Jan 20 - Antelope Island

 Finally a sunny day. Yea, it's cold, a mere 16 degrees but it's still hikeable. So I'm heading for Antelope Island for a hike I hope.

I arrive at the Causeway and my hopes of a hike are dashed as the flag is almost straight out from a NE wind. Way, too cold despite my layers.

Not too far down the causeway, a Bald Eagle flies over my car - very cool!

Other than that, the Causeway is quiet this morning, Kestrels or hawks except at the bridge, there is some open water and there are a bunch of Shovelers and Avocets - and no hunters.

I turn south on the Island. There are no bison behind the VC but there is a dark blob on the ice not far from shore. I pull-off and at first I think they are Bald Eagles bunched together BUT is a coyote laying on the ice. Perhaps he has some breakfast; otherwise I'm not sure why he'd be laying on ice in a blowing wind.

As I watch, I see another coyote on land running north and past the "iced" coyote. Nice start!

At the curves just before the pull-out, I see another black blob on the ice. This time it is 2 Bald Eagles!!

I continue down the Island and it's not until I reach White Rock do I find some activity. And this is exciting as there is a small herd of bison and about 20 Pronghorn together. Love it!

One can also see how hard the wind is blowing as there is sand from the lake bed blowing south. Interesting!

No activity in front of Frary Peak but I do find several small/mid-sized herds the rest of the way to the Ranch. One is near the road

and the others are in the distance.

At the Ranch, there is a good sized herd not far from Mushroom Springs. Nice to have the bison back on the East side of the Island!

I decide to brave the wind/cold and look for Great Horned Owls. I check the barn and the woods and unfortunately find no owls.

Time to head back north and again at the curves, I see at least 2 Bald Eagles flying over the road; perhaps the same two?

It's then for a peek at the west side of the Island. There I find a herd of bison behind the VC; a few bison on the south side of Bison Point; and a bigger herd near the Buffalo corrals. The bison are everywhere today!!

I checked for the "iced" coyote but he gone. However, I see 2 Bald Eagle on the ice next to open water.

Soon another flies in (making 3) but only stays for a short time before taking flight and landing a short distance away. Awesome ending to the day!!



No hike but still a wonderful day!

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