March 9 - Bone Trail (Antelope Island)

Sunny day with highs near 60 degrees

Heading up to the Island today to hopefully hike the White Rock Trail.

Sunny, upper 30s as I cross the causeway. 

I arrive on the Island with 3 Bison behind the VC and a lone Pronghorn on top of the ridge to the west side of the Island.

One bison in the sagebrush and Chukkars.

Roll up just past the Gravel Pit turnoff - big herd of bison on the hill and next to the road. Also a few on the other side of the road by the Owl burrows.

No animals at White Rock.

In front of Frary Peak, I see a Pheasant (male).

And a bit farther down the road 4 hens - don't see hens often.

And still farther, more Pheasant. As I've said, they've done really well this winter.

I reach the Ranch and a see a small herd of bison well past Sentry Peak. I'm thinking I should be hiking that today but decide to turn around and head for White Rock Trail.

As I near the Gravel Pit, there a good size gathering of bison on the east facing not far from the bison still grazing in the same spot as before. Except, they are in the middle of a road crossing.

There is one bison pawing at the dirt and rubbing his head in it.

He is then tested by a young bison and they joust for a bit.

Moving over to the west side of the Island, there is a bison near the road behind the VC and a Pronghorn lying in the distance behind him.

There is a gathering around Bison Point.

And the other large part of the Gravel Pit herd in the distance. Wow! The bison are all on the Northern side.

I see another Pronghorn (and bison in the background) down the road to the TH.


And unfortunately, there are 4 bison inside the White Rock fence line. (I thought the fence was supposed to keep them out.) 

They are probably 100 feet off the trail. I watch bikes and some runners go by but I'm not feeling it so I do the only option I have, the Bone Spur. I have visions of heading up the hill towards Elephant Point but after about a mile or so, I decide to turn back.

A bit disappointed on the hiking part (should've hike Sentry Peak) but I had a good animal day. Can't beat that!


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