April 14 - White Rock Trail (Inner Loop) - Antelope Island
Sunny day with high near 50 - quite a temperature drop from a few days ago when it was 82 degrees (a record high!) The high temps caused a lot of snow melt and a fair bit of flooding. It's going to get interesting when the actual snow melt begin - eek!
It's an On-Friday but I decided to finish my work week a bit after 8:30 and head up to Antelope Island. I'm up for a change today so I'm hiking White Rock (bison permitting). It'll be the 1st time this year.
I'll definitely need the mittens today!
I arrive after 9am and head directly to the trail; well almost as I swing around the north end of the Island to see if there are any Burrowing Owls out. I'm guessing not because there are lots of clouds, not much sun and it's in the near 40 degrees. There's a car parked in "the spot" but I don't see any Owls. Perhaps one was out and just ducked into his burrow.
I should digress as the snow is all gone except for the highest peaks. Water along the causeway looks higher (as it should be). I don't think the numbers of ducks/water fowl have increased probably because it's still below normal out.
I arrive on the Island (no bison in sight) and head to the White Rock trail around the north side of the Island. As I said, no Owls but I did see a bunny hopping across the road as I near the Bison Grill. Go bunny go!!
No bison behind the VC but I do find a few on the north lower end of Bison Point.
I check for bison along the White Rock trail. There is nice size herd scattered from north of the corrals and seemingly along (or near) the Gravel Pit trail (glad I chose not to hike that one today - I did think about it though).
I roll into the parking lot and I'm surprised as there's about 15 cars already.
I gear up and start up the trail.
It's definitely green now. Not many birds calls yet but I do hear Western Meadowlark, Horned Lark and calls I have no idea about.
I see that the Death Camas has popped out the ground now. And I see Spring Parsley as I reach the loop.
As I near the bison, it looks like there might be some babies. That would be odd as they usually stay within the larger herd. Upon closer inspection, they are all adults.
When I reach the bench, I look at those bison and they are above the trail and at a safe distance. Yea!
Oh it's windy but the jacket is staying off.
There are no bison or other critters in White Rock meadow.
I head down to the ridge and again, no critters.
Then it's down to the inner loop where I find many Death Camas stalks (all in their usual areas).
Not much exciting along the inner trail yet. I do find a few of the Pink flowers -- there is way more along the trail just before turning North.
The surprise of the day is a Painted Lady sighting. No 4 Painted Lady sighting!
Pretty hearty for 45 degrees. There is Bisquitroot in bloom and the Pinks.
At the far end of the valley I hear my favorite Curlew and see him land but he is far away.
I also get buzzed over by a hawk.
I pass under those bison at soon point - I could not see them from the trail.
Soon I am back at my car. It's 12:15 and 47 degrees in the sun.
I'm treating myself to the Bison Grill today; I am ready for a Bison burger.
The burger is good but I am disappointed. It yet another of the post-Covid changes that are boo! The burger used to be a thick 1/3 pounder with fries and it tasted different from beef. Now it's a skinny burger. The taste difference is negligible and no fries!:( Yet the burger cost $12 and with a large pop $16.78. Boo Covid! But it's still much better than any fast food burger!
I head out north past the VC as I'm nearing the northern point there is a coyote/dog running north on the lake bed. I appears dark in color which is why I'm leaning towards dog running to owner. Also can see a coyote running in that direction towards the point/people. But I didn't stop to attempt a photo so I can't be sure.
Good day!
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