Heading out to Antelope Island hoping for a bit better weather as the weathermen said the storm will be south of Davis County (that's where Antelope Island lives).
Unfortunately, it doesn't look much better as I arrive on the causeway. It's cloudy, damp, foggy, with a couple of inches of snow on the ground. Where's Spring?! (But I have to admit, it does look pretty.) There will be no hiking today - I was just in San Diego; this is cold!
Just a few ducks out on the water this morning.
When I reach the island, I head towards the Ranch.
I find a lone bison climbing up towards the White Rock ridge.
After Frary Peak, there's a guy cruising down the wrong side of the road (I think I've seen him before). I try to see what he's looking at but the only critter I see is a Pheasant as he flies off.
A bit further down the road, I see another Pheasant on the grown briefly before flying off.
Just after that, there's a Porcupine in a tree.
And then I see the coolest thing on the other side of the road. There are 2 Pronghorn in an all out chase thru the grasses heading in my direction. The one being chased pulls out well in front. The chaser stops -- as does the chasee. It's a bit of a stand-off from a minute or so. Then the chaser starts walking toward the chasee.
Then I see a 3rd Pronghorn heading in the direction of the other 2. All of a sudden, the chaser takes off after the 3rd. They are heading toward the road (and me).
As I'm watching them, I see the original chasee take off running south - getting away from a crazy territorial pronghorn. The motion stops the chase. I leave them stopped and a part. Very exciting!
I continue on towards the Ranch. About 1 mile away, I see some bison to the west. It's a super herd!
They stretch about 1.5 miles almost to Mushroom Springs. Cool!
I make a stop at the Ranch and head out to check for Owls. No sighting again today but I do see a Kestrel.
(And plenty of Robins.)
And a lone deer.
Time to head back north. This time across from the bison on the east side of the road, I see 4 Pronghorn moving south.
Nearing Frary Peak, I see the tiny head of one the Pronghorn (from the chases earlier) as he lays.
I also take a stop at the Frary Peak trail head (the road to the parking lot is now open) looking for rabbits. I don't even see a track in the snow.
On the west side of the island, there's a small group of bison heading for and then crossing the road.
Good day! (Now let's bring in Spring!)
