Heading out to hike the Sentry Trail today. Should be a clean air day but it will be cloudy because there's another storm heading in tonight. (This one will bring snow to the valley.) Temperatures will end up in the mid-40s.
I get an early start (got to be home to watch the football games).
Before I get to the gate, I see a Kestrel perched on the power lines.
As I pass thru the fee station, I see a bunch of dark objects on the Salt Lake. Just a bunch of Canadian geese.
As I continue to cross the causeway, visibility is good - there's a light fog over the ice/water.
It's cloudy but through the clouds, I can still see the sun rising over the mountains.
As I near the island, I see that large black spot out on the ice. Can it possibly that Bald Eagle?! Yes!
(Would love to know why he's been out there pretty regularly.)
But no eagles perched at the docks.
I head south towards the Ranch.
I see 4 bison high on a mountain just after the gate.
And a few more on the mountains coming down the hill from the first viewpoint.
Pretty quiet after that until I'm nearing the Frary Homestead where I see a little bison herd near the mountains.
A bit further along, there's a large bison herd midway between the road and the mountains.
I arrive at the Ranch and notice a bunch of deer in the garden. I'll be taking a close look at them real soon because it's on the way to the trail head.
I also see a small herd of bison on a ridge to the north of Sentry Peak and a larger herd on the ridges not too far from the Sentry Trail.
As I look back, there are critters running south crossing the Sentry Trail. I count 6 and they are Pronghorn! Will keep an eye out for them as I walk the trail.
I gear up (it's about 35 degrees and almost no wind) and start off. First passing those deer still feeding in the enclosure (with the bison north of Sentry Peak in the distance). A few deer watch me but soon continue to eat.
I reach the trail head and glance at the sign noting the animals one might see on the Sentry Trail. The bighorn sheep is one of the animals. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. It was just announced that the island's Bighorn Sheep were decimated by a respiratory disease. About a year ago, it was estimated that the herd was 150. I was even fortunate to watch "flying sheep" as the DNR was capturing about 40 animals to relocate elsewhere in Utah. But now, they only count 26. Unfortunately, the disease is highly contagious and those surviving animals had to be culled to allow another herd to be re-established, hopefully, this Fall. (I feel so fortunate to have witnessed the relocation effort and to actually see the Bighorn Sheep on my hike up to Frary Peak a couple of years ago!)
I continue up the trail (just frozen mud) on my way to Mushroom Springs. I'm watching to the south looking for any signs of the Pronghorn that crossed earlier.
I'm about 1/2 way to the Springs when I see a moving white spot -- I see the Pronghorn!!!! (With some bison in the distance!)
As I near the Springs, I notice a large black spot in the trees - could it be a Bald Eagle? Nope just two Ravens next to each other. :(
I head south eyeing the bison on the ridges when I see the running Pronghorn again! They are running west towards those ridges. I lose sight of them but always watching as I'm heading their way.
A few moments later, here they are again running. This time running back east! Not sure why all the running this morning but it's pretty funny! They disappear over a ridge.
Time to start the up hill with an audience of bison to the south.
As I move up the hill, a portion of the bison herd starts moving farther up the hill (even running at times). Definitely not a fan of my presence. The other part of the herd keep a watchful eye but hold their ground.
I reach the flat switchback and start across. More snow here. It's hard pack snow or ice so pretty easy going. Once across, it's time for the final up hill section. I head up the right side of the loop with Sentry Peak on my left.
I was expecting more snow on this part of the trail but it's the same old hard pack/ice. But definitely more snow across the landscape.
Before long, I'm approaching the ridge - great views to the west!!! I see a boat out on the Salt Lake (brine shrimping??) and surprise, a large bison herd on the downside!
I head across the faint trail (not many folks have been up here) across the ridge.
Before long it's time to start heading down.
Wow! Here's all the snow I was expecting on the north side. Several inches to tromp through. But I do have to admit, it's actually making this downhill much easier than normal
On the way down, I see that bison herd I saw on the way up. Seems like they continue up a little higher since I left them.
I keep a look out for the Pronghorn but do not find them. The deer near the Ranch have also moved on.
Good hike! Nice to be out again!
Back at my car, it's time to head back up the island.
On the way north, I see a hawk,
a Kestrel, a Porcupine and a herd of deer (all buck) out in the distance!
Awesome day!
