Merry Christmas!
Cold morning with the temperatures at 20 degrees when I leave my home around 7:30am.
Heading up to Antelope Island to hopefully hike the White Rock Trail - yesterday it was bison-free.
Sunny and still only 20 degrees when I arrive at the causeway. Definitely very frozen looking this morning.
I don't see any birds of prey along the way until I get closer to the island when I spot a Bald Eagle out on the ice.
It doesn't take long for the bird to fly - cool!
Lots of ducks huddled in the open water by the bridge.
When I reach the island, I head directly to White Rock passing a few bison heading up towards Bison Point.
As I drive down toward the White Rock parking, I see bison standing along the trail - shoot! Need some weather to move them along I think.
I turn and head towards the Gravel Pit.
I actually drive to the lower Frary Peak parking -- pit stop. No critters seen along the way.
The short road to the Gravel Pit trail is now closed (snow/ice) so I park at the gate and walk in. Crunchy walking on the snow/ice.
But once I get to the trail, it's pretty clear.
It is cold though with the light wind. Need my ski cap and fleece mask to keep warm.
Nice quiet walk and before long I'm heading up Beacon Hill.
I find a little snowman at the end.
Also, heard a couple of coyotes howl to the south.
Time to head back.
Back at my car, I head north. As I round the curve, I see a few Pronghorn on the west side of the road. I stop for a few photos.
I continue only a few feet because there's several Pronghorn at the edge of the road (right side). I stop to watch.
There are Pronghorn streaming over the edge of the slope - very cool since it's so rare to get close.
Another car passes me and the Pronghorn and then stops. He gets out of the car. The Pronghorn are still happy...until he's dogs start to bark. Heads up!
Off go the Pronghorn - people and their dogs :(
On way back across the causeway, I find the Eagle again and a Kestrel.
Good day!
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