Dec 26 - Bald Eagles have landed (on Antelope Island)

Heading to Antelope Island today - after receiving over 70 inches of snow over the last 5 days, the avalanche risk is still at the Dangerous level (Extreme is the only level left) in the mountains so I'm not taking the chance.

The day is sunny with an expected high of a "balmy" 25 degrees. Although it's sunny and clear, except a few clouds near the mountains, there's a rainbow near the mountains. The promise of a good day!!

As I head across the causeway, it's a frozen landscape (18 degrees) but the ducks are still around the little bit of open water that exists.

I turn south and head to the Ranch. I'm looking really hard for animals but things are looking pretty sparse - no porcupines, no Kestrels, .... I do see a Flicker in the trees.

After passing Frary Peak, I see bison movement in the distance along the mountains. Tiny brown dark blobs moving along in a single line.

They are not grazing but moving with some urgency -- there are a couple running to catch up.

Curious to see where they are when I head back.

But that's all the wildlife I see as I arrive at the Ranch. I put my warm clothes on a start walking to the trail head. With some of the windy days we've had, the snow it deeper than it was a week ago -- especially the drifts.

Lots of animals tracks around -- deer, bison, coyote, and tiny tracks which are probably mice.

I see some movement in the trees near Farmington Bay -- a deer disappears into some trees. There's has got to be more -- I look to the left and see a doe and a young buck.

Then the big buck steps out. He looks around before following the rest of his herd into the trees.

The trail, like last week, it mostly covered in a few inches of snow but there are some drifts that are about 6+ inches deep. Very pretty down to the south.

I hear something and stop. I hear a coyote howl then a little further in the distance, another coyote returns the call. This continues for a few minutes. (I never see either coyote -- but hearing is good enough for me.)

As I arrive at Mushroom Springs, I look in the trees but do not see any Bald Eagles. I really thought they'd be here especially after the dumping of snow we've had this week (and the colder temps). I've been told that this is what brings them down from Idaho/Montana to Utah.

I continue on through the snow and upwards towards to Peak. The going is definitely slower trudging through the snow (especially the deeper parts). At one point, I see bison ahead (laying in the snow) but as I get closer, they are just large boulders.

My minimum goal today is at least what I consider the 1/2 way point to the top -- it's a long flat switchback. If my feet aren't too cold, I may continue up to the top because the trail really isn't too bad today.

I'm not far from the flat switchback when I stop to look around. I notice several large birds in one tree that's not to far from Mushroom Springs. I think that they are just crows or ravens but when I take a look.... Bald Eagles - at least 8 of them!!!!

I don't know how I missed them as I passed by but they're here!! (This is the first time of seen them on Antelope Island.)

I continue on - when I walk that flat switchback, I'l be above them at some point.

The last rise to the flat switchback is a big drift. This one is going to be over my knees I just know it. Time to take the plunge....hey, it's pretty packed -- I'm only sinking several inches :)

I walk along the switchback, of course enjoying the views (it's a clear, non-inversion day -- have to enjoy them). I finally get above the eagles -- they're still far below.

Some are taking off and flying away - must be warm enough and the air currents are good. Others are just looping back and landing again.

There are adults (with the white heads) as well as juveniles (brown heads).

Always a great feeling to see a Bald Eagle!

Well, my feet are pretty frozen -- why I didn't wear my insulated hikers I don't know, so it's time to head back down. Hopefully, I can get a closer look at the eagles before they all fly away.

So much quicker going down.

When I get to Mushroom Springs, there are only 3 eagles left. I go to the fence behind the Springs for a look. I suppose I can go closer, but I just don't want to spook the birds.

Well, that made my day!

I trudge through the snow back to the parking lot and start heading back north up the island.

I see my first porcupine...and then another....and one more!!

The bison herd, I can't find.

I head over to the west side of the island for a look; I see no animals on that side either. The animals must be hunkered down in the valleys.

But I can't complain -- bison, Flicker, deer, coyotes "talking", and the Bald Eagles! Can't beat that!

Dec 24 - Temple Square Christmas Lights

Twas the night before Christmas.....

Heading to Temple Square to see the lights for the first time....so pretty, so calming, at times simply enveloped in lights....

...definitely got me max'd out on Christmas spirit!

There are many managers from different countries - this one has to be New Zealand with the Kiwi

The Mormon Temple in the reflecting pool

 

.... Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Dec 19 - Porcupines!!! (Antelope Island)

Well after a lot of snow this week (finally), we're finally back to sunny and mid-40s. Since the Avalanche Warning in the mountains is in the "Danger" level, I'm sticking to the valley and heading to Antelope Island. I'm kinda planning for a hike but I have no idea how much snow is on the island - I had 17 inches at my house but that's 25+ miles south; it's could be just an island drive. And that's OK; snow on the island is great! The place looks totally different and the animals, especially the coyotes, are definitely easier to see.

Crossing the causeway, I'm greeted immediately by a hawk perched on a road sign. He flies as soon as I stop.

