Dec 5 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

Sunny day with temps near 50 degrees. Heading out to Antelope Island with the goal of hiking Sentry Trail.

I arrive around 8:30am and as I cross the causeway I see a Kestrel

what I think is a Northern Harrier (he's here every year)

and surprise(!!) a Bald Eagle.

It's December so its not unlikely but cold, snowy weather brings them down here and we have had none of the above. Maybe it's colder, snowier in Idaho but very much a surprise to see!!

Lots of duck hunters out this morning. water levels are too low for boats so they are just standing in the water with their decoys. Still can' t believe they can hunt so close to people but it is what it is.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch. Behind the Visitor's Center, I find one bison.

Quiet drive until I reach Frary Peak. There I find a small herd of bison heading south along the mountains.

A bit farther down, I spot a coyote moving north along the lake bed.

A tiny bit farther, there's a herd of Pronghorn, not far from the road, grazing. Fun to watch the eating.  

There's 20+ Pronghorn.

I continue on and it's not until about 1-2 miles from the Ranch when I see an actual herd of bison to the west.

I wonder where the rest of them are. I thinking they're all in front of Sentry Peak but when the peak comes into view, no bison. Yea!!!

I drive down, park alongside another car and start up the trail.

I'm just starting up the first climb when I hear someone behind me -- 2 ladies -- not sure where they've come from - the car in the lot was empty. Hmmm. But they pass me by -- they were booking.

Along the switchback, I do find a few yellow composites.

And I see a very large herd of bison to the north on the east side of the road. They must be down below a hill because I did not see them on my way in.

As I reach the ridge, 
I see the 2 ladies running north along the ridge. We pass for the second time as I head south along the ridge.

I don't see any bison along the walk.

Behind Sentry Peak I see a guy standing there; not sure what he is looking at. And I'm confused how I've met 2 sets of people and there's only 1 car in the lot. Perhaps, someone has walked/ran from the Ranch.

When I pass the guy, he says that he saw 5 coyote down below a very large rock structure. He was waiting for them to come on the other end. He was also holding a very small dog - i.e, coyote snack.

I pass by and am soon on my way down the hill.

I meet the ladies again on the downhill after the switchback crossing. Again the disappear; I think they parked at the Ranch.

I reach my car and start back north up the island.

I do not find that large herd of bison or the Pronghorn. I do find a large herd of bison very near the mountains south of Frary Peak.

Good day!

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