We arrive on the causeway around 9am. The number of shorebirds have dropped significantly since I was here a few weeks back but there still are really good numbers of Avocets, Shovelers, a bird that looks like a Sandpiper
and others.
Reaching the island, we head south towards the Ranch. There's no animals behind the Visitors Center and we see our first bison along the rocky slopes before the first overlook/Gravel Pit trail.
Then it's pass White Rock ridge and Frary Peak before we start seeing herds of bison in the distance.
I decide to walk the Frary Homestead trail which I've never been on before. As I turn onto the road, there's a herd of bison along the road. How cool! I look seeing bison close-up but to have my sister have the experience is incredible!!
We roll by slowly as the Mom and calves just look at us.
We pass them and park in the gravel lot, get out of our cars to watch the bison.
We watch most of the bison cross the road and start walking in our direction heading west towards the mountains. We just stand and watch as they pass. Once they pass, it's time to continue down to the Ranch; there's no hiking this trail as the bison are there.
As we continue to the Ranch, I see a lone Pronghorn.
Arriving at the Ranch, we head out to hopefully find a Great Horned Owl - success!!
Then it's back up the island. As we near the Visitor's Center, another Pronghorn is spotted.
Then it's over to the west side of the island and the White Rock Trail parking. Here we take about a mile hike (one-way) down the Bone Spur Trail. On our way, we pass a lone bison laying in the grass and then see a Common Checkered Skipper, what is probably a Common Branded Skipper and one Monarch. We also see a small lizard. We actually met him on the way out and back - our little hiking partner.
We walk until we reach the White Rock meadow; no animals visible :(
On the way back, add to the list some black beetles.
After a stop at the Bison Cafe (for a bison burger) it's time to end and incredible day!
