April 22 - Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill

Mostly cloudy day with temp near 50 (eventually).

I actually have other plans today but severely needed some nature time so blah! on the plans, I'm heading to hike Antelope Island. I'm thinking shorter trail today since it's on 40 degrees and very windy (from north) when I reach. Oh, an no sun shining at least yet.

Waterfowl populations seem much increased since last week. I'm passing Shovelers, Ibis, Avocets, Coots, and many more.

I reach the Island and head south - oh, there's one lone bison behind the VC.

And there are a few in the rocks at the curves.

I spot a Burrowing Owl down from the pull-off.

As I'm passing the Frary Peak area, I spook a male/female pair of Pheasant. They both take flight on the west side of the road. Not sure why but they fly east right at my moving car. The male veers left and passes either overhead or behind. The female flies right in front of my windshield. I slam on my brakes and thankfully miss her. My view (and experience) was incredible! Wish I had a dashcam!!

I also spot a perched hawk. He flies and appears to be chasing a small bird.

Moving on I spot a small herd of bison on the west side.

And I pass about 20 bison near the Ranch.

I turn around and head back north spotting at those bison.

In the Frary Peak area, I spot a Porcupine

and the male Pheasant a bit farther done the road. (I'm surprised he stayed on the ground.)

Passing the water basin south of the Burrowing Owls there's a lone Pronghorn.

Happy as a clam when I reach the Gravel Pit trailhead as it's been a wonderful day already with bison, Pronghorn, Porcupine and male/female Pheasant (up close and personal; almost too up close though).

There are several cars at the trailhead. I gear up and start up the trail.

A few birds calling including the Curlew.

Lots of green and many Bisquitroot blooming.

As I climb out of the Pit, there's a lone bison perhaps 40 yards away. He is not happy to see me as his tail is up. But it's OK, I'm just passing thru.

In front of me, I see bison near the White Rock Trail and bison along my trail. Shoot! At least they are not straddling the trail. As I near, I take a wide left off trail to get around them.

As I continue towards the Beacon Hill turn-off, there's a herd of 20 or so bison and "Little Reds". Yea! This is the closest I'm seen them all year.

They are about 30 yards of the trail but I pass safely with 3 bikers and a trail runner/dog just ahead of me. The herd was calm. Babies running, laying, and standing.

I start up the little initial hill to Beacon Hill. Just before I level off, out of the corner of my eye (to my right), I see 3-4 Pronghorn heading downhill. I look up and I see a single Pronghorn staring at me. 

I turn to see where they might be going and Yea! they are now in the same meadow as the bison. Love seeing them together.

I move off trail to watch to see where they are going. I then turn right and there's a huge of bison running down Beacon Hill towards the other herd. And then that herd start running west. I standing there in amazement as the procession of bison down the hill continues all moving west.

The Pronghorn don't seem to care. They continue north east passing by the bison.

The front of the herd now is starting down towards the White Rock meadow. Not sure where they are stopping.

I look at Beacon Hill and there's still more bison on the hill. Most looking at me and the 2 ladies that stop to chat. They are training to hike Rim to Rim in Sept.

I continue along. As I do, I look back. The bison on the hill are now moving down now I'm sure to catch up with the bigger herd. And that bigger herd is still on the move.

Such an incredible experience. Right place, right time!

I reach the top and I stop. Awesome! Despite being a few miles away and the wind, I can hear all the migrating birds down somewhere in the Bay. There must be tons of them!

I look towards Frary Peak and wow! There's a good size herd (w/ babies) of bison just down from the ridge on the far side. The bison are everywhere today! So exciting!

Well it's time to head back. The meadow where all the excitement was several minutes ago is now empty. I can't see the herd and I'm not sure where they are now.

As I continue down, I find them. They are now in the meadow! That was a big run! So there are now 2 herd of bison in the meadow.

On my way back, I do not find the Pronghorn. And I have to go around the bison again.

Back at my car, I stop to listen to the water fowl again.

I drive around the west side of the Island just killing some time before lunch. There are bison behind VC and bison also on the opposite side of the road. Anyone visiting the Island is certainly going to have their fill of bison.

Incredible day!