Is it just me? Or does he look irritable to you?
Would you cross his pasture?
The timid California Quail,
seemed to like hanging around him.
Maybe she thinks no one will mess with her, when he’s around.
But the roadrunner stayed clearly on the other side of the fence.
He’d rather deal with a confusing human like me,
than a bunch of bull like him!
Cheers to you from California’s clever critters~
What a charming post Cindy. Endearing photos and I like your narrative that cleverly ties it all together around that load of bull. Happy New Year to you and yours and all Holler critters great and small. 🎉
Happy & Healthy New Year to you my friend and thank you for your kind comments. I look forward to sharing another birdie year with you დ
The bull must be mad about all those flies on his back!
Poor bull. He’d probably be happier with some heifers around! 😉
Wow, that is one massive bull… I definitely wouldn’t get close to him, just in case! I didn’t realize that roadrunner’s have a iridescent bluish tint to the tail and wing feathers. Great captures, Cindy!
Roadrunners do have iridescent colors which are surprising. They have patches of blue and red on their cheeks too დ
No, I would not cross his pasture. But I wonder what his prime ribs might taste like. Hmm….
He doesn’t look tasty to me…….. 😉
Uhhhh…nope, I think I will definitely steer clear of that “sitting bull,” no pun intended. I don’t try making friends with wild creatures who know their territory better than me. I have to know where to run and high tail it out of harm’s way! LOL 😲 Nice photos and mad respect girlfriend! 😉💖🙏🏼
Awww…..Thank you Kym! He is definitely one bull you want to keep sitting and sleeping!! 😉
Girl Cinddy, you got that one right!!! 🤭🤣😆
Wow I loved seeing the Roadrunner up close Cindy, thanks for posting it, it is one of your beautiful birds I would love to see in action one day. Love those tail feathers also.
We have a family of roadrunners living inside our fences at The Holler. It keeps them somewhat safer from Wile E. Coyote. They love to people watch and I see them frequently when I wake in the morning watching me through the French doors. They hate rain, and shelter in our garages when it rains. They will let you get quite close when they do this, as they prefer you to the rain!! They are hilarious birds. They remind me of your kookaburras. They are in the cuckoo family.
These are amazing, Cindy! What a load of bull for sure! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
Happiest New Year to you and your family my friend & thank you! დ
Thanks for sharing these 🙂 The California Quail looks regal
They have permanent tiaras!!! 😉
Indeed! 😃
Lord Bull looks VERY irritable. I’m not getting anywhere near that guy. I’ll just hang with Quail and Roadrunner. They look more personable.
We had a Ankole Watusi bull for years in the preserve abutting The Holler. They are an African bull that have up to 9 foot horns built for protecting the herd on the African plains. It was always nerve wracking to hike the preserve when he was around…. დ
I can see why!
That is a big boy.
Big & grumpy keeps me away everytime!! 😉
yeah, he doesn’t look happy. Hopefully that picture was taken with a powerful lens from the other side of several fences. Well, that’s how I would have taken the picture anyway. 😉
Yes!! I wasn’t thinking of introducing myself. He didn’t seem in a sociable frame of mind 😉
Very nice photos! I used to raise cattle, so I’d not worry about the bull. They look mean, but usually are rather laid back unless running a herd.
