Supposed to be yet another great day. We've been above normal for a while (and lacking precipitation) so I fully expect my trip to Antelope Island to look much different than my last trip 2 weeks ago - namely, I expect there to be very little (if no) snow on the island (except on the highest of peaks).
When I get there, I get what I expect.- the snow is basically gone on (at least on the lower parts).
As I cross the causeway, it's a different world. No longer covered in white, it's back to the brown wet lake bed.
The Kestrels which have been perching on the causeway markers are gone. As are the ducks - simply open water.
I am happy to see that I see water in Farmington Bay a lot further from the island than last Fall -- the island's snow melt is helping.
I make the left turns towards the Ranch and quickly spot a single bison not too far off the road. Not more than 100 yards away is a small herd of Pronghorn - I count 6 females and 2 males (again, not far off the road). The females are in a group several yards from the two males. I watch the two males as they are closer. I see them pawing at the ground,
grazing, and squatting. Once that male moves in my direction,
the second male squats where the first one did -- I'm thinking a dominance display.
As I'm watching, I hear the beautiful singing of the Western Meadowlark directly opposite me, across the road.
Time to move on. And I didn't have to move far (I'm still north of the fence line) as there's a herd of about 6 bison.
What a great start to the day!
I get to the first pull-off and step out of my car for a look. There's definitely much more water in the Bay but still much more water is needed. I can still see a large patch of ice and what looks like icebergs.
I continue on. I see yet another small herd of bison on the west side of the road. They're a little hard to spot as they are all laying down.
A little further on, I notice a white spot in the grasses; it's a single pronghorn laying down. Nope, there's another one too!
Still further down the road, I see yet another group of 6 pronghorn! The herd has definitely split apart but they are at least staying on the east side of the island.
Far behind these pronghorn, nestled closer to the mountains, is a good size bison herd.
I continue on and a little further, I see 2 more pronghorn on a hill! (This is much more fun than seeing a single large herd.)
I make it to the Ranch. It's a sunny 47 degrees out. Time for the hike. I start walking down the dirt road towards the trail head. On a fence post, I see my first Kestrel of the day!
I make my way to Mushroom Springs. I was expecting it to be muddy in the Springs run-off, especially after the snow melt, but it's pretty dry.
I start my way up to Sentry Peak. Still a bit of snow around.
I see my first sign of Spring, the Tiger Beetles are out!!
As are the Lady Bug!
I watch a bird of prey circle over head.
I complete the first part of the climb and am walking along the long flat switchback. Ahead of me is another herd of bison. We're at the same elevation but a good 100-200 yrds apart.
On the second part of climb, I see another sign of Spring - two lizards. They are together. (Those lizards are the only one I see today).
I get to a section with some pine/juniper trees and see several blue-colored birds.
I reach the "top" and look east
And then west (much hazier to the west).
I continue south along the ridge and behind Sentry Peak before starting my way down.
On the way down, I see some beetles.
Great hike!
Back in my car, it's time to head towards the causeway.
Not far from the ranch I see a rather large bison herd on a hill. The same hill I saw the two pronghorn earlier. I only see one of pronghorn now.
Awesome day!
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