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!
