Nov 11 - Antelope Island (a bit of the Gravel Pit and then Bison Point)

 Sunny day with highs in the mid-30s.

Heading up to Antelope Island; simply plans are to hike up to Beacon Hill.

It's in the low 20s when I arrive on the causeway. There are still hunters out there!

I see my first hawk flying along the causeway. Curious to see how many there will be this winter since the construction crews are along that stretch of road.

I arrive on the island and head south towards the Ranch. Still no bison behind the Visitor's Center.

In fact it's not until I'm past Frary Peak that I see my 1st herd along the mountain.

That's it until the Ranch where there is a herd just before the ranch and then a herd south of the Mushroom Spring. It would be a great day to hike to Sentry Peak but not in my plans today.

I turn and head back north spotting a couple more herd along the mountain sides.

I park at the Gravel Pit trail head and start up the trail.

I find a few yellow composites barely hanging out.

I also see 3 bison along the White Rock trail 

and then ahead of me, 3 more bison - shoot, they are on the left side of the trail and about 20 yards off. Today is a short hike. (I wish they were on the other side of the trail, then I can get around them.)

I turn and return to my car and head over to the west side of the island to hike Bison Point.

More bison over on the west side: several in the campground, small herd heading up to Bison Point on both side of the road.

I park and head up to Bison Point. Good views today!

Not far from the top I see a Chukkar track in the snow. 

I look up and see the Chukkar.

I take a few more steps and spook a whole herd of Chukkars that are a bit in front and downhill of me. It's quite a noise. They land downhill

and I move onto the top for a quick look-around.

Then it's down and back to my car.

Good day!