Sept 26 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with highs hitting 87 degrees in SLC. But the Antelope Island forecast tops out at 77. So for a "change of pace" day, I'm heading up Antelope Island to hike the Sentry Trail.

When I reach the causeway, it's 53 degrees - perfect morning for a hike!

As I cross the causeway, I'm surprised to find water closer to the island and in that water, tons of water birds. Looks like mostly Avocets but can't tell due to the low sun. I'll check them out on the way out.

I reach the island and head directly towards the Ranch.

Many bison behind the Visitor's Center; I suspect them to all be males as there are no smaller ones.

Quiet on the island until I pass the White Rock ridge where I find a very small herd of Pronghorn.

Afterwards, I start finding the family herds of bison - two or three of them on the way to the Ranch.

I arrive and the Ranch and head to the Sentry Trail parking. I'm the only car there and it's 51 degrees.

I gear up and start up the trail.

Tons of little white moths flying around this morning. Pretty fun walk with lots of company!

Lots of Sunflowers in bloom and a few Rocky Mt Bee Balm (love that flower)!

As I walk up the trail, there are no animals in sight.

I pass Mushroom Springs and start the uphill trek to the switchback. Still lots of those moths flying along the way.

As I'm rounding the corner to the switchback, I spot an orange butterfly but I can't catch up. It's got to be a Mylitta or Field Crescent.

I continue along the switchback and finally I see another orange butterfly and this time it stops -- It's a Mylitta Crescent!! First one I've seen here since the Fire! Awesome!

Then as I get to the end of the switchback, I see a White flyer -- Checkered White! Just a common guy but again, I haven't seen many of these since the Fire either - so exciting!

Time to head up again. Along the way I'm seeing some Lizards

and these flowers that I've seen Western Pygmy Blue around down by the White Rock trail. 

I don't remember these flowers along the Sentry Trail but they're here now and I have my eyes open looking for the very tiny Blue (in among those White Moths). And guess what, I find at least 5 of them - Incredible!!

And there are a couple of purple asters (??).

Then its up to the ridge for a wonderful view of the west side of the Island. (Seems like the Island has finally "recovered" from the fire.

Once there I start across the ridge. When I get close to Sentry Peak, I look up and see 2 deer moving away from the top of Sentry Peak! Nice!

I'm across the ridge and it's time to head back down.

Along the way, I'm finding grasshoppers, lizards, many Checkered Whites and a couple more Mylitta Crescents. At one point, I see a smaller orange flyer and I'm having trouble catching up but they seem to enjoy the Rabbitbrush and I get some Photos - still a Mylitta Crescent.

Also more Pygmy Blues!

Then down to Mushroom Springs were I find more Pygmy Blues and Checkered Whites

What an incredible day for butterflies! All I need to find is a Melissa Blue to complete a perfect day! But no such luck!

Can't complain though - more butterflies then I've every seen since that Fire!

Then I'm back in my car and driving north where I find a coyote along the lake bed

and 3 Pronghorn on the lake bed behind the Visitor's Center (Mom, Dad and baby). 

What an awesome ending to a perfect day!

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