Jan 22 - Sentry Peak (Antelope Island)

Finally got a break from the rain/snow yesterday and today. Another storm rolls in for late Sat/Sun; so I need to get out today. It will not be as sunny as yesterday but the sun will be out (hopefully) and the temps near 40 degrees.

Once again I thought about going into the mountains - close to an 80in base -- can't even image that much snow. The mountains were my plan under 2 people got caught up in an avalanche yesterday; one didn't survive. Pretty scary stuff so decided to go to my safe place: Antelope Island. (The snow will be in the mountains for quite a while and the Avalanche danger will eventually go down.)

The sun is out today but having trouble burning through the clouds this morning.

When I arrive on the causeway, lots of snow has melted over the last few days. There's still ice on the water and a little snow on the lake beds but in spots, the lake bed is visible.

I see a couple of Kestrels flying as I make my way across the causeway.

Then, in the totally white background on Farmington Bay, a large black form on the ice catches my eye. It's in the distance but I stop for a look. There's also another black form a little further out past the first.

I take out my binocs and it's a Bald Eagle sitting on the ice!

The form further away, it's yet another Bald Eagle along with 2 black birds on the ice.

Maybe one or even both just ate but they were so far in the distance, it was really hard to tell.

Continuing along the causeway, the gulls are back!

And the Shovelers are still swimming.

Just past the ducks on the Salt Lake side, there's the 3rd Bald Eagle sitting on the ice. He is much closer to the road and is surrounded by feathers. He's definitely had duck for breakfast!

I turn left and head south towards the Ranch. I immediately see at least 7 bison off to the right -- I think they were in the same spot a few days ago.

Looking for animals but only see hawk. He flying very slowly not too far off the ground looking for a tasty morsel. He soon perches in a tree.

Just past Frary Peak, finally some animals -- a big herd of bison. Again, I think I saw these guys in the same spot few days ago.

As I get close to the ranch, there's another large herd of bison (same spot). Seems like the antelope have moved on since most of the snow has melted but the bison have decided not to move.

I park and start my walk. The snow covered road that was a few days ago is now just wet dirt. There's still tracks in the mud - mostly bison (probably from this herd across from the Ranch) - but I also see coyote and pronghorn.

There's 3 parts to this Ranch bison herd. The large main part, a smaller herd of about 10 just north of Mushroom Springs, and another herd of about 20 just to the south of Mushrooms Springs.

The herd to the north of Mushroom Spring is about 75 yards off the trail (a safe distance). As I near the Mushroom Springs herd, I'm being watched closely by one bison; then another stands up and turns to watch me;

and then the third stands.

Definitely looks so much different today -- and it's much easier walking. But I know at some point a little higher up I'll be back in the snow.

From Mushroom Springs, it's a long straight section until the climb begins. Still following the bison tracks and closing in on the 3rd part of the herd. They are on a ridge just south of where the uphill begins. The herd is actually larger than it looked below.

As I'm passing the bison, I hear a coyote howl south me. I stop to listen. I hear another howl directly across from the first; then a really faint howl to the north. This repeats several time and then it's silent. I continue on.

There are now some patches of snow along the trail but I don't reach a snow-covered trail until I get to the long switchback (my stopping point a few days ago). A bunch of snow has definitely melted but there's still a good 3-4 inches. Hard packed so its not bad walking but still slower than walking on dirt.

After getting down the long stretch, its a return to the uphill walking. At this point, there's just a few coyote tracks in the snow.

I reach the loop trail around Sentry Peak. The snow is untouched (i.e., no footprints: animal or human). I get to be a Trailblazer today!!

I head up the right side (going counter-clockwise) as I normally do. The snow is deeper here and "softer". Definitely blown snow; forms nice little patterns. Walking is much slower - my calves are feeling this work-out!

I finally get to the ridge and can see out to the west - definitely worth the trip!!

I make my way to the picnic table (it's lunch time).

The inversion is much thicker to the west of the island but what a nice view!

I eat my sandwich standing on the table soaking in the sun (and scouting for animals). I do see a good size herd of bison far down the slope.

The trail across the ridge is snow covered but I can't easily make it out. But today, I'm content with making it to the ridge so I'm just heading back the way I came.

