Oct 16 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with a high in the mid-60s (but still windy).

I should be heading into the mountain (the clock is ticking for snow or snow-making) but I wanted something warmer so heading to the Island.

I arrive around 8:30; it's sunny but only in the mid-40s.

Not many shorebirds out there today; perhaps the colder temperatures have moved them south.

I arrive on the island and head towards the Ranch.

As normal, there are a few lone bison in the area behind the Visitor's Center.

Quiet drive until I reach the area east of Frary Peak. I find deer!! I count 5; all doe feeding in the tall grasses.

I also find a male pheasant perched on a tree.

Continuing on, I find a small herd of bison on the lake bed.

Then it's quiet until just north of the ranch where I find a decent sized herd of bison along the shoreline. 

There are a few more bison out near Mushroom Springs - not hiking Sentry Peak today!

I turn around and head north to hike the White Rock trail.

As I reach the fence line on the north end of the island and spot 3 Pronghorn!!

I head over to the west side where there are a few scattered bison behind the Visitor's Center. and a small herd of deer (all doe) just before the entrance to Bison Point.

There's another small herd of bison under Bison Point.

I park in the White Rock lot and start off on my hike. Still in the 40s; perfect weather for hiking in my opinion.

Quiet hike; only a couple of bison near the fence. A little nervous passing them but they decided to move away from me as I approached.

I reach the overlook for the White Rock meadow. On the far side of the meadow 

and spot what looks like critters. Too small to be bison, it's a herd of deer!! I can't find a male in the group of at least 12. Awesome!

They will not be there long as there are some horseback riders approaching; I had good timing this morning. (And it's been the day for deer!!)

On the inner loop, I find several Clouded Sulphurs 

and Checkered Skippers 

and Meadowhawk dragonflies. I also see a lizard, Tiger Beetle and a black beetle.

Good day!