I had the pleasure and opportunity to speak with Mrs. Mountain Rancher today at the mailboxes (this is the place we most frequently see our neighbors).  I shared with her my amusement with this batch of cows, and asked her why they were always so tightly packed in a bunch.  I wondered if it was because they were (a) odd,  (b) scared in their new surroundings or (c) like this for some other cow reason.  If you guessed (c) you get the prize!  Yes, they stay tightly bunched to avoid the nagging insects.  

If you are a cow, and the bugs are bad, apparently it is good to be in the middle of the bunch, even if your head is right in front of another cows butt (with all that goes on there)  because of the tail flicks.  The tail flicks from your neighbor will help keep your face bug free (given they don't have hands to swat them), while your tail is keeping your butt bug free (say that fast three times, I dare you) and your buddy's face free of the annoyances.

And, no, I haven't been drinking as I write this post.  Nor any prescription narcotics......