Dec 31 - Antelope Island

Well, it's the final day of 2019. She's been a good year to me despite the hiccups we all trudge through. To celebrate the end of 2019, I'm heading up to Antelope Island. This is a bit of a reverse since I usually spend Jan 1 on Antelope Island; however, there's a winter storm warning posted for tomorrow morning and I won't be travelling 30+ miles to come here.

So off I go in the 28 degree and cloudy (not to mention foggy). By the time I arrive on the causeway, its' 25 degrees and the sun might just come out (and there's some blue skies to the west).

I cross the causeway. There are no Kestrels or other hawks along the causeway but I do see a Bald Eagle on the Farmington Bay side!!!

Despite the frozen Bay, there are very little ducks around; not sure what that Eagle is after.

I reach the island and head south to the Ranch. I'm planning on hiking Sentry Peak today.

I see a small group of bison before the fence line.

And hey, they have the Gravel Pit gate open again. I know they have a New Years "1st Hike" on the Gravel Pit trail tomorrow; sure they hope they keep it open the rest of the winter.

Continuing on, I see something "out-of-place" on the north Beacon Hill. I stop for a look; it's a big buck just laying in the grasses!!!

I roll through the Frary Peak area spotting 3 porcupine. (And I learned from the DNR guy at the Ranch that the porcupine are eating the Russian Olive tree bark; I thought they were eating the fruit. Learn something new everyday.)

Not too much farther down the road, there's a pretty large herd of Pronghorn grazing.

And several smaller herds of bison up near the mountains.

Nearing the Ranch, I roll past a large herd of bison on the south side of a hill.

Smaller herds follow.

There's also a herd on the east side of the road a couple of miles from the Ranch.

Just after them, I see something that might be another buck. Yep, buck #2 of the day!!

I reach the Ranch and gear up (it's sunny) only to find out that I don't have sunscreen. Oops, there's goes my hike. (Probably was for the better because the sun did go away and 25 degrees with a slight wind is not to my liking.)

But I going to search for Great Horned Owls. I do a loop thru the entire wooded area only to find the owl right where I first started; hey, I did find it!

Time to head back north and over to the west side of the island.

That herd along the White Rock trail is still there.

Good way to end 2019. Time to head home!

I see one Kestrel perched on a sign on my out along the causeway.

That's a wrap for 2019! For the 2020 blog: https://jeanetteklodzen2020.blogspot.com/

Dec 27 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

It's an off Friday and the sun is supposed to be shining, the air clean but the high only at 32 degrees; time for another walk at Antelope Island.

However, when I start out, it's 23 degrees and foggy; not looking so good but it was better up on the island on Christmas day than in Salt Lake so I continue north.

I arrive on the causeway around 9am, it's sunny here (yea) but very windy; a north wind - brrrr!

There are no Kestrels or Goshawks perched along the causeway this morning but as I near the island, I see this black dot on the ice in the distance. Could it be a Bald Eagle? I stop for a look; yep!!

I reach the island and head south.

Definitely, more snow on the ground than on Christmas and it's very frosty.

I see my first bison under White Rock Rim; it's a family group - definitely hiking White Rock today!

I find no deer or porcupine but the bison herds are closer to the road this morning (1/2 way between the mountains and the road). :)

I reach the ranch and there is another bison herd not far from the Sentry Trail and another on the south side of the trail in the distance. Even if I was planning to hike it, I wouldn't be now. It's also more cloudy down here.

I stop and use the binocs to check for Bald Eagles at Mushroom Springs. Nothing.

Time to turn around and head north (back to the sun).

I reach the White Rock Trail head. I'm surprised to see a couple of cars already there. I bundle up and head out. I'm hoping those clouds stay over the Salt Lake. (See bunny tracks lower left!)

The left trail (White Rock) is clear today; the 9 bison that were there on Christmas are still around but they are far enough from the trail today.

There's also another herd of bison farther to the east in the distance.

