Signs of spring are aplenty here at Chewonki – the flowers have bloomed, snow has melted, and the migratory birds are returning. But perhaps the most exciting sign of spring is the much anticipated lamb watch. Students sign up to check on the ewes in the middle of the night to see if there are any signs of labor. The first few days saw no action, but this past week, we welcomed our first three lambs of the semester. Lucy gave birth to twins – one female with a black coat and one male with white – on 04/11.

Mary was next, and she gave birth on 4/12 to one little lamb. Mary’s lamb had a hard time walking and latching at first, but with attentive care she was alright. The twins have since been removed from the birthing pen and incorporated with the rest of the herd. They are inseparable and always stick close to mom. The rest of the ewes are due any day, and lamb watch has doubled to accommodate both the high interest in participating and the increase in lamb births. Lambing season is finally here!

Rain Barak, Semester 74
Rain is attending from Brooklyn High School of the Arts in Brooklyn, New York