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!
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