The DeMille Close Up in Siouxland, Sioux City

A Downy Woodpecker looks for insects on the trunk of a maple tree in the backyard of a residence Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Often when I am photographing birds and other critters in Siouxland, I strive to get tight shots when permissible. For one thing, with small birds, they tend to get lost in the foliage of nearby bushes or tree limbs. And when taking their images I think about the movie quote from the Billy Wilder film “Sunset Boulevard” that has most likely bantered about for ages since its original usage.

As noted on the website “shmoop” dot com:

” This misquoted line is spoken by Norma Desmond, played by Gloria Swanson, in the film Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder (1950).

At the end of Sunset Boulevard, delusional crackpot (i.e., actress) Norma Desmond stalks toward a camera, thinking it’s a movie camera, saying, “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” In reality, it’s a news camera and everyone is there because she’s about to be arrested for murder. What a misunderstanding.

Many people misquote the line as “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.” It’s a minor mistake that doesn’t change the meaning of the quote. But hey, that’s what we do. We take a close-up look at quotes and find all the flaws. Check yourself before you misquote yourself. “

But in a way, it is true. There are good angles from which to take a person’s or object’s photograph or portrait, and then there is probably a better angle.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A Downy Woodpecker looks for insects on the trunk of a maple tree in the backyard of a residence Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Nature by 2’s in Siouxland, Parks and Recreation Areas, Sioux City, Woodbury County

Sparrows sit on a branch in the backyard of a residence Saturday, November 19, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Only after photographing animals outdoors in nature do I sometimes realize symmetry of some of the photographs. In some cases nature happens in twos. I am assuming the pairing of birds is one or the other mate staying nearby while they are out feeding either looking for something or at a backyard feeder.

Two juvenile American bald eagles fly in tandem above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American White Pelicans at Snyder’s Bend Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Currently reading a book titled “Slow Birding”, one of the book’s chapters deals with House Wrens and whether or not mates are faithful and how this affects reproduction and the gene pool of the species. And it is amazing to see at what length researchers go to achieve a result without a pre-determined outcome on their part.

House finches snack on seeds fallen from a bird feeder at feeders at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Welcome Center Friday, January 28, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in North Sioux City, SD. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A House Finch eats a seed at a feeder at the visitor’s center in Moorehead Park in Ida Grove, Iowa Saturday, Dec 31, 2022. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And it makes sense that humans reflect nature and visa versa from some sort of instinctive intuition for self-preservation, although I often have my doubts about humans because of the terrible things some individuals do to others. But that is a choice, a poor choice by most standards, but a choice nonetheless.

So time spent observing and appreciating nature is more enjoyable that reading about the cruelty the human race just can’t seem to get beyond.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

along the Union Bridge Trail in Correctionville, Iowa Friday March 24, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Will Work for Food in Siouxland, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, South Dakota

A white-breasted nuthatch makes its presence known before approaching a feeder at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Welcome Center Friday, January 28, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in North Sioux City, SD. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

When I began in earnest in photographing birds and other critters a few years ago in Siouxland, I began to slow down and observe the little creatures as I walked about nature preserves like Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve and the antics they displayed at various times. Sometimes it’s in watching them that these characteristics become apparent and entertaining to a certain extent.

A white-breasted nuthatch makes its presence known before approaching a feeder at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Welcome Center Friday, January 28, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in North Sioux City, SD. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A white-breasted nuthatch grabs a nut from a feeder at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Welcome Center Friday, January 28, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in North Sioux City, SD. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A white-breasted nuthatch danced around a couple feeders, checking out its surroundings before giving into the temptation of a meal. Making certain its foray would end well and not imperil it as hunger made it move closer to a food source. I thought it was quite a “floor show” as the small bird danced about, attaching itself to the feeders, retrieving a morsel, flying away, devouring that morsel, then returning for another. All the while contemplating its advances to the food. Maybe humanities ancestors did the same when hunting for food in the beginnings of time, as opposed now to visiting a restaurant and getting in line at a buffet. Then returning again and again until sated.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A white-breasted enjoys some suet at a feeder at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Welcome Center Friday, January 28, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in North Sioux City, SD. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A white-breasted swallows some suet at a feeder at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Welcome Center Friday, January 28, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in North Sioux City, SD. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Getting the Look in Siouxland, Feathered Friends, Sioux City

Summer and fall is winding down for some backyard visitors, in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Many times when photographing birds in backyards I find them gazing at me or the optic I am using to photograph them and sometimes wonder what each bird might be thinking. The gaze seems intense and direct. Maybe interrupting a lunch plan, or that this intruder has designs on the feeder the bird is interested in. Or maybe it is just curiosity.

