May 16 - Antelope Island

Sunny day forecast with highs in the low 70s.

Heading up to Antelope Island to hopefully see the baby Owls.

I arrive before 7:30 am.

As I cross the causeway, I see Avocets and Black-necked Stilt

and tons of gulls and Eared Grebes.

And boy is it dry already. Not surprising because we've had the driest April on record and we really haven't had rain in May either. Not good as the summer dry season is close.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.

As I head down from the viewpoint and towards the water bin, I see my first bison of the day. Three of them east of the water bin in some greenness.

Then around the White Rock Ridge, I find another lone bison on the east side of the road. Wait! There are 2 them; the other is laying down.

I continue on and I can see a large herd of bison just ahead. I reach them around Frary Peak. Definitely Moms and babies out there.

Just a bit farther down the road is a second Mom and baby herd.

And just a bit farther is the 3rd herd. All with a 1-3 miles. And all loving the greenness.

Some where in between the bison herds, I spot a Pheasant on the side of the road and he doesn't fly when I roll up!

I reach the Ranch and park. I can see another large bison herd on the east side of the dirt road around the Sentry Trail parking. I'll go visit after my owl search.

I head directly to the Barn. As I walk I notice that something has the bison running west.

In the barn, I search the rafters and everywhere I can but  I don't find owls. :(

But I do find a jackrabbit as I exit the barn!

Then off to the woods. I look in the spot where I saw them the previous 2 times but can't find them. Doesn't mean they are not there; it's just the trees have leafed out making it hard to find anything.

Back in my car, I drive the dirt road towards the bison. They are now on the west side of the road.

Time to head north passing the numerous bison.

Just rolling up to the road to Frary Peak, I see 2 deer. They move a little as I roll up but I still get a good look and there are at least 4 deer!

Continuing on, when I reach the north side of the island, I head over to the west side.

There's a few bison on the south side of the road after the turn and I can see several bison scattered in the area behind the Visitor's Center.

On my way to the White Rock parking, there are bison on the south side of the road. And I can see a couple along the trail.

I head past the beach towards the Visitor's Center hoping to see a Burrowing Owl but no luck just more bison.

That's the day. Good Day!