal, and the calf is even more helpless.
Then when farming starts and all the calves are born, several weeks old and able to run fast, the cattle get to go back to the upper end.
The upper end, the old alfalfa field, all along the fence lines, we have wild animals. Most of the time they live with us in harmony and the cows don’t seem to mind them at all.
Every year, we scatter corn seed for the whole slue of wild birds to eat (and stay away from the growing plants) and every year we see rows of corn becoming food for the deer and the skunks and the raccoons. We try to make sure there is enough for them and us.
Still there are rules, the wild things stay out of the yard and we won’t bother their hidey holes.
Life on a Colorado Farm 
Wow… I cant imagine living with Coyotes and Mountain Lions,How many acres do you have? :0)
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Good grief! How many acres do you have? Can I come live there? I like chickens and dogs. I’m quiet and don’t take up much space.
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Very cool! Interesting way to ‘get along’ – to scatter corn for the birds. I leave brushy areas out back here hoping that if the coyotes have enough rabbits…to eat they won’t be so interested in my sheep.
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Oh what a BEAUTIFUL VIEW!!!!!! I wouldn’t get anything done. I’d just sit on the porch with my coffee! lol
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That big sky is beautiful! So nice of you to take the care of the wild things as well! Let me know how you like the chicken tomorrow. :0)
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Indian paintbrush! I love that flower.
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The thought of moutain lions would scare the pants of me. I get wigged out listening to the coyotes bay and yip…and I agree they are safe till they get to close, then I call in the “hit” man (boy)…
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Nice post! Thanks
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Funny how the media gives you a concept of something and when you see for yourself there is so much more. I thought Colorado was mountains from Utah to Kansas. My first visit there was to Rocky Mt Park which confirmed the notion. Not until I drove I-70 did I get a view of the open space and beautiful farms. And, good for you in keeping as much peace as possible between the critters and your livestock and crops.
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I just love your view. How beautiful! The thought of all the wildlife just intrigues me, a bit scary, but that is nature. You respect the wild life, and in turn we hope they respect us and ours.
Scattering the corn…you are one very special lady!
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And you have Indian Paintbrush too! It is a beautiful wildflower!! So nice of you to plant some stuff for the wild critters. Great views you have there:)
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Beautiful views out your way.
My hubby says the same. He figures the wildlife have more room to roam out here than us, and if they decide that our front or back yard is where they want to hang out, wellllll, that’s usually not such a good idea. :-0
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