Feb 18 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with temps in the 40s.

Heading up to Antelope Island to hike the Gravel Pit.

Along the causeway, I see a Kestrel (in the usual area) 

and a Bald Eagle (on the Farmington Bay side) in the construction area.

Still lots of ducks but because of the warmer temps, there's a lot more open water so the ducks are not all clumped together.

Oh, there's a coyote out on the ice and he's howling. I wonder if this is part of the pair I saw last. Guess he's howling for his mate. Pretty cool!

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.

Hey, there's a large herd of bison on the west side of the road under White Rock Ridge. There's a smaller group of bison higher up. (That's where I saw my 1st maybe bison of 2021!)

Continuing on I see a lone Pronghorn 

and then farther down, I see a small herd of Pronghorn running west, crossing the road and still running. I look east to see one other Pronghorn catching up. Probably the male rounding up his harem.

There a small herd of bison to the south - all in one shot! Love when that happens!

I reach the Ranch. There are a few bison just north of the overflow lot near the dirt road.

Time to head north.

I reach the Gravel Pit road and yea! The parking lot is open. There's a DNR guy in a truck, I make sure it's OK to park before starting up the trail.

Quiet walk - no bison is view anywhere.

It isn't until I round the corner of Beacon Hill that I see something that looks like a Pronghorn but maybe just a rock. Yep! That's a Pronghorn! I wonder if it's the same one I saw a few days ago.

He was very skittish last time (typical Pronghorn) but today, he's mellow. Just laying there and doesn't move as I approach. I pass him by and he's still laying there. Awesome!

I head up to Beacon Hill. What a lovely view today! So clear (just a little haze). 

I'm staring over that Bison herd 

when I see something small moving fast to the north. Is it a bird (lots of crows/ravens flying) or animal? Nope, it's a critter -- maybe Pronghorn or coyote. It's coyote! Way cool!


Time to head back.

First signs of Spring!

Awesome day!

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