Oct 12 - Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with temps in the mid-50s today. Yes, we had more rain last night and 20-30 degree drop in temperature too.

Thought about heading up to walk the summer road as it is now closed due to last week-ends snowfall and the mountains were supposed to get snow last night. But this morning, I voted for open space and warmer temp so I headed for the Island.

Driving out of the gate, I see a Kestrel and a Hawk. Should have been going slower to stop but I buzzed right by them.

Not other activity other than lots of duck hunters out.

I reach the Island and head south towards the Ranch. No bison behind the VC but there are bison among the rocks like on Thursday.

I pass my trail to head toward Frary Peak. No owls again this morning and all is quite on my way to the turnaround in front of Frary Peak.

On the way back to the TH, just before my road, I spot 2 bison on top of the ridge. I may see them on the trail.

And I spot 6 Pronghorn out to the west. I bet I can see them from the trail, at least, I hope. I wonder if these are the Pronghorn I saw atop Beacon Hill on Thursday.

I'm the only car; other than someone shooting arrows.

It's in the 40s but the sun is out so I don't need a coat. I start up the trail and yes, I can see the Pronghorns!!!

I continue up the trail and about 1/2 way out of the Pit I turn to check on the Pronghorn. For some reason, they are sprinting southwest and about ready to head out of the Pit. There are 7 of them. Maybe I'll see them on my return.

I start south and I'm not alone today. There are a few bison just west of the trail and 2 of them are not that far from the trail. Hopefully, I can get past without going off trail.

As I get closer, yes I can pass but I certainly would not want them any closer. And hey, they are not even paying attention to me.

I continue south and heading up the last little rise before it flattens out and I see those two bison. They are behind some rocks and are not a threat. Hopefully that will be so on my return.

I start to circle around Beacon Hill and in the distance to the West, I see 7 Pronghorn. It's 1 more than Thursday, perhaps these are the ones I saw on Thursday. I'll know but fun to think about.

I start may up Beacon Hill and about 1/2 way up, I start thinking about Chukkars, I look up and I see a flock of Chukkars. That was weird.

I reach the end and enjoy the view.

Time to head back.

I run into two other small flocks of Chukkars as I head down Beacon Hill then I'm back on the main trail. The 7 Pronghorn have moved off (or possibly all laid down).

I see that those 2 bison have moved towards trail (shoot) and as I near I have to go off-trail to get around them safely. After I'm past, I angle back towards the trail and surprise, I see a herd of 12 Pronghorn just off the trail I heading towards. Yea!!!

I keep approaching and they spook and sprint across the trail to the west. 

After a brief stop, 

one alarm calls and they sprint back east across the trail and my path. Looks like they are heading down mountain but maybe they are just loitering on the edge. That was fun!


I'm past the Pronghorn and now I have to deal with 2 more bison as they are now closer to trail. They are actively feeding and have acknowledged my presence so I stay on the trail and pass quickly.

The rest of my return is quiet!

Awesome day! Lots of Pronghorn activity and bison avoidance. Great day!

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