The Audubon Christmas Bird Count started recently here in Siouxland and elsewhere and runs from Dec. 14, 2022 through Jan. 5, 2023. People from throughout the U.S. will go out and record what species they find and share that for the organization’s data base and ongoing tracking of bird movement. With colder temperatures descending into the Siouxland region expected soon it will be a far cry when members of the Loess Hills Audubon group took a bird walk about Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in August of this year. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and some with sandals, that won’t be the attire needed to walk about and look this winter.
According to a Connecticut chapter of the Audubon Society the Christmas bird count is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses in the world. And because of the time of year, different species will be found in different places. I have attended some winter bird counts in the past hosted by the local Loess Hills Audubon Society and the folk are very dedicated in looking and finding species that will help educate humans about this particular animal kingdom.
I have just not been keen on those very cold, cold mornings and rising before the sun to get out and look for the birds. For me it’s always about photographing what is at hand, and shooting in the dark has its own challenges.
I haven’t decided yet if I want to make another attempt this year or not in getting back out into the cold, all the while thinking about those spring, summer and early fall expeditions looking for birds and enjoying those warmer temperatures. Although I always dress appropriately and don’t really feel the cold, getting over the inertia to get out of bed is it’s own challenge. I just enjoy my coffee later in the morning all the more.
But looking for birds and trying to photograph them is always run, no matter the time of day or wind chill degree. It makes more a good story later on.
My bones must be growing tired of the cold – looked outside today and opted to hold off on my birding plans (blizzard and tomorrow -30 windchill). We are heading south soon and I’ll get back into the groove. I used to really enjoy the Christmas bird count activities and going out with the bigger groups provided a great education opportunity.
Going out with the groups is still worthwhile. However, I am not the die hard bird enthusiast as others are. I enjoy the “sport” of photographing the birds, new and different species a plus, but always tickled when I can photograph one in a usual or unusual pose of position. Too many years shooting news and first capturing an image to have, then trying to improve it if possible. But I too did not want to go out in this cold. Not on the clock and can’t expense the car not starting and then having to get a tow if it’s even possible. Shot some pics from my deck in the backyard. Protected from the wind and using a super tele helps. Safe travels.
I live in the Siouxland area that encompasses a wide swatch of land in northwest Iowa, northeastern Nebraska and southeastern South Dakota. The people that inhabit this area are generous folk and your basic honest, Midwestern people you like to have as neighbors. I explore the area and share observations, mostly photographic, sometimes through video, and and short text. All images and video are copyrighted material of the author.
Jerry Mennenga, Sioux City, Iowa
jerrylmennenga@yahoo.com
lostinsiouxland 
My bones must be growing tired of the cold – looked outside today and opted to hold off on my birding plans (blizzard and tomorrow -30 windchill). We are heading south soon and I’ll get back into the groove. I used to really enjoy the Christmas bird count activities and going out with the bigger groups provided a great education opportunity.
Going out with the groups is still worthwhile. However, I am not the die hard bird enthusiast as others are. I enjoy the “sport” of photographing the birds, new and different species a plus, but always tickled when I can photograph one in a usual or unusual pose of position. Too many years shooting news and first capturing an image to have, then trying to improve it if possible. But I too did not want to go out in this cold. Not on the clock and can’t expense the car not starting and then having to get a tow if it’s even possible. Shot some pics from my deck in the backyard. Protected from the wind and using a super tele helps. Safe travels.