Alpacas in the Dark

A funny thing happens to the herd when the sun goes down.  Even when we are still working and the floodlights are on in the barn, the mothers and their babies definitely know that night is nigh.  The babies, often ranging around in their own groups away from their mothers, go back to their mothers’ side and hang close from then on.  The constant grunting and jockeying for the best spots at the trough die down and the low hum of contented alpacas soon takes over.  Slowly, imperceptibly almost, everything slows down and we’re left with the soft rustle of feet on straw and a few contented hums from nursing babies.

I was lucky enough to both be present at this time but also to have my camera with me.  The shot you see above gives some of the feeling of that time of day.

Once we had our own young safely belted in the truck and were ready to leave, I called out “Goodnight, Alpacas.”  I was rewarded with a short chorus of hums, followed quickly by silence. 

Here’s to moms with babies and happy humming.