May 30 - Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook (Millcreek Canyon)

Sunny day with temps around 90 degrees. Heading out to hike the Salt Lake Overlook and complete what I didn't finish a few weeks back.

I arrive at the TH just after 7:30 and there are 6-7 cars already there. It was a bit more than I expected this early but it is supposed to be a hot day.

I gear up and start up the trail. All the Lilies and Waterleaf that were blooming last time I was here are now gone as expected. Now there are Solomon's Seal blooming and Heart-leafed Arnica down low and in the heavily forested areas. And there are some Oregon-grape and Strawberries still hanging on.

The woodlands are so very green; it's stunning.

As are these Ninebark blooms

Oh the Thimbleberry have buds!!

Lots of bird song this morning but on the way up, this is the only one I see - probably a Black-headed Grosbeak.

Higher up in the more open spots, the Balsamroot, Larkspur are still blooming. And there are a few new ones including.

About mid-way up, I spot a Rocky Mountain Duskywing hanging out in an oak tree (their host). Quite a surprise actually.

And I start seeing Blues. The first one I saw was definitely a Spring Azure but I can't verify the rest.

At one point, I come to a dead spot because there's a Western Tanager (male) on the ground poking around for food. Talk about a surprise!! Unfortunately, he flew before I could get a photo. What a stunning bird!!

Soon I'm at the Overlook and I have it all to myself!! I normally walk this trail after work so the view is far more stunning with the sun behind me!

It's only mine for a few minutes though so it's time to head back down.

On the way down, I catch another singing bird perched in a tree. Hard to get a good look because of the sun but it's definitely black-n-white. Wondering what kind of Warbler it is all the way back to the car. But my Warbler excitement ends when I see the photo and it's a Spotted Towhee. 


Still cool but not as cool as a Warbler.

And I see a Mourning Cloak too!

Awesome hike!




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