On the way back down, considering my tracks are the first ones up here, I'm really surprised to see a lady heading up. A little further down, there's a man also heading up. Guess we were all waiting for "some" of the snow to melt.

Just before reaching Mushrooms Springs, there's a flock of birds eating the seeds of the dry flower stalks.

I'm heading towards the Ranch when I see 2 deer feeding. As I get closer, I see another near the treeline. Still closer, there is actually 4 deer plus the one in the treeline. I'm pretty sure that deer don't have fawns in the Fall but the one deer does look much smaller than the rest - interesting.

On the way back towards the causeway, I only see one porcupine -- I guess after being seemingly stuck in the same trees for weeks, they've taken off (like antelope) for "greener pastures".

My parting shot of the day is a bird of prey looking for a meal along the causeway.

Fun day as always!

Jan 16 - Sentry Peak (Antelope Island)

Well it's a cloudy day with a temperature in the mid-20s (will be warmer in the afternoon but that all depends when the snow comes in). It's definitely not what I called a "perfect" winter hiking day (i.e, need that sun to warm things up) but I'm tired of waiting for that "perfect" day; so its time to head out to Antelope Island and hike the Sentry Trail. (Mountains have received over 2feet of snow this week, including last night, just not comfortable heading up there.)

It's encouraging that the sun is somewhat out in the Salt Lake Valley when I leave - perhaps I will get some sun today after all. Just not holding my breathe as there is yet another  storm coming in early this afternoon (around 1pm says the weatherman). And as I drive north, I leave that spot of sun behind and enter the pre-storm clouds.

Arriving on the causeway, that sunny spot to the south, still shines on the mountains. It looks more like dawn then 9:40am.

We've had some warmer temps this week (finally) and much of the snow has melted. But the recent storms have left a new fresh 1-3 inches.

There's still ice on the Farmington Bay side and the usual opening near the bridge is full of ducks.

They are mostly Northern Shovelers.

When I get on the island, I head south towards the Ranch. I spot 3 bison pretty quickly off to the right.

I'm scanning for any hint of an animal when I spot a suspicious spot on the snowy lake bed. By the time I get my binocs out, it's moving and it's a coyote! I've heard them this winter but this is my first sighting. Pretty exciting.

He sits on the snow looking south, then he get up and trots north for a bit and sits looking south. He repeats this several times. I'm thinking the mate maybe to the south; I look but can't see one.

Time to continue.

I see a Kestrel in the trees. His feathers are all puffed out to keep warm.

After Frary Peak, I see a large herd of bison.

A little further down, I see dots of white in the middle of the brown grasses. Yep, it's a large herd of Pronghorn. I count 25 of them. Some are feeding and others are lying down.

Just before the Ranch, there's another large herd of bison. The herd is much larger than the other I saw today.

I park at the Ranch and start my way down the snowy dirt road leading to the Sentry Peak trail head. I'm the first human to make tracks in the new snow. Lots of coyotes tracks crossing the road and walking the road. Also, it looks like a herd of Pronghorn have been thru here recently. Of course, there are tiny tracks, probably a mouse; 4 little prints with a distinct tail drag. And another 4 little prints (no tail drag); I follow one such set

to a single spot in the grasses -- must be home. :)

Walking down the snowy road I see a very large brown bird perched atop a tree. Could be a hawk, a young Bald Eagle or perhaps even a Golden Eagle (they do fly in UT). But it's just a large brown bird of prey to me;

then it flies. (I may be wrong, but I think that is a Golden Eagle!)

I keep walking when I see a brownish form moving to the left. For some reason my mind quickly goes to cougar -- odd place for the mind to go especially since I'm on an island; perhaps it's because I'd love to see one (just not stalking me). Of course, it's a coyote!! #2 for the day!! And he's moving towards the road - if he continues he'll cross in front of me.

A few moments later, he does cross in front of me and he continues west towards the mountains. I turn away and when I look back; he has disappeared. Then I hear a coyote howl to the north. And another returns the howl in the distance (still to the north). The back-n-forth continues several times before it's quiet.

