So I head up just after 9am and it's cloudy as I roll up at the gate. As I wait, there's a cute weasel (brown body/yellow belly) snooping around the pay booth. (He was too fast to get a photo though.) This is only the 2nd time I've seen one - the other was coming down from Twin Lakes up at the Brighton Ski resort a couple of years back. Awesome start to the day!!
Continuing down the causeway, there's a Northern Harrier hovering searching for brunch.
The number of water birds continue to rise. There are Gulls, Northern Shovelers,
Coots (swimming) and walking a bout (I think these are Coots)
and Eared Grebes this morning.
I arrive on the island and since I was here 2 days ago, I decide to go directly to the White Rock Trail. I see no animals along the way but there are many bison scattered along the White Rock trail. (And one under Bison Point.)
There's only a couple cars in the lot when I pull in - should be a nice quiet trail.
As I start off, it's 48 degrees and still cloudy. There are patches of blue sky and sun but it's nothing that will last very long - clouds still moving in from the west. Oh, it's also a bit windy.
As I start the trail, I'm greeted by a singing Horned Lark - such a beautiful song!
There are 4 bison laying near the start of the switchbacks. They are far enough off the trail that they are not an issue. In fact, as I pass they are not even alarmed by my presence (still laying down).
Along the trail, I'm finding the yellow blooms of Spring Parsley and the tiny pink blooms of the Redstem Stork's Bill.
As I continue along, I pass all of those scattered bison. I'm alert that there might be more ahead and sure enough, soon I see 2 bison along the trail to the left and one big walking down the trail towards me.
I decide to go off-trail with a wide berth to the right of the bison. He keeps walking north along the trail not even looking at me as I pass.
I pass the others and then work my way back to the trail.
As I near White Rock bay, there's are twp bison laying in the meadow to the right.
Looking into White Rock Meadow below, there are no animals to be seen.
Up here, it's really windy - a bit chilly too. Hopefully, the wind will be blocked by the hills of the inner loop otherwise, the winter coat must come out.
But first, I work my way down to the ridge and across it
before turning towards the inner trail. The wind doesn't let up; I actually think it's getting stronger. I hate to do it, but the light winter coat goes on. :(
The inner part of the trail is wonderful today -- the Redstem Stork's Bill are everywhere along the slopes. It's wonderfully pink!
And surprise, surprise, despite the wind, the 48 degree temperatures, and mostly cloudy skies, I find 3 Common Checkered Skippers!!!!
And there's one bison on the slopes too!!
As I complete the inner loop and start heading north, it's starts raining (just spitting for now). But soon, it's really raining. I'm sure the strong wind is making it worse but it's only about 1 miles to my car. Thankfully, as I reach those 4 bison who are now up and near the trail, the rain stops. Again, I have to go off-trail to get around these guys.
Another surprise along the trail, 3 pink phlox flowers!
I reach my car and decide to head home but as I ride around the road south of the Visitor's Center, I see several shining white objects - they have to be Pronghorns! From the road, I can't tell so I loop around the Visitor's Center pulling into the south end of the parking lot. They are Pronghorn!!
