Feb 25 - Antelope Island

Well Winter has made a snowy/cold comeback in Northern UT over the last 3 days dumping almost 4 feet of snow in the mountains (just over 400 inches total) and several inches in the valley - just when the warmer temps has me ready to start looking for overwintering butterflies.

It's cloudy and in the upper 20s this morning. Not good hiking temperatures for me but I'm heading out anyway. Going to Antelope Island; may be a bit of a boondoggle since the animals have now scattered but I like a treasure hunt.

Still cloudy (and not quite 30 degrees) when I arrive but the sky appears to be clearing to the northwest...time will tell if I see the sun.

Heading across the causeway, I see a hawk perched on a stick on the flats.

Lots of ravens/crows around. And the water is ice-covered but as I near the island, the water is deeper and is unfrozen. Just a few ducks and they are scattered bouncing on the small waves.

I head towards the Ranch.- nice to snow on the peaks again.

Just past Frary Peak, I see a coyote heading south along the lake He is definitely on a mission.

I don't see another animal until I'm almost to the Ranch; I catch a view of some bison between two hills as I pass. I back up to confirm the sighting.

I arrive at the Ranch and take a walk to hopefully catch sight of the Great Horned Owls - no luck.

I think about walking down to Mushroom Spring but in addition to the sunless cold day, there's a brisk wind blowing from the West --- brrrr!

I get back in my car and head north.

From this direction, I see that those couple of bison I saw earlier are part of a larger herd.

I also see that coyote still heading south.

When I reach the circle road around the Visitor's Center, I head west. I instantly 2 bison herds in the distance (10-15 animals each). I head down towards White Rock campground and find a herd of bison under Bison Point and another to the south. The bison are definitely scattered along the west side.

Then I head up to the Bison Point parking.

And then brave the cold and head up to Bison Point. Views are wonderful from the top!!

After returning to my car, I head back down to the loop. On the way, I see at least 3 deer on the edge of the sagebrush.

Continuing around the loop towards the Visitor's Center, I catch sight of a lone Pronghorn just past the Visitor's Center.

Not a bad ending to my day. Animals were definitely sparse but I saw them all - bison, deer, pronghorn and coyote! And now the sun is out!

Feb 17 - Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook (Millcreek Canyon)

It's not a sunny day but it's in the mid-50s and I want to hike today so I head out to Millcreek Canyon to hike the Desolation Trail (and hope I don't get rained on as it's forecast later this afternoon).

I'm thinking with all the warm weather we've been having will be mostly clear of snow. Maybe that's wishful thinking ....

At the mouth of the canyon, it's snow free but as I travel up the canyon, only the south side is clear. Looks like it'll be a snowy 1.75 miles (1200ft) to the overlook today.

When I arrive at the parking, it's only 43 degrees and icy. Thankfully I have my YakTrak still in my car from last winter. I throw them on and start of the trail.

Glad I have the extra traction because there's particularly icy spot near the start that a father and son slip slide their way down (unfortunately, they want to go up the trail).

The trail is snow packed and icy in spots. The landscape around the trail - snow covered (and I was so hoping to find some Glacier Lilies just popping up....not happening today).

As I make my way up the trail, I manage to scare some squirrels along the way.

I do find a lot of Douglas Fir cones along the trail. The squirrels have definitely been feasting on them all winter.

And a few Fir cones too.

I also find one large hoof print. Not sure if it's a deer or elk.


And despite the gray day, the views are pretty good!

As I finally reach the overlook and a view of Grandeur Peak,

the sky starts "spitting" snow flakes. (Hey, it's better than rain.) I quickly make my way over to the viewpoint. (The rain is definitely on its way.)

I don't stay long -- it's a bit cold up here --- and I start my way down.

On the way down, I meet up with one of those squirrels and he's chowing on a pine cone.

It's great to get out onto some new trails this season.

Feb 12 - Whiterock Trail (Antelope Island)

Heading up to Antelope Island today to hike the Whiterock Trail. Today is supposed to be sunny, clear skies and in the lower 40s - perfect day. (Probably perfect in the mountains too but I still can't talk myself into dealing with all the ski traffic in the canyons - especially since we got 16inches of snow Friday night into Saturday.)

I arrive on the island and it's only 33 degrees. Although the temperatures were below freezing last night, continued above normal temp has caused even more ice to melt especially farther away from the island.

The sea gulls are coming back to the island.

As I cross, a Bald Eagle flies over the causeway just ahead of my car.

I also see a Kestrel flying and searching for breakfast.

I arrive on the island and head south towards the Ranch.

I slow down I see a couple of guys pulled off with spotting scopes looking west up the slopes. I can't see anything -- it's on the driver's side -- so I continue on.