I finally make it to the trail head and start making my way towards Mushroom Springs. A lot easier walking than last time but still snowy.

Still seeing coyote tracks as well as Pronghorn.

Without sunshine, it's definitely a "shades of grey" kind of day.

I get to Mushroom Springs and there are no Bald Eagles. (I think I got really lucky to see them a few weeks back.)

I start walking to the south (following coyote tracks) and I'm about ready to start the upward portion when I hear a coyote howl to the south (ahead of me). Another returns the howl further in the distance. This repeats several times. I stop to search for the coyotes. I can't find the coyotes but I see to 2 Pronghorns feeding. Second herd of the day - though 2 animals doesn't necessarily make a herd. Very cool! (After reviewing my photos, surprise, there are several Pronghorns in the area!)

Much more snow on the trail now and a little slower going.

I head on up to the flat stretch about 1/2 way up to Sentry Peak and walk across the section until it continues upwards. But I'm cold (that's why I like sunny days) so it's time to head back down.

I see several Western Meadowlarks on the way back to my car.

Back at my car, I head back north towards the causeway. I see several porcupines on the return trip. And fail to find that herd of 25 antelope.

I'm still looking for that lone coyote on the water when I see a couple of trucks pulled off to the side. There are some folks out on the rocks looking down towards the water's edge with spotting scopes. I pull off and down below me is my coyote! He's in the marsh grasses actually heading toward the road (he'll have to walk uphill to get to the road though). But he stops, looks around

and starts walking south to a small patch of snow. He stops and does what every canid would do in snow; he starts rolling his head in it. How fun!

Then he looks towards road,

Gets up and trots off to the south. Way cool!

And then, as the coyote heads south, all the human bystanders get back in their cars and drive north.

Back on the causeway, I stop to look at the ducks one more time. There are ducks happily content in the water, those flying in and those flying out. The noise their wings make when taking off as a group is amazing; this loud whoop, whoop,....

I continue down the causeway when I see another bird of prey land in the grasses. As I pull closer, he flies and I follow. He lands again. And as I get closer, he flies again. We repeat this one more time before he flies off. He does have a mouse in his talons.

Another great day on Antelope Island!

Jan 1 - Bringing in the New Year on Antelope Island

Happy New Year!

My plan is to bring in 2016 by watching the sunrise over the mountains at Antelope Island and of course, some other island adventures (namely the White Rock Loop).

It's a cold one this morning; 6 degrees when I leave Salt Lake this morning. It's already light out but I'm racing to get to the island before the sun makes it above the mountains. As I drive north, it's only getting colder - before I arrive on the island, it drops to -2 degrees - brrrrr!

But as I arrive on the causeway, it's 1 degree - weee!

I see a bird flying toward me; as it passes my car, I see a large white face; it's Barn Owl!! Never seen one until today!

There's also a Kestrel flying a little further down the road.

There's a reddish glow to the sky across the snowy frozen landscape.

I definitely beat the sunrise but not by much.

Here comes the sun!!!! (Yea, the first sunrise of 2016!)

I continue down the causeway until I see a large bird near the open water. I looks like it just grabbed something from the water. Has to be an eagle or hawk! I pull over as the bird flies out of the water (with its prey) and lands. I quickly put on both coats, my hat and grab one glove, all while hoping the bird doesn't fly again. And he doesn't (yea). It's a Bald Eagle, an immature one as it is mottled in white and brown. He killed a duck; I can see him ripping the feathers out - he just tosses them aside. (I can also hear a coyote howling in the distance.) I watch eagle eat his meal for a bit

before continuing onto the island. I head south towards the ranch. Roads are a bit icy this morning in spots.

A hare hops across the road.

I see a herd of bison making its way up towards the White Rock ridge. They are in two separate groups, one a little higher than the other.

Just past Frary Peak, there's an even large herd of bison near a water hole. This herd still has a few reddish calves.

I continue on, especially watching the water's edge -- I've seen quite a few coyotes along the edge. I see two objects which might be coyotes - they're moving. I stop for a look and ..... they're Pronghorn!!! I scan further and notice a couple more and a few more and then a whole bunch! There has to be over 60 animals! And 4 bison tucked in with them!

