Jan 19 - Antelope Island

 Heading up to Antelope Island and again hoping for a hike. Temps as I leave are in the low 30s and there doesn't seem to any or much of a wind but there's no sun.

I arrive on the causeway and find cloudy skies, little wind, and more sun than Sunday.

Not far from the gate, I spot something small and crossing a grassy strip surrounded by snow. Hey! It's a coyote!! As soon as I stop, he reverses direction and starts running east. He seems to be hopping but he's just trying to get thru the 4-6 inches of snow on the ground. He only stops briefly to check on me and then he continues east. Awesome start!

Farther down the road, I see my 1st Bald Eagle on Farmington Bay. He had breakfast this morning.

Still farther along, I spot another single Bald Eagle on the ice. I can't see any breakfast. But I wait long enough for 2 other Eagles to fly in next to him; one adult and one juvenile.

Soon another flies over the 3 and lands a little behind them. Five eagles so far!

I'm about ready to continue driving when I see a coyote (#2) walking east in front of the Eagles. Awesome! While he's trotting along, a juvenile eagle flies west past him.

I also notice a dead duck on the ice which the coyote walks past. Perhaps all that was left is the feather; not good eating.

Once on the Island I turn towards the Ranch. There are 6 bison on the east side of the road in front of the Visitor's Center.

There's also one in the distance on the other side of the fence.

Much more snow than my last visit for sure on the Island.

Continuing on, there are 2 bison on the west side of the road (and near the road) just before the fence.

The drive is kinda boring expect for a large hawk perched just before the Frary Peak pull-out. He flies as I roll-up.

And in the area past the potty where big herds of bison like to hang-out. Last time I was here, this is where the mega herd of Pronghorn were. Today, a herd of about 10 bison.

Then in the meadow near the Ranch, another herd of bison on the west side of the road.

I arrive at the Ranch and in the distance is a big herd of bison just past the Ranch's southern fence and stretching south. 

If I were hoping to hike Sentry Peak today, it wouldn't be happening.

I stop at the Ranch and check the barn. Only the male Owl today!

Although it's a pretty nice day, I'm passing on the hike. I just don't feel like trudging thru 4-6 inches of snow or frozen footprints especially with no sun out.

On the way north, I stop to check out a Porcupine. I walk on both sides of him trying to find his face but he looks to be balled up and probably sleeping.

I do find either Chukkar or Pheasant tracks around the tree.

Time to head home. Bald Eagles still on the ice. And a Kestrel perched along the road.

Awesome day!

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