I head up Emigration Canyon which is snow-free. I stop at the vista point which marks the summit for the road. There's a good view of the reservoir below but I'm stopping because there's a trail to the north heading up a short hill that I want to check-out.
I park - they must be emptying the reservoir because there's a lot of water spilling from the dam!
I head up the trail. Boy is it windy out - makes it a little chilly.
I'm not expecting a lot with respect to flowers as I'm at 6300+ ft but am surprised to find a few Glacier Lilies (love these!)
a couple of Yellow Bells
and Spring Parsley!
Also finding shells (the kind that is along a few trails in Millcreek Canyon) - would love to know why the shells are here -- remnant of Lake Bonneville???
I get to the top and stop for the view to the east
and the west towards the Salt Lake Valley.
The migrating Painted Ladies from CA reached the Salt Lake Valley, the week before Easter and I'm happy to say they have climbed up and over the Foothills too!
I head downhill towards the reservoir. As I navigate the swerves and curves, I pass a flock of large black birds. Hmmm. I find a good place to turn around, get my camera ready and window rolled down. As I'm about to reach the area (I can't even see them yet), they all take off. Turkey Vultures -- way cool! They swirl around for a bit before they head off. But there's one left on the ground a bit downhill.
After a bit, he takes off as well. Awesome!
I continue down the reservoir, park
and head downhill to the trail below. Tons of Largeleaf Balsamroot either blooming or emerging.
I hear a bird call, look up and see an Osprey very low to the ground; such a gorgeous bird! He continues to fly south.
And many Painted Ladies flying!
I reach the bottom and north on the trail. Along the way I find more Balsamroot and Bluebells in flower
but most are still just green, Oregongrape (with a few in bud) and a few Waterfleaf plants at the end of the 1.5 mile track.
I also see a Spotted Towhee singing.
(A lot of moose scat along the trail and in many locations.)
I look for moose/elk but not see any on the ground or the hills.
I reach the road and cross to continue up the track a bit farther. Many more Lilies over here (and fresher looking).
And some decent views.
Time to head back along the road.
I'm about half way back when I see a dark spot on the Foothills to the east. I stop and it's definitely not a rock because it's moving. It's a moose!!!
I'm a long way away trying to hold steady in a blowing wind. I continue down the road - I'll get closer but the trees are tall and I can't find the moose again (but he there - somewhere).
What an absolutely awesome day - Vultures, Osprey, Moose and the start of wildflower season!!
