Very cloudy morning but the further I go north, the sunnier its getting (except for a big black cloud to the west).
Lots of birds on Farmington Bay this morning but not many in the Salt Lake.
I head directly for the west side of the island and spot a single bison on the north end behind the Visitor's Center. He ends up being the only wildlife I see on the way to the trail head.
A guy, who just finished running the trail, tells me he had seen 2 groups of bison, 2 small herds of antelope and a coyote --- I'm excited!
There are no animals visible from the trail head so I start the loop in my usual clockwise direction. Really not much happening except for the birds flying in and out of the grasses. I'm watching very carefully for the antelope because even in herds they're not always easy to spot (especially with brown vegetation).
I'm basically at the top and heading west on the final stretch - when finally, I see some bison. A small herd of about 10-15. Most are laying down.
That sky is looking pretty nasty -- some of the storms clouds are nearing the island.
Starting to wonder if I should take the short loop today. I've never been on it -- it stays high and loops back instead of dropping into the valley. I got a little time to decide.
I'm heading towards the ridge when I see movement in the grass heading toward the trail. It's a buck! He trots across the trail ahead me.
I turn to see another buck following. He too crosses the trail. I look for them when I get further along the trail but they must have went up the hill to the mesa.
I get to the ridge and continue walking south. I'm seeing signs of antelope (scat, hoof prints) but not seeing any animals.
I see a guy (and dog) heading around from the short loop and ask him if he has seen any antelope. He said they are in the big valley and I should continue down the valley for the best chance to see them. Well, the big loop it is! Here's hoping to see the antelope and avoid getting rained on in the process. :)
I get about 1/4 way down the valley when I see the antelope in the distance. There is a herd of about 9 pronghorn and over about 20 yards is the male is about 30 yards keeping watch over his harem.
As I get closer I notice 4 horseback riders approaching me (and the herd). Antelope seem to spook easily so I'm hoping they stay put. Nope, the horses spook the females and they drop behind the knoll. Not all is lost as I should see them again a little further down the trail. And I do.
There are also 3 bison in the middle of the valley.
I'm seeing little Western Pygmy Blues flying now.
And some fresh purple Aster
and Evening Primrose. Guess the record-setting temperatures we're having has got some flowers confused.
On the final stretch along the lake, I'm seeing a few Clouded Sulphers, lots of Pygmy Blues (I gave up counting at 35), a Common Checkered Skipper and a Checkered White.
A jackrabbit runs across the trail in front of me.
I get back to my car happy to have found the antelope and not getting rained on -- the storm stayed over the lake.
I head over to the east side of the island and drive down to the ranch. There's 4 bison a little off the road, 1 up on the ridge, and 6 down by the lake.
I find one pronghorn in a field.
And then a huge herd of bison scattered down by the lake.
On the drive back north, I couldn't find that pronghorn but further down the road I see another pronghorn (head only) on a ridge.
Another good day on Antelope Island!
When I get home, I have a little visitor sitting in front of my garage door
Love these guys!
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