Jan 12 - Antelope Island

Happy to see the forecasted snow disappeared this morning so I'm heading up to Antelope Island for hopefully a hike. It all depends on the depth of the snow because it's supposed to be around 30 degrees which is the warmest we've seen in a week. (I need to enjoy because there is a big snowstorm coming in for tonight/Sat and Sun. The forecast is for 6-16 inches in the valley and over 4 feet in the mountains. Wahoo!

And another Wahoo! because I can take the new West Davis Hwy today. Opened last week-end and it will drop me off about 2 miles from the gate. No more stoplight hopping on Antelope Drive; no more heavy traffic...I love it!

Lots of new stuff to look at along the drive. To the west is mostly Salt Lake flats with grazing cows and horses. To the east, I'm surprised by the number of new homes (probably happy to have a highway in their backyards) but there are still small farms with cows and horses.

When I arrive at the gate, the flag is almost blowing straight so although it's 32 degrees, I'm not hiking today. :(

The ground is snow-covered but by far less snow than I expected. 

At one point I see a large flying bird on the south side of the causeway and flying west. It has a white tail; it's an adult Bald Eagle and I get to fly "right next" to it for a short bit. So cool!

It's the only eagle I see but I do see a hawk on the Salt Lake side flying.

The Salt Lake, because of the wind, is quite choppy.

And within eye shot of the bird, there are absolutely a ton of ducks - Green-winged Teals! They've finally arrived!!

I reach the Island and the flag here is also about straight-out.

I see no animals behind the VC. I turn left to head south towards the Ranch.

Lots of drifting on the road as the wind is blowing the snow across in spots.

It isn't until I reach the water basin in front of Frary Peak I think I spot some bison laying down. Just black dots.

There is a confirmed herd of bison after the potty spot. They are on the east side of the road and a decent size herd.

I arrive at the Ranch. There's no animals out there that I can find.

Time to find the Owl(s).

Boy is it blowing - thank goodness it's kinda warm out.

I head into the woods looking up thru the branches. I exit the woods circling around to the backside. I see a couple of bison to the south.

Then it's back into the woods. I find nothing.

I head into the barn and as soon as I enter, surprise, I find the Owl pair!! Hot dog! Only the 2nd time that I've seen them together. The smaller male is in front and he's looking at me. The female is in back and look to have her eyes closed. Great to see that they are together because it is mating season!

I call the guy who greeted me earlier (I think he's a volunteer) to show him the Owls.

Well, time to head back to the car and work my way back north passing that bison herd along the way.

And the little herd by the water basin is now up and I can confirm that sighting.

I decide to head over to the west side of the Island for a check. No animals behind the VC.

I take the road up to the Bison Point parking lot. On the way up, I spot a good sized herd along the south face of Bison Point. When I get to the top, I go to check them out.

Hey, there's one in the distance east of the parking lot too!

Beautiful view!

I stop to check out some Shovelers and tons of Green-winged Teals on my way out. Hey, there looks to be a Bald Eagle eating a Teal behind them. Cool!

Awesome day (despite no hike)!