I can see the Pronghorn pawing at the ground; sometimes with a bit of flying snow.

Pretty cool!

I make it to the Ranch. I want to check on the Owls but the gate to the area is closed so it's time to head back north and then over to the White Rock Trail.

On the way back  I see a big hawk in the trees.

Along with those ever present Porcupine.

Further along, I see a bunch of cars pulled over with people out with their binoculars. As I pass, I ask one man what they are looking at. It's a Loggerhead Shrike in the trees. He says there's more than one, but I only see the one.

I head over to the White Rock Trail. There's a small herd of bison under Buffalo Point.

As I park, it's a whole 6 degrees. Time to bundle up for a hike! (This is the first time I've actually hiked the whole trail in the snow. (Year 1, there was so much snow on the island, the road to White Rock was not even open, And last year, we hardly had any snow that stuck around. So I'm excited.)

The trail is hard-packed in spots, soft snow in others, and clear in others. A little slow going in the soft spots but it's all good. Just enjoying the views along the way.

Today, the State Park is hosting a hike to Beacon Hill; my trail goes right under Beacon Hill and the trails intersect. I can see the herd of people starting, I need to beat them to that intersection. And I do by several minutes (whew!).

After the intersection, the trail gets easy for a while because the Park folks drove a vehicle down the trail -- just walking in the packed tire tracks.

As I round the final corner and approaching the turn off to Beacon Hill, a herd of bison come running up from the valley (surprise)! They are about 30 yards away and stop. I'm looking at them and they, me. I continue on slowly (they are heading in the opposite direction), when I notice that they start walking towards me. I start walking faster but the tire tracks have ended and I'm back in soft snow. Then I notice that there are bison ahead of me and may block my path -- nothing more exciting then being in the middle of a skiddish herd of bison (and the herd of people haven't even arrived yet).

I turn and head back, thinking that heading up Beacon Hill would be a safest spot -- I might be crashing the New Years Day hiking party but there's safety in numbers. I only take a few steps when the herd, for some unknown reason, starts running parallel to me in the opposite direction. Well that solves my problem, so I turn and continue along my trail.

I stop one more time before I round a corner and look back towards the bison. I turn just in time to watch almost the entire herd run up Beacon Hill (only a few stayed back).

All those folks heading up Beacon Hill are going to have plenty to watch. :)

Unfortunately for me, I'm still under Beacon Hill and if these bison get spooked, they could coming running down the hill right at me - Ugh! I continue constantly looking up the hill.

But still enjoying the views of White Rock Valley

and Bay!

I make it safely to the ridge. The bison I saw earlier in the day under the ridge are still there; all laying down and still in two separate herds.

I see a few bison still in the valley below.

At one point while crossing the ridge, I turn to look back at Beacon Hill. I see the herd of people on top and I see a big part of the bison herd that went Beacon Hill running down the hill past a spot I had been just a few moments ago (knew it could happen, at least I wasn't there).

Other bison ran back down Beacon Hill where they ran up it earlier - meeting up with the ones that had stayed back,

Now the bison are heading towards the ridge in my direction. I walk a little and turn around, they are still heading in my way. I pick up the pace trying to get to some big boulders. I turn and look, the bison are now running but below me (except about 6 that are stopped). I lose sight of the "running" bison but as long as they stay there, I'll just take the big loop around (instead of the inner loop) so I don't have to deal with them.

A few moments later, I see the "running" bison, still running ahead of me. They are past the turn for the inner loop. Well, that works, now I can take the inner loop. (All these running bison today - have never seen such a thing.)

I turn to head on the inner loop. The six bison are still there. But as I get closer, they move up towards the ridge and I pass safely.

The views of the valley are great. There are trails of animals tracks through the snow, the mountains/hills look awesome with the sun glistening off the snow. There are some bison in the valley. A herd of about 20 that are split apart.

I get to watch them as I make my way around the valley.

No antelope today, they have finally made it out of the valley.

I make my way along the trail taking in the views.

When I get to the end of the loop, I see that the bison that were under Buffalo Point when I arrived have moved into the area near the start of the trail.

What a fantastic day! A great opening to 2016!