Well, funny you should say this. The Holler abuts a nature preserve that used to have a wild cattle herd with bulls, including one Ankole Watusi African bull with a 8ft rack. Ankoles defend their herds on the African plains. When I moved in to The Holler, the most I knew about cattle was what I saw driving by them. I learned a lot fast. The herd owner was in his 80’s and rarely around. He was quite a character. He would occasionally feed them tortillas from his flatbed. The fence separating the herd from The Holler was three strings of old barb wire, wrapped around 50 year old sticks, so the cattle came a calling, a lot, including the bulls. I learned so much about cattle and bull 😉 from living with them and him. The cattle loved our orchards. You could tell when they were going make a breech, and if I was home I would get everyone here to heave grapefruits and pomegranates over the fences. They loved it and so did we!! But they would still breach the fences, once they nearly made it all the way to the closest highway which would have been a debacle. They sounded like the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park when they crossed the river to breach the fences. It is was like, oh boy, “here they come.” The old man finally hired cowboys who he would call when they went a calling. I loved watching round them up. It was usually at dusk. Eventually, a couple of years ago, the nature preserve shut down the cattle when the old man died. He was a Texas cowboy. I miss them. But I don’t miss the many nights listening to the mother cows bellow when coyotes got her calf. I did an online post about cow funerals before I blogged, asking if anyone had witnessed this. I got hundreds of responses, including a stream from a cattle herding tribesman from Africa who knew everything about free ranging cattle psychology. Fascinating. You must have amazing stories to tell. I would love to hear them. Here’s a link on a post I did about the Ankole Watusi:
https://cindyknoke.com/2016/01/25/lo-down-ankole-watusi-holler-life/
What a tale Cindy, that is great stuff. They are something we always remember, nature in all her glory 😂 🤣 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
Yes thank you Mark, and the best thing is we are part of this natural world. დ
That bull doesn’t have horns, but I’m still with the roadrunner. Maybe he can teach me how to run if the bull decides to chase me when I come closer to admire the cutest plumes on the head of the quail. 🙂
He could try and try to teach us to run, but we’d never learn and he would be disappointed. They get airborne and glide for quite a distance if they actually get alarmed which they usually don’t, since they know not even Wile E can usually keep up 😉
That Bull just doesn’t like his picture being taken Cindy! Usually the ugliest are the nicest!
“Usually the ugliest are the nicest!” No bull! Often true. Avoid the lookers, shallow flash in the pans, absorbed with their own selves, often ready to charge at the slightest notice without rhyme or reason. Life’s too easy for them. They can’t tolerate frustration …… 😉
well said Cindy!
დდ
Your California Quail is so pretty!
I love them, but they are so shy at The Holler. If I can get a feeding station up and running it might be different, but they are wisely cautious of the coyotes დ
He just wants a hug. Can you give him one for me Cindy? 😂 🤣 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
I am going to do it right now, a great big virtual hug from you and me!!! 😉
Smart (virtual) lady, thank you 😂 I’ve been on many farms and I have the bruises to prove it. Even a love tap from a ram because you’ve got too close to his ladies leaves you breathless…literally 😂 🤣 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
“Even a love tap from a ram because you’ve got too close to his ladies leaves you breathless…literally.”
I know your memories of those farms ground you, then and now. Stay safe and well Mark დ
The bull looks rather angry, I will not cross his pasture! 😂 The California Quail is so cute, I love the sounds they make too, they like our desert here. I saw a roadrunner today while biking, didn’t know they range up north too but I don’t know where you are. Not asking!
I love the quail, but they are so shy here, I think because of the coyote packs. They flock and they won’t linger long in any one area because they are afraid. I love their sounds too and the ways their tiaras bounce about as they nervously titter around. Such sweet birds დ
Roadrunners my favorites <3
They are full of sass and attitude, like you and me Eunice 😉
🙂
He’s a rather intimidating guy! I wouldn’t be taking the chance. I love the little quail, especially that cute head feather! Such a great post, Cindy.
Quail are completely endearing birds, but oh so shy, at The Holler დ
Yes, ours are very shy as well.
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One might easily mistake the bird for a monarch perched on a throne? 🙂
Agreed. They have permanent tiaras so they are obviously born to rule, and do tend to be above it all! 😉
Perfect headline 🙂
Grazie mille დ
😂 Fun! Love the shots of the roadrunner.
Alison
Roadrunner are highly photogenic!! 😉
Yeah the bull is angry. He’s probably been watching Fox News today.
Yeah. Fox gets all the old bulls steamed up 😉 😉
Excellent shots and amazing as always. 🍁
Awww….. So kind and so appreciated! დ
LOL! You are really funny, Cindy…and that’s no bull! 😂 Also, California Quails are so very handsome! 😍
Thank you sweet Teresa! I’m bullish on quail დდ
I am very from the city and I have almost never had experience in farms so I have been able to enjoy your story with you because I do not know the behavior of animals. A good post like all the ones you present on your blog.
