Oct 17 - Antelope Island

Sunny day with highs in the 50s. Was thinking about heading into the mountains but after a couple of days of snow, I think I'll wait. So I'm heading to Antelope Island.

I arrive at the gate with the sun still rising and temps in the low 40s.

As I cross the causeway I see a Kestrel and then quiet the rest of the way.

There are no bison behind the VC and the bison that have been among the rocky curve are gone. That may mean trouble for my planned hike up to Beacon Hill.

On the downside of the Gravel Pit, the Pronghorn are still here. I count 9.

Continuing on it's until just before Frary Peak where there's a huge herd of bison on the move to the south. Looks like these guy have been on the move as they were down at the Sentry Peak less than a week ago.

Guess I should drive down and try to hike Sentry Trail but not feeling that this morning so I turn around and head back towards the Gravel Pit.

As I approach I see a couple of bison on the ridge above the Gravel Pit. Hmmm, doesn't look good but I head into the parking lot anyway. There I see two bison on the ridge above the trail. Will they be able to see me pass if I hike it? Not taking the chance. Guess I'm heading to the White Rock Trail.

Well, lots of scattered bison on the West side including 3 bison within the fence and near the White Rock trail. Boo! That's a bummer. Lots like I'm walking the Bone Yard Trail. Not my favorite but I drove all this way maybe something fun will happened.

The Boneyard is flat until a rise in the last 1/2 mile or so on a 2.7 straight trail along the eastern edge of the Salt Lake.

Lots of puddles due to the recording setting month of Oct rainfall. And just a few sunflowers hanging on.

Just before reaching the White Rock meadow, I see a coyote trotting south along the fenceline. Where the fence end (almost parallel to me), he crosses past the fence and disappears in the grasses. Well that's something fun! Yea!

I continue walking but checking behind me just in case the coyote pops out again and I see another coyote trotting south down the fenceline. How cool is that! They must be coming back from there morning breakfast search!!

I continue along reaching the meadow and continuing until I reach a big patch of sagebrush. This is my turnaround point. I think I've gone around 2 miles as the trail is just starting it's rise. I'm interested in going the rest of the way because there's really nothing special at the end of this trail as it's just a starting/continuation of other trails.

I look up to the White Rock ridge and see a bunch of bison. Hmm, I don't remember seeing them up there when I drove by (twice). Where did they come from?

On my return, I stop and listen to a coyote howling south of my position. Love to hear!

Then in the same location at the two sightings, I see a coyote crossing the trail heading east into the meadow and its carrying something! It's got a duck!! How cool is that?! He's walked along way to get that duck! Could this be one of the two I saw less than a 1/2 hour ago OR is it a 3rd? So cool!

I soon reach the meadow and the 3 bison that were near the trail are gone. So confusing because it's a fenced area. 

After reviewing my photos, it was a great morning for duck hunting as the other two coyotes had ducks as well! Awesome day!