Feb 28 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

Sunny day with highs near 60s, time to get out for a hike.

Heading up to Antelope Island (yes again) to hopefully walk Sentry Trail.

When I arrive around 9:30 it's already in the 40s.

I see 4 hawks all patrolling along the causeway looking for breakfast.

Still only sea gulls (and growing numbers of them) along the shorelines.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.

There's are a couple of bison along the ridge behind the Visitor's Center.

Approaching the White Rock ridge, I see a couple of white spots about 1/2 way up the hill. I stop and find 3 Pronghorn!! (There were 4 here last week; perhaps one is laying down.)

Continuing on a bit farther and just nearing the Frary Peak road, a coyote sprints across the road in front of me. I stop to try to find him on the slopes but he's gone.

It isn't until after passing Frary Peak do I find some bison. They are just dots along the bottom of the mountains.

A mile or two farther, there's a bigger herd closer to the road on the west side.

And just passed them, it's another "sprinter"; this time it's a lone Pronghorn. He's crosses to over to the east side of the road.

I reach the Ranch and find a large herd of bison spread out in the meadow near the Sentry trail. Too risky to walk, I turn and head back north to hike the White Rock Trail.

On the way back north, the lone Pronghorn is continuing to move east towards the shore.

Across from the large herd of bison are several stragglers - I missed them earlier.

I also find a Porcupine and Hawk.

And just after passing the hawk, I look to my right and see two Pheasant flying along with my car. How cool! One was a male; not sure about the other.

I reach the north side of the island. The bison on the ridge behind the Visitor's Center are still there. There are 4 of them.

There is also several along the road up to Bison Point.

There are also 2 bison across from the parking lot for the trail. Hope they stay there.

I gear up and start up the trail. Again no bison along the trail today (yea).

As I move along, I see a small herd of bison out near the corrals but no other bison or other critters along the hike.

At the midpoint (just before hiking the ridge), Frary Peak is still covered in snow.

Along the inner loop, I find an increased number of black beetles and Tiger beetles. Spring is coming.

And another surprise, my first lizard of the season!!

 I also see two hawks in the same area circling for lunch.

On my way out of the parking area, I see a small herd of Pronghorn. They are hard to see as they are hidden by grasses.

Good day!

Feb 21- Sentry Trail

Sunny day in the forecast with highs in the low 40s.

Thought about heading up in the mountains today; it hasn't snow since Sunday. But after walking thru snow yesterday, time to be on solid ground.

When I reach the causeway, it's windy, partly cloudy, and just 30 degrees. Could be a cold hike today.

My plan is Sentry Peak; hoping to there are no bison in the way.

I see four birds of prey looking for breakfast as I cross the causeway.

It's been cold recently, so Farmington Bay is once again ice covered but there are small pockets of open water. And no ducks in sight this morning. It's been a down winter for ducks.

I reach the island and head down towards the Ranch (and my trail).

I quickly find 4-5 bison just north of the fence line.

And several (4) Pronghorn a few miles down the road under Beacon Hill.

Then its a long drive to the meadow just north of the Ranch, when I spot a couple of deer feeding in the distance. One is definitely a male.

Hmmm, no family bison herds; I'm hoping there isn't a large herd in from of Sentry Peak.

And the verdict is.....no bison near the trail. I do see a herd a bit north of the trail though.

As I roll into the Ranch parking, I see a few deer in the picnic area - cool!

I check them out as I pass as I walk to the trail head.

I reach the trail and start the trek towards Mushroom Springs. I'm about 1/2 way to the Springs, when a lone Pronghorn crosses the trail in front of me; love it when that happens.

It loitered around for just a bit before pouncing off into the distance.

The rest of the trek to the ridge is quiet. It's been 2 weeks since I've hiked this and the trail is more clear of snow making the walk much easier.

I can't see the herd of bison until I reach the flat switchback. The bison are all laying down.

And there's more bison farther north; definitely can't see those from the road.

After crossing the switchback, it's one more hill climb to the ridge. So much easier today until the last 100 yards or so; trail crusty snow-covered with icy footbridge. Tough going.

But I reach the ridge line. Not the perfectly clear day but beautiful.

As I work my way to the picnic table, I spot a herd of bison maybe a 1/4 mile from the table.

The ridge is clear but muddy (snow must have just melted).

As I cross, I notice a large bison herd about where the ridge line trail ends and far below. The bison are moving west prepping for their babies in about a month from now.

I complete the crossingand start downhill.

It's clear going until the final downhill stretch to finish the loop. There's not many tracks on this snow so I walk the edges on dry ground.

Then it down hill and back to my car. Can't forget the two Western Meadowlarks having a singing contest.

Awesome day!

Feb 23 - White Rock Trail

Another sunny day in the forecast. Heading up to Antelope Island to hike the White Rock trail today (assuming the bison are cooperating).

The hawks were absent along the causeway this morning. :(

I reach the island and think about heading down to the Ranch (it's not even 8:30) but there's a car I'm following and they head towards the Ranch so I go directly to the trail.

