Jan 1 - Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

Happy New Year!

For this first day and hike of the 2022, I'm braving the temperatures in the teens and heading up to Antelope Island.

Planning on hiking the Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill trails.

It's around 12 degrees when I start crossing the causeway. There's a few clouds in the sky but looks to be a blue sky day! The flags at the gate were stagnant which is awesome on this very cold morning.

Far less snow here then down in Salt Lake.

As I cross, I spot a Kestrel

the Rough Legged Hawk (in his usual spot)

and 2 Bald Eagles out on the Farmington Bay ice. The one has snagged himself a duck!

I arrive on the island (the flag here is unfortunately blowing) and head south towards the Ranch. Again no bison around the Visitor's Center and I don't see bison until after the Frary Homestead. It's a small herd of bison. Part of the herd is crossing over the road. There's a Fall baby with them. Once across, they take off jogging to other bison feeding in some sagebrush.

The other part of the herd is on the west side of the road. Some are feeding and some laying on the ground.

I arrive at the Ranch and check for Bald Eagles at Mushroom Springs. :(

And there are no critters in sight.

I turn around and head back to the Gravel Pit trailhead.

Since the parking lot is closed for the winter, I park outside the gate. There is one other car parked. I gear up and start thru the parking lot to the actual trail. There's definitely a wind but at this point its at my back.

The trail has a couple of inches of snow. I follow a set of Fat Tires tracks.

The scenery along the trail is beautiful, lots of small birds at the start feeding on sunflower seeds.

but no critters here either.

I even find some wing prints in the snow -- by some sunflowers.

Soon I taking the spur trail up to Beacon Hill. I can feel the wind now - brrr!

I reach the overlook -- such a beautiful start to the New Year!!



Time to head back to my car -- straight into the wind; time for a fleece-y face mask (one I'm happy to wear)!

Back at the car, it's still only 18 degrees.

Time to head home!

Oh, I see 2 formations of swans in the air around the gate! Heading south for warmer temps.

Awesome day!

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