May 16 - Antelope Island Cruise

 Partly sunny day (Storms possible this afternoon) with temps in the mid-70s.

Heading up to Antelope Island in hopes of finding a baby Great Horned Owl (or two). I'm not 100% sure where the nest is but I know where I heard and then saw the male Owl on 2 separate trips so that's where I'm starting.

Hey, those Ibis are still hanging out with the cows (and babies just before the entrance.

I arrive on the island just after 7am and cross thru the gate. I almost immediately see a coyote on the south side of the road moving west. He's stop occasionally so I keep chasing from the road.

While watching him, I see a Curlew (which flies as the coyote passes) 

and several Kildeer.

After a bit, I decide to leave the coyote along and continue along the causeway.

Still plenty of birds where there is water; lots of Avocets.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.

At the 1st pull-off is a Willet


and a Horned Lark.

I continue along slowing down to where I've seen Burrowing Owls before and yes, there's one out!!!

Then it's past Frary Peak, there in the trees I spot a Porcupine. With no one around, I decide to take a peek at the critter. He' looks like he's sleeping.


While watching, I hear several coyotes howling somewhere on the west side of the road. They're loud be I can't find them.

I continue on spotting 2 bison on the lakebed (keeping away from the biting gnats).

Soon I reach the Ranch and head out to look for Owls. Down past the Sentry Trail, I see bison; I'll visit them later.

I head into the wooded area and then out to the picnic area. Fortunately, a gate is open so I head in keeping my eyes up in the trees. Hey! There's an owl (and maybe two)!

I'm thinking that they're both adults but as I work around the tree; I've got a fluffy baby looking down on me! 

How cool! Mom (or Dad) is nearby.

I look for other babies but I can't find any - perhaps one is hiding in the nest -- perhaps there's only one. But I've found it!!

I head back to my car and drive down the dirt road to the Sentry Trail parking. Whoa! There's 4 deer!

Down towards the final parking is a large herd of bison (babies included). They're in the vegetation near the lakebed or on the lakebed (so now close). I watch for a bit and turn around and head north again.

On the way back, I pass another large herd of bison that I missed on the way south. Looks like they might have just crossed that road but they are heading thru the sagebrush towards the lakebed.

Nearing Frary Peak, I see a pair of Willets walking on the road. They move off into the grasses as I approach. The male is preening himself

and the female is several yards to the north.

Nice pix with the bison in background.

Across from Frary Peak, I spot a male pheasant; I've heard them earlier in the day.

Rolling towards those Burrowing Owls, I spot 3 Pronghorn. They disappear in a gully but they pop out - yea!!

I reach the north side of the island and head to the west side. There's a herd of male bison as I ride around the corner and other the other side, a lone Pronghorn!!


I see a jackrabbit cross the road as I head north on the west side heading towards the Visitor's Center.

I don't spot any other bison or Burrowing Owls on the west side. But do find, the  GlobeMallow and Princes Plume are blooming.

Back on causeway, I spot to watch the Egrets and Sea gulls before heading home.

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