April 24 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

 Mostly sunny day with temps in the mid-50s (after 2 rainy days and 30+ inches of new snow in the mountains)

And since the bugs are not out yet on the island because of this whacky weather, I'm heading there to try in squeak in 1 more hike; hopefully, of the Sentry Trail.

I arrive on the island around 8:15 and head directly to the Ranch.

There are 2 bison visible just after the fence line. 

No critters until I arrive in front of White Rock Ridge/Beacon Hill. There I see a lone animal (I'm thinking Pronghorn) looking North. 

After I take a photo, the animal (now clearly a coyote) starts trotting south. I look North and there's another coyote trotting south - they must be a couple!! Way cool!

Continuing on, in front of Frary Peak, there are 2 bison not far from the road.

A bit farther down the road, is another group of 4.

Continuing down to the Ranch, there are a few very small groups of bison out towards the mountains but no Mom/baby herd. I bet they're in front of Sentry Peak.

I arrive at the Ranch and there's no bison in sight! (But where did the Mom/baby herd go?) I start driving to the parking lot but still looking towards Mushroom Springs. Shoot! There is a herd of bison at Mushroom Springs! Looks like that group of 4-5 that have been hanging out here. Oh well, it's to the White Rock trail maybe the Mom/babies will be in the valley.

Heading back north, the couple of bison in front of Frary Peak have crossed to the opposite side of the road.

And I spot a lone Burrowing Owl south of the viewpoint -- it's the first one there of the year!

Then it's over to the west side of the island where I find a lone bison looking west near Bison Point area not far off the road.

I head to the White Rock parking passing a lone bison not far from the pit toilet (I guess I'll use the other one.)

There are only a few cars in the lot. It's 43 degrees. I gear up and start up the trail.

I don't get far when the Death Camas are just starting to bloom.

Along the trail before the climb, I find Phlox in bloom!!

Then it's up the hill. Still hoping to see Anise Swallowtail; the Biscuitroot has been been for a couple of weeks now.

Note: to the east, there 4 bison in the distance. No impact to me though.

I reach the top turn the corner and there's an Anise!!! Hot dog! It's been years since I've seen one here as they usually fly after the bugs are out.

As I continue east, I see a few more, and a Juba Skipper and Common Checkered Skippers. 

Once out of that area, I see no more Anise Swallowtail even though I'm basically walking thru a field of Biscuitroot.

The Utah Vetch is now blooming.

As I reach the intersection with the Gravel Pit trail, I spot a Painted Lady! She didn't stay long (and neither did the others I saw today).

As I round the west side of Bison Point, I see another Anise Swallowtail (and possibly one more). I love it!

Then it's down the ridge. There is no big bison herd in the valley; or even a smaller one.

I do hear and see the Curlew though.

Coming down the inner part of the trail, I reach the Death Camas. They are behind the ones outside the parking lot but getting there.

The pink flowers are still blooming here and along the whole trail.

Seeing Common Checkered Skippers, a few Jubas 

and a few Painted Ladies along this stretch.

About 1/2 way, I round a corner and have a lone bison staring at me 40-50 yards away. 

His tail is down so I continue along the trail even though I'm heading him because I'll be turning away from him shortly. I get past and go thru various curves and when I pop out again, he's walking my way. Shoot!

I speed up as I don't want to get trapped. As I move along (the bison is now out of sight), I pass a lone bison 1/2 way up a hill.

A bit farther, I see the bison again. He's farther behind but see moving in my direction. I keep moving.

I finally reach the uphill stretch and I stop to look back. The bison is stopped now and it seems he's heading up to his buddy on the hill. I watch for a bit and yes, he's heading towards his buddy. How does he know he's up there? Kinda cool!

I can slow down a little now to finish the west side. Along the way, I see a CA Tortoiseshell zip by!!

I'm moving north again to complete the loop. Strange I haven't seen a single person today - very weird - but I like.

I run into a couple more Anise Swallowtail when I complete the loop; not far from where I saw the initial ones.

Then it's down the stick and back to the parking lot. I finally pass one person on the "stick".

Back at my car, I start to head out but have to stop for a herd (9-10) Pronghorn moving under Bison Point.

Great way to end an awesome day!