April 20 - Antelope Island

It's Easter and I'm heading to Antelope Island.

As I arrive, there are bison on tip of island directly behind the VC in the fire burnt section. Kinda odd seeing them there.

I head south towards the Ranch. There is a Chukkar around the curves.

I also find a Burrowing owl for the 1st time this year!!

It's quiet until just before the Frary Peak turn-off where I'm stopped by a lone deer (doe) crossing the road.

Very exciting because I don't see many anymore.

While stopped for the deer, I see a Porcupine in the trees. A rare sighting for Spring. 

Rolling up in front of Frary Peak, I see a herd of bison with babies near the watering hole!! First baby sighting of the year!!

There are 2 bison (probably males) a bit farther down the road but still in front from Frary Peak. While stopped for the bison, I hear some Pheasant calls.

At some point in the drive, I'm buzzed by a Curlew flying overhead.

And I spot a long Pronghorn on the lakebed.

My intention is to hike the Sentry Trail today but a car is just arriving in the lot so it'll be the Gravel Pit instead.

I stop at the Ranch to search for Owls as the babies should be peeking out soon. Unfortunately, no Owls today.

I do see more bison well beyond the Sentry Trail but I'm not driving to check them out today.

Time to head back north.

As I just start heading north, I spot a herd of bison west of the Ranch. Hard to see with the landscape but they are there.

At the watering hole down from the Owls, I'm surprised to see 4 male deer drinking. Their antlers are just sprouting up.

Rolling up on the Burrowing Owl community, I see another (or perhaps the same one I saw earlier).

I arrive at the Gravel Pit, gear up and start up the trail.

I immediately see a Curlew.

I continue on but my face/head/neck start burning. I know the nasty gnats are coming but I'm pretty sure they are here. I try to talk myself in heading up to the ridge where there is wind but I turn and head quickly for my car. Well, that's the end of my Spring hiking on the Island. :(

I guess it's time to head home.

Along the curves, I see a lone Pronghorn laying down.

I head over to the west side of the Island where I see a couple of Pronghorn.

There are also bison behind the VC.

I see another Burrowing Owl behind the VC.

Then it is too the causeway where I stop for Coots


Willet

and Black-necked Stilt

Incredible day!

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