Doing something different today by heading up to Antelope Island for the first time in months (April). My plan is just to see what's moving on the island (and on the Great Salt Lake/Farmington Bay) and perhaps if the temperatures are still in the low 70s hike the Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill Trail (4.4 miles).
When I arrive on the causeway, I'm surprised to see water in the marshes on the north side of the causeway. I think it's been years since I've seen that in Sept! And boy are there birds - mostly Avocets and Shovelers and a few Canadian Geese - tons of Avocets!
There's also water in spots on the Farmington Bay (south) side - amazing. Boy, awesome for the birds!
I arrive on the island and head towards the Ranch. I don't have to travel far to see my first bison behind the Visitor's Center. Oh, and there's a Pronghorn up there too!
Where the road branches left towards the Ranch, there are several more bison on both sides of the road.
Oh, and the yellow sunflowers are pretty amazing right now!
Continuing towards the Ranch, it isn't until near White Rock ridge when I see a Pronghorn running thru the grasses towards my car.
He crosses behind me and continues at a fast pace towards the water. Not sure why he is in such a hurry but it's fun to watch!
As I near Frary Peak, there is a large number of bison on the lake bed moving south.
Actually, the herd continue farther south with some crossing the road and some under the Frary Peak mountains.
I roll up to these bison moving thru the wonderful sunflowers!!
Continuing on, I soon see a herd of Pronghorn or deer on the lake bed -- they're deer - does and fawns!
As I turn to continue, a Mom and fawn deer cross road ahead of me.
Farther down the road, I see another Pronghorn on the hillside.
Oh, there's another herd of bison on the backside of that hill - I'll see them better on my return.
As the Ranch comes, there are more bison on the lakebed. Actually, they are at the Ranch too and from what I can tell, they stretch south past the Ranch as well. Definitely, a bison type of day!
I reach the Ranch and continue down the dirt road past Sentry Peak and to the end of the driveable road. There are bison all along the way.
The sunflowers down here are also incredible!!
Time to head north and yes, hike the Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill trail.
On the way north, those bison on the backside of the hill and moving to and crossing the road. I get stopped by part of the herd.
It's been an awesome day but it's time for a hike. It's about 72 degrees when I start with a nice breeze to help keep me cool. Lots of dragonflies on the trail; mostly the red Meadowhawk variety. And they are flying all the way to the end at Beacon Hill.
I'm also seeing a few Monarchs flying (7 total).
I not seeing any animals but there are plenty of Pronghorn scat signs (and a few hooves).
On the east side of Beacon Hill there are large patches of grass that are flattened. Most have been some bison resting at some point.
Then it's up Beacon Hill and views of Frary Peak and Farmington Bay!
There are Checkered Whites flying up here!
Time to head back. See a Branded Skipper.
On the way back across the causeway, I see Grebes and Black Necked Stilts on Farmington Bay (in addition to the Avocets and Shovelers).
Great day!
