Dec 7 - Antelope Island (Drive)

Mostly cloudy near with temp in the mid-40s. Heading up to Antelope Island this morning. Not feeling a hike. I don't know why but perhaps that will change when I get up there.

It's clear skies in SLC but looking north it's pretty cloudy.

I see only one hawk on my drive up. He was oddly snuggling right next to a light pole. I think it's a strange location but obviously he was content.

I roll thru the gate and there's a Kestrel perched on a large. I stop right next to the sign hoping...but he flies (as I expected). Perhaps I'll see him on my return.

An otherwise a quiet drive along the causeway. Should be seeing Bald Eagles but too warm, no ice, and no snow. However, I do see that Blue Heron that has been hanging out along the causeway for over month. Lucky for me he's actually near the causeway. I come to a stop on the other side of the road for a wonderful view.

Of course, when I drive off, he flies off. Sorry buddy to scare you.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch. I see no bison behind the VC and absolutely zero critters down to the Ranch. And no bison south of the Ranch either. That's a first (or at least second).

I turn and head north and south of the hill next to the pit toilets some flashes of white catch my eyes. I stop for a look and sure enough there is a very large herd of Pronghorn moving south the distance. They are a little spread out with them stragglers still on the hill. Awesome!!

I drive south to the other side of the hill and I see a couple of Pronghorn running down the hill (in the opposite direction that the Pronghorn on the other side are moving). Fun stuff!

I continue northward. Soon I'm parked in the Gravel Pit lot. It's cloudy and 40 degrees. I've hiked in that before but I'm still not feeling it. Hmm. I think I'm not hiking today.

I drive north and actually see my first bison on the ridge after the curves (yea!).

I cross to the west and see a few bison in the field behind the Ranch.

And looking south, I find a big herd of bison!!!

Time to head home. 

Just basically on the causeway (after the marina), I see 3 large birds on the ground. They don't look like Bald Eagles so I stop. Holy cow! There are 3 Blue Herons! Wow!

I do see that Kestrel again perched on the same sign and this time, I get a shot!

Good day!

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