Nov 28 - Antelope Island

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a sunny day with highs in the upper 30s. Heading to Antelope Island today for probably just a drive. My hip is still hurting and not ready for a hike. Hey, I'm not even dressed for a hike so maybe just a walk.

I arrive at the causeway to sunny skies. As I drive along the causeway, it's frosty and water levels have dropped. And the birds have left as well.

On the drive up, I got excited about seeing some Bald Eagles but it dawned on me it's still Nov; perhaps in a month or so.

There are lots of pick-ups parked along the causeway; duck hunters I presume but could deer as well.

Along the drive I see a Kestrel and coyote trotting north away from the causeway.

Wonderful start!

I arrive on the Island and head south towards the Ranch. There are 4 bison lined up behind the Visitor's Center.

Then there's nothing until in front for Frary Peak. Many cars (trucks) lined up so it must be deer. I manage to see 3 and they all look like doe. 

Continuing on I see 3 herds of bison a small, bigger and biggest.

I reach the Ranch and am surprised that the gate is still open so I head down to the Sentry Trail TH. Again surprised that at 8:15 with 32 degree temps there are two cars at the TH. And I thought I start early.

And there's the largest herd of bison just south of the trail.

I decide to continue down the road to the old turn around (which is now gone) hoping to see an Antelope but no luck. So it's back to an empty Ranch parking lot to look for the Great Horned Owls.

I first check the barn (no luck) before heading towards the woods. Before I got there I stop to listen to what sounds like rain falling. Instead, it frosted leaves falling down from the trees. What an awesome sound!! Never heard that before so I stopped to listen for a bit.

I then searched the woods for the Owls but no success other than the Flicker and a Pheasant calling.

Time to head north.

On the way back, I spot 2 lone bison that weren't there before. And in front of White Rock, I spot 2 coyotes!!! (Three for the day!)

I head over to the west side, again for Pronghorn and again nothing.

Time to head home.

The drive along the causeway yielded 3 Kestrels!

The drive home yielded 4 hawks.

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