My regards cindy
Thank you my friend. I was from the city too, before I moved to The Holler, so I know exactly how you feel. დ
You are welcome.
I wouldn’t mess with him. Cute quail and roadrunner.
He is not on my list of critters to annoy! 😉
That first photo of the roadrunner is beautiful!
Thank you very much. დ
I agree wholeheartedly, Cindy that California has clever critters. And you bring their personalities alive in your photos. Delightful. Happy New Year!
Thank you Rebecca. So happy we are starting another year to share დ
Your photographs of the quail and the roadrunner are magnificent! As for the bull … I learned to be very wary of the bulls on my father’s farm for they were so large (of course I was much smaller then!), but he loved them.
Your father sounds as cool as you! I think I would like a man who loves his bulls დ
I wouldn’t want to find out if he was full of bull or not Cindy but I wouldn’t want to find out.
Great shots! 👏
Yeah, I’ll just give him the benefit of doubt…. დ
Keep us all posted -:)
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Great pictures! We used to have a roadrunner hanging around our house, but I haven’t seen him in awhile. He probably left New Mexico to get away from our extremely variable weather.
Yes, I know from personal experience that the bull is angry. By the grace of God, my stepbrothers and I escaped an angry bull by running and jumping into a very muddy pond. That was many decades ago, but you never forget when a bull looks at you like that.
I was chased on horseback by a bull in Jackson Hole when I was a kid. I had to cross the Snake River and I was not a very good rider. I rode well that day though 😉
Ahh..faBUllous shots, my friend. Your audacity to capture these shots is UnBULLivable.
(ෆ ͒•∘̬• ͒)◞❤️❤️❤️
It is just because I am bullish by nature (ෆ ͒•∘̬• ͒)◞❤️❤️❤️
(●මᴗමσ)σணღ*
Fantastic photo collection, Cindy! Even lying down that bull is terrifying! The CA quail is a gorgeous color and nice job capturing the roadrunner – they are always so fast. Bravo!
Photos are fabulous! I’m new to identifying birds but the quail I could with its flopped up crest.
The bull looks grumpy and doesn’t want to be bothered.
Rather love the quail. You have nice photos here.
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated Michael. Stay safe and well დ
Happy New Year, Cindy! I hope you had a nice celebration of the festive days. Thanks for sharing another great photographs. I honestly prefer the roadrunner, with the fantastic aerodynamic shape. Lol xx Michael
Happy & Healthy New Year to you Michael! And, yes he roadrunner is a sleek and stunning fellow. დ
I’d definitely keep a field’s distance between me and that bull … or grow wings, like your other more amiable offerings today.
He needs a cow bird to eat the bugs off his back, but his grumpy mein probably scared the birdies away! 😉
Fabulous photos of your furred and feathered friends Cindy
That bull and I have a long-distance friendship!!! 😉
😎
Yikes! That’s one heck of a bull and yes, he looks very annoyed! I would keep well clear. The roadrunner photos are a treat as I’ve only seen the cartoon images of the bird before! How precious to have a family of these near you! A great post, Cindy and brilliant title to grab our attention! 😀
Very pleased you enjoyed Annika & thank you for stopping by დ
Another good photo story. The bull’s ears are burning
We have probably just annoyed him even more, poor guy. He needs a bath and some TLC, but I’m not volunteering for the job! 😉
Anonymous is Derrick
Oh, that bull does look angry, I wouldn’t pass him. At least the feathered friends can fly away fast, we can only run. 🙂 So let’s stay away there.
You and I are both staying firmly on the other side of the fence from this bully-boy!! 😉
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Maybe that giant bull is annoyed by the flies. 😉 Love to see the roadrunner! 😀
A fine photo-story, dear Cindy!
Stay safe!
I would be annoyed by the flies too, and I would like a nice bath, then, maybe, I would be a more cheery bull! 😉
Looks can be deceiving. But we know exactly where this fellow stands.
