Dec 25 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

 Merry Christmas!

And time to celebrate with a hike on Antelope Island - partly sunny day with temps in the mid-40s. Still in the 30s when I arrive and it's windy (bringing in the next storm tonight).

Still very gray as I start crossing the causeway. I scare up a Rough Legged Hawk from the ground as I drove by and a bit farther is a Kestrel on a side post.

That's seriously the end of the critters until the Ranch. 

Thought I might have my 1st no bison day ever but when I get out of my car and look towards Sentry Peak, I spot a small (maybe 10) bison. They are far enough from the trail to not be an issue.

Oh, when leave my car, I hear a few coyote singing "carols"!

I gear up and start up the road to the trail head. Then it's on towards Mushroom Springs.

I pass the bison on the south side, they seem to be paying attention to me as they do spook and start moving northeast.

Then it's pass Mushroom Springs and up the hill. Along the way, I see to my left as large herd of bison moving just under the ridge. 

I keep an eye on them just in case they decide to start moving downhill.

I reach the switchback and start across. 

When I reach the other end, I decide that's enough for the day as I don't want to push my knee - I hurt it shoveling last week's unexpected 12 inches. It's been "sore" on the uphill; I want to make sure I'm OK on the downhill.  

Time to head back down.

Soon I'm back at Mushroom Springs and heading to the trail head. I'm about 1/2 way back when, hey, there 5 deer! Two of them are moving north and the sun catches them just right and I see they are Pronghorn!

I continue on but I'm getting closer to them. The 3 spook and start running to the other 2. Once there, all 5 start running northwest. I love watching Pronghorn run!!

Hey! There a super herd of Pronghorn!! Way cool! Merry Christmas to me!!

They soon disappear. 

I see their tracks on the dirt road/trail as I pass where they were.

I'm lucky to pick them up again on my way back to the Ranch -- just white dots in the distance!

Back at the Ranch, it's back to the north side of the island and home.

Along the causeway, I spot a Bald Eagle. As soon as I stop, he flies (darn) but fortunately he lands again. He's farther out but still viewable -- looks like he might have a fish (or something).


There are also some mid-sized white birds flying.

Great day!

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