There's also 4 bison on the right trail (Bone Spur trail). They are slowly moving south. This is totally opposite of where the bison were on Christmas.

Up the trail I go.

Wow, the vegetation has a thick hoar frost covering. Looks pretty!

When the trail flattens behind Beacon Hill, I see a good sized herd of bison to the west. (Thankfully far enough from the trail.)

I reach the bench overlooking the White Rock meadow, looks like the meadow is animal free today. :(

I look to the ridge for those bison I saw earlier but see none. I continue over to the ridge very slowly just in case there are bison nearby.

When I reach the ridge, there's a wonderful view

but no bison. Where did they go? Maybe they are the ones near Beacon Hill...hmm.

I continue across the ridge. About 1/2 way across, I see a very large herd of bison down in the meadow. Wow!

I continue along the inner loop scanning the hillside for deer/pronghorn but no luck today. But I am closing in on that large herd of bison! (They are still downhill and a long way away.)

I moving along on the last stretch before turning north when I see a large red/brown rock. I don't remember large/brown rocks; perhaps it's a bison. That' wouldn't be good as I'm on a trail that cuts across a hillside. I continue closing in on this "rock". Then it moves, dang it! It's a bison!

And I have no where to go but up the hill or down the steep hillside. Great! At least he hasn't seen me yet cause I'm really not that far way (40-60 ft).

I head downhill. I'll hit the lower trail. I keep an eye on him. And he now sees me and is watching.

I finally reach the flat and continue over the trail and the bison is still watching; I'm not even close now.

I continue north and start wondering where those 4 bison I saw when I started. I hope they moved off the trail. I move carefully.

When I round the corner, I see them. They are laying down about 15 yards off the trail. There's more off-trail in my future to get around these guys.

I continue up the trail looking for a good place to head downhill again when I see a coyote trotting down the hillside towards the trail. I stop and wait for the coyote to cross but he doesn't come so I continue and then up pops the coyote's head. Very cool!!

I watch for a bit and then move forward. The coyote runs uphill and I start downhill. I walk behind a vegetation covered berm behind the bison. When I think I've passed them, I peek over the berm and crap, I'm right behind them. I duck back behind the berm and continue north. Finally, I'm far enough past the bison to continue back to the trail.

Good day even with the extra added bison excitement. Never a dull day!

On the causeway, I see 2 Kestrels perched on signs.

Time to warm up and head home!

Dec 25 - Bone Spur Trail (Antelope Island)

Merry Christmas!

It snowed a bit at my house last night. Driveway/road is clear but a beautiful inch or two of fluffy white snow is on the grasses/trees/shrubs. Awesome!

It won't last long as it's already 34 degrees but it's a good start.

Heading up towards Antelope Island this morning as the weather prospects are better to the north and anything is better than the cloudy and foggy weather at my house.

As I drive north, it appears that the skies are clearing -yea! (And there's no snow on the ground either.)

I reach the causeway and start across seeing a Kestrel

and a Goshawk perched on road signs.

There's also a flock of Canadian Geese on the Farmington Bay side.

I'm also shocked to see a coyote trotting along the north side of the causeway. Quite the surprise!

I reach the island and heading south towards the Ranch seeing bison along the the big curve and rocky slopes. They've been there for weeks.

It's a quiet ride the rest of the way with 3 porcupines, another Kestrel and a hawk sightings

along the way. Oh, and the bison are still in the distance against the mountains.

Though the small herd just before the Ranch as not that far from the road.

I think about heading into the snow around Sentry Peak but with the rain, the dirt road will be a bit mucky so I'm heading to White Rock! And it's now sunny with mostly blue skies to the north!

I head to the north and west side of the island to the White Rock trail head.

Unfortunately, there are 9 bison just off the trail about a hundred yards in so White Rock is out.

So it's the Bone Spur Trail (2.7 miles one-way). When I first moved here, I'd walk this in the winter but now I'm barely on it. It's just the long stretch at the bottom of White Rock Bay. It's pretty flat but probably around 1.5-2 miles it starts a gentle up hill.

