What a difference a few weeks of 50degrees makes! All the snow and ice of the winter is, for the most part, gone. Just a few spots of ice on the lake and touches of white in the Antelope Island mountains. If I knew that, I would've prepare for a hike up Frary Peak; instead I'm heading to the 5.5mile Sentry Trail.
It was odd to cross an ice-less causeway. Actually there really wasn't any water most of the 6-7miles. But there was my old friend the coyote trotting across the lake bottom. I watched the sides of the causeway very closely to see if there was a coyote hunting (like last time I was here) but nothing.
So I'm heading down to the ranch -- that's where Sentry Trail begins. Not too far down the road, I spot 2 pronghorn heading down to the water - 1st pronghorn since the fall! I watched for a while and then when I went to get back on the road, I noticed a white pickup pulled off looking my way. I thought it was just a park volunteer (sometimes they just watch the people and animals to make sure everyone is behaving). But as I got on the road they pulled out and started heading to the ranch. Well, I stopped where they were and they were either watching 2 other pronghorn or a couple of bison -- they weren't too far from each other.
There were scattered bison all along the road. One down by the fresh water tub, another on the other side of the road (they must have extremely warm breathe because although it was 43degrees, I could see its breathe).
The Frary Peak road is open! Maybe next time.
Just before the ranch, there was a herd of about 30 bison but they were far off the road near the mountains. (Tiny little brown specs on the horizon.)
Didn't stop at the ranch, just drove down the dirt road to the parking area. There were 4 female mule deer about 1/2 way between the road and the brush. They didn't look like they were moving fast (they looked like they were grazing) but by the time I parked my car, they were gone.
Definitely Spring in the air. There were a few insects flying and crawling about. Some birds were chirping. Thought they were the Meadowlarks but after looking at my photos and seeing the "horns" I not sure.
I got to the top and was greeted by a fabulous view to the east (and the Wasatch Mts) and to the west (the Oquirrhs and Stansbury Mts); snowy mountains, water, and a blue sky!! Perfect for a quick lunch.
As I start walking south along the ridge, saw some winter kill (I'm thinking pronghorn).
There was a lot of pronghorn scat - some pretty fresh but I didn't see any animals other then the ravens.
On the way down, I saw my 1st butterfly of 2014, a Milbert's Tortoiseshell (they overwinter in their adult form)! I also saw a caterpillar crawling along the trail, looked like a bfly caterpillar but I'm not sure.
Got to say there are alot of people on the Island today! I met 10 people of the trail today -- last year I probably saw 3 people on this trail in 3-4 times. Also, lots of cars driving up and down the island.
On the drive back up the island, there were about 4 bison at the turnoff for Frary Peak -- with lots of human watchers. I drove up to the Frary Peak parking, lots of folks up here -- just wanted to check out the view. Couldn't have been up there more than 10minutes, but the bison were gone and heading toward the lake when I drove down.
I'm driving back up the island and to the west in the middle of the grasses and dark brown dead tall weeds is the shiny glowing object. I looked closer and it was a pronghorn -- just one and boy was he shining in the sunlight. I stopped along the road for a better look (and helped to draw a mini-crowd of watchers).
The bison by the water tub was still there with a mountain backdrop.
And two bison Mom's with calves.
And there was the gimpy bison. I pulled over to watch 3 bison along side the road and one other bison (one with a limp), running and crossing the road to meet up with the other 3. Then one proceeds to wallow in the dirt! Never quite flipped over but he certainly tried several times.
I have not seen that before (other than on TV). He got up in a dusty cloud. Then all 4 proceeded to head down towards the water. Pretty cool!
I headed over to the west side of the island but did not stop -- way too many folks! There were bison over here as well.
Awesome day!
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