March 27 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with temps at a record setting 80 degrees - BTW: we set a record yesterday as well.

Heading to Antelope Island to hike White Rock -- don't want the long drive to the Ranch when there were bison there on Friday.

Along the causeway, there's still a lack of shorebirds - either they're skipping the island or they just haven't arrived yet.

I reach the island and head directly to the White Rock trail. 

I see two lone bison on the east side of the road near the Visitor's Center. I say lone because they are far apart.

I also see a long Pronghorn not far from the road by Bison Point. Hi!

As I drive towards the White Rock left turn towards parking, I see what looks like 3 bison out on the Salt Lake "beach". Yes, I confirm they are bison.

There a few cars already in the lots when I get there just after 8am. It's a hazy sunshine and 56 degrees as I start off.

Quiet, peaceful start. 

Spring Parsley and Bisquitroot in bloom along the trail.

Those 4 bison along the fence line are gone. I see 3 bison in the distance to the east and a lone one walking towards them. I bet those are the four.

Just a nice walk and soon I reach the overlook to White Rock meadow. No critter down there that I can see.

I head down towards the ridge - lots of pink flower here.

As I cross the ridge, I see what looks like 2 bison among some rocks on the east downhill side and sure enough, they are bison!

Time to start the inner trail.

Tons of pink flowers along the inner trail.

As I walk I hear Curlew and I look up and 4 are flying overhead! Way cool! Love these birds and their calls! They've arrived! The fly west and disappear.

But fly back east some time later calling!

I also find Common Checkered Skippers -- quiet a few of them among the hillside.

Soon I'm on the west side and still walking through "fields" of pink flowers -- look lovely.

Then it's down the switchbacks and along the last stretch back to my car.

Along that stretch, I see a Curlew! Awesome!


On my way back to the east side, the lone Pronghorn is now gone but on the opposite side is a herd of Pronghorn. Nice way to end the day!

Great day!

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