I don't see my first animals until I reach the area where the hay bales were put out. I barely see them - a couple of bison among the sagebrush. They are the only animals when I reach the Ranch.

In the distance still around the Sentry Trail, I see a couple more bison (probably the same guys I ran into on Wednesday).

I turn around and head back up the island.

On the way, I find a pretty good sized herd of bison against the mountains.

Those guys with spotting scope are still looking up the slopes. I slow down again and get a quick glimpse of a herd of deer. When I spot, I'm already past and can't see them so I continue over to the west side of the island and the Whiterock trail.

As I head over, there is a small herd of bison outside of the park headquarters and 4 bison under Bison Point.

It's 33 degrees now as I start off own my hike. It's a beautiful morning. There's still a light frost on the ground in spots. Lots of green  vegetation peaking up from the ground. I know it's still early but I'm hoping there are a few overachievers that are already blooming.

As I climb higher, I see many bison scattered around the bison pens. I believe those are probably the Mom and calves that were kept penned up since Fall in an attempt to get the females back in sync with the rest of the breeding herd (and help getting the young calves thru the winter). Since the snow is now gone, time to release the beasts.

I continue around enjoying the views.

When I turn I'm surprised to see about 6 bison lying not far from the road. The one stands up but never looking in my direction.

I walk right by.

Many birds flying around this morning including this Horned Lark (all puffed out to keep warm).

I finish the climb and I'm on the final stretch to Whiterock Valley when I spot 3 more bison lying down in the distance.

I reach the valley.

There are a few bison in the valley.

And proceed to the ridge. Wonderful day!

I make my way down to the inner trail and make my way following the curves of the hills to the other side above the water.

To the south at the end of the Salt Lake, I spot a couple more bison.

I make my way back down and back to my car.

I head over to the Visitor's Center for a quick spot before heading home.

As I head out of the Visitor's Center, I spot either a deer or pronghorn to the south. I head a bit south and find a lone Pronghorn. Lovely find to end my day!

Time to head home!

Great day!

Feb 8 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

Switched by off-Friday for a 1/2 day off Wednesday to enjoy the wonderful weather (50+ degrees and partly sunny) before storms arrive on Friday for the week-end.

I arrive on the causeway and what a difference since Sat. Lots of open water (especially at the beginning of the causeway) and muddy ground.

As I get closer to the island, I see more ice -- actually it has a green'sh color - must be algae.

I see a Kestrel diving for a some lunch. And spot what I think is a juvenile Bald Eagle on the ice.

I reach the bridge and there are no ducks to be seen -- they must be enjoying the larger areas of open water.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch. Most of the snow has melted - even the huge plow piles in the pull-outs are gone. The lack of snow is going to make animal sightings a bit more difficult as dark on white snow is very easy to see - brown on brown, a bit harder. I also suspect that the open ground will cause the animals to scatter as the grazing is now much easier.

I pass Frary Peak without an animal sighting. I reach the bales of hay, finally some bison but they are not feeding on the hay piles. They are off to west against the mountains. Guess fresh vegetation is preferably to hay/alfalfa.

Continuing on, I find no pronghorn on their winter flats.

Definitely, a pretty sparse day for critters!

I reach the Ranch and start my hike. The road to the trail head is much drier today - I like that.

There's flatbed of hay bales in the middle of the road with lots of bison tracks around it.

Just south of the Ranch, I see 6 deer grazing.

I also see 2 bison in the distance near the trail past Mushroom Springs. The larger herd is in the middle of the meadow so I'm hoping those 2 move off before I arrive.

I reach the trail, it'll be easy walking today -- no snow to deal with.

Along the way I see coyote, bison and pronghorn tracks in the wet dirt.

As I walk to Mushroom Springs, those 2 bison move off towards the herd. (yea!).

There are a few more bison just behind the Springs.

Then I spot something bright white to the north - looks like white barricades on the flats. I take a closer look .... Pronghorn!!!

They are enjoying the fresh green vegetation on the previously burned area - just like the bison. (It's easy pickings since there is no dead vegetation to deal with.) Probably 15-20 of pronghorn.

I circle pass Mushroom Springs and head south to the uphill section. Again, I see those white barriers to the south - more Pronghorn!!!! So glad to finally see the animals moving around again!

I start the uphill and spot another small herd of bison on top of one of the mountains.

I make my way up and across the flat switchback.

Time for the final uphill section...and I do run into the snow I was expecting here - it's the shady side. There's bison scat and pronghorn/deer scat up here.

And a jaw bone of a deer/pronghorn.

But the views are good

even though some spots are pretty barren.

I reach the ridge line - wonderful views to the west.

And south

And north.

Lots of jackrabbit pellets up here!

I start my way across the ridge.

Hey, there a bison down there. (Again this was all burned last summer but the bison are back!)