Summer and fall is winding down for some backyard visitors, in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow sits on a branch waiting for room at a bird feeder in the backyard of a residence Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Summer and fall is winding down for some backyard visitors, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But I find it entertaining and also calming in a sometimes noisy world to just slow down and observe. The birds are on their mission to survive, eating meals and staying safe within the confines of bushes and trees. And just getting through that particular day as best as they can with maybe hopes for a tomorrow.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

As summer and fall winds down a blue jay looks for an opportunity as a backyard feeder, in Sioux City, Iowa, Sept.10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house sparrow comments about a feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Summer and fall is winding down for some backyard visitors, in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Bird on a Wire, Perching in Siouxland, Sioux City, rural Nebraska

An American Goldfinch sits on a feeder wire while checking things out in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Tuesday May 10, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Watching birds in various places around Siouxland whether it’s a backyard, a park, a nature preserve or some place in the rural areas, it seems that a landing perch can be described as “any port in the storm” approach. It gives the bird a place to momentarily access its surroundings and whether it wants to continue its present course or deviate from one.

A dark eyed junco sings from a wire fence in rural Thurston County, Nebraska near Winnebago, NE Thursday, July 28, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow clutches a wire fence in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.(photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

No matter the perch, the little guy’s antics can still be entertaining as it quizzically looks about deciding on a course of action, which sometimes just staying in place. It also tests the skills of a photographer to be quick enough to “catch focus” and compose before it flits away to another perch or just somewhere else. I am still working on the quick focus aspect and trying to keep the little bird’s head in focus rather than a tail feather. And some days are better, and I never talk about the 100 or so plus photos taken that will never see the light of day. But, practice makes better if not perfect.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A sparrow sits above a feeder checking out its surroundings in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Snack on a Cold Winter’s Day in Siouxland, Sioux City

A house sparrow eats a sunflower seed it found in the snow Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa after 6 plus inches fell Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning as a storm system moved across the U.S. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Recently the Siouxland area had another snow storm. This one dropping anywhere between 4-12 inches depending on where lucky souls happened to reside throughout the region. I felt really bad for some neighborhood residents as they tried to find food after this snow fall and made attempts during a very cold morning to get a meal.

A dark-eyed junco and a house sparrow race to a seed they found in the snow Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa after 6 plus inches fell Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning as a storm system moved across the U.S. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house sparrow eats a sunflower seed it found in the snow Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa after 6 plus inches fell Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning as a storm system moved across the U.S. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I watched these neighbors dashing to and fro win the snow, chasing one another away from a possible food source and constantly looking. I photographed them for a while, watching the antics hopes of finding something to eat after the passing storm. Finally I had spent enough time getting fresh air and freezing my toes off. So I put my gear away and returned with nutrients that I filled feeders and spread about the ground, although the little buggers do that well enough themselves as they rush the feeders. Hopefully they got their fill for the time being before looking again in the afternoon as they always do before settling in for the night.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A squirrel eats a seed it found in the snow Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa after 6 plus inches fell Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning as a storm system moved across the U.S. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow sits on a snow covered branch watching for its turn at a feeder Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa after 6 plus inches fell Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning as a storm system moved across the U.S. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house sparrow eats a sunflower seed it found in the snow Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa after 6 plus inches fell Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning as a storm system moved across the U.S. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house sparrow eats a sunflower seed it found in the snow Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022 in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa after 6 plus inches fell Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning as a storm system moved across the U.S. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sharing in Siouxland, Sioux City

A female house finch takes a drink of water from a bird bath in a backyard residence in Sioux City, Iowa Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.(photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

While watching critters, birds and other animals in Siouxland, I am sometimes amazed at the civil behavior I witness. When photographing birds feeding they will often times work to move one another out of the way so they too can get a “seat at the table” of a particular bird feeder. But watching a couple of house finches, which could actually be mates, the male watched as the female drank from a bird feeder and then helped himself. Whether planned or not or behavioral or not, this particular day the male was chivalrous to the female until they drank their fill and left.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A female and male house finch share a bird bath for a drink for a drink in a backyard residence in Sioux City, Iowa Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.(photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Birds on a Stick in Siouxland, Adams Homestead Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, SD and Sioux City

An Eastern Kingbird sits on a plant stem at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, May 27, 2022 in North Sioux City, SD. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A black capped chickadee sits on a branch as summer winds down and fall begins in the backyard of a residence Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

As I began photographing more birds both near home and in parks around Siouxland I began to pay more attention to the perches these feathered folk use. Sometimes it is very sturdy and at others it seems to follow that phrase “any port in a storm” where they may situate themselves as they take stock of the surrounding area. Birds in some of the parks have sometimes more choice for perches, as often times these places also provide a kind of prairie habitat which is generally not available in neighborhoods within a community.

