Dear Readers,

Wonder sometimes comes from discovering connections between things thought to be separate. One example is landforms and clouds. This post features Antelope Island and a line of low-lying clouds that its 15-mile (24-kilometer) spine had created. Approaching the island from the causeway, this connection and the low ceiling impressed me.

Antelope Island and Its Crown of Clouds- 3 May 2021

From the north end of the island and looking south. Compare the low altitude of the island’s clouds with those in the higher deck. BTW The snow capped range in the distance is the much taller Oquirrh mountains, not part of the island. Antelope Island ends at that olive colored point just left of center, silhouetted against the Oquirrhs. That southern part of the island is featured in the last two photos of this post.

Birds Landing on the Great Salt Lake – 3 May 2021

I include this photograph because of the cloud of birds to the right. The flock is landing en masse on the lake.  As I saw the dark blemish in the camera viewfinder, I first thought the lens or sensor was defective. When I realized the real nature of the brown blob, I pushed the shutter. Without the birds I would not have included this photograph because I found the scene prosaic with its low contrast lighting. Yet, upon prolonged reflection this moment in the life of Earth is arresting. The birds were too far away for accurate identification. Knowing, however, the seasonal migration pattern through these marshlands, I would guess they are phalaropes, either Wilson’s or red-necked. The evidence for Wilson’s is that this is the south end of their breeding range. The evidence for red-necked, who breed on either side of the arctic circle, is that they migrate in large flocks. Either way a beautiful sight.

Gateway through the Clouds – 3 May 2021

Looking due west across the southern end of Antelope Island. The gap in the clouds and its resulting path of sunshine. BTW This is as green as Antelope Island gets. Notice how you can feel the sharpness of the ridgeline on the palm of your hand and the coolness of the clouds on the back of your hand.

Ridgeline of Southern Antelope Island – 3 May 2021

Looking west. The sharp definition of the ridgeline fascinated me. I just allowed my eyes to range repeatedly back and forth along it. For this photograph I used a wider angle lens because my eyes wanted to capture more of the ridge. The spine of Antelope Island here consists of rock formed 1.7 billion years ago. Notice the terraces left over from Lake Bonneville, 11,000 to 24,000 years ago. This photograph conveys the low ceiling of the orographic, i.e., mountain-caused clouds.

Your blog host,

Michael