It’s the sneaky smiley ones we need to be wary of. 🙁
Exactly true!!! They are the ones that will knife you in the back with a smile on their face. I’d choose the bull over them everyday!! დ
Spectacular photos, Cindy!
Thank you very much & cheers to you დ
You’re welcome, Cindy! 😉
He looks like an ornery bull, not to be messed with. Thanks for the smiles to start my day Cindy!
He’s bullish about his pasture! Cheers to you Brad & thank you დ
I love the Meep-Meeps! They look so alert and curious. And yes, that bull looks angry. Perhaps he’s tired of COVID, too?!!
We are tired of covid aren’t we, but hopefully we are not looking quite as grumpy as this bully-boy! 😉
Delightful cheers received Cindy 🙋♀️🐦☺️🙏sending joy hedy
Happiness & Joy flying back to you Hedy დ
I sure wouldn’t bother that bull! Great photos, as always.
He’s definitely a ‘let that resting bull lie’ kinda guy!! 😉
Definitely irritable!
He just wants 100 heifers…. 😉
😂🤪
I tend to think bulls look tougher than they are. I read of more people getting trampled to death by cows than speared by a bull. Oh dear that’s not a very happy thought for the new year!
I think you are likely right on all points & Happy and Healthy New Year. Watch out for grumpy cows! 😉
That is one big bull/y. Thanks for such an entertaining post Cindy 💕
My mission is accomplished if you enjoyed it Val! დ
Mmm, a tad irritable!
Love the quail and road runner pics. Thank you, Cindy!
Hugs to you Resa & Best of the Best in The New Year დ
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LOVE the caption in connection with that first picture! 🙂
Laughing…… So happy you do & thank you! https://cindyknoke.com/2016/01/25/lo-down-ankole-watusi-holler-life/
Cindy, you have nice circle of neighbours! The only bull doesn’t belong to it. It looks he came from the other neighbourhood 🙂 (Smile)
He does actually. We used to have a far more forbidding bull though, and Ankole Watusi from Africa. We were cautious when we were out and about. Here is what he looked like: https://cindyknoke.com/2016/01/25/lo-down-ankole-watusi-holler-life/
Thank you, Cindy, for the educational post. Animal’s creativity is pretty impressive. In the wild life environment to stay alive you have to be creative.
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The roadrunner is so cute! 🙂
I love the roadrunners. They are part of the family and they know it! დ
Happy and Healthy New Year, Cindy.
Visa versa 2UX2 Marie & thank you! დ
Such a variety of critters at the holler this week! And with a variety of personalities, too!
And that isn’t even including my husband and I!!! 😉
I love that roadrunner. His expression is amazing.
They are hilarious and very fun birds to live with დ
No doubt!
Can I say you uh took the bull by the horns on that post? Ouch. Sorry about that
Laughing…… Love it! I’m bullish that way 😉
Hahaha
Occasionally we get quail through here, Cindy, but never a road runner. Really enjoyed the photo of him checking you out. –Curt
The roadrunners are part of the family. They get annoyed if we don’t open the door to the garages when it rains. They hate rain. They will shelter under our patio if we don’t open the doors for them, but they resent us for it!!!! They puff up and look massively p.o’d! 😉 😉
That quail…so pretty!
I love quail, but they are so very timid here!!! დ
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Love & gratitude to you Sharon დდ
I just loved this!
Awwww……..makes me happy Jennie დ
I’m glad!
I think you may be right that ‘he’ looks quite irritable but I hope that ‘he’ is not in pain. Some people may look like that but actually they might be just fine 🙂
I love so much that you care!! People have mentioned the flies. დდ
Nice Post
Gracie Mille დ
A big boy … 🙂
He’s a serious obstacle on a narrow path! 😉
Great photos! Good thing this bull didn’t have any horns. Less likely he would impale someone. The quail has such huge eyes!
He could just sit on you though and that might be worse!! 😉
That is a LOT of bull. I wouldn’t cross his pasture, I would not.