An Eastern Kingbird sits on a plant stem at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, May 27, 2022 in North Sioux City, SD. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow watches from a branch in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow sits on a branch in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Tuesday, November 15, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And photographing in these two different places create their own challenges. In a neighborhood one can sit a spell, especially near feeders and birds will come and go and possible give more opportunities to photograph them as they rest on a perch before heading to a feeder. Whereas in the park’s meadow area the birds can see you coming from some distance off and I have found one is only able to get so close necessitating the use of a long lens often times with a teleconverter to make an image of the bird “in the wild” so to speak. And of course as in so many things, timing is everything. Sometimes the act of bringing a camera to one’s eye will spook a bird so one needs to be aware and judge how close and how long one wants to hold a lens up into a position to get a photograph of a particular subject.

In the meadow areas using a tripod or monopod is just another piece of gear to carry for some distance, possibly a few miles while hiking, which is not always fun and tiring. So trade offs are made while one “enjoys” oneself out in nature with possibly the benefit of a photograph of some creature also enjoying the day.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

An Eastern Kingbird sits on a plant stem at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, May 27, 2022 in North Sioux City, SD. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house finch sits on a branch in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow looks directly at a visitor in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.(photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An Eastern Kingfisher studies its surroundings from a tree branch overhanging Mud Lake at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, May 7, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Out on a Limb in Siouxland, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve and residences in North Sioux City, SD and Sioux City

A Northern Flicker perches in a tree at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday April 28, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

When I walk about nature places in Siouxland I always keep an eye out for birds. I find it challenging to be able to photograph these little guys/gals. Quick and small and generally pausing only momentarily, I’ve learned it takes considerable skill to get a photograph. And many times I am feeling more lucky than good at taking a photo. Some are nice images of the birds, some are just decent and then some I am really happy with that I was able to make an image. And it doesn’t matter the species, although it is nice when it’s a bird I don’t photograph often. But if the little one gives me attitude and makes for a delightful photo, I am happy.

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet takes a different view of the world around it while sitting high in a tree at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday April 28, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A turkey vulture sits in a tree top taking in the scene around it at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak sits on a branch while checking out a suet feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, May 8, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house finch watches the backyard at a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Last year’s winter was warmer than what seemed normal with little to no snow. This year the weather is considerably colder with more snow and now ice storms mixed with snow. Some winter days I like sitting in one spot to photograph small song birds, but so far this winter the weather with its minus 30-40 degree temperatures has made me wary of frostbite just being outside too long.

But spring will eventually come and hopefully warmer temperatures, even in the high 20’s or 30’s with little wind would be pleasant enough to sit outside for a bit to capture these little guys in a different season and scenario. Plus the practice wouldn’t hurt.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Possibly a flycatcher sits on a branch at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Monday, Sept. 27, 2021 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Wood ducks hang out in a tree during morning hours at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday April 28, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

House finches wait their turn at a bird feeder birds in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, January 7, 2022. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A black capped chickadee sits on a branch as summer winds down and fall begins in the backyard of a residence Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow sits on a branch in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Tuesday, November 15, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An Eastern Kingfisher studies its surroundings from a tree branch overhanging Mud Lake at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, May 7, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Grey Catbird calls from a small tree off of Butcher Rd. that abuts the Nature Conservancy Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve Saturday, July 16, 2022 near Westfield, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A red-tailed hawk sits perches on a branch looking or a snack at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday Oct. 22, 2021.

A sparrow eats a seed in the backyard of a residence Saturday, November 19, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sparrows sit in a tree in the backyard of a residence Saturday, November 19, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow appears to give the “stick eye” to a visitor watching it in the backyard of a residence Saturday, November 19, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Until Next Year in Siouxland, Backyard Birds, Sioux City

A white-breasted nuthatch holds onto a seed it pulled from a feeder in the backyard of a residence Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

As the winter temperatures yo-yo back and forth between warmish and downright cold in Siouxland, I thought I would pay tribute to some backyard visitors until next year when the weather will be decidedly more pleasant. Cool is not bad, downright freezing is not. I would guess some of the visitors might be regular, but still they stayed long enough for me to attempt photographs, many of them, and I hope to see them back next year as the days grow longer and warmer.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A red headed woodpecker poses for a photograph in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Tuesday, November 15, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An American goldfinch poses on a feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house finch checks out a visitor while visiting a feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A house sparrow comments about a feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An American Goldfinch enjoys a snack at a feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Tuesday May 10, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow munches on seeds at a feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, January 16, 2022. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A downy woodpecker eats some suet in the backyard of a residence Sunday, December 26, 2021 in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sparrow munches on seeds at a feeder in the backyard of a residence in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, January 16, 2022. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)