March 17 - Gravel Pit Trail (Antelope Island)

 It's a work Friday but it's sunny with highs in the mid-40s; it's time for a hike (after I complete my 40 hours).

Heading up to  Antelope Island and I'm thinking about White Rock Trail but will probably just defer to the Gravel Pit (bison permitting) as I'm getting a later than normal start - and it's still chilly out.

Temps on in the upper 20s overnite so there's ice on the water along the causeway.

I think I see a Bald Eagle on the Farmington Bay side but I caught it at the last minute and was unwilling to turn around. It's an unconfirmed sighting in my book. (Though it would be weird to be around in mid-March especially after we had temps in the 50s.)

And because of the ice, there's not a lot of ducks near the causeway.

As I arrive on the Island, the flag is blowing a lot more than I had hoped (brrrr - boo), there are no bison visible anywhere (yea!) and there's no snow visible anywhere (yes). There is snow on the mountains but the snow levels have risen -- lots of snow has melted.

I head directly to the Gravel Pit and I still do not see any bison. But that doesn't mean they are not along my hike. They've been there for weeks just hoping not today.

I gear up and start up the start up the snow-less trail for the first time in months.

As I come out of the Pit, I'm scanning for bison. I do see a herd of 10-12 bison ahead but they are 30-50 yards of the trail so I'm a go!!! 

There are no bison in White Rock campground but I see a few near the Bridger Bay campground.

Trail is pretty dry except in a few spots where it is still muddy or a puddle of frozen water.

As I approach the bison, I am spotted but majority of the herd is laying down. For safety, I take a wide left into the landscape to give them another 10-20 yards of space. I'm watched they entire way past until they disappear from my view.

As I round Beacon Hill, I see a lone Pronghorn just walking along in a NW direction. He spots me but keeps his pace. Surprised he didn't run; guess I didn't look too scary today. :)

I reach the Beacon Hill trail. There's still a pile of snow in a small gully north of the trail.

As I continue up to Beacon Hill, I look down into White Rock meadow and find that big herd of bison that have been around the Visitor's Center for week. They are along the south trail. They are initially spread-out scanning both sides of the trail but suddenly they group up on the inner side of the trail. Is one having a baby? It is that time of year but with the cold/snow I'm not sure. (After reviewing my photos, 2 brave or stupid trail runners decided to run at them causing them to move. That's why ever so often a runner gets gore for "not doing anything".)

I reach the viewpoint - lovely view this morning!

I take a short break and start the return trip.

I walk the trail as I pass the bison again - yes, I'm watched but make it past safely.

Hey, my 1st beetle of the year!

Good hike, good day -- even saw a Kestrel on my way across the causeway.