Jan 24 - Gravel Pit Trail (a portion of it) (Antelope Island)

 Finally some "significant" snow in the mountains (20 inches) and in parts of the northern valley (4-6 inches). I got perhaps 2 inches. Let's hope it keeps going strong!

Heading up to Antelope Island. I'm hoping for a hike and hoping the snow has the animals moving especially that bison herd that's been camping out at the Sentry Trail. Their food is definitely buried so it'll be harder for them.

I reach the causeway and it's cloudy and a bit foggy but the trip across has some excitement. First, there's a large hawk alongside the causeway but he flies as I stop

then there's a Kestrel

then a V-formation of Tundra Swans flying over head and to the south (unfortunately, I couldn't stop fast enough) Love white birds flying overhead.

and then a lone coyote heading east on the ice.

Followed by a Kestrel.

Not a bad start!!

The ducks have seemingly move on looking for open water.

I arrive on the island and there's snow! It's covering the sagebrush and grasses. The sagebrush is not buried but it'll definitely make it more challenging for the critter to find food.

The snow has definitely brought out the flocks of small birds. They're zipping around everywhere!

As I head south, I quickly spot 2 bison not far from the water a bit south and east of the Visitor's Center.

Continuing on, I stop to watch a young Bald Eagle fly overhead.

Onward I go passing the road to the Gravel Pit; yea, the gate is still open!

Down the hill, I see a couple of bison to the east and not far from them I see another coyote. Hold on, there's 3 of them!! They're moving north towards the bison!

The road to Frary Peak is closed again; that's not surprising.

And at the trees, I start seeing smaller herds of bison. The first herd has most of the bison on the west side but a several are on the east side of the road. I see a few sprint across the road.

Farther down the road bison. The bison are sure digging their faces into the snow for food.

Farther down is yet another herd.

I finally arrive at the Ranch. The large bison herd at Sentry Peak has indeed scattered but there are still a few around Mushroom Springs; definitely still not hikeable. :(

I head out to check for Great Horned. I find no Owls but I do find 2 porcupine!!

I'm heading to check the barn when a volunteer tells me that there is a Owl in the barn. One smart Owl!

Back in the car I head north to hike the Gravel Pit trail.

On the way back, I spot my 5th coyote - he looks like he had breakfast (note what looks like blood on his chest).

Farther along, I see a Prairie Falcon

and another Porcupine in the trees.

Also, a lone Pronghorn against the base of the mountains

I arrive at the Gravel Pit road and start up. It's plowed but there are some large ice chunks in the road. The Park only plowed a loop around the parking lot but at least there is somewhere to park :)

I gear up and start up the trail. There are a few human tracks and a fat tire bike. The bike circles back after several yards as there 4-6 inches of snow. Even walking is hard work.

The human tracks stop well before the uphill section. I'm breaking trail now. 

My goal of making it to Bison Point is not happening today but I'm making it out of the pit to my rock mountain lion.

It's so quiet today (not many cars circling the park today) with a little snow falling.

There are bison out in the distance.

I do make it to my mountain lion - yea! Time to head back - it's so much easier.

Nice walk!

Back at my car, I circle around the west side finding bison on all sides of Bison Point.

Back on the causeway, I find a Rough-legged Hawk out on the ice

and another Kestrel.

Great day!