April 2 - Sentry Trail

After a week of much needed rain & snow (over 2ft in the mountains), we're getting our 2nd day of sun - high in the mid-60s.

Heading to Antelope Island this morning; I want to hike uphill today but Frary Peak feels like too much today so hiking Sentry Trail for my 2nd visit in a row.

Beautiful morning, sunny and bright. There was frost last night so it's still a bit cool but warming fast - around 48 degrees.

Many mountain reflections along the causeway this morning.

I turn left to head towards the Ranch and immediately see a lone bison behind the Visitor's Center. Just past the bison, I see a light brown bird in the vegetation. I'm thinking Chukkar but I see a long curled beak; it's a Curlew!!! (I've seen these behind the Visitor's Center before.)

A little further along is a group of 4 bison down by the lake bed.

Several small groups (3-5 animals) bison along the way to the Ranch; including way up on a ridge hiding among the rocks.

I've got to say, this is the most water I've seen in the Bay in over a year - still a long way to go.

Along the dirt road to the Sentry Trail's parking area, I see 3 deer near the Bay's dry lake bed.

Many cars in the parking area this morning; I'll have company today.

Because of the frost last night (and the cool, wet weather this week), I'm not expecting to see butterflies (but always hopeful as I saw one 2 weeks ago).

Pretty quiet walk, not many birds singing this morning. Actually, I'm not seeing many birds either - except crows.

Lots of pink flowers - Redstem Stork's Bill.

I do see a few Tiger Beetles on the way but no lizards or other beetles.

I reach the top - such a beautiful day! The yellow flowers of the Spring Parlsey that was prominent along the ridge last time is pretty much gone.

As I cross the ridge towards Sentry Peak. There's a large herd of bison downhill on the west side.

The females should be having their babies soon - little reddish-brown baby bison coming soon! (Exciting!)

On this way down, I see a single lizard and my token white butterfly for the day.

I see my highlight of the day so far; a yellow fritillary (or Yellowbells)!!

It's a sagebrush perennial (from the Lily family) and one of the first bloomers in the Spring. I see only one of them (perhaps there's more that's just not blooming yet).

Driving back up the island, I see a herd of animals (definitely not a bison) walking in the lake bed. It's a some herd of Pronghorn! Not sure why they are out there but they are moving north. They're acting a little skittish as they'll spread out, run, stop, group back up and repeat - all except one pronghorn who walks slowly behind. I wish I knew what they were doing - I didn't see any coyotes.

I head towards the west side of the island for a quick look. I spot 3 more deer hidden in the grasses. (Several cars passed them before me and never stopped.)

Another great day on the island!

But the clock is ticking for the yearly invasion of the biting gnats. Along the causeway, columns of midges are already swirling now; the gnats won't be far behind - but they can't hatch until the butterflies are really out. :)