In life, there are often traits that make one stand out from the crowd. Take for example, Bette Davis. She was known for her eyes. And while Bette's eyes were quite outstanding (as humans go), I just don't think they can come close to the exceptional peepers of goats. Goats' eyes are just remarkable any way you look at it (she said modestly).For example, did you know that a goat's eyesight is the equivalent to what a human sees with 8x or 10x binocular power? Take that, Spidey!!! This means that a goat can see and recognize things from great distances. As an example, Ella quite regularly spots the goatmother moving about in the kitchen eventhough the house is somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 yards away. And those Caprine orbs work just as well close up. Boo can often be seen tracking small insects as they ascend the wall of the barn. Of course we are talking about Boo. This means one must consider the possibility that the insects may not actually be there. Nonetheless, that is entirely irrelevant here.
Anyway, goats possess horizontal, slit-shaped pupils which serve to increase peripheral depth perception. The goatfather describes them as 'Octopus eyes'. For you herding types, this means you won't be sneaking up on any goats any time soon, so you might as well stop trying. For the rest of you, it means that a goat will ALWAYS know the location of the Peanuts no matter how hard you try to hide them.
At any rate, I've put together a little pictorial to help you better appreciate the ocular magnificence that is the eye of the goat.
They come bewildered and surprised.
They come maybe-not-so-innocent and full of curiosity.
They come with long lashes - always a hit with the girls.
And a little eye make-up can go a very long way.
But in the end it is important to remember, " Eyes are more accurate witnesses than ears." - Heraclitus of Ephesus. What better reason to believe in the humble musings of someone possessing such a superior pair?
8 comments:
Jeepers Creepers.
To finish the Goatfarmer's comment...Where'd you get them peepers?
Octopus eyes is right...they are the only other creature on the planet with peepers like ours. Of course, my little Smidgen has the most beautiful ones you've ever "seen". And those lashes, even Bette would be envious of!
Ha, ha...great pictures, wonderful post. How do you know that Ella can spot the goatmother in the kitchen? Does she track her with her eyes or does she actually call out to her? I noticed the incredible eyesight of my donkeys, too, though I'm not sure whether it's as sharp as what you describe your kin to have.
Dear Farmgirl,
The goatmother moves or waves and Ella's head comes to attention. Well, the rest of her does too, but that is beside the point. The goatmother has found that when a goat comes to attention, it pays for HER to pay attention, because something is definitely there!
Dear Queen Quattra,
We definitely need to see an updated picture of the Smidgen goat. The one the goatfarmer had was just not adequate.
Yes, I'm sure we have some very nice pictures of Smidgey around here. I'll see what I can do about posting some, although my human mom, Chris usually does that and she's a little...how shall I say...a bit computer challenged, at times. Shhhh! Don't tell her I told you that though. She just adores me and Smidgey and even those other two, Sam and Dave.
Marigold, I've submitted your name for inclusion in the Dogs With Blogs community. Woo!
Awesome, Turbo! Thank you! What do I do now...wait for an invitation? Who knew? A goat that is an honorary dog! How cool is that? :)
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