April 16 - Antelope Island

Sunny day with a high near 70 degrees. It's a beautiful day for a hike on Antelope Island but that hike on Friday took a toll on my hips. Now sure why as I've been hiking Sentry Peak (~7.5m) and slogging thru snow on Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (shy of 5m) but the 6.5 miles of White Rock has me really sore. I'm sure I can push thru a hike but I since I can't down Ibuprofin, it's best I take another day off (it's a long season).

However, I still head for the Island; hoping to see those baby Bison.

I arrive just have 8am. The numbers of duck and other waterfowl are increasing. Lots of Avocets. I also see Shovelers (they are here almost year around), Green-winged Teal, 

Glossy Ibis, 

Willets

 and I'm sure many more.

I arrive on the Island and head south towards the Ranch. No bison behind the VC this morning.

I roll past the Burrowing Owls downhill from the pull-out. There's a car pulled over I assume is trying to find. Nope the guy is out of his car walking in front of the burrows. Crazy dude! So no owls!!

There are a few bison on the other side of the road from the Owls.

The rest of the drive was - no critters.

I stop at the Ranch to look for Great Horned Owls. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to check for them because the old homes were all fenced off for remodeling but there is a path. 

I walk the loop not spotting anything. But there are 2 guys in the woods pointing to what I assume is an Owl. Back in the woods, I find the Owl (just before one of the guys ask me if I see - yep).

They also ask me if I've seen a Long-eared Owl. I guess one has been reported here - nope - never have seen them.

I take a short walk down the road (up until the wooden fence ends) and find 2 bison strolling south from the Ranch. 

Time to head north. 

On the way, I few 2 small herds of bison. They are both closer to the mountains. Can't see any babies. 

Where have the family herd has disappeared? 

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