Sept 12 - Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sept 12 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill Trail

Sunny with temps in the low 80s. Heading to Antelope Island to hopefully hike the Sentry Trail again. It all depends on where the bison are.

The birds are still increasing as I cross the causeway this morning.

When I arrive on the island, I see a bison behind the Visitor's Center before I even turn south.

After turning south, I find a group of Pronghorn also behind the island. I spot in the pull-off to watch. They are definitely active.

Wow! What a great start!

I continue a little farther, stopping to watch a lone bison walking along the lake bed.

I stop to look for the Burrowing Owls but find a lone Pronghorn in the distance.

I continue along not seeing any other critters until just before the Ranch where I find a herd of bison. And that herd continues behind the Ranch and continuing south past the Ranch. There are even bison near the Sentry Trail. 

Hiking Plan B is in effect and that's the Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill.

I turn around and start may north stopping for a lone bison along the road that I missed earlier and farther along, 2 additional bison and even farther along, a small group of bison near the mountains.

Oh, and there's a Pronghorn standing in the middle of the road. Of course, I stop; he's in my way.

I also spot for the Burrowing Owls. There are 4 out; 2 near one burrow and 2 at the other.

Next stop is the Gravel Pit trail head. I have it all to myself at this point. I gear up and start up the trail. 

Quiet trail, no critters but a few dragonflies (both Meadowhawks and Darners), grasshoppers, moth and one Common Checkered Skipper (seen him at the intersection with the Beacon Hill trail).

There is, however, a huge herd of bison in the White Rock meadow!! It's been a while since I seen a big herd down there!

I head up to Beacon Hill to take a quick break before heading back to my car.

Then it's over to the west side of the island passing by several bison on the northeast side of Bison Hill and one Burrowing Owl behind the Visitor's Center.

Along the causeway, not far from the exit, I spot a coyote. Great ending!!

Good day!