It's a great day though -- sunny with a clear sky; but there's an inversion and it's only going to get worse as the days go by.
As I go through the gate, it looks a little like the arctic. The temperatures are cold and there's snow everywhere -- very white, very frozen. What a change since the 24th - the snow on the 28th followed by over a day of 70 mph wind gusts had a huge effect!
As I cross I spot the bird of prey again. He's flying parallel to my car. I try to get ahead of him so I can stop and get photo but he flies over Farmington Bay. A few miles further, he lands on the lake -- far way. Actually there are 3 birds, perhaps there's something on the ice -- hard to make out whether they're all birds of prey or there's a crow or raven in there.
I turn to head to the Ranch - it's 17 degrees I'm just homing it warms up before I hit the trail.
The road is icy/snow packed in spots --- must've been from the drifting caused by the strong winds. Careful driving today.
I don't see any animals - in fact I can barely see the mountains to the east due to the haze. I roll up on the first mountain and see something moving through the grass at the mountain base. It's a coyote! He goes straight for a while and then zags back. At one point, I see him bury his nose into the snow - must be hunting. And he is slowing heading uphill. I watch for a while and when I look up, I've attracted 2 other cars and they are either watching the coyote or trying to figure out what I'm watching. Time to head on.
I continue to drive scanning around when a coyote trotting along lake shore catches my eye. He's moving north. And there's another coyote too!! They must be a male/female pair. Both moving north.
I back my car down the road to keep watching. (There's a truck behind me that does the same.) Not sure where they're going but they're going with a purpose. Maybe I'll see them again on my way back.
I'm almost at the Ranch when I see my first bison herd. They're near the lake -- maybe 20 of them. These must be the hardy ones to brave the winds the other day. I wonder if the others are smartly hiding on the west side of the island.
The dirt road to the Sentry Trailhead is now gated. Makes it a little longer hike now if I decide to go.
I stop at the Ranch to see I can find some deer or the Great Horned Owl pair. I saw the owls last year tucked away in a large tree. As I head to the walk to the wooded area, I see yet another coyote trotting on the lakeshore behind the Ranch. (That makes 4 today!!)
I head as far as I can down to the lake - until I get stopped by the fence. The coyote was heading north but stops at a little bunch of tall grass. He appears to be hunting. But I soon lose him in the grasses. Definitely a busy day for the coyotes.
I head back to the wooded area. Lots of birds moving around in here -- and they are robins.
I count at least 12. Hardy little guys. Several are hanging out by an open water hole; all having a drink.
I head to "the owl tree" and I find one. I can see only his/her back. I look around and spot a larger one (the female) again with her back to me. I swing around the tree trying to get a better view -- always branches in the way. But I do find a half-way decent spot to see her face. Her eyes are closed basking in the sun.
Several more people come and a lady has found the best spot to see the female (no branches). The owl appears to be looking down on us. Pretty cool!
Never could get a good front look at the male though.
Time to head back, like the coyotes, northward.
The coyote behind the ranch, can't find him.
The bison, still there - haven't moved.
The male/female coyotes, surprisedly, they're still around! Down by the lakeshore, I see one the coyotes. The other one takes me awhile to find but he's a little east in some grass and brush. It's a beautiful winter shot.
The nearer coyote is standing looking south and then looking back for his/her partner. He/she finally lays down in the snow.
The one in the grasses starts trotting south leaving the companion behind. The lead one heads into another grassy area.
Not to be left behind, the other gets up and start trotting trying to catch up. They meet up. They greet, and it looks like the one does some scent marking. Then I see him/her "wipe their feet" and then they both trot off southward.
It's still only 18 degrees out. Thinking about just heading up Buffalo Point (it's a short hike) so I head to the west side. Still no animals. Both the road to Buffalo Point and White Rock are closed due to road conditions.
As I round a curve in the road, a jackrabbit runs across -- their ears are so big!
I finally stop at the Lady Finger Trail and figure its time to get out of the car. The trail is only 1/4 mile (one way) through some rocks. At the end, you can see Egg Island which is a Gull rookery in the Spring. Definitely, some good views out.
And a rabbit hopping around. But I never make it to the end. The footprints split in one spot. I followed both to dead-ends - too snowy to find the trail.
I head to the causeway but make one last pit stop for a view east.
I spot the bird of prey again soaring in the sky.
I make last stop on the causeway to check out the ducks. The open water is small but there are ducks on both the Farmington Bay and Salt Lake sides. (Much more on the Farmington Bay side.) Looks like mostly Common Goldeye and Northern Shovelers.
(I also hear a coyote howling in the distance.)
On the Salt Lake side, the ducks are having a little fun by riding the flow of water out into the lake.
Time to go home - great day! Great start to the new year!
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