April 17 - Sentry Peak (Antelope Island)

Happy Easter!

Heading up to Antelope Island to hike Sentry Peak (I hope).

Temps are in the low 40s when I arrive with partly cloudy skies (and wind).

The north side of the island is in the shade of a very large cloud when I arrive which thankfully I do drive out of after a few miles.

There are no animals behind the Visitor's Center this morning. In fact, I don't see any animals until I almost reach the White Rock/Beacon Hill area. The 1st encounter was in a location I don't normally see bison but there's a herd out on the lake bed with little Reds!!!


The next is at the White Rock/Beacon Hill area. There are bison on the lake bed but there are also bison just off the road. Perfect views of the little Reds! (Unfortunately, some of my best shots are blurry for some reason - oh well!)

Continuing on in front for Frary Peak, I see not 1

but 2 Pheasant!!

At the Ranch, there are 5 bison -- I think these are the ones that have been hanging out there for a while but today they are away from the trail. Yea! There is also another herd west of them against the mountains. I can hike Sentry Peak today!

That wind is chilly this morning so I wear a jacket as I start off.

The bison are to the north of me

Lots of pinks still in bloom with a stray Biscuitroot or Spring Parsley here and there.

It's a quiet walk up to the switchback. As I cross, I see a large herd that I missed on my way in - I would have had to turn my head to see them while driving but they are perfectly clear now.

I also think I've found Myrtle Spurge -- horrible invasive plant of the foothills here. (Water-wise plant that has gone wild.)


Then it's up the next hill to the ridge. Beautiful view!

As I cross, I see some Yarrow about 6 inches out of the ground.

But again, just a quiet walk.

Soon I am across and heading downhill.


Nice walk, no critters, just me and the wind.

Time to head home.

On the way home, that herd of bison next to the road has moved onto the lakebed.

Also, there's a Norther Harrier (Gray) stalking prey behind the Visitor's Center.

Good day!

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