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!
