This was a very long day. We left at 8 am and did not make it back home until after 8 pm. We immediately grabbed our shower gear and left again. Finally, we were back in the trailer for the night around 9 pm which would 10 pm central time. Both my phone and John’s camera ran out of power which was the sign that it was time to head back home. John took over 2500 pictures and is only through about 1/3 of them. S this article will consist of Kate’s pictures. A part 2 will be created with John’s pictures.

The day started out at a balmy 32 degrees with snow on the ground. Not much in our area but the other areas of the park were hit harder with the Sunday Snowstorm.

Hayden Valley Ducklings

The day started out by driving to Hayden Valley to a small pond that has green wing teal duck with ducklings. Unfortunately, the mother duck did not bring her babies out for our viewing. But we did see a bald eagle, great blue heron, other adult ducks and muskrat. John even saw the muskrat go into what we believe is it’s den.

Slough Creek Road and Golden Eagle

We went to see the golden eagle nest next. My hope was to fine tune my skills with scope and take pictures using the scope. I feel like the pictures are getting easier to take and the pictures are clearer. I’ve learned that I need to remove my phone case to take the pictures.

We stopped at the golden eagle nest twice because the first time the parents were nowhere in sight. Unfortunately, the parents were not in sight during the 2nd stop either.

Osprey Nest off Northeast Entrance Road

We have been to the osprey and golden eagle nest before, but I wanted to see the babies and continue practicing with the scope pictures. Kate loves to watch the babies.

The mom was laying on the chicks the entire time we were watching. I did see the chick stick it’s head up a couple times, but never enough for a good photo.

Floating Island Lake

Floating Island Lake is one of my favorite places to visit primarily due to the various birds and animals. According to a Park Ranger, this lake is also known for having moose. We did not see moose, but lots of birds and baby greater scaups that were learning how to dive into the water for food. It was really cute watching them dive in. Also watching the ducklings try to dive unsuccessfully.

Sheepeater Cliff and Picas

Picas are a really cute and look like short-eared rabbit. The picas are actually considered a rodent. Picas like to inhabit rocky alpines and eat the vegetation around the alpines. Picas prefer colder weather. Climate change has had a negative impact on Picas resulting in fewer natural habitats in Yellowstone. Picas are abundant in Sheepeater Cliff trail at the 3rd set of rocks.

Most people stop at the first set of rocks that is right next to the parking lot of the trail. Unfortunately, this area is infested with humans feeding the squirrels, chipmunks and marmots. We did not see any picas on these rocks. We were told that the 3rd set is where to go to and that most people don’t walk that far. The 3rd set of rocks was about 1/2 to 3/4 miles away from the first set.

When we first stopped, we did not see any picas. Then, I started to see movement and piece of a pine tree being dragged along. The movement kept on increasing the longer we stayed. I scoped the upper rocks and saw a large pica laying out in the sun. Then smaller picas came towards us eating the grass. We stayed here for probably an hour just watching the pica antics. Then a marmot decided to join in by laying on rock sunbathing.

Kate does not have pictures of the picas and the Sheepeater area because her phone ran out of power. 🙁