Feb 16 - Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

Cloudy day with temps in the 30s and rain/snow coming around mid-day. Not typical hiking day for may but after several days of rain/snow (over 3ft on snow in the mountains) and a relatively poor winter hiking this season, I'm heading out. Rain/snow is supposed to start around 11 am so I should have time to squeeze a hike in.

Heading up to Antelope Island this morning; the goal is out to Beacon Hill.

Cloudy skies as I head out. To the east and south it's pretty but the snow is coming from the northwest.

I get an earlier start (to beat the snow) and arrive at the causeway before 8.

No Kestrels on the drive over but there are tons of ducks near the bridge. Largest flocks I've seen in years - maybe they know hunting season is over. (This is kinda fantastic because we've lost 15K W. Grebes to avian flu this year.)

On the ice just before reaching the Island are two Bald Eagles!

I reach the Island and head south towards the Ranch.

I see two bison bison the fenceline and one bison in the rocks along the curves.

Then it's quiet until the White Rock area. The Pronghorn that was here last week have moved on. But there's one Pronghorn that crosses in front of me then heads in the direction of Beacon Hill (maybe I will see him later).

Near Frary Peak, I see a big herd of bison.

And then, I see 2 male Pheasant perched in a tree but they drop to the ground before I can take their photo.

Not too much farther along, I see a male Pheasant start crossing the street behind. I stop, turn around and he quickly retreats into the grasses. (Wow, that's 3!)

And a bit farther down the road there is a car pulled off. As I roll by, I see 3 pheasant. Wow! 6 pheasant for the day!

I finally find bison not far from Ranch after the pull-off. It's a pretty big herd.

I reach the Ranch. Looks like there are a few bison behind the Ranch (or they are something big and dark).

I turn around and head north to the Gravel.

On the way back, I see a smaller herd of bison tucked up into the mountains.

I also see 2 of the 3 Pheasant I drove past earlier. 

And a Pheasant perched in a tree. (Ok that's #7! Definitely benefitting for the lack of snow this winter.)

I reach the TH and I'm the only car. Yea! It's 35 degrees with a light wind - perfect!

I was expecting more snow of the ground but happy there's not.

When I'm out of the Pit, I look around and see a large herd of bison behind the corrals; hoping they stay there.

Otherwise, it's a quiet. I do see few birds including the Horned Lark.

Soon I'm on top of Beacon Hill!

No animals anywhere to be seen today.

After a short break, I can see there are small rain/snow squalls moving south. Time to head back.

Well I guess I had decent timing for the hike but the snow starts earlier than expected - better than rain though.

Back at the car, it's time to start home. It's not sticking to the streets yet and considering I walked only about 1 mile in the snow, I'm pretty sure I won't have to drive too far south to outrun it.

I exit the parking lot and start rounding the curves when I stop a coyote on the side road. He seems to be eating something.

But then he decides to move south along the road. I see another car coming. I sure hope they see him and stop - do not hit the coyote! Thankfully, they see him (emergency blinkers on). I can't see him as he is behind a rock. I start moving forward slowly; I don't want to hit him either. Then he appears right next to me. Yes! He's turned around and slowly moves off. 

And so do I.

It's snowing pretty good as I cross the causeway. The visibility is lowering.

Finally heading south but surprisingly, it's not til I reach Bountiful before I outrun the storm. 

Glad I took the chance. Awesome day!