April 1 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with highs in the mid-50s.

Heading up to Antelope Island with a plan of hiking Frary Peak.

I arrive on the causeway around 8:30. Not far from the gate I spot 2 Sandhill Cranes on the Farmington Bay side -- love it!

There's even a Mallard out there near one of the Sandhill Cranes.


I also see a large hawk from up from the grasses a bit farther down the road.

As I near the island, the number of shorebirds continue to increase as expected.

Once I reach the Island, I decide to head to the Ranch to check out Sentry Peak.

Today, there are no bison behind the Visitor's Center and no Burrowing Owls down from the Viewpoint.

Under the White Rock ridge are 5 bison just hanging out enjoying the sunrise.

Near Frary Peak, I spot a lone Pronghorn

when I turn to look left, I see 2 pheasants disappearing in the grasses.

The rest of the way to the Ranch, I see a few scattered herd of bison of various sizes.

There are a few bison just north of the Ranch on the east side and a larger herd on the west.

Any hey, the gate to Sentry Peak is finally open!

As I head to the parking, I see a couple of bison near the gated field (I drive past) and a small herd north of Mushroom Springs. I'm happy because I can hike up to Sentry Peak!

I park and as I'm getting ready, I notice that small herd of bison is walking towards Mushrooms Springs. Shoot! Hey, there are 2 Pronghorn in front of those bison!!!

I watch for a bit hoping they will stop but nope, they keep marching. I guess it's Beacon Hill today!

I head back up the island and park at the Gravel Pit trail. Yea, I know I punted on Frary Peak but it's after 9am and I'm sure it's getting crowded. And yes, I could hike White Rock but I'm hoping the Bisquitroot will bring out some Anise Swallowtails.

I gear up and head up the trail. It's still in the low 40s but the sun will warm me up.

Lots of Bisquitroot in bloom but no butterflies. :(

I keep my eyes open for those bison that have been hanging here and White Rock and I finally run into them not far from the trail intersection with White Rock Trail.

They are on the east side of the side maybe 20 yards or so. They are all laying down and looking away from me. I decide to go off-trail to give them extra space as I pass by. I reconnect with the trail south of them and they did not budge. Yea!

I continue on to Beacon Hill --- my 2 Pronghorn friends are not visible today.

I reach the benches and enjoy the view -- there are bison downhill from me but I cannot see them.

Time to head on back.

Thankfully, the bison have not moved and again I give them a wide berth. 

I'm about around them when one of the last bison stands and give me a look. His tail is down so I continue around and then back to the trail.

Oh, there are several Western Meadowlarks out singing today.

I'm heading back down into the Gravel Pit when I see a coyote runs downhill, across the trail and south into the meadow. I watch as he runs across -- very cool!


Awesome day!

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