It's pretty socked in as I head up to Antelope Island this morning. Temperatures already sitting at 32 degrees. Can hardly see the mountains this morning through the haze.
Socked in as I cross the causeway too. Can't see the island. Only see gray-ness and a bits of varying shades of brown on the ground. Whatever water there is in Farmington Bay is frozen.
But I roll up on a beautiful Kestrel all puffed up and perched on a sign-- her colors look very bright this morning.
I also seeing gulls and Kildeer. Their numbers are down from last week.
When I reach some open water near the bridge, very few ducks are visible this morning but I'm sure they'll be back.
I turn left when I reach the island heading for the Ranch.
For the first time in weeks, I see 2 bison behind the Visitor's Center!
I continue on stopping at the first pull-off, I'm not sure why because there is no view. (There are mountains out there.)
I roll down the hill coming up on Beacon Hill. At the start of the mountains, I see a lone bison near the top. As I stop, I see movement just below the bison and to the right. There are 2 deer up there too - bucks!
(When I review the photos -- surprise, there's actually a coyotes above the bison in the rocks. Pretty awesome!)
I continue on towards Frary Peak. As I pass the turn-off, surprise! There's a small herd of doe moving through the rocks!!
Continuing on down the road, I see 2 Pheasant (males).
a hawk
and finally a herd of bison in the distance near the Frary Homestead.
Still further down the road, in a sea of tan grasses, I see a few darker object moving to my right. It's a herd of Pronghorn moving south thru the fog. I count 8 but it's really hard to see out there.
I see no additional animals until I reach the Ranch. Just south of the Ranch, there's a herd of deer, bison down near the Sentry Trail and some bison in the distance right across from the Ranch. I head out to visit those deer. Bucks got a nice herd to protect - I count 9.
Time to head north to my trail.
On the way back, I see those Pronghorn again; they've moved enough so they are easier to see. I count 32 this time!!!
I also see a coyote moving not far from the road.
I look for those deer near Frary Peak but I can't find them now.
It's still foggy (and 32 degrees) when I start the Gravel Pit trail. Strange walk as I can't see the usual landmarks (corrals, Bison Point, etc).
I am scaring up numerous birds from the grasses as I walk.
When I'm about a mile in, I see bison on the right side of the trail. They are far enough from the trail to get by safely but they could add some excitement on my return.
A bit farther along, I see another bison; he's by himself. (He very well could be the one I saw with the two deer from below.)
There's one last bison that's very near the side trail up to Beacon Hill.
I make my way up the trail to Beacon Hill.
I so can't wait for this view.
(east)
(south towards Frary Peak).
Gotta love the inversion season in the Salt Lake Valley!!
Time to head back.
The bison near Beacon Hill is lying now but quickly stands to watch me as I near.
The other lone bison is more out in the open now.
And the 5 bison are now lying down. They are much nearer to the trail. So I decide to take a wide right off trail. My goal is to keep lying down as I pass -- I succeed!!!!
I'm about ready to start downhill to my car, I see a dark spot in the distance moving west. It's a coyote!! Awesome!!
Back at my car, it's time to head home.
It may have been a low visibility day, but Kestrel, Hawk, Pheasant, bison, pronghorn, plenty of deer, and 3 coyote. Incredible day!