I live in ranch country. My friend track sets her land for cross-country skiing, and we actually skied right past her bulls. There were about 3 or 4 of them, but they seemed far more interested in their feed than us. Thankfully!
How fun! I down hill skied by a moose once. I thought it was a big boulder until it moved! Thankfully I was going fast 😉
Yikes! Moose are massive!
Yes, it was that huge rock moved…..oh, no, it’s a moose, bye moose! as I zoomed by, glad to be moving along! 😉 😉
Yeah, I think I’d stay out of his paddock too! Lovely images of the road runner!
The road runners are incredibly fun birds to interact with. Happy you liked him & thank you დ
We have native Tasmanian hens here we nickname “Turbo Chooks”. They run around crazy fast, the males chase each other and make weird noises. Probably nothing like Road Runners but they remind me of them 😀
I had to google turbo chook (great name!) …… I think I saw these in Tas! I may have some photos. I remember not knowing what they were and looking them up. They looked like they were in the coot family, but are actually rails. Roadrunners are ground dwellers in the cuckoo family and definitely live up to this name, so I well understand the similarity you are describing between the two. Same coloration too დ
Well, I wouldn’t have picked Roadrunners being related to cuckoo’s! You probably saw our turbo chooks have piercing weird red eyes that make them look like they’re possessed! It sounds like it too when they get going with their crazy call.
You have turbo chooks? Wow!
Ha! And right on cue, the kookaburras started laughing outside my window.
Ha! I just woke up to screeching White Cockatoos! 😀
I saw the chooks in Tasmania in 2021. I also heard the kookaburras there. The screeching is unreal. They sound like howler monkeys. I photographed a parrot I still can’t identify in Tasmania. It was in the tree above the echidna. Tasmania rocks!!
Sounds like you had a blast! We do have many loud birds and animals now you mention it. It is a magic island 🙂
It certainly is. We were there and in Oz when covid struck hard. We’d be back by now if things were normalish.
Laughing…..I saw kookaburras all over Oz, but the one’s that shrieked like they meant it were in Tas! 😉
That bull looks definitely really mad! I would stay way clear of his path! Tee hee
You are a wise woman. Have a wonderful week. Your food for the week look delicious! დ
You have an awesome week too my friend
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You’ve picked a very suitable title for this fellow, he looks grumpy, perhaps he’s having a bad day and wasn’t ready for a photoshoot.
❤️carmen
He’d had had time to put on his makeup….. Happy New Year Carmen! დ
Love the grumpy bull, but I won’t be going anywhere near him. Great photos!
Thank you Sandra. The only hope would be that it might be quite an effort to him to get up and chase you!! 😉
Lol! I’m with the roadrunner on this! 😊
A lot of Bull here, for sure! I enjoyed seeing the shots of the California Quail, a bird that I have never seen. All excellent shots as always.
Thank you John. Happy you like the quail. They are endearing creatures. დ
I’m envious of the opportunity to catch the road runner! Love them magnificent skies!!!
The roadrunner is just the most fun animal to live with. They run away and stay close at the same time! 🙂
Here on the southern Oregon coast we never see roadrunners. I’ve only had two glimpses when we visited the Bosque del Apache in NM. Perhaps I had watched too many Looney Tunes with the road runner character. I was beyond thrilled at even those fleeting glimpses.
They are at the glass door watching when we wake up the morning. If it rains we open the garages for them and they let us approach. They hate rain more than anything, which is pretty amazing isn’t it. They don’t like water. They are creatures designed to live and thrive in such harsh deserts. The ones who aren’t in the garages, shelter under patio covers. They puff and look so miserable because they are getting slightly wet. They are awesome. დ
Just looks like a lotta bull to me, Cuz. ………….. 😉
We know bull when we see it cuz! Just makes me smile so much to hear from you დ
Hahaha! That bull looks like he might represent a lot of us these days!
Great contrasts between the bull and the birds!! 💗
Bull & Birds would make an excellent title!! 😉
It has a ring, my friend! It does indeed! 👌🏻
Laughing…… I love it!