Anyway, it's cloudy and in the low 30s when I arrive around 8:30. There is some blue sky to the northwest and some peeks of sun but at least there is no wind this morning.
There's a large hawk perched along the causeway but as I roll up, he flies.
On the island, I see no animals behind the Visitor's Center as I head south towards the Ranch.
I stop at the first viewpoint for a nice view of the rising sun.
Continuing on, I see three bison up on a hill.
As I continue, I'm wondering if that large herd of bison and pronghorn that were on the east side last week will still be around.
The answer is no --- they've all moved on except the 3 different lone pronghorn I see along the way.
I figure the animals might have moved near Sentry Peak but as I roll up at the Ranch, there are no bison visible. Well, I'm hiking Sentry Peak today; it's been awhile.
As I enter the parking lot, there is a Kestrel perched in the trees.
A bit cool without the sun as I start off on the hike but I quickly warm up. I pass Mushroom Springs and as I near the long flat switchback I see 2 blue birds (Western Scrub Jays - I think) -- so cool!!
Pretty quiet hike up
until the final climb to the ridge when I spot 3 bison laying down to my right.
They are far enough off the trail that I'm not concerned about them. And since they are on a hill, I'd bet there are a few more bison on the downside which I can't see. However, as I start to pass by, they get concerned about me -- popping up and staring at me.
No worries, I keep moving upwards, they'll just stay where they are.
Nope, one of them gets nervous and starts trotting west -- I lose sight as he dips behind the hill. And of course, the others follow -- there are more than 3. Shoot! They are moving in the stay direction as me and I can't see them. Not very comforting.
Trying to let them know where I am (I don't want to run into them), I start talking.
When I'm almost to the ridge, there they are -- still a safe distance away - but looking at me.
I continue along still hoping they'll stop but they keep moving parallel to metoward the ridge arriving before I do.
Well, the trail curves right before taking a sharp left south. If I stay on it, I'll be heading right towards the bison; definitely, not a good idea. So I cut the trail short and head directly down to the trail along the ridge. When I get there, I turn and find the bison still looking at me.
OK guys, I'm leaving you alone and I move south along the ridge.
I find one small Spring Parsley plant along the way.
I turn around several times and those bison have not moved. And the view's not too bad either.
I reach Sentry Peak and pass behind listening to many Chukkars - never see one though.
Time to head down.
It's getting windy now -- from the north and chilly. But it's a quit trip back to the Ranch.
I have time so I decide to check if the owls are visible. They should be nesting so I'm surprised the birding area is still open - perhaps their nest is in a different location this year. As I walk around, I find one of the owls in the same tree I've found him before. He's very active looking around, watching me.
Fun!
Time to drive north and then loop around towards the Visitor's Center. The only new animals I see are 3 bison behind the Visitor's Center.
And a Chukkar.
Good day!
