Feb 21 - Gravel Pit (Antelope Island)

Finally after days of rain/snow, we finally have a sunny day! Heading up to Antelope Island to hike up to Beacon Hill. I'm anticipating snowfall - we got around 2 inches at my house.

Lots of fog on the drive up but at I hit Syracuse, things clear up - yea! There are still patches of fog even as I drive across the causeway but before hitting the Island, things clear up.

I do spot a Bald Eagle very near the road. I stop to take a photo.

There's a guy already pulled-off down near the shoreline with a nice close up view. One of those lifetime events that the bird doesn't fly off. I'm trying to not disturb his "win".

On the Island, I head south towards there Ranch. The Island looks wonderful all covered in snow for the 2nd time this winter.

There are a few bison south of the fence line.

White Rock is quiet but beautiful.

Across from Frary Peak, I spot a Pheasant on the ground. He runs as I stop. Looking at the "dummy" photo I took to remember, there's another Pheasant in a tree in the far background. Well, that's two.

I bit farther, still in the Frary Peak area, I see another Pheasant.

Then comes the bison herd in basically the same place as last week (still in the Frary Peak area).

Past the toilets, I see 2 Pronghorn crossing the street to the west. On the hillside, there's a rather large herd.

As I wait, several more Pronghorn come racing across the road to their herd.

About 100-200 yards farther is yet another herd of Pronghorn. Love it!

I continue on to the Ranch. The fog gets thicker as I near. Once there, I see no bison around. 

Time to head back north.

When I reach that 2nd herd, I notice that there's a herd of bison in the background. Seems like the bison are in-between the 2 Pronghorn herds.

Near Frary Peak I see many Pheasant - at least today! They are doing quite well this winter.

I'm nearing the turn-off for the Gravel Pit when I'm stopped by Chukkar in the road. They are incredibly calm today. They eventually cross to be with several others feeding near the road.

I reach the turn-off and head thru the snow to the TH. Slippery going.

I'm the only car in the lot. So I gear up and start up the trail. I was thinking I'd be slogging thru the snow by the Parks people were out the trail in a vehicle probably sometime yesterday as the tire tracks are slippery to walk in. But they are still better than a slog thru 2 inches of snow.

Wonderful bright sunny day. Once out of the Pit, the jacket comes off - just a long sleeve sun shirt now and I'm very comfortable.

At the top, I see a large herd of bison in White Rock area and some near Bison Point. There are also a couple by the Corrals.

On the way to Beacon Hill, there are awesome snow structures

coyote and Pronghorn/Deer tracks, and some little critter tracks.

As I near Beacon Hill, I see 2 bison ahead. They are just off the trail as it take the sharp turn to the end of the 1.8 mile mark. They are about 20 yards off the trail. Too near for me to walk past. 

I think about going off trail but with the snow and hidden obstacles, best to leave it for another day. I just stand and watch the bison eating for a bit.

Time to head back.

As I heading back to the Pit, I notice 2 bison out to the south. Not sure those are the two that blocked me or others - probably others.

Oh well, not a full hike but I was out on a fabulous day walking thru the snow and enjoying some sunshine. I saw Bald Eagle, many Pheasant, tons of Pronghorn and bison.

And on my back across the causeway, I see another Bald Eagle (Salt Lake side) 

and a Kestrel.

Awesome day!