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Glenn Barlow and I hit Antelope Island today and
saw the birds reported yesterday and a few other species. Of note is the
difference in the number of Western Sandpipers between the two days.
Yesterday, I saw about 20. Today, we saw hundreds. We found them on
the north side of the Causeway, primarily from about mm 4 to 2. We also
saw a lone Black-bellied Plover in half n' half plumage on the north side of the
Causeway on the first bend as you head west, between mm 4 and 3. On the
return trip in the afternoon, hundreds of birds were concentrated on the rocky
spit that stretches out toward Fremont Island at mile 1 1/2. We saw three
species of small shorebirds there--Sanderlings, the Western Sandpipers, and 7
Dunlins. Two Horned Grebes circulated among the Eared Grebes on the south
side of the bridge at mm 1 and toward the island. We got good looks
at 5 Marbled Godwits poking along the shore just as you turn south off the
Causeway and head toward Garr Ranch. We viewed the godwits and several
other species of waterfowl and water birds from the wide pullout favored by
riding outfitters.
Garr Ranch is still pretty quiet. The most
remarkable birds there were Yellow-rumped Warblers (in beautiful, fresh,
startling plumage--all were Audubon's) and Ruby-crowned Kinglets as
reported yesterday.
If you bird in the area of the Visitor's Center and
especially the Bison Burger joint, be aware that stinging gnats had a heyday
today on human flesh. I doubt you could cover up enough to keep them
out of your clothes. Wear full body armor.
Kris
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