Dec 10 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Mostly cloudy day with temps in the low 40s. Heading up to Antelope Island to hopefully get a hike after a few weeks.

As I arrive on the causeway, it's 30 degrees and just a light wind. No Bald Eagles today but lots of duck hunters.

When I reach the island, I head south towards the Ranch.

Just a tad south of the Visitor's Center (before the fence), I see a Kestrel perched on a sign and it looks like he has breakfast.

There's also a single bison just before the fence.

There an inch or two of snow covering the ground for the most part but there are a few areas that are open.

It's isn't until I reach Frary Peak (which by the way, the gate is now closed) do I see a large hawk.

When I turn my head there's a good sized herd of Pronghorn on the other side of the road.

I drive past the large part of the herd and spot for a couple more that are closer to the road including male tag #2.

I continue along to the Ranch and I did not see any bison. There's no bison visible south of the Ranch either. Would be a perfect day to walk Sentry Peak but I need sun.

I make my way back up the island. Finally, I spot a small herd of bison about 1/4 way up the slopes. They are but dots but they are moving south.

A bit farther up the road, I see another larger herd of bison; again about 1/4 way up the slopes and just little dots.

Continuing on, I see a car pulled off the road so I slow to see what they are looking at; cool at coyote! He's trotting northward.

Continuing on, I see the big hawk again

and then another Kestrel also with breakfast.

And the Pronghorn are still around.

I head up to the trailhead where there is another car parked. I gear up and head up the trail. Again, the ground is covered in snow but the trail is mostly clear with small patches of ice. It's a zig-zag walk in some places.

When I get out of the pit, I see another herd of bison in the distance. I'll pass these guys at some point.

The trail quiet -- only a few birds out-n-a bout.

Soon I reach the intersection with the White Rock trail and hey, the bison are west of the trail now.

I pass and head up to Beacon Hill. 

No critters but I do find some small animal tracks -- pretty sure not rabbit.

I also find some rabbit tracks.

The view is pretty with the sun out over Salt Lake.

After a brief rest, it's time to head back to the car.

Back at the car, it's time to head home.

If 2 Kestrels, a hawk, a herd of Pronghorn, several herds of bison isn't enough, I watch a coyote as I cross the causeway.


Almost perfect except the final (3rd) Kestrel of the day pass the coyote on the causeway.

Awesome day!

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