Hi diaduck,
I think they take comfort from the walking staff. This is the elder brother of the young boy in the original post. They are very natural people who have no fear of others. Just curiosity. They were totally at ease with me and stayed with me for over an hour whilst their flock wandered off into the distance! Despite my concern for them they were much more interested in my camera! Leicas eh? Even Shepherd boys love 'em! :-)

His stance is almost identical to your earlier image of a shepherd boy - is this their usual way of standing? The diagonal line of the hillside coming from top right to the boy is very nice.