A little further along, there's a Kestral perched on some grasses. I get a good look at him. His feathers all puffed out trying to keep warm.

I see a few more along the causeway.

There's plenty of snow along the causeway. Much of the brush is covered in snow. Farmington Bay is covered in ice. Even on the Salt Lake side, there was ice (much be more fresh water than salt water in these areas). The Salt Lake becomes open water as I get closer to the island. There's still fishermen out this morning!@

The snowy mountains on the island look awesome!

As do the snowy mountains on the main land.

The water is open (ice-free) near the bridge and there are a few ducks enjoying the water (and a nap). Look like mostly Shovelers.

On one of the first trees I see (and the first water hole), there's a large dark spot which could be Porcupine.....I stop and check

Definitely a Porcupine!!

At little further long, I see another Porcupine in a tree. And another Kestral.

Beautiful Frary Peak!

I'm almost to the Ranch when I finally see some bison to the west against the mountains. I stop for a look (at the bison and the mountains). When I looked across the street, there is a Western Meadowlark sitting alongside the road in the brush.

I go a little further and there's a whole herd of bison right off the road. Most of them a laying down

some even looked passed out in the snow. :)

These bison had definitely just walked to their new location in the road as there are bison patties in the road -- a little obstacle course to drive through.

I get to the Ranch and to my surprise there's Santa walking around - he must have a special stop on the Island today! :) I head back to check on the Great Horned Owl that resides in the back (I haven't check on the pair since Spring). I wander back through the trees and find one up in the branches. He's looking down on me.

I check for the other but did not find it; but I'm sure it's there somewhere.

As I come back thru, Santa now has his big chair to sit in; a "roping" bull is the reindeer - so cute. I get a "Merry Christmas" from Santa as I walk by -- Merry Christmas to you Santa!

Instead of heading back to the car, I head down the snowy road to the Sentry trail's trail head. Can't drive there anymore; the road is closed for the winter. Some parts of the road are clear, other parts have a couple of inches, and other parts have 4-6inches. I try to stay in the old tire tracks.

Lots of animals tracks in the snow -- rabbits/hares, hoofed animals (deer/antelope) and other smaller critters. The views are still beautiful@

I head this way to see if there are any Bald Eagles around Mushroom Springs. When I get to the trail head, I start a little ways down the trail but since I can't see any big birds nearby so I decide to head back to the road and head south to see if there are any animals along the way. My plan is to go to the end of the "driveable" road but since I'm not see anything, I turn back -- I want to head up Buffalo Point.

I head back to my car and then back north up the island. Still no other animals but the bison are still in the same spots. And.... I see 4 other Porcupines on the back (a total of 6 today!). One was moving around on the branch and at one point looked like he was hugging the tree.

There is another solo one and the other two are a pair -- in different nearby trees.

I head over to Buffalo Point seeing one lone bison along the Buffalo Point road.

Thankfully, some one has broken the trail up to the top of Buffalo Point.

A little icy in spots and snowy in others. The patterns in the snow are intriguing and the background scenery is awesome!

Seeing tons of rabbit/hare tracks and other paw prints. These were really light in the snow -- don't think they are coyote, to small and light. Hmm?

The upper parts of the trail are less packed then below -- kicking lots of snow around. Just before reaching the top I see something brown duck under some rocks next to the trail. Must be a rabbit; lots of rabbit pellets nearby.

I reach the top -- this is the first time I've been up there in the snow --- pretty awesome!

I see one Chukkar while on top.

Then I head back down.

Simply a wonderful day ... a Porcupine kind of day!

Dec 12 - White Rock Loop (Antelope Island)

Supposed to be sunny today (low 40s for a high), perfect hiking weather. Heading to Antelope Island this morning; the plan the upper (or true) White Rock Loop. This is new for me because I usually take the big loop around the valley; the "true" trail stays on the north side of the valley following the curves of the hills. The actual trip is 6.2 miles; the larger loop is around 6.5 miles.

I'm curious to see if that group of pronghorn are still in the valley. A herd of about 20 were there in Oct and an even larger herd in November. But will they still be there today?

Lots of low clouds in the valley this morning -- looks like its snowing in the mountains. As I head north, the skies clear and the sun is out - yea!

It's a chilly 34 degrees as I cross the causeway around 10am. Lots of ice on the Farmington Bay side. Open with a few boats on the Salt Lake side - I'm assuming hardy fishermen. Still quite a few water fowl in the open spots of the Bay.

I head around towards the west, the water looks beautiful this morning! But I see no animals until I reach the White Rock trail head.

There's a lone bison near the trail head. Fortunately for me, two trail runners have to deal with him first. But he causes no problems, quickly crossing and letting the runners by.

When I get to that bison, he's about 20 yards off the trail. We walk parallel with each other for a little while until he drops behind a little hill. If he keeps walking in the same direction, we will meet on the other side of the hill. I'm keeping my eyes open as it's not a meeting I'm looking forward to. The hill ends and no bison; thankfully, he stopped to feed (whew!).

