Yesterday, as I knifed through the hot, humid air on the Great Plains, I noticed many herds of cattle that had crammed together or taken to farm ponds to escape biting insects. Just another disturbing spectacle that might encourage other observers to give up meat consumption!
Fortunately, in some areas, squadrons of swallows arrived to feast on the insects that were tormenting the cattle; while they were difficult to identify from the highway, most appeared to be barn swallows. Though the agile fliers dive-bombed the herds, the cattle surely appreciated their service.
Of course, herds of deer, elk, caribou and other native herbivores are also tormented by insects during the summer months. But cattle herds have been established by humans, their members living just long enough to provide food for people and their domestic pets. Their brief lives are far from idyllic!
Fortunately, in some areas, squadrons of swallows arrived to feast on the insects that were tormenting the cattle; while they were difficult to identify from the highway, most appeared to be barn swallows. Though the agile fliers dive-bombed the herds, the cattle surely appreciated their service.
Of course, herds of deer, elk, caribou and other native herbivores are also tormented by insects during the summer months. But cattle herds have been established by humans, their members living just long enough to provide food for people and their domestic pets. Their brief lives are far from idyllic!