I start along, keeping an eye on those bison even though they are 100 yards (or so) away. Just a quiet walk.

I finally reach the meadow with snowy Frary Peak ahead.

I find no critters in the meadow so I continue along.

I'm about 1/2 mile from the end when I hear a group of coyotes yipping/yapping to my right. I can't find them so I just listen to their "Christmas carols". :)

I continue to the end of the trail. I have a choice to continue left on the longer White Rock Trail (nope), go back (nope) or continue on a 1/2 mile spur trail up hill to the start of the Elephant Head and Split Rocks Trails (yep).

Up, up I go. I get some nice views of the White Rock area from on top.

Then I head to the trail heads for views of the back of Frary Peak and Elephant Head. And guess what, there are bison down near the water! Cool!

Time to head back!

The entrance to White Rock Bay now!

On may out along the causeway, I see two Kestrels (and one just outside park).

Good day!

Dec 21 - Bison Point (Antelope Island)

It's in the mid-20s and cloudy when I leave my house these morning headed to Antelope Island. The highs are only supposed to be in the 30s but trying to get a hike in this morning...but I need some sun.

Cloudy and very frosty as I head across the causeway; it's in the mid-20s and cloudy but the sun is trying.

When I reach the island, I head south towards the Ranch.

Rounding the first big turn, I see several bison among the rocks.

I pass the Gravel Pit road and the gate is closed; looks like I won't be hiking there today.

I continue on past Frary Peak slowing to look for deer and other critters.

I see a couple of strange shapes in the trees...pheasant!!

I stop at the pull-out spotting a Porcupine feeding in the trees.

And a bit farther down the road, a Goshawk.

Moving on, I see a coyote trotting across the road. When he reaches the other side, he runs into the grasses and I lose sight of him.

I move on passing a herd of Pronghorn a little farther down the road - I count at least 15 - feeding just to the right of the road.

I also see a small herd of bison up against the mountains - tiny little spots on the landscape.

I'm nearing the Ranch when I see something that doesn't fit the landscape in the distance. I stop to check it out and it's a male Mule Deer!!! No, there are two of them; one is laying in the grasses.

I pass another small herd of bison just before reaching the Ranch.

I stop at the Ranch and head out to check for owls. I find a Flicker

but no owls.

And it's pretty cold so no big hike today. :(

Time to head back up the island. I stop for the buck again.

While there I hear a few coyotes yipping and howling.

Continuing I spot a perched hawk.

I also see several hawks (I think Goshawks) looking for prey.

I reach the north side of the island and head over to Bison Point. There are 5 bison along side the road on the way up and a couple more on the hillside.

Time to walk up to Bison Point. I hear some Chukkars along the way.

I reach the top

and head to the northern point. I'm hoping for a Chukkar sighting but no luck.

On the way down, I stop for a peek on the 2 bison; one was giving me the evil eye.

And then it's time to call it a day and a good day it is!

Dec 17 - Little Dell Reservior

Have the day off today. A cold day is predicted - highs near 30 - but the skies are clear so lots of warm sunshine. With snowfall yesterday, the canyons are out of the question. So I'm heading up Emigration Canyon for another hike at Little Dell Reservoir.

Last night was a cold one with temps in the teens so I wait until 12:30 and warmer temperatures (27 degrees).

As I approach the parking area, I see what looks like a Red-Tailed Hawk perched. Since there are no cars in sight, I stop to take a photo.

When I arrive, the temp is 25; it's clear and sunny. I'm surprised that there's still snow on all of the vegetation (trees, shrubs, ... all plants). It's looks incredible.

I head downhill to the actual trail and start my hike. Despite the recent snowfall, the trail is packed snow. It's actually much easier to walk on than the other day.

I make a detour to the lake stopping to watch a Common Goldeneye swimming/diving.

Then I continue north enjoying the views along the way.

