April 17 - Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

Big cold front rolled thru about mid-day yesterday. Looking from the windows at worked it looked like snow blizzard with temps starting around 60 to dropping to 35 by noon. Even had to brush snowy slush of my windows to head home.

The good news is 1) we got enough mountain snow to break the 300in mark!! Still 200 inches shy of normal and 23 inches shy of NOT breaking the record for lowest snowfull but its something. 2) the freezing temps allow me to hike Antelope Island today despite the bitey bugs; they won't be active today.

I arrive just after 8am and still about 35 degrees and sunny!

Crossing the causeway, I stop a lone coyote on the Farmington Bay. He was trotting along until I stopped. Fun stuff!

A bit farther down the causeway, Coyote #2 runs across the road in front me. I stop thinking he'd just onto the Salt Flats but he disappeared under the road somewhere. Disappointed but quite the start to my day!!

I reach the Island and decide to loop around the north side of the Island and see where the bison may be. There's a small herd of bison on the west side of the VC and moving south.

I look for Burrowing Owl behind the VC and do not see any.

I also confirm that there appears to be no bison in my path to Beacon Hill.

Back on the main road south to the Ranch. I quickly spot the head of a lone Pronghorn. 

I pass the TH road to check for Burrowing Owls on the downhill; none out this cold morning.

Back at the TH, it's 36 degrees with 1 car in the lot. I gear up and start up trail.

As I start to climb out of the Pit, I'm noticing butterflies flying. Odd with it being so cold. I can't get a good look at any of them. Very frustrating but I'm thinking, given what I have seen flying in the past on the Island, they are probably Painted Ladies. Hardy little guys!

I also find Pink Phlox!!

Still on the climb out, I hear a Curlew in the meadow below and I find him!! Yea!

I'm out of the Pit and heading for Beacon Hill. The path is clear; I don't see any bison around.

Just after the trail intersection, I hear a weird bird noise. I stop and look around and surprise, there's a Curlew standing on a rock nearby. Awesome!!

Then it's up to Beacon Hill to enjoy the view! (No bison in White Rock basin and I can't see any down the east side of the Island).

After a brief stop, it's time to head back.

Man there's no one out here today. I know it's chilly but ... guess they don't know the bugs won't be biting. Nice secret to keep!

Still seeing those butterflies; they are driving me crazy!

As I start back down into the Pit, I notice a small herd of bison moving west into the Pit. I'm surprised as I have no idea where they are coming from. Still really fun though!

And FINALLY I get a look at a butterfly and yes, it's a Painted Lady!

Then I see some Common Checkered Skippers!

I also see some new flowers as well. Nice to be here later in the season when I'm not usually here.

As I approach the Burrowing Owl nest site, holy cow! There's an Owl peeking out.

In all the hikes I've taken past this site, this is the 1st time for an Owl sighting!! So exciting!!

I have to walk by on the trail and the Owl flies off a little ways. He lands and starts chirping and bobbing. Quite fun to watch!!!


But time to leave it alone!

Back at the car, it's only 37 degrees. Quite an amazing day today!

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