weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Throughout this trip so far, we have been encountering sheep in every area of Iceland, except in the Gravel Desert. That is no surprise, after all the sheep population outnumbers the human population by a factor of approximately 2:1. This factor is quite changeable: The human population of Iceland stands at about 360,000 while the sheep population in the summer amounts to about 800,000, it declines to about 500,000 in the winter, as the lambing starts in spring and by fall most of the lambs are slaughtered for human consumption, which means less adult animals have to be harbored over the winter months. Live exepectancy of Icelandic sheep is quite long, about 12 to 14 years and healthy ewes commonly birth lambs until they are 12 to 14 years old. Both male and female lamb reach maturity already at about 7 months, though they are often held back from breeding until the next year.

In this set of images, I have photos from a few encounters along the coast of the Kaldalon fjord: First some small groups where I present a few almost identical pictures in different poses. The final two pictures are of a group of sheep on the road as I was on my way driving out of the fjord - they were walking steadily in front of me, with no indication that they would move aside. I let them go on for quite a while, enjoying the view of the herd. Eventually I got tired of the waiting game and closed up gently, at which time the started to trot but still using the entire road. I kept at this close distance, but did not push further. Eventually, they tired of the trot and suddenly moved in one swoop to the side and I got my way cleared.


Notes:
My trip introduction in set 1 provides a map of the tour plus general information. The map is attached as a first reply, please use the link below if you would like to review the other information:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-667725-1.html

To view earlier posts of this series, access my profile via the link below, then click on the figure behind "# of topics created" for the list of posts:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-profile?usernum=45105

Thanks for visiting, I recommend viewing the downloads and look forward to your comments and questions.

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1 - A group of sheep at Kaldalon fjord with the Drangajökull glacier at rear

(Download)

2 - A pair of sheep at Kaldalon fjord

(Download)

3 - Set 1A: A mixed set of pale colord ewe and brown ram (I assume the sexes) with the ram facing me

(Download)

4 - Set 1B: The same pair: The ewe is now facing me and the ram is more jittery, looking to the right

(Download)

5 - Set 1C: Still the same pair, the ewe has been practically motionless but the ram now faces to the left - all taken within a few seconds

(Download)

6 - Set 2A: Pensive ram (I assume) with a grey/black frock

(Download)

7 - Set 2B: Checking out his left parameter …

(Download)

8 - Set 2C: … and now his right side, with little "whitey" at his side looking perturbed

(Download)

9 - A flock of sheep on the road at Kaldalon fjord

(Download)

10 - A flock of sheep in full run on the road at Kaldalon fjord, but no thought of giving me way … (Reminds me of the bumper sticker: "I might be slow, but I am ahead of you …..")

(Download)

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

The Kaldalon Fjord is located in the upper left hand corner of the map

(Download)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Number nine.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Serious animals, well equipped for their environment.

L-Fox

OutBack Loc: North Central Florida

I dig it.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Bill - I see that you like your lamb chop with a view - good so! Enjoy your day - Joe

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Mike, yes - they are properly dressed for their climate - and it is all self-produced! Have a great day - Joe

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thanks i-fox for your appreciation - have a great day - Joe

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you OutBack for looking in on my tour and your kind comment - glad you like these shots - have a great day - Joe

NMGal Loc: NE NM

They look quite well groomed for long haired sheep. Guessing you had fun with these shots.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Barbara - you are right, they look well groomed, I never thought about that with these sheep basically being out in the fields all day long that is not to be taken for granted - yes, I did have fun with these shots, interesting to get into animal portraits! Have a wonderful day - Joe

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

The rams look like they could anyone a good tussle...are there any four-legged predators on Iceland? Again, excellent photography, descriptions and introduction!!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Jim, I am glad you you are happy with this set - as far as I know there are no real dangerous predators, other than the Arctic fox, which due t its isolation in Iceland for 10,000 years is now its own species, and polar bears might occasionally visit the island, traveling on icebergs from Greenland.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Thanks for the addition of map from post 1. It does make a difference (for me anyway) not to have to reference back to an earlier post. Another fine piece by the way.