But hey, no loss there's a group of Pronghorn right at the start of the road to Bison Point!!

As I head down to the White Rock Trail, the bison that have been along the trail for months are finally on the move (yea!). They are in the meadow heading towards Bison Point. I actually stop for them because I thought they'd cross in front of me. Nope, they stop and I go by.

Lots of people already in the parking area. I gear up and head out in the sunny 32 degree day.

It's kinda weird not to have to worry about bison along the initial stretch but it's nice.  Before long, I'm passing the fence line watching a herd of bison to the southwest

and a lone Pronghorn heading north.

There's a guy heading down the trail towards me, he tells me there are bison ahead walking towards the trail. Being his first time here, he wasn't sure what to do so he's heading back. Smart man! But I want to see what's happening with the bison.

It's not long before I see the tops of the bison and then they're in full view. Two have crossed the trail and one is still moving east and just crossing.

I slow down to see what they are doing. All three are across and one is still moving. They are 15-20 yards off the trail so I decide to take a wide right through the meadow. I get about right across from them when 2 noticed me. I decide to turn back but I notice the bison return to feeding. I turn around again and head pass them and then angle back to the trail. Whew!

Hopefully clear sailing the rest of the way.

I reach the White Rock meadow; no bison down there.

I cross the ridge and there are no critters below.

It's just a quiet 3+ mile walk back to my car; one exception a black beetle.

I reach my car and start my way out. Those pronghorn,  they changed direction and are moving towards White Rock.

Good day!

Feb 20 - Little Dell Reservoir

It's a beautiful sunny day with temps in the low 40s. It's a great day for a little hike after work so I'm heading up a bit higher in elevation to see some snow at Little Dell Reservoir.

When I arrive, it's sunny and a crisp 31 degrees.

The parking lot is snow free but there's around 3 feet of snow on the ground.

The landscape is stunning!!



The south side of the reservoir is covered in snow/ice. A hole is opened in the center with ice too on the other side.

The hillsides are snow-covered. I see no tracks along the hillsides.

I easily find the snow-covered packed trail and start down the hill and my adventure begins.

The air is crisp and the only noise are my shoes crunching through the snow.

I find rabbit tracks and some other critter.

But no large mammal tracks :(

I do hear a few Chickadees.

Before I know it, I'm at the road. Time to head back.

Great day!

Feb 14 - White Rock Trail

Sunny day with highs in the 40s today. Time to get out of work early and get a hike in.

Heading to Antelope Island to hopefully walk the White Rock Trail - depends on where the bison are along the start of the trail. They've been there for a couple of months.

Pretty day already when I reach the causeway somewhere before 9:30 am. It's sunny and already in the low 40s.

I see a perched hawk just after the entrance. (Not the Northern Harrier I'm used to seeing here.)

When I reach the island, I head directly to the White Rock Trail.

I see several bison at the start of the road to Bison Point.

I look over towards the start of the White Rock trail and the bison are still there but they are far enough away that I can safely take a hike!

Along the road to the trail head, I see 2 Pronghorn not far from the road.

And not far from the trail head, I see a bison that is investigating the temporary horse corral.

I reach the trail, gear and start up the trail.

The bison, I can't see them because they are behind a small rise in the landscape. I see them after I have actually past.

Looking ahead and up the hill I'll be climbing, I do see a good sized herd. I'm betting it's the one that's been hanging out around Beacon Hill. I can't tell if they are close to the trail; will just have to continue to walk until I get there.

When I complete the first switchback, I stop to look back at the trail below. Hey, those bison have moved and are along the trail. Guess I got thru in time.

I continue along to that herd of bison come into view and thankfully, they are far enough away from the trail. Yea!

And if this is the Beacon Hill herd, I have no worries the rest of the way. Yea again!

The walk is fantastic - quiet, warm, sunny.

As I'm nearing the Gravel Trail and White Rock intersection, I see at least 4 bison. The trail circles near the bison, so I decide to avoid the arc and cut  directly across to the other side of the trail. Bison don't even notice me.

Soon I'm overlooking the White Rock meadow.

There are bison down there near the far loop.

I work my way to the ridge and as I'm approaching I'm surprised by a lone Pronghorn is off the trail ahead.

I slowly walk along the trail towards the Pronghorn. I'm talking softly to the Pronghorn asking him not to run. And guess what, I must be a Pronghorn whisperer today because he didn't run and a walked right past him with him being about 20 feet away. So cool!

At the ridge and looking east, there is a good sized herd along the road (on both sides).

Moving on, there are more bison below the ridge and still more below them. Awesome!

I work my way across the ridge and down to the inner loop.

Along the inner loop, I find 2 black beetles and a couple of Tiger Beetles.

Surprised they are out as our weather has been a roller coaster ride recently. But it's good because Spring must be near!

I soon reach the switchbacks again. The bison below have moved again and are bunched up about 20 yards (or less) from the trail below. I watch a biker ride by but I'm going off trail - I'm not walking past a bison that close to the trail.

