Jan 31 - Gravel Pit Trail (Antelope Island)

Heading up to Antelope Island today to hike the White Rock Trail; bison permitting.

The day is supposed to be partly cloudy with highs in the 40s but it's starts of very frosty with lows in the 20s.

I have to make it a quick day because of an afternoon appt so the "safari" down the island to the Ranch is not happening when I arrive; but perhaps when I'm done with my hike - time permitting.

I arrive somewhere before 8:30. It's not sunny although its trying to peek thru the clouds.

As I cross the causeway, I find a Northern Harrier perched. I stop at a good distance for a photo and then slowly creep forward. Even though he flies as a car heading east zooms by, he perches again at the next sign post. He's even calm enough for me to be right across from him

before I let him be.

It's been warmer than normal recently and much of the ice has melted but I do find an adult Bald Eagle on some ice on the Salt Lake side. I think he may have a duck. There's a white glob near him; could be feathers. (And I can't believe that is an ice chunk.)

And there are more ducks than usual in the open water by the bridge.

I reach the island and head directly to the White Rock trail head.

Several bison are feeding around the White Rock campground this morning.

And the White Rock trail is not happening today as there is a herd of around 10 bison near the trail not far from the start. :(

I could do the Bone Spur Trail, nah. I doing the Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill, so I head over to the east side of the island to the Gravel Pit.

It's in the low 30s and still no sun but I'm off on the Gravel Pit trail.

There's snow on the ground but the trail is clear. Calm walk, no animals to be seen; even birds.

I turn the final corner before the start of the Beacon Hill trail when I see 4 bison near the trail and the turn off for Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill is not happening today either. :(

I continue to walk towards the bison until I have 4 sets of eyes on me. Time to stop and head back. Well, at least I'll have time to do the "safari" now.

I do some trail cleanup on the way back. One Jolly Rancher, a wing nut and Heineken bottle and of all thing, a rubber treaded boot for a horse.

I put the boot on the sign post at the trail head; the rest is heading for a garbage can.

Time to cruise down the island.

I pass Frary Peak looking diligently for the 25 Bighorn Sheep they released the other day. Yes, I know they're already in higher country but I got to look. There are 30 more coming to re-establish the herd that was wiped out by respiratory disease back in the Fall of 2018. Welcome to the island guys!

I'm more than 1/2 way down the island when I finally find a herd of bison; a large herd of bison!

I also find a good size herd across from the Ranch.

I stop at the Ranch for a Great Horned Owl check. It's mating season perhaps they are together.

I'm half way around the outside of the woods when I see them; yes them! For the first time ever, I find both sitting next to each other!

Great way to end my day!