April 3 -White Rock Trail

 Mostly sunny near with temps near 60 degrees.

As I cross the causeway, it seems the shorebird numbers are increasing (as they should be). Although the birds are harder to see because there's more shoreline now. :(

When I arrive on the island just before 8am, there are no bison to be seen behind the Visitor's Center. Actually there's nothing visible (except birds) all the way to the White Rock Parking.

And surprise, I'm the only one here at 8am -- much different than last Sunday -- but it's General Conference week-end.

It's around 35 degrees as I head up the trail.

Soon I'm up the switchback and heading east. I don't see those 4 bison in the distance (or nearby) but I'm sure I'll run into them somewhere along the way.

Hey, there's 2 Yellow Bell plants in bloom!!



It's a quiet walk. As I approach Beacon Hill, I see a couple of bison on top of the plateau. I knew I'd find them. I walk right under them as if I wasn't even near them. Whew!

My friends the Pronghorn are not around today.

On the far side of the White Rock meadow there are 2 bison not far from the trail. Luckily, I'm going no where near them.

When I reach the ridge, I hear/see several Curlew flying by. One lands and we start walking towards each other. 



Soon he disappears on the downside of the meadow and then takes off calling. Still love them.

As I'm approaching the intersection with the inner trail, I see a biker approaching those bison. Will he actually ride by them? The answer is yes -- crazy dude!

I'm on the inner trail heading north towards Beacon Hill (kinda) when I see 2 Pronghorn running downhill from the lookout bench area. Darn, I bet those are my Pronghorn! There's a bike riding past the bench and I bet he scared them.

They are still running downhill and then eventually stop and start heading back uphill. As I approach, I lose sight of them as they are back on top. Way cool!

I'm back to my quiet walk among the pink flowers. No lizards this morning (probably still too cold) but the Common Checkered Skippers are flying!

I've almost completed the loop when I here Chukar calling. I stop and look behind me and see one on top of a rock!!

Then back on the home stretch, I hear Curlew calls and find one in the grasses. Could this be the same one from last week?!



Awesome day!

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