April 5 - Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

Another Friday with rain in the forecast and winds (at least the temps are already in the 50s). But heading up to Antelope Island for a hike before it rains which according to the weather is 11-noon. Plenty of time.

Partly sunny skies when I leave home around 7am (and there's already some ugly clouds out there). And it's windy.

No pheasant today - but I saw a dead pheasant (male) last week when I drove up so I think my guy is no longer viable. :(

Skies are still partly sunny when I arrive with a stiff wind from the southwest.

No bison behind the VC so I continue south checking on the Burrowing Owl. They were not out.

Around Frary Peak, I spot a lone Pronghorn heading south.

And the Pronghorn is it until I reach the Ranch where there is a herd of bison just south of the Sentry Peak trail. And hey! the road is open so I drive down to try and get a closer look to see if there are any babies.

I think about parking at the trail head and walking BUT there are a few bison that are north of the trail walking south. I don't want to meet them.

I drive so I'm parallel to the bison and I cannot see any babies but it doesn't mean that they aren't there.

I then stop at the Ranch to look for a Great Horned Owl. I check the barn and the woods and do not find any.

Heading out of the Ranch parking, I see a Western Meadowlark and he's singing!!

Time to head north.

On the way back, I spot a bunch of dots on the lakebed. Could they be Pronghorn? They do like to lay on the lake bed. I stop and yes, it's a small herd of Pronghorn!!! What a find!!

Around the Beacon Hill area, I see my 1st Curlew of the year!! He flies past my car - yea! Love these birds and their calls!!

Before stopping at Beacon Hill, I head over to the west side of the Island and I find a bunch of scattered bison behind the VC, on the opposite side of the road, over by Bison Point, but none along the Gravel Pit trail. I guess I have a hike!!

I head back over to the east side and start the hike.

Hey, the Bisquitroot are in bloom (and all along the trail - lots of them).

I also find a single Vetch in bloom

As I'm starting the climb out of the pit, I manage to hear a Curlew call despite the wind! I find him on the ground but he quickly flies. As I watch, another Curlew to the north also takes find and lands just before the ridge.

As I continue my walk, I keep my eyes open for him and I do finally see him on the ridge - yea!!

I get to the ridge and it looks like my path is clear. 

There is a small herd of bison ahead but they are far to the west and won't be a bother unless they start moving.

I pass them just after the trail intersection but they are really hard to see.

I continue up to Beacon Hill finding a bigger herd of bison down in the White Rock meadow.

I reach the end of the trail and stop and enjoy view.

Time to head back.

Awesome day!!

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