It's in the 30s when I take off with sunny skies.
As I cross the causeway, the snow is already gone but the mountains on the island still have some snow remaining. There's some sea gulls and plenty of Shovelers along the causeway - Shovelers nearer to the island where the water is not iced over.
I turn right to head towards the Ranch. Surprised that there are no token bison behind the Visitor's Center this morning. In fact, it isn't until just before the Frary Homestead before I see my first bison on the day - a whole herd of them near the still snowy mountains!
Besides those bison, the only animal I see prior to that herd is a coyote. He standing on top of a small hill. He starts moving and then hops into the air and pounces on the ground! Seems like he gets breakfast as he throws his head back and appears to be chewing. (cool) Then he disappears down towards the lake.
After the bison herd, I see 2 dark thin objects moving along the lake bed. They're Pronghorn!
Actually, there are 3 of them!
I continue to the Ranch finding a lone bison just before the parking lot. I can see the steam from his breathe this morning.
At the Ranch, I head out to check for the Great Horned Owls - no luck.
Since the dirt road down to the Sentry Trail parking is now closed. I gear up and start walking south down the road. I'm looking for deer; again no luck. But I do find a Pheasant!!
There's also a herd of bison west of the Pheasant.
I reach the trail and start west towards Mushroom Springs. When I reach the Springs, there's something dark on a tree in the distance. It's the tree the Bald Eagles hang out if the winter is hard enough. It's too early for the Eagles - they usually arrive end of Jan/first of Feb but I check it out. Nope, only a burnt section of tree. I continue on.
Not much happening on the way up. The trail is got dry, icy and snow sections. The views below are nice.
I cross the flat switchback and continue up towards Sentry Peak.
On the last uphill section, I find coyote and Pronghorn tracks in the fresh snow.
I reach the ridge line -- pretty awesome this morning! Love those clear skies!
I start south along the ridge following coyote tracks all the way past Sentry Peak.
Time to head down hill.
I find another decent sized herd of bison near the end of the gravel road far in the distance.
On the last down hill section, I meet a guy who seems to be taking a break. He tells me there is a Bald Eagle in a tree near Mushroom Springs. Wow! (He also saw one along the causeway.)
I speed down the hill and over to the Springs. Sure enough, there he is!!
In the same tree I looked at earlier this morning - guess I didn't look high enough. :(
I work my way up towards the tree not wanting to get too near it so it won't fly away. I succeed!
(So surprised that they are here already. The last 2 months have been colder than normal but lacking snow. I'm not sure what's happening north in Idaho but a couple have pushed south.)
Those bison (behind the Pheasant) have moved closer to the trail but still have a ways to go before they can be troublesome.
I continue back to my car and call it a day. A very successful day!