I make my off trail trek past the bison and as making my way back to the trail, a biker passes. I'm sure she's wondering why I'm off trail because she can't see the bison ahead. I do have a reason.

Saw that same hawk near the gate as I left the park.

Great day!

Feb 8 - Sentry Trail

After a week of snow and rain, we finally have a sunny, clear day in the forecast. (Note: it snowed so much in the mountains, Little Cottonwood Canyon was closed for over 2 days due avalanches.)

It's 37 with the sun coming up over the mountains as I leave my house around 7:30.

I arrive on the causeway a little colder but sunny and no clouds.

I find a beautiful hawk along the causeway.

And Golden Eyes in the open water near the bridge.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.

As I start down, I'm wondering if there will be a lot of animal movement due to 2 days of snow and then rain.

I think it's the first time ever for me that I reach the Ranch without spotting a single bison/pronghorn/deer or coyote. Yes, there was bison movement; those big herds are gone! Including the one hanging around Mushroom Springs. It's a Sentry Trail day!

Missing the critters, I decide to do an owl check. I'm ask before heading into the woods; the owls are in the barn -- can't miss them.

I head into the barn and walk the entire structure and see no owls! I walk back; still not seeing them. I start back again and hey, there's one owl!

Oh, and there's the other one after to the right!

Smart owls staying out of the weather!

Time to start my hike. The road towards Mushroom Springs is still slightly frozen mud which makes for easy walking. (There's a couple in front of me, just trying to give them their space so keeping about a 40-50 yard distance.)

As I start towards Mushroom Springs, I look to my left and holy cow! There a large herd of Pronghorn! They are frightened by our approach and start moving south. There's at least 50 Pronghorn!! Way cool!

As I near Mushroom Springs, I spot that herd of bison. They are up there to the right; they might be an issue. Time will tell.

The trail up the hill is clear minus a couple of patches of snow.

Crossing the switchback, the snow coverage gradually increases along the way.

I'm thinking the bison are somewhere below me so I'm looking but not seeing any.

It's time to head back up hill, this time thru 4+ inches. As I'm reaching the loop, I see bison movement as the folks in front of me pass by.

I'm actually surprised they went by the bison, they are near the trail but the bison did stand, no raised tails so I went by cautiously. I was going to go up on the opposite side of the loop but the bison are really near that trail. I just follow the couple in front of me. Hey, at least they are breaking the trail for me! ;)

It's slow going as it's an uphill trudge through upwards of 6 inches of snow but I make it to the ridge!! What an awesome day!!

I want to cross the ridge but there are bison below so I decide to head back the same way. A lot easier going on the way down but just as beautiful!

As the bison come into view, I get swarmed by hundreds of birds zipping by. Just praying I don't get pooped on (and amazingly I don't).

Nearing the bison, some are back to laying down and a few are standing. But all are looking at me. I decide to off-trail a bit to give them more space.

As I continue down, I notice a small herd of bison in the distance someone just past the Ranch. I look for them as I drive back up the island but they are behind a hill or in a gully and can't be seen.

Good day!

Feb 1 - Frary Peak Trail (Antelope Island)

Sunny day predicted with highs around 50s. Heading back to Antelope Island to hike the Sentry Trail (providing the bison that were just north of the trail haven't moved closer to the trail).

As I start crossing the causeway on this sunny morning, I'm greeted by a perched Kestrel and a bit farther down the road, a Northern Harrier. (Could be the one I saw perched yesterday morning.)

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.

Just after the Frary Peak turn-off, I find a herd of Pronghorn to the west. They seem to be having a good time romping around.

Continuing down the road, that large group of bison have moved north.

(and there are still a smaller herd at the same location down the road).

I arrive at the Ranch and unfortunately, a herd of bison are just off the lower part of the Sentry Trail just before it heads uphill. No Sentry Trail hike for me today. :(

However, there are Pronghorn nearby and there are a few deer behind the Ranch.

I think about looking for the Owls today but decide to continue on the Frary Peak trail.

I'm happily surprised to see that the gate is open to the parking lot. (I thought I'd be parking below and walking up.)

I gear up and start the 3/4 mile uphill climb. The trail is frozen but clear of snow.

I have no really goal for this hike. I'm walking until it gets too sketchy as I will run into snow or my feet get cold.

I complete the uphill portion and start the trek thru the sagebrush over to the west side of the island

passing Dooley Knob and views of the White Rock basin to the north.

As I cross, the trail becomes snow packed/ice but I expect this as I'm behind the peaks on the west side.

I find a bunch of hoof tracks and I'm wondering if these could be from the Bighorn Sheep released the other day.

I continue moving stopping briefly under the boulder bridge (views of Dooley Knob)

It sure is beautiful out here today!

One last climb until I'm at the first viewpoint looking east (just over 1.5 miles).

Northeast'sh

East
 

Souteast'sh

The trail continues and I start up but don't get very far; it's getting windy and my feet are cold. Time to call it a day and head back down.

Well, it wasn't 6.5 miles as I expected but I got a wonderful 3 miles of uphill today, saw deer, pronghorn (2 herds) and many bison.

Good day!