Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
This hot spot was created to fill a niche missing in eBird data--that being specifically form the mountain range going down the center of the island.  This backcountry is only accessible via trails by, foot, bike and horse; and many locations are still closed to the public.  The Frary Peak Trail is one of the most used trails in the park so data from that location will definitely be helpful.  The terrain is mostly dry hillsides, slopes, and rocky canyons.  There is some grassland and shrubsteppe habitat, as well as small springs in various locations with riparian habitat.  Some oak and juniper woodlands exist as well.  I have never been in the back country to know the true extent of what habitat may be found so will be reaching out to others in hopes of filling this gap

Birding:
Birds to be expected in the drier rocky areas and grassland areas are typical of elsewhere on the island and include ROCK WREN, CHUKAR, and BURROWING OWL.  LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE can be found year round while NORTHERN SHRIKE are present during the winter.  Raptors hunting over the open land here include GOLDEN EAGLE and both PEREGRINE and PRAIRIE FALCON year round.  In the winter ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK replace the SWAINSON'S HAWKS found in the summer.  Flocks of GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES with BLACK ROSY-FINCHES mixed in have been reported in the winter; while SAGE THRASHER, LARK SPARROW, and BREWER'S SPARROW are usually found in the sagebrush areas during the breeding season.  Check out the Antelope Island Trails map, or ask for a map when you arrive at the gate to the park for more information!

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue 6 miles across the causeway to the island.  Depending on where you want to bird in the backcountry there are various access points so please consult a map from the entrance station.