Feb 8 Antelope Island

Sunny day in the forecast today. Look forward to finally getting to hike. Heading to Antelope Island this morning.

When I arrive at the gate, the flag is still but there is no sun. It's still under clouds but sun is coming from the south; it's just going to take some time.

I only find ducks along the causeway. And to note: we've had temps in/near the 60s this week so all the ice along the causeway is gone; simply open water.

I reach the Ranch and head to the Ranch.

I see lots of bison above the road long the rocks/S-curve. Hoping they will not be near the Gravel Pit as that is my hike today.

Rolling up to the White Rock area, I find a herd of 20'sh Pronghorn on it's northern edge. They seem to be hanging out here recently.

Across from Frary Peak, a coyote crosses the road (heading east) in front of me and then disappears in the grasses.

It isn't until I'm almost at the Ranch do I find a decent size herd.

And there's a smaller herd south of the Sentry Trail. If I was hiking that today, it would be doable. But I'm not!

Sadly, it's still cloudy as I turn around to head north.

On the drive north, I find a small herd of bison tucked up in the mountains.

And across from Frary Peak, I see a lone male Pheasant in the grasses. I stop to try to take some photos.

As I start to move forward, another male Pheasant appears and starts to cross the road. Once he is across (but still standing in the road), another male Pheasant appears and starts crossing the road. The first turns and heads for the 2nd. I wondering what will happen when the two meet - expecting a fight. But no excitement, when the 1st meets the 2nd, he turns and they both finish crossing the road. I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed but it's not mating season I guess. Still very cool!

Rolling up on White Rock area, it seems in the short time I've been gone, the Pronghorn had crossed the road. Now they are crossing back. (What made them cross in the 1st place???)

There are still a few that have not yet re-crossed and a couple young one jousting.

I arrive at the Gravel Pit and it's snowy! Not hard but snowing none the less. To hike or not. Technically it falls out of my winter hiking standards. And I'm planning to be back here tomorrow anyway. Hmm....not hiking.

A bit disappointed but got to follow my rules. I've had an amazing day to this point anyway.

Heading out along the causeway, a perched Northern Harrier catches my eye as I pass as he appears to have his wings up. I turn around to get a better look.

Farther along, I spot a coyote on the Salt Lake (north) side of the causeway.

Then I'm almost at the gate, I see another Northern Harrier. Again, I turn around for a better look.

He eventually takes flight.




No hike but still an Awesome day!

(See a pheasant along the highway on the way home.)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April 4 - White Rock Loop (Antelope Island)

Image
Mostly sunny day with highs in the upper 40s and it's time for a hike in the sun!! One of the few Friday in months with sun. (And it's ok because we've finally crossed the 500inches of snow this year; making it 3 straight years above average in snowfall - woot! woot!) I leave around 7:30 and arrive at the gate around 8 to at least 9 cars lined up - what is going on!! I get to the gate and the lady says there is a running race today. Ok, where do I avoid. "East side" Ok, heading straight to White Rock. There are bison around the VC this morning and scattered on the west side. I've only the 2nd car in the lot. The weather is in the low 40s; good enough for no jacket but that wind is blowing strong from the NE. I need a jacket; unzipped and blowing in the wind but needed. I start up the trail and quickly hear Curlew. And I do find 2 of them; the only ones of the day. When I get to the top of the hill, I spot 2 Chukkars. I continue east along the loop spotting lot...
Read more

Silver Lake/Lake Solitude/Twin Lakes Loop (BCC)

Image
 Sunny day with temps in the mid-90s. Heading up to hike the loop today and then hopefully up to the Pass. I'm thinking the trails will be again crowded since it's still the 4th holiday week-end but heading up early. I arrive around 7am and after I park, I see a Porcupine walking across the parking lot across the street. Not a bad start. (And there are not many cars in the lot which is a happy surprise.) I gear up and make my way to the TH. No moose, deer or beavers this morning but the Iris are in-bloom now. I start heading up to Lake Solitude and yes, the flowers are starting to bloom. (And good thing because the Brighton/Solitude Wildflower walks are next week-end.) Lots of yellow bloomers, Bluebells, Columbine, etc. Quiet walk though. I do see a Pika at the first little rocky spot. She's gathering veg for the winter already. Farther along, I do see a need (mostly butt and a quick flash of a doe head) before the big avalanche. I can see her ribs so she needs to eat. Mayb...
Read more

June 27 - Lake Solitude (BCC)

Image
 It's an off Friday and I'm heading up to Twin Lake Pass (hopefully). It's a sunny day with temps in the low 90s. Rocky start as I realize I forgot my phone about 1/2 way down my block but I can live without that. Then as I turn up BCC, I realize I forget sunscreen. Big Oops! I'll be short hike today. :( I arrive around 7:30. Parking lot is pretty empty; I'm surprised. I head around the lake to the TH. No moose, deer or beaver. The plant life is getting taller and about ready to bloom. I'm seeing a few Geraniums, Thimbleberry, Bluebells, Paintbrush, Beardtongue, etc. Quiet walk - no pika, deer or moose. Although I find fresh deer tracks on the trail. I reach Lake Solitude; it too is quiet w/ no deer or ducks. Decision time: do I continue to do the hike; another 2 hrs in the sun or be smart. Of course, I choose the "smart option" and head back. Of the way back, I hear something moving thru the forest and stop to look. Lucky me! I see a Doe. She looking ...
Read more