Feb 8 - White Rock Trail to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Another mostly sunny day with temps in the mid-50s. 

Heading to Antelope Island to hike Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (do need to break this habit).

A few hawks on the drive up.

I arrive at this gate and actually had to wait in-line. It's around 8:30; why??!!

Lots of people with large cameras and scopes along the causeway; maybe there is some bird that was spotted.

Nearing the Island I see 2 Bald Eagles flying. One lands and I stop but before I could get a shot, it was flying again.

I reach the Island and head directly to the TH.

There are a few bison behind the VC this morning.

At the TH, there 2 cars parked (one at the same time as me). I gear and head out only to realize there is a herd of bison along the trail thru the Gravel Pit. I get back in the car and head to the White Rock trail on the west side. (The needed motivation to hike something different.)

I see a Chukkar crossing the road as I leave.

On the west side, there are a few bison behind the VC and near Bison Point but the White Rock Trail is clear.

I gear up and start up the trail. It's a quiet hike. No plants blooming (too early) and no critters.

I reach the start of Beacon Hill and start only. Once I peak the short climb, I'm stopped by a large herd of bison stretching north to south across the trail. Awesome!

I stop briefly and start my way back to the car.

Then it's back across the causeway where I see a lone coyote trotting thru Farmington Bay!! I stop. 

He soon starts running in a southwestern direction and disappears.

Great ending to an awesome day!


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