April 3 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Partly sunny day with highs in the mid-40s. Yep, the 70s have exited Utah finally and we have more seasonable temps thanks to two storms that brought over 2 feet of snow to the mountains. A little too late, but we'll take it. (Still under 300 inches for the year.)

Thought I had my last hike at Antelope Island until Fall because the biting gnats emerged last week but thanks for the colder temperatures which I'm hoping will knock them back, I'm heading up today to hike up to Beacon Hill (and hopefully find some little reds as they are reportedly being born now).

I get an early start to get up there while it's still cold. It's in the mid-30s when I arrive. No activity along the causeway more there are more cars than normal due to a bike and running races today.

I reach the Island and there are no bison behind the VC. Today I decide to drive down to the Ranch in an attempt to find the bison. They could still be another the White Rock Trail as they have been for months but with babies, they tend to migrate to spots away from people traffic.

I see a Chukkar fly across the road before the Gravel Pit turn-off. And I troll for Burrowing Owls and I do find one!!!!

Then after Frary Peak, I see a male Pheasant and 2 jackrabbits and a lone Pronghorn before reaching the Ranch. There are no bison that I can see in the southerly direction. I think about checking for Owls but I decide to head to the TH.

On the drive back, I add another rabbit and Pheasant to the day's animal list. (Oh, I also see the same Burrowing Owl too.)

I'm the only car at the TH and as I start getting ready I look west and think I see something moving but after waiting a bit, nothing moves. I continue getting and it moves and it's a coyote investigating the area. Hot dog! I watch until he's gone.

Then I start up the trail. (I do have a fine headnet in my pack just in case.)

Lot of blooming bisquitroot along the trail. I'll say it's peak season at this point.

When I exit the pit, I look around and the big herd has moved on. I suspect somewhere on the west side of the Island where there is no trails.

There are however, 6 bison that are moving southeast (toward trail). I'm keeping an eye on them.

Thankfully, they stay out of my way and soon I'm heading up Beacon Hill. Going slowly just in case there are bison here but not today!!

I reach the end and it's such a beautiful (but cool) day!


Looking into White Rock meadow, the bison herd is not there either. May have to tempt biting gnat fate tomorrow with a walk up to Sentry Peak. (The road is now open!!!).

After a quick break, I head back to the car. Much cooler on the return and a storm cloud rolls over and the wind picks up. I even had a few ice pellets hit me.

Those 6 bison are much closer to the trail now but still passable.

On my way into the Pit, I hear/see my favorite Spring birds; the curlew. They are back!!!

Awesome day!

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