We were driving through the tiny community of Kirkland, about half an hours drive
West of Prescott when I these beautiful Brahman Bulls, or Brahma Bulls, as cowboys and rodeo folk usually call them, placidly grazing on early spring grass. A click will give you a sense of their power and lovely smooth coats. 
These are the same breed as the sacred cows of India, and you can read about them here.
I don't know if these guys are rodeo bulls, or not. It's more likely they're waiting to meet some nice lady cattle.
The same day we saw this nice patch of Owl's Clover. A member of the snapdragon family, Owl's Clover, like Paintbrush, is parasitic, living off surrounding grasses. This is probably Orhtocarpus luteus. It's a joyous pink and if we have a wet enough winter and early spring, lavishly spreads a brilliance of color across the western prairies.
Apparently, no one knows just why it's called Owl's Clover. That lore has evaporated into the mists of time, like so much of both history and legend. 
11 comments:
Don't recall ever seeing Owl's Clover at as high an elevation as Skull Valley or Kirkland (3800-4000 ft.) When I want to see OC, I beg someone to drive me down to the Santa Maria River, which is about the same elevation as the deserts around Phoenix. Early, of course -- late February/early March or thereabouts.
Hello Linda,
I am in haiku mood again:
two Brahman bulls with
smooth grey coats, strong horns, dark eyes -
grazing together
The bulls are gorgeous critters. Someone is really taking care of them. I have never seen the Owl's clover before, even though it may be a nuisance it is very pretty. A wave hello to Olivia!
What beautiful creatures those bulls are.
...and to comment on your previous entry, as a writer - 'Long live the printed word!'
gj, you're right! It was the same day, but not the same elevation. We were on our way down Yarnell Hill and found this Own's clover along the road to Wickenburg.
Olivia, better and better! I love your Haiku..
Joni, I knew you'd like them! I think Owls clover is a west of the rockies plant.
Akasha, I do like reading your stories on the computer, but the thought of curling up with a book of them is even more appealing:)
That clover is gorgeous! would love to know the owl connection...
Isn't it great to go out for a drive and come across beautiful things to preserve by using your camera, and then showing your pics to us bloggers, scattered all over the world. Quite amazing!
Lovely pics of the Brahman bulls. They do appear so placid!
the Owl Clover is interesting.
At first, it looked like wooly lousewort. Close, but no cigar. Guess I'm going to have to dig out my plant books. (Good excuse to finish unpacking!)
Bec..it would be nice to know How the name started. So many little bits of lore are just lost in time..
Ex-shemm, it is truely mind-boggling!
Meggie, they could actually be big sweet babies..but then again, maybe not..
OSD, you sound like me, books..here, books there..and boxes of books tucked away in storage!
BINGO! Love!
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