Heading out to Antelope Island to hopefully view the first of the new baby bison of the year. Postings have indicated they are here (as well as the biting gnats -- which I already knew from last week's hike). I bringing a head net that's specifically for gnats; I'm just not sure if I'm brave enough to trust it on 6-7 mile hike.
I arrive around 7:30 this morning. The sun is still low and the water calm. As I cross the causeway, stop as I see 3 birds land on the south side (Farmington Bay) of the causeway. They're Curlews!!!
Continuing on, I pass Avocets
and Eared Grebes (their numbers are down from last week).
Onto the island, I head south towards the Ranch. On the east side within sight of the Visitor's Center, there are two bison not far from the road. On the opposite side, is a single bison who is walking towards the road. I stop and wait for the bison to cross to join his buddies. (While waiting, I notice a herd of deer behind the bison.)
I pass the bison and spot for the deer who at this time are in a panic - please don't run away! Thankfully they settle down.
Before heading up over the ridge and out of sight.
Continuing on towards the Ranch, I stop at the first overlook. There I find 3 bison in a large puddle of water far below me and to the south.
A little further down the road east of the White Rock Ridge is a couple more bison. And after passing Frary Peak, I spot 2 more deer in the grasses along the shoreline.
(While watching the deer, I see a huge herd of bison ahead. Bet there are little reds (baby bison) in that herd!)
I drive just a bit further when 3 pheasant land and move off through the grasses. That was exciting - only the 2nd time I've seen them here.
I continue down the road until I'm across from the bison. They are in the distance along the shoreline and there are babies!!!!!
It's a large herd stretching south and just ahead of me there are many bison much nearer the road so I move forward. Many babies here as well!
I move towards the front of the herd and stop as it looks like they may be crossing the road.
Then something happens and the bison start moving south faster. Lots of trotting and a choir of grunting, huffing, and moaning -- pretty cool to listen and watch.
But instead of crossing, they herd up all with tails raised.
Not sure what's going on but it's very interesting. I move forward toward the big herd to watch for a bit before moving on.
Several smaller herds (probably males) are scattered along the shoreline. These guys decide to get a bit of practice butting heads.
A bit farther down the road, I spot a lone Pronghorn on the west side of the road.
Soon I'm at the Ranch and I decide to check out the Owls. As I walk to the area, I notice a single bison in the green grassy area behind the barn (there's one much farther back too). Unfortunately, the gate to the bird area is closed this morning - no owl check today. Perhaps, they haven't open it yet or perhaps it's because there's bison in the birding area (and I do see one). He soon moves out to the green grass with his buddy.
No baby bison down here so I make my way back to my car and head back up the road.
Not far from the Ranch, I pass a herd of bison along the shoreline that I passed earlier. Just north of them, I notice "mounds" in a group on the shore. I stop to investigate -- it's a herd of Pronghorn relaxing!!!
(With all these animals along the shore, I'm wondering if they're trying to evade the biting gnats - trust me they are bad today - I've been out of my car to animal watch several times.)
A bit farther down the road, I see another herd of deer moving east towards the road. I stop and get out of my car to watch.
There's one with a neck collar. (Their fur looks funny, kinda disheveled - maybe it's a way to help with the gnats.)
The deer get to the road and stop. When a car approaches from the north, they take off running back west towards the mountains.
Boy, pretty exciting day! I haven't seen so much animal movement on the island in months, must be the gnats. :)
Moving on, I notice movement to the left of me -- it's a coyote moving north through the grasses - very hard to see.
I follow for a bit and finally get a good view of him as he crosses a fence.
He keeps moving north.
Probably the only animal heading north today. That big herd of bison with babies that were along the road less than an hour ago, well they are now moving south along the shore.
Continuing on as I near Frary Peak, I spot another herd of Pronghorn moving south.
As I pass by the White Rock ridge, I spot 2 bison up high.
Back on the northern part of the island, I have to stop for yet another bison crossing.
And continue to wait as 2 additional bison run down to the road to cross. Always fun to watch!
I stop to watch a Northern Harrier flying north before turning and taking the south loop around the Visitor's Center. That herd of Pronghorn that has been behind for 2 weeks now is still there.
There's also 2 nearer to the road.
I loop around the Visitor's Center and back to the causeway. As soon as I drive onto the causeway, I notice 2 mule deer near the shore!
Pretty ending to an awesome day!
