Notes to Self. Beyond the Blackbird Pond

Leaving behind the pond with the curious name "Blackbird Pond", I went to explore this area further and soon the trail lead me to a small winding river where to my surprise I saw a pair of Sandhill Cranes.

Watching them, I got the sense that this wasn't a chance encounter; they moved with the quiet confidence of owners surveying their own territory. 

Now, I can’t help but wonder if they’ll remain as the seasons shift—whether they will still claim this stretch of water once the summer heat takes hold and the river begins to run thin.

Generally, life is good.

 

Antelope Island Under a Cloudy Sky

Antelope Island looks especially stunning under cloudy skies. When clouds diffuse sunlight, they create soft, even lighting that enhances the island’s colors and textures.

Generally, life is good.

On the Antelope Island

 

It was an unforgettable day on Antelope Island. A herd of bison was coming down the mountain heading slowly in my direction. Animals were heading towards a big muddy puddle, they needed water to quench their thirst.

Generally, life is good.

Antelope Island in March - I

 

The desert is harsh but when the sun illuminates it, it suddenly turns into shades of green and yellow and becomes so alive and so beautiful.

Generally, life is good.

Antelope Island as a Storm Approaches - V

 

The beauty of the Island is in its natural contrasts: the vast, barren expanses of the salt desert and waters of the Great Salt Lake.  

When spring will arrive the harshness of the desert is soften by wildflowers,  bison, mule deer and pronghorn antelopes that roam freely across the island.

Generally, life is good.

A Young Male Pronghorn on Antelope Island

My encounter with a young male Pronghorn began with disappointment.  He was far away on the top of the hill. The decision to drive around the hill in the hope of getting closer to the young animal turned out to be surprisingly successful. 

I think this Pronghorn was about 3 to 5 years old, his horns were more developed and thick with two horns.

 

Male pronghorns can face some risks when they are alone, especially when it comes to predators like coyotes, but they are capable of defending themselves.

Pronghorns are incredibly fast, capable of reaching speeds up to 55 miles per hour (88 km/h), making them one of the fastest land mammals in North America. 

A lone male pronghorn, just like a group, can usually outrun a coyote, which is why they are less likely to be caught in a direct chase.

Seeing a male Pronghorn alone is not uncommon.  Outside of the breeding season, male pronghorns tend to be more solitary. They typically separate from groups of females and juveniles. 

Males prefer solitude during times when they are not competing for mates or protecting a group.

Generally, life is good.

Notes to Self. Monolog

 

Antelope Island, March 2025

The Antelope island usually "talks" to me in monologue while I am there. 

It always "asks" me to slow down and take my time, be attentive and most importantly to preserve its original beauty in my photos.  

"Be honest about my unique landscape, don't over-edit, keep it pristine", - the Island often reminds me.  I promise, but there are times when I don't keep my promise and then I regret it because I feel that the Island will be disappointed.

I learn, often stumble, but never forget to listen to the Island that holds the eternal wisdom.

Generally, life is good.

Antelope Island as a Storm Approaches - IV

 

An American Bison crosses the road to join his herd.  

Generally, life is good.

Notes to Self. Inspiration

 

Inspiration comes like a breeze. It's like a little spark of curiosity.

***

For the past few months I have been looking at the sunset photos from a local photographer with stunning and colorful sky effects. These photographs were taken on the Bear River MBR and looked more like abstractions, where the sky was a flaming "sea".

I really wanted to see this sky, but did not dare to find myself in the desert slowly sinking into darkness.

***

The most unpredictable thing happened when, having overcome my fear and finding myself in the desert before sunset, I was suddenly struck not by the colors of the blazing sky, but by the silhouettes of trees bathed in a golden glow. Their mysterious, intriguing silhouettes and their timeless beauty were indescribable.

Generally, life is good.

Park in the Desert

 

A small park on Antelope Island, surrounded by desert. 

This park is the home for beautiful centuries-old trees that bravely face cold, snowy winters year after year and provide coolness in the dry hot summers.

Generally, life is good.

On the Country Roads. Indian Summer

 

With the arrival of October comes Indian summer - warm and sunny, when the air is fresh, the sunlight is fragile and the nights are cold. 

Generally, life is good.

Female Mule Deer and Her Fawns - III.

In a deserted salty field near the Bear MBR I came across a group of five Mule deer in the early June. As I got closer, I realized it was a doe and her four fawns.

I only had half an hour before the sun would disappear below the horizon to take a few photos of this family. Fortunately, the mother and her babies didn't go anywhere; they needed food for the night.

Generally, life is good.

The World is Wide Enough - III. Waiting

 

The shore of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island.

Generally, life is good.

Salty Desert - I. Coca-Cola

Desert is always full of surprises, they may be a little bit bizarre, but they are always interesting.

Generally, life is good.

Female Mule Deer and Her Fawns - II.

The fawns were always close to their mother, one might say, never leaving her side and under her watchful eye.

Generally, life is good.

Female Mule Deer with Her Fawns - I.

 

In a deserted salty field near the Bear MBR I came across a group of five Mule deer. As I got closer, I realized it was a doe and her four fawns.

I only had half an hour before the sun would disappear below the horizon to take a few photos of this family. Fortunately, the mother and her babies didn't go anywhere; they needed food for the night.

Sometimes one or two fawns laid down on the grass for a short rest.  They had a long journey ahead of them to their overnight stay and needed rest.

Their mother was young and strong.  Looking at her I thought it must be not easy  to raise four little fawns and protect them.  I didn't see any male Mule deer around.  They do not help in raising the babies, the female does this on her own.

 

At first, the family of deer was a little concerned about my presence but soon they  paid no attention to me. Half an hour spent with this family turned out to be an eternity and joy.

Generally, life is good.

Powerful and Confident

 

Some people confuse bison and buffalo.  Both are large horned animals of Bovidae family.  Antelope Island is home to American bison.

Contrary to the song "Home on the Range", buffalo do not roam the American West.  Instead, they are indigenous to South Asia (water buffalo) and Africa ( Cape buffalo).

The main difference between bison and buffalo is the presence of a hump.  Bison has one on its shoulders, the buffalo does not.

Generally, life is good.

In the Desert Before a Snowstorm

The desert before any storm is often dark, dramatic and impressive.

Generally, life is good.

Pronghorns on Antelope Island

I am not always successful photographing Pronghorn antelopes, as I would like, but if I manage to get a few more or less decent photos, I am very happy.

In the photo above a young Pronghorn is walking in the company of three males who are trying to keep it safe.

Pronghorns head into the mountains past a male pronghorn who is resting and watching the procession.   In a few seconds he will stand up and join the others.

As you noticed, there is no snow and this is a bit unusual for the end of December.

Today is 45°F (7°C). 

Generally, life is good.

European Starlings in Flight

 

In winter, European Starlings gather in small groups in the trees to socialize. They cling to the treetops like beads and then they fly away to return.

I was waiting for the moments when Starlings would take off.  Suddenly there were so many of them in the air, such a beautiful short spectacle that impossible to forget.

Generally, life is good.