Jan 13 - Antelope Island (Blocked by Bison)

 Partly sunny day forecasted. Heading up to Antelope Island to get some sunshine (hopefully).

I arrive on the causeway and quickly spot a lone Kestrel not far from the entrance.

Nice to see lots of water on both sides of the causeway (finally). All that snow and rain appears to be paying off even if its only an inch or two. And hey, there's more rain/snow on the way starting Sunday for multiple days -- keeping it filling!!

I reach the island and head towards the Ranch. I thought about not even venturing down there today because the drive has been so empty but with critters, you just never know.

Again there's no bison to be seen along the whole drive to the Ranch. 

I do spot 3 Pronghorn heading south.

And a big hawk at the pull-off across from Frary Peak; unfortunately he flies before I can get a photo.

I reach the Ranch and there are no bison in sight. Another good day to hike Sentry Peak but the road is muddy and I have a mild headache; I'm heading to hike to Beacon Hill again.

On the way north, I finally spot a herd of bison about 1/2 way up the slopes. Yea!!

A bit farther along, there's another herd; again 1/2 way up but smaller in size. 

I also spot a Porcupine!! Exciting because I haven't seen one in over a year. They had a couple very good years and their numbers appeared to have crashed. Maybe these is a turn around year.

I start looking for those 3 Pronghorn and I about hop out of my seat when there is a buck moving east (running) and heading right towards me! 

Wow! Deer are so scarce now; this is really exciting! 

He does veer south of my car to cross the road and then disappear. Awesome! Definitely highlight of the day!

I head the Gravel Pit trail head. I'm the only car so far so I gear up and head up the trail. The trail/landscape is free of snow and the trail is dry. It's around 35 degrees with minimal winds. I climb out of the Pit and head south. 

I see 5 bison along the White Trail and then a big herd not far from the corrals. The bison have definitely reappeared!

I also see the small dot of bison near Beacon Hill. Looks like they like that spot and have remained for week.

I continue along and oh! There's another herd of bison a head of me and they are crossing the trail. This is going to be a very short hike. I continue along until I reach my "I'm close enough" point.

Shoot! It's time to turn back. Think I'll head up Bison Point.

I continue north and along the curves on the north side I see a Northern Shrike (2nd one this winter; the other was along the causeway). I turn around and manage to get a few good shots.

I reach the north and then head to the west side of the island. There I see several bison in the meadow behind the Visitor's Center.

I also see a lone Pronghorn north of the road.

And hey! There's a coyote moving north and crossing the road! Hey, I hit the jackpot today: Pronghorn, Bison, Coyote, and Coyote (oh and Porcupine)!!!

I make my way up to the Bison Point parking lot. 

I stop to look at several bison on the north side of Bison Point before heading up to the top.

About 1/2 way, I pass a lady taking some pictures. I see a man w/ the lady a bit up the hill from her and he's stopped. When I reach him, I see why he's stopped. There are 2 bison on the trail! :( Not again!

I stay for a bit (listening to the Chukars calling) and they do slowly move just off the trail. I probably sneak behind them and complete the hike but not willing to take that chance.

Guess I just wasn't meant to hike today -- but still a very exciting day.

And it ends with another Kestrel along the causeway!

Awesome!