Sept 18 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with temps around 87 degrees.

Since the temps are in the mid-50s this morning, I'm heading up to Antelope Island. As always, looking to hike Sentry Trail and as always, it's dependent on the location of the bison herd.

I arrive about 7:45. Seems a bit wet; I guess they got more rain up here than the drizzles in SLC.

I reach the island and head down towards the Ranch.

This morning there are 4-5 bison below the road just before the fence.

And 3 more just past the Gravel Pit road.

Otherwise, it's quiet until Beacon Hill mountain comes into view. There are 3 dark spots on the hillside. Hmmm, it is something or not. I decide at the last second to stop and yea! It's 3 deer! First deer I've seen in over 1.5 years; they're still here!

Definitely 2 buck but the 3rd it's hard to tell but one of photos kinda looks like a smaller buck. And hey, it's probably a buck as I can see a doe browsing with 2 buck.

Moving on, just past Frary Peak I see a lone Pronghorn running full speed south. Can't see any reason why he's running. Oh! There's another Pronghorn in the lead. And they are zipping along. They finally spot. Looks like a female being chased by a male. Her tongue is out; looks tired. But off they go again. Pretty cool!

I keep going and I'm not seeing any bison herd. They must be down near Mushroom Springs.

The Ranch finally comes into view and I see the bison herds in front for Mushroom Springs and all along the trail (shoot!) 

And a big male Pronghorn standing in the middle of the road looking at me. He takes off just as I'm about to take his picture. 

Well, I'm not hiking Sentry Peak; time to head north to hike the Gravel Pit (assuming those 3 bison are not in my way).

On the way north, I see another large bison herd 1/2 way up the mountain.

And near the Frary Peak road, surprise 2 more deer. Looks like Mom (with a green ear tag) and a fawn. Both are pronking northward! Awesome!

The 3 deer on the mountain, I can find 2 of them. They are moving south.

I get to the 3 bison near the Gravel Pit Rd and they look like they are moving to cross the main road; I'm hiking the Gravel Pit.

I'm the only car in the lot as I start up the trail.

Wow! Tons of bugs this morning. Never seen them this bad in Sept; perhaps it's the rain. I can't walk fast enough. Thankfully, the farther I get uphill and into a breeze, the buggy it is.

I see 4-5 bison ahead of me grazing. They are far enough away from the trail.

As I near, they all lay down except one of them.

I continue onto Beacon Hill. No other critters around except lots of dragonflies.

I do hear (and spot) a Chukkar.

And lots of Horned Larks (and other birds) flying around.

The views from Beacon Hill are good this morning.

I take a quick break here before heading back down.

On the way back, those 4 bison are still laying and 1 is standing.

I also see 4 other bison near the corrals.

White Rock parking lot so empty. Looks like a week-day. Perhaps we're finally getting back to the pre-pandemic crowds.

The bugs are so much better on the last stretch to my car because there is a good breeze.

Awesome day!