Heading out to Antelope Island to hike the Sentry Trail. This will be an interesting experience because the trail was greatly affected by the large fire a couple of months ago. What will the area look like? Will there be animals in the fire-affected area? Will there be lizards/bugs/dragonflies/butterflies? We haven't had rain so will there be green vegetation emerging? All questions that I will answer today.
I arrive on the causeway around 8:30am -- it's in the mid-50s but sunny. I have to go almost all the way to the island before reaching water in both Farmington Bay and the Salt Lake. Many gulls flying and a few shorebirds on the Salt Lake.
The vegetation along the causeway is very colorful.
I head directly to the Ranch. There's quite a few bison on that first 1/2 mile on the island. Nice to see them moving north on the island. (I wonder if they're finally moving to the western side.)
I stop at the first pull-out for a quick look around and see a large herd of bison are on a green "island" on the Farmington Bay flats.
Driving a bit farther, I see a couple of bison crossing the road ahead of me. There are more coming down the hill heading for the road. I pull up and stop to watch giving the bison plenty of room to continue their current direction.
The bison (Moms and calves) that are crossing are heading for the large water tank for a drink. I can hear the crunching grasses as they walk. At times the calves are very slow and at other times, they are running and jumping. Very fun!
There's about 10 bison that eventually cross and head for a drink
I drive on!
Somewhere past Frary Peak, I see 4 deer moving along the lake edge (lots of green vegetation there).
Oops, there's a buck following the 4 doe (and keeping watch as he's looking up to the road).
As I continue, there are little herds of bison in various spots along the road. Looks like the super herd that's been on the east side of the island since Spring may be finally breaking up.
I reach the Ranch and head down the gravel road to the Sentry parking area.
Well it's time to find some signs of life in this burnt area.
As I walk down the trail towards Mushroom Springs, the landscape is a bit eerie. The blackness of the burn is, for the most part, gone - it's been downgraded to brown. However, the remnants tuffs of grass remain dark black/charred. However, there are small green bursts of fresh grass and flowers - not many but they are there; signs of life :)
I also see a couple of grasshoppers! Not even 1% of what normally be hopping/flying around at this time - but more life!
I see somewhat fresh bison scat along the trail -- they were probably getting a drink at Mushroom Springs.
The right side of the trail is plowed by the park staff -- guess they're waiting to reseed when the time is right.
The left side remains untouched.
As I walk, I see something moving in the distance on the left side.... they're Pronghorn! A small herd, looks like 4 females plus a male are moving thru near the burned area. Awesome! It's the life I was hoping for!
I reach Mushroom Springs. The fire came very near the Springs. One of the big trees used by the Bald Eagles in the winter is still standing but leafless. The other does have leaves. The Springs retention pond is full - I don't see any birds.
I continue up the trail. It's odd to see the landscape laid bare --- the ruggedness of the island is in full view.
In several areas, I see several markings along the trail. I suspect they are indicators for the planes that helped fight the fire.
I climb for a bit and then finally reach the long flat switchback (the 1/2 way point) - great views down to the Ranch.
What a landscape!
I head north along the flat trail and as I near the end I see a decent size area untouched by fire. I'm not sure how this area was missed by the fire as it's surrounded by burn. So far, the birds have been non-existent but as I walk past this one small grassy section, I hear birds chirping and see birds flying. Very nice!
And I see a lizard!
Unfortunately, it's short-lived as I return to the burn and back to heading uphill.
There are a couple other very small grassy areas especially near the junipers which also thankfully survived the fire.
In one of those patches, I find one (just one) Western Branded Skipper!
In the distance to the north, the south-facing slopes of the mountains are untouched by fire.
The north side of Sentry Peak is burnt. As I'm looking towards Sentry Peak, I hear a rustling noise behind me. It's a big dust devil spinning towards me. I'm not sure which way to go as it moving about I stand my ground and experience a mini-tornado as it passes over me as it heads towards Sentry Peak.
I reach the ridge line -- there's some sagebrush here and beautiful views as always. Hey, the picnic table survived!!
To the south (and down towards the Salt Lake) is burn. But looking north, untouched. Good to see - more areas for the animals to feed.
I make my way south along the ridge. I find a few more lizards along the way.
I pass behind Sentry Peak before crossing the ridge.
And heading back downhill. On the way down, I hear single barks. I've heard these before and I assume the noises must be coming from coyotes but I have no proof.
I also see one grey damselfly, a red Meadowhawk and a Darner. Those dragonflies should be here, I see them every year; I'm just surprised to see them in this year!
Good hike! It's nice to finally see the area -- pretty stark now but once the rains/snow finally get here, it should green up nicely. And it'll be fun to continue watch the re-awakening!!
Once back at the car, I head back north up the island.
I also find three pronghorn moving south.
On the way back, I find another herd of bison drinking from another water container. (I've never seen the bison drink from these container before today - twice today.)
And a whole line of bison moving south too!
I head over to the west side of the island and am happy to see bison here. Good to see them moving around the island again.
As I round the north end of the island behind the Visitor's Center, I get a glimpse of a small herd of deer. Don't know how many because they hidden by the vegetation.
Awesome day!
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