March 30 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Cloudy (possible hazy sunshine) with highs in the low 50s. Heading up to Antelope Island to hike the Gravel Pit trail today.

It's in the low 40s when I arrive on the causeway and it's cloudy.

The Avocet population has dramatically increased over the last week.

I reach the Island and head south. (BTW: there are no bison behind the VC this morning).

It's a very quiet drive until I find a decent sized herd of bison on the plateau just south of the toilets (past Frary Peak). There's also a small herd on the south side of that plateau.

At the Ranch, there are no bison in view.

I turn and head north for the TH.

On the way north, I notice a small group of bison on the White Rock ridge just above the Frary Peak toilets. Hmm, hoping they are not blocking Beacon Hill again this week.

I reach the TH and I'm the only car. I gear up and start up the trail.

I'm not far from my car when I see my favorite Spring bird, the Curlew! I thought I heard them last week but couldn't find them so it's nice to actually see one again.

Not too much farther down the trail, I see another Curlew; no actually 2 of them. Awesome!

And I hear their wonderful calls!

Out of the Pit, I see a small group of bison south of me but far from the trail. Whew!

Lots of Biscuitroot in bloom and I find some Spring Parsley also in bloom!

Just a quiet walk until I'm walking around Beacon Hill and see Pronghorn; both laying down.

Then it's up Beacon Hill and it's wonderful view!

After a brief stop, it's time for the return trip.

And the bison are still there.

Back in the Pit, I'm looking for the Curlew and then in the distance, I see 2 of them fighting or perhaps it's a mating dance. Pretty cool to watch. I watch them repeat the "dance 5 times" before a 3rd Curlew arrives and I leave. Awesome!





Back at the car, it time to head home. I spot on the causeway to see some Coots and some Avocets.

Good day!

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