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.
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!
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