As the days begin to grow longer, there is a shift in the daily rhythm. The forest lush with the fragrance of cedar, fir and moss permeate my senses; new buds emerge on the Oregon Grape and tender shoots of wild borage burst through the layer of Fall’s spent leaves. Nature’s promise of new life after the dark, stillness of Winter.
The geese in the bog swim in the water pooled by the rains of Winter, feeding, resting, planning their trip North to nest and raise their goslings while the red-winged blackbird calls out above the honking, announcing his return. And as night falls, the chorus of frogs sing, welcome Spring.
In the meadow, the goats bask in the sun, nibbling greedily on the new flush of Spring grass, their thick coats pushing up the cashmere that has kept them warm all Winter. A few more weeks and the shedding will begin providing a soft layer of warmth for the returning songbirds to build into their nests. Rounded goat bellies bely the impending kidding season just weeks away; it will be early this year.
Sitting on a fallen log at the edge of the meadow, I soak in the early Spring sun, not quite warm, but welcome nonetheless, observing the does as they engage with one another… mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. Some have been together for many years, some, last year’s kids, all connected in the circle of “herd”. Somehow the cats know I’m in the meadow and soon I am joined on the log by their happy purrs and exuberant rubs; all of us enjoying the warmth of the Sun.
Taking the does into the forest before kidding season is a tradition we look forward to each Spring, browsing on last Summer’s blackberries, nibbling the prickly leaves of Oregon Grape, sometimes finding a fallen fir bough and occasionally munching on ferns. I trust they are supplementing their dietary needs in preparation of birth, gifts of the forest.
In the barn I am gathering my midwifing supplies: clean towels, navel dip, gloves, clean bottles, supplemental teas to nourish mammas sustaining their energy as they labor and birth new life. Every mamma has my undivided attention from the most experienced to the first time mamma, holding space, assisting where needed, honored to witness the miracle in the circle of herd.