April 8 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with temps in the mid-70s today. Awesome days after a chilly week. It won't last long as it gets cooler tomorrow and still cooler with possible snow on Tues/Wed. Welcome to Spring!

My plan was to hike Frary Peak but when I arrive on the Island, I decide to check on Sentry Peak instead.

But first, I pass a herd of Pronghorn directly behind the Visitor's Center. There are a couple near the road and others are a bit to the west.

Then there's a group of 5 bison on the south side of the fence. Perfect day for soaking up some sun!

I check for Burrowing Owls after the pull-out but there still are none. Did they abandon the burrows or maybe because of the whacky weather, they just haven't arrived yet?

But there are bison on the east side possibly visible from the Gravel Pit trail.

There's a few more bison not far from the road under Beacon Hill.

In front of Frary Peak, there is a group of bison on the east side of the road. Only 2 of them are fully visible and across the street are 2 bison and hey, a coyote passing right behind the bison. Way cool! (Second time I've seen something like that!)

Way up on the hillside by the bathroom is another herd of bison.

Just I can confirm that the park is mowing the "lawn" this year. I'm not sure why except for fire prevention OR make it easier for the animals to graze. But the mowing is probably affecting animal movements.

I roll up on the Ranch and it looks promising for a Sentry Peak hike but darn, there's a small herd of bison not far off the trail not far from Mushroom Springs. Shoot!

As I drive back north, it hits me that I should've walked to Mushroom Springs and go off trail up to the road and back to the trail totally bypassing the bison. Oh well! Let's try the Gravel Pit.

On my return, the bison in front of Frary Peak are now on the lakebed.

I pull into the Gravel Pit parking and yep, the bison are quite visible from the Gravel Pit - onward to the White Rock Trail.

When I turn to the west side of the island, I see a lone Pronghorn and then in front for Bison Point, a two bison.

Only a few cars in the lot just before 9am. It's 46 degrees and I'm off.

Quiet walk other than the calls of the Curlews and many other birds (Western Meadowlarks, Horned Larks, etc). And lots of Bisquitroot blooming.

Soon I reach the intersection with the Gravel Pit trail and continue around Beacon Hill. There are no bison visible today on the hill. Nope, they are on the flat and I get to pass them. They pay me no attention - thank-you!

Oh, I should note that I've passed several Common Checkered Skippers already.

Then it's down to the ridge passing an invisible Curlew calling from the ground and several flying over.

Along the inner trail, still very pink with Common Checkered Skippers still very common. 

About 1/2 down, I see an orange butterfly. Exciting! I think I see it land and I wander over but no butterfly. :( I can't only suspect it's was a Mylitta Crescent as they are early flyers.

Farther along, I see a White butterfly but it's heading uphill.

On the final track west (before turning north), I see a lone Pronghorn directly down from the trail. I pass by as she watches me.

Oh, and I find Globeflower blooming. Not often I see this flower - usually the gnats are out by then. And they are coming, I see a couple of them time flying next me. (Boo!)

Before I complete my loop, I hear/see this little bird with a very pretty high-pitched song.

I then complete the loop and start my way back to my car. Along the way, I see a White butterfly. I follow hoping it will land. And it does twice. I thought it was a Checkered White but then I see that's it's marbled. Is it a Large Marble or Becker's White? Can't say I've ID'd either along the White Rock Trail. (I've seen Becker's on the Sentry Trail but not since the big fire.)

There's another one not far from my car. And it's a Becker's White! That's awesome!

And more as I drive out of the park.

Great day!