Jan 21 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

 Mostly sunny with highs in the 30s. And it snowed last night; at least, at my house. Only an inch or two, but it's still snow. It's been over 2 weeks since we've seen any.

Heading up to Antelope Island hoping to catch some snow on bison this morning.

Unfortunately, as I reach the causeway, there's a fog layer ahead - boo! But it's still beautiful with the fresh new snow layer.

I find my Rough Legged Hawk in her usual spot on a now snowy log.

Almost at the island, thru the fog, I see 3 Bald Eagles (all adults) and a bunch of Ravens on the Salt Lake side. Looks like someone got a duck for breakfast.

Tons of ducks along the shore line. And some are packed in tight (just like last week). Wonder why they pack in so close.

I find no bison around the Visitor's Center this morning.

As I approach White Rock Ridge area, it's a view that partially sunny and clear and part foggy.

And I see a truck off the side of the road with a huge camera lens. I stop to look and instantly find a Prairie Falcon in among the snowy sagebrush. Awesome!

I continue on finding a Kestrel 

and then when I'm a couple of miles from the Ranch when I see bison crossing the road ahead. When I arrive, there's only a few left crossing. 

There is a smaller herd on the west side of the road and the large herd on the east side. 

I reach the Ranch gear up and start up the snowy road. I can see Sentry Peak thru a light fog as I start.

 

As I walk south, I cross 5 coyotes tracks that have crossed the road. They have been busy this morning.

By the time I reach the trail head, I'm fogged in. I can't even see Mushroom Springs but I still continue hoping the sun will burn the fog off soon.

As I near Mushroom Springs, I see a juvenile Bald Eagle in the tree - yea! Time for a detour!!

Part way up the 1st hill, there's a road that heads to the tree, I take the road to get closer to the Eagle. I get pretty close but he does fly. :(

Time to continue the climb to the switchback. And, hey, I'm finally in the sun!!! But the other side of Farmington Bay is still not visible except the tallest of peaks.

I continue up to the ridge. A bit more windy up here. 

The western view is totally fogged in but I do see a good sized view down the hill in the distance - just tiny black spots

I cross the ridge following coyote tracks and then it's time to head downhill.

Back along the switchback, I meet the same couple I met on a couple of weeks ago. They are heading up. They saw 6 Bald Eagles along the causeway.

Then it's back to my car and north to the causeway. It's sunny and the Bald Eagles are still there. There's an adult with a duck. 

And a bit east, it's an adult and juvenile. 

Lovely to see in the sunlight.

Awesome day1

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