I arrive on the causeway just after 8am and it's a cool 60 days. Still lots of gulls and Avocets lining the shorelines (where there is water of course). And a couple of these guys.
The water is calm.
I arrive on the island and turn left towards the Ranch.
Just like last week, there are several bison less than a mile down the road. Several are already resting in their dirt wallows looking out over Farmington Bay.
Or creating a dirt cloud by rolling in their wallow.
A few more are walking in their direction.
(And unfortunately, one looks pretty thin with his hips bones clearing showing - not good.)
I continue along passing the first overlook and down towards a watering hole. As I approach, I see two bison heading towards the water hole. I pull off to watch. The one arrives first and starts drinking the water.
It's a minute or so later, when the 2nd bison arrives. So nice to see them share. :)
I move on towards Frary Peak slowing to check for the Golden Eagles I saw last week but no sign of them.
I pass Frary Peak and slow to keep watch for Deer and Coyote as this can be a good area for them. Sure enough, I see a deer (female) moving south through the grasses. No wait, she has a fawn with her!!!
A bit further down the road, I see several cars on the side of the road and as I roll up, I see that they are watching a big buck!!
Not much farther down the road, I see that the Mom and young bison has moved north from the Ranch. There are a lot of animals but I'm not convinced that this is the entire herd I saw last week. I guess I'll find out in a few minutes when I get to the Ranch.
(And there are some skinny females too. Must have been a rough summer for them.)
I arrive at the Ranch but pass by heading down the dirt road. Sure enough, I am correct, there are more bison (Moms and young) south of the Ranch.
But no other animals.
Except this little bird.
On the way back north, I stop at the Ranch to check for the Great Horned Owls. No luck.
On the way back north, I find a lone Pronghorn (male)! It's in the same location I saw the one last week! (Guess he has his "home" turf.)
Further down, I see a lone bison. Oh, he's not alone! There's a coyote standing nearby!
In fact, the coyote gets really close! Unbelievable!
The bison does not react; in fact, he doesn't seem to care. The coyote stays nearby even as the bison slowly moves away. I wonder if she has a den nearby that she was trying to protect. Interesting!
Continuing on, I see two deer (females) moving north along the shore. Thought maybe this is the Mom and fawn from earlier this morning but they are 2 adult females.
And I see another coyote a little farther down the road moving along the shoreline!
I head up to the Frary Peak parking. Not much happening except this large bird circling over head.
I reach the north end of the island and turn west circling far behind the Visitor's Center and then down towards the White Rock Campground. Not seeing any animals so start back until something "rock"-like catches my eye. It's a Pronghorn laying down!!
There are other "out-of-place" looking things but it's hard to get a good view. So I head part way up the road to Bison Point stopping at a pull-off. I thought I'd be over that one Pronghorn but still a bit east but up higher and I can see another Pronghorn. Oh wait, there's 3!! They're almost form a triangle.
As I'm checking them out, I see that near one of them are 2 other sets of ears!! I saw a Mom and twins earlier this year, perhaps I've found them again!!
Very cool!
I continue down and down the west side of the island. Another the way I pass a Bison and Pronghorn pair.
I've come this way to check to see if the Burrowing Owls are around still. Last week, I didn't see them. And today, there' s one!!
As I'm watching the owl, I notice a herd of Pronghorn moving west toward the road - just north of me. I'm surprised to see a herd as I think it's a bit early for them to form harems but there's one "go-getter" male already collecting his females.
I pull forward to watch the Pronghorn.
Soon there are many cars around watching them. The first group from the herd sprint across the road. As the rest of the herd loiters around debating their next move. The male is now coming up behind.
The group finally sprints across the road to be with their buddies.
Time for me to take off.- can't beat that for ending my day!
Except the bird of prey I circle back for another the causeway. His wings are raised as if trying to cool off. As I roll to a stop, he flies of course!
Another awesome day at Antelope Island!
