Shepherds of Coyote Rocks

In this detailed record of western life, rancher Urbigkit recalls a season with her flock of sheep on Wyoming's open plains. She writes eloquently of the patient nature of a shepherd's life and makes heroes of her guardian animals: dogs bred for the work of sheep tending and two burros (named Bill and Hillary) that possess an innate ability to protect and defend their charges. Though she is far from isolated, Urbigkit is still able to immerse herself in the moment, caring for orphaned lambs, struggling against predators, and witnessing the effects of intense weather. The descriptions of her day-to-day experiences are fascinating and provide a window into a life that few readers will know, and the author is to be lauded for the care in which she writes about this topic. The book stumbles a bit, however, when she strays into political topics, and the text would have benefited from a tighter narrative focus that did not include one-sided arguments. The picture Urbigkit paints of the ranching life is a stirring one, though, and with her truly stunning photographs, it is a worthwhile visit into another world.--Mondor, Colleen Copyright 2010 Booklist

In this warm and lively memoir, Urbigkit (Yellowstone Wolves) eloquently documents a season spent with her dogs, burros, and the natural inhabitants of the western Wyoming range while tending a flock of domestic sheep. Guardian dogs and humans work together to protect the flock from predation and dangerous weather, and to navigate the difficulties of the birthing season. She discusses the politics of transhumance, the seasonal movement of shepherds and their grazing livestock, in America and around the world, and how migratory humans traditionally fit into the natural landscape. In addition, Urbigkit highlights the difficult relationships between environmental conservationists, wildlife policy makers, wild animal advocates, and those whose livelihoods are dependent on the land concerning how public lands are used or restricted and how human populations involved with livestock are displaced. Lovely black-and-white photographs taken by Urbigkit include broad vistas that express the setting's stark majesty and the relative smallness of the traveling herds. This enlightening read will appeal even to city dwellers who may not understand the impact of environmental protection policies that block off land from its traditional human uses. Photos. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.