A little further down the trail is another bison about 30 yards off the trail feeding. Up the hill, another bison -- I'll be passing under him soon. I also see a group of about 5 bison to the east in the distance. (Many bison all scattered around.)

Up the hill I go.

As I approach the bison on the hill, he actually backs up from the edge. I don't know if he's a solo or there's a group up there. But soon I'm on he's level and he's by himself.

It's a little frosty up here. Looks like hoar frost -- little frosty flakes.

I see more bison up here.

A little further along, there is a light covering of snow on the ground.

When I get to the White Rock valley, I count 12 bison down below. There're probably in the same group but they are a little scattered.

On the far side of the valley, there are 3 additional bison.

I scan the valley for pronghorn (I remember my binocs this morning) but can't find any -- doesn't mean they not there though.

The view to the east is really pretty - 1/2 snow-covered mountains, fluffy clouds, ....

Down towards Salt Lake City, it's still all socked in with low clouds.

Frary Peak (directly ahead to the south) is lightly covered in snow.

I look over the ridge as I cross but there are no animals on the east side.

After crossing about 3/4 of the ridge, I reach my trail which heads back north and then west towards the bay. The trail drops a little in elevation but never reaches the valley floor like the larger loop. My trail just follows the curves of the hills, in and out and even passes by several drainage areas.

I lose sight of the bison in the valley due to the little hills in the valley -- I never knew the hills were there -- definitely a different perspective on this side of the valley.

Its windy now -- cold breeze from the west. All I can hear is the wind.

I see a hawk flying above. He flies directly overhead before heading off.

I also see a large dark moth fly -- couldn't track him down -- a little surprised to see one this late in the year.

The bison come into view again as I pass them from above -- brown spots in a large valley. I can see them the rest of the way.

I round a bend and I am finally out the wind for bit. I stop when I see some fresh antelope scat. I look around and see nothing -- big valley and hard to see antelope as they blend in so well.

I do hear Chukkars calling. I just passed them but either they stopped calling or I just didn't hear because of the wind.

A little bit further, I see a very fresh antelope track. Very pristine, sharp borders and I can still see the inside of the hoof perfectly imprinted into the ground - one has been by recently. Again I look around but see no antelope.

I continue until I around another bend. I stop and turn to look up the hill I just past and I see something that looks out of place. There are two antelope up there! (I knew those tracks and scat were fresh!)

I continue looking and see even more antelope -- I count 19!

They were heading up the hill but now they are watching me. (Several are laying down.) I pull my binoculars out for a closer look.

I'm so excited that the herd of 20+ I've seen in Oct & Nov are still around! Yea! I watch for a bit before continuing.

One last look at White Rock Bay before heading north to complete the loop.

As I move along, I see a small bird of prey land on some rocks. He's strong auburn color but he flies back into the air. I watch as he hovers in mid air -- definitely looking for something to eat. Pretty cool little guy! I think its a Kestrel.

I complete the circle and start heading back to the trail head. The bison above is still there and it looks like there is another bison with him now. The individuals below are closer together now.

Pretty nice day! So glad I decided to take the "true" trail. Great views and I would never have seen those antelope otherwise!

Another great day!

Dec 9 - Greens Basin - Big Cottonwood Canyon

Not the prettiest day to go hiking (very cloudy) but it's near 60 degrees in the valley and probably mid-40s in the mountains and since I haven't been out in several weeks, I'm heading out.

Not sure what to expect as we've only had around 2 feet of snow in the mountains so far and none since Thanksgiving. I'm sure I won't need the snowshoes but taking the YakTrax for my hike up to Greens Basin in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

This is a new hike for me. It's the same trail head as Days Fork (which I've been on) but as soon as I finished climbing the steep hill as the beginning, the Green's Basin trail splits off to the left. It's about 1.5 miles and a little over a 1000ft in elevation to the Basin.

The lower part of the canyon has no snow but as I get higher, I start seeing some. The south facing slopes are pretty bare, it's the north facing side that still has the snow (but not much is left).

I get to the trail head and it's a good thing I brought the YakTrax -- there's snow and it's hard packed - lots of ski markings from the X-country skiers.

Very quiet out - the silence is broken briefly by an angry squirrel I pass on the trail.

After getting up the steep hill, the trail heads left through the conifers (lots of Douglas Firs) and Aspens cutting across a very steep mountain side.

I'm keeping my eyes open for wildlife but not seeing a thing, not even hoof prints in the snow.

Occasionally, I see lightly snow dusted mountains in the distance but I never quite get a good look because of the forest.

Finally, the trees thin very briefly and I can get a better look at the mountains (and boy do we need snow!)

I continue on the trail until I reach a big snowy meadow -- probably about 4-6 inches of snow here.
Not a very exciting ending but the end.

I follow a few tracks up a hill hoping to get a better view of the mountains but all I see are more trees.

Time to head back.

I do see a squirrel on the way down; not an angry one -- this one let out a short chirp before scampering up a tree.

Not a bad trail but I think I'll stick to Days Fork, Mill D South and Dog Lake for snowshoeing (if the snow ever arrives).