I reach the other side of the ridge and make my way down.

When I reach the long flat switchback again, I notice that bison herd on the peak made a lot of progress moving downhill.

I locate both herds of Pronghorn too.

There's also a very large herd of bison further south.

When I get back to Mushroom Springs, my path is blocked by a bison near the trail on the south side and another on the north side. Splitting through is not an option. So I go off-trail to the north of the bison. I give him at least 50 yards but as I near, he stands and stares at me. (Not a comforting feeling.)

But I pass without issue and head back to my car.

On the way back up the island, I spot a lone pronghorn.

And a bit further, a small herd.

And still further, another small herd.

Awesome day!

But one final sighting as I head down the causeway - an adult Bald Eagle on the ice with lunch.

Feb 4 - Antelope Island

Heading up to Antelope Island this morning as it's supposed to be yet another beautiful day - storms the last couple of days cleared up the air quality and south winds cleared out the inversion!! Should be a crystal clear day once the broken clouds/remaining showers clear out.

It's already in the 40s when I leave my house; upper 30s as I reach the causeway. I pass thru the gate and am greeted by the hawk that has made this his territory all winter.

As I cross, the "tundra-look" is fading as spots of open water appear on both sides of the causeway. But there's still plenty of snow and ice.

I see another hawk on the ground. As I stop, he flies south

And then lands.

The new open water on the Salt Lake side has brought the ducks over from their winter spot near the bridge.

I also see a Kestrel; he's flying west along the causeway and actually manages to pass me. I speed ahead hoping for a good look. Mission accomplished!

Not all the ducks have left the bridge.

Not seeing any Bald Eagles this morning - not even at the marina.

I head directly south towards the Ranch - hoping to hike the Sentry Trail at least the long flat switchback (about 1/2  way up); it all depends on the snow.

No animals, except another hawk, until I pass Frary Peak.

Then I see coyote heading south along the lake edge.

The animal void continues until I see some bison (maybe 30 animals) after the Frary Homestead. Most aren't too far off the road.  And the reason they are here is because there's supplement hay piles for them. DNR doesn't usually supplement the animals on the island but because of the summer's fire wiping out the grazing on 1/2 the island and a pretty harsh winter, seems it was time. (Happy they do this.)

I see only bison though. Not sure what they do with the Pronghorn but maybe I'll find out before I reach the Ranch as they been hanging out this winter not too far from here.

I continue on to the plains but find no Pronghorn - where did they all go??

I park at the Ranch and start walking to the Sentry trail head. Lots of snow has melted on the road making it a muddy mess. I walk along the edge of the road.

I see 2 bison in the distance to the west.

And hey, there's a coyote on the lake's edge. I barely make him out standing near a tree.

A little further along, I spot another possible coyote - yep! coyote #3 today. He has a friend today.

Boy, is it beautiful out - even though there are rain showers near SLC.

I reach the trail head. There's a little more snow than I expected (3-6 inches depending where I walk). But I trudge thru anyway.

There's plenty of tracks along the way -- mostly antelope or deer. And a pile of fresh scat.

I reach Mushroom Springs and then continue along the snow covered road. I'm actually following some deer/antelope tracks.

Lots of great views along the way.

I finally reach the switchback and start crossing.

Part of me wants to continue up to the top but I'm seeing more rain clouds so after spotting a Horned Lark

I start heading back down.

When I reach the road again, I look up and see only blue sky over Sentry Peak. Oh well, I'll be back.

As I continue back to the Ranch, I see 2 deer grazing.

Once back at the Ranch,

it's time to head back up the island.

I roll up on the Pronghorn winter hang-out looking hard for any signs of them. Finally, I see one and then a few more.

It's only a very small herd - maybe 12 animals. Happy to see them though I want to know where the rest of them went.

Continuing on,

I pass the bison herd. They are no longer feeding; they are all taking naps from a full belly.

A little further ahead, I see a car pulled over. I slow down and see a coyote heading south thru the grasses.

When I lose him, I turn to see the people are still looking at something under the trees. Yep, there's another coyote sniffing around. Not sure what's there but she's definitely engaged.

I'm about ready to leave when I notice yet another coyote under the trees!! Pretty cool!

I start driving again looking for that 1st coyote along the lake bed (east). I see yet another pulled over. They are looking are looking west at the coyote - he crossed the road.

I move on and when I'm passing the last open meadow before heading up a small hill, I see yet another coyote!

That's at least 6 for the day!!

I continue on and loop around the west side of the island. No animals to be seen but I do hear Chukkars.

Time to head home. Somewhere past the bridge, I notice a large bird on the ice. It's a Bald Eagle!!! (And he had duck for lunch!)

Nice way to wrap up the day!