Well, it looks like it could rain this morning but I'm trusting the weatherman - but taking a rain coat anyway. As I drive north, it seems the clouds are pushing south and by the time I reach the causeway, I'm in blue sky with the sun still hidden behind those clouds.
I decide to bypass the drive to the Ranch and head directly to the White Rock trail - just want to make sure that I complete the hike by 11:30.
I head up to that gravel overlook on the road to Bison Point; I want to see if that female Pronghorn and baby may still be around. As I turn onto the Bison Point road, I see 4 deer feeding nearby (at least one is a buck).
I reach the gravel overlook, below are 3 bison - can't see anything that might be a Pronghorn.
I head down to the road to the White Rock parking still looking for the Pronghorn. I do find a female Pronghorn; could be the Mom but there's no calf that I can see. The calf could be hidden in the grasses.
On to the parking lot. As I start the trail, the sun is still behind the clouds and it's in the low 60s. Perfect!
Passing many Sego Lilies
Globe Mallow
and a Pink flower. It's not the Phlox I've been seeing, this one is different. I just can't remember the name.
Salisfy
and some purple flowers (I think Scurfpea) that are just starting to bloom.
I also see a few dragonflies.
I head up the switchback and on to White Rock meadow. It's quiet walk with just the sound of the wind and some birds. The only wildlife I see are 2 Chukkars.
Along the way, I'm still seeing Segos as well as White (and Pink) Daisies and some Milkvetch.
I reach the view of White Rock meadow and Frary Peak and start heading down. Nice to see puddles along the trail.
As I start to cross, I hear a bird calling, look up and a Long-billed Curlew is coming in for a landing. He keeps calling so he must be searching for his mate.
Soon I hear/see another bird approaching. It's all quiet now.
I also kick up a brown butterfly. Has the shape and flight of a Nymph. Not sure which one though.
As I start the inner loop, I see 3 bison in the distance. I'll be seeing them close-up in a bit because they are not far from the trail.
I'm still in the clouds although at some point I'll reach the sun as it's blue skies to the west.
Along the inner trail, I'm finding tons of Segos and Globe Mallow! It's beautiful!!
Also finding these yellow flowers
and some wonderful Milkweed!
Because of the clouds and cool weather, not much moving on the ground but I do see a couple of beetles and one lizard.
The exciting find is a coyote in the distance in front of me. No actually, there are 2 of them.
I also hear the Curlew calling and hovering near the coyote - hope there's no nest there. As I continue to watch, the bird flies away (yea). The far coyote moves off - I can't see him anymore. Hold on, there's a 3rd coyote and he joins the remaining one!! Awesome!
Moving on, I'm soon closing in on those bison. They aren't that far from the trail; I would normally go wide but I'd have to climb uphill. Hmmm! Fortunately, a bike rolls past them and they don't seem to care. So it's my turn. There are 2 standing and one laying. There's one watching me the whole time and the other taking glances. Both are wagging their tails and showing no signs of aggression. And the other doesn't care, he's still on the ground. I pass without incident. I even stop to watching the one roll in the grasses.
When I'm about finished with the inner trail, the sun finally comes out for good!
And it brings out a few butterflies: Common Checkered Skipper
and Checkered White.
I also see a Darner dragonfly. I can't get a good look at it.
And I can't forget this wonderful little bird that was belting out he's song - very melodious trilling.
When I done with the hike and start back towards the Visitor's Center. That female Pronghorn has disappeared and those bison, they've move off to the southeast.
As I approach the Visitor's Center, I'm looking for the Burrowing Owl. I see 2 maybe but on closer inspection, the one is a Western Meadowlark
and the other is the Burrowing Owl on a different perch but in the same area!
Awesome day!