As always I search the hillsides for deer, moose or elk but not seeing any but I do see plenty of tracks leading up the hillsides.

The air is calm and crisp and silent; it's so peaceful.

I reach the road and cross to continue on the other side.

I go farther than I did the other day spotting a wasp's nest

and good view of Big Mountain.

The trail continues to Affleck Park but I stop short; I've been there once and I've seen what I've wanted to see today.

Time to head back to the car.

Good day!

Dec 15 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

After a couple of days of rain/snow, it's supposed to be partly sunny with a high in the 30s. Heading up to Antelope Island this morning with a plan to hike the Sentry Trail. But it's still mostly cloudy with a high in the mid 20s so I see how far I get.

I reach the causeway and it's still cloudy and a couple of degrees colder and windy (yuk)!

I make a feet out of the gate when I see 2 deer (both doe) to the north and in the open. I'm shocked I've never seen deer there before - usually it's cattle.

I continue along the causeway and am more than high way across when I see a coyote trotting east along Farmington Bay near the causeway. Don't see animals along the causeway much so it's pretty exciting!

Continuing along, I also see a large flock of Shovelers near the bridge. Look out guys, there are duck hunters entering the water nearby!

I reach the island and head south.  It's a pretty quiet trip seeing only a couple of small herds of bison along the mountainsides after Frary Peak.

At one point, I see a bunch of little black dots seemingly moving on the lake bed. It's in the distance and with the rising sun it's hard to see but it's 5 coyotes playing!!! I park and watch for a while!

Good time!

Just as I get going again (and just before the Ranch), there's a small herd of Pronghorn is off the road.

I arrive at the Ranch, gear up for the mostly cloudy 26 degree temps and start walking down the dirt road to the trail head and once there start walking to a snow covered Sentry Peak.

As I'm closing in on Mushroom Springs, I see a large bird fly from the dead tree behind Mushroom Springs. It's a BIG bird! It has to be a Bald Eagle as they will perch in those trees. And when I take a closer look at those trees, there's two white heads in those tree - Bald Eagles!

I take a closer look when I get to the western edge of the trail.

And then continue south before heading up hill.

When I get to the middle of the uphill section, I take a detour on a service road leading to Mushroom Springs. When I get to within 50 yards, one of the birds flies. No, I didn't want to scare them but he circles back and lands right next to the other.

I'm assuming these are a male/female pair. The one that didn't fly is larger.

And then he flies again - he's definitely uncomfortable with my distance but again he lands and I retreat and continue along the main trail. Love seeing them!!

Other than the eagles, nothing catches my eye in the landscape.

I reach the switchback and start across. Up to not I've been comfortable but heading into this north wind, brrr! I reach the end of the switchback and stop to decide if I want to continue higher or head back.

The trail has been totally clear but I know I'll reach snow higher and the wind on the ridge, I'm heading back.

Down I go. When I complete the downhill and start tracking north back to Mushroom Springs, there's a coyote standing looking at me. Hey, #7 of the day!! He's takes off in a trot. Takes me a bit but I do track him down as he finally stops again.

I continue on towards the Springs when I notice a large herd of Pronghorn walking south and about to cross the trail near the trail head. I speed up hoping to get closer to watch the crossing.

(Well, it's a good decision that I turned back - coyote, pronghorn!!)

But first, I have to stop at the Springs, all 3 of the eagles are there now!!

Now heading east towards the Pronghorn, I approach slowly. It's only a matter of time before they see me. They've all crossed the trail but have stopped to graze.

I hoping to reach some rocks a little farther ahead but I'm spotted.

And then they all take off north again, crossing the trail.

I continue figuring I'll see them again as I head north back to the Ranch. But they're heading towards the mountains to the west.

I reach my car and start my way back up the island.

The other group of Pronghorn that were near the road and now a larger group of Pronghorn and they moved west towards the mountains.

I also see a hawk and 2 porcupines.

Awesome day!