jan 16 - White Rock Trail (a part of it anyway) (Antelope Island)

Sunny, hazy day with temps in the low 40s.

Heading to Antelope Island this morning. Not quite sure what I'm hiking but it'll be something.

I reach the gate just after 8am. It's 21 degrees!!!

As I cross, I see two Rough Legged Hawks. One on its normal perch. 

The other is a bit east -- this one looks like a Rough Legged Hawk.

I also see what I think are several Bald Eagles in the same location with a coyote moving west from that location. 

But on close inspection, it's one Bald Eagle (mature) with a bunch of Crows/Ravens trying to scavenge some pieces of duck from it.

Closer to the island, there are tons of ducks on the Salt Lake side.

And boy are they packed in on the shoreline! I can see Norther Shovelers and Green-winged Teal. But there's probably more.

I reach the island and decide to not hike White Rock and head down towards the Ranch.

I think I see a bison just south of the Ranch but with the haze, sun, glare in my eyes, I really can't tell.

Then it's onto the Ranch. 

Near the Frary Homestead, I see a herd of bison about 1/2 way between the road and the mountains; they're back!

No critter south of the Ranch but I decide to head north and hike the Gravel Pit trail.

On the return trip, I find a small herd of Pronghorn under Beacon Hill -- most are laying down so I missed them earlier.

I reach the Gravel Pit, gear up and start up thru the Parking Lot to the trail. There's another that arrive just after I start, hoping to stay ahead of them but I think they're running.

I reach the trail and probably go 50-75 yards when I think I see a bison. Yep, actually 4 bison (young bull) all laying down about 30 yards south of the trail. Shoot! 

I stop to watch. I hear the couple coming up behind me jogging with their dog. As they get near, the bison nearest to me, stands.

The couple starts walking. They go past me and continue to get nearer the bison. Then the far one stands with tail up -- he's not happy. 

Smartly, the couple and their down go way off trail to get around. I turn and head back to my car. I guess I'm hiking White Rock today (at least a part of it).

On the way there, I see another coyote. I suspect he's the one from this morning approaching island.

I am at the White Rock Parking; there's only a few cars parked and start up the trail.

White Rock take be close to 3 hours to hike that means if I do the whole trail, I'll get back around 1pm. But I don't have snacks -- guess I'm only doing a portion of it - the west side and a bit of the interior trail to see if there are any deer handing out on the foothills.

As I approach the hill, I see 4 bison laying down on the downside of the hill. They do not pose a problem for me - yea! I soon pass right over them.

And then continue down the west side until I reach White Rock meadow. 

I turn east and walk until I can see the hillsides - no deer :( 

And no visible critters in the meadow either.

Time to head back.

Back at my car, time to head to the causeway. 

I reach the causeway and start across but before I reach the bridge, there's another coyote not all that far from the road. Looks like he's sniffing around some duck feathers.

I continue on until I spot that Bald Eagle from earlier. He's still eating but now he is all by himself.

Down farther, I find my Rough Legged Hawk down on the ground; he flies as I stop.

I also see a Kestrel!!

Awesome day!