Remembering in Siouxland, Omaha National Cemetery, Omaha, NE

CATHY COLEMAN attends to her husband’s (Tom) gravesite prior to Memorial Day at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The nation as a whole including the Siouxland region will be celebrating the holiday Memorial Day this weekend. Traditionally it kicks off the summer season as community schools and universities end their school year and families and folk look forward to a summer vacation. But a number of folk around the country will be remembering loved ones and those who served in the armed forces at various Memorial Day service this weekend.

CATHY COLEMAN, left, attends to her husband’s (Tom) gravesite as SUSAN HUSSEY, right, sits quietly and as she talks with her parents at their gravesite prior to Memorial Day at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American flags are placed next to all grave sites at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023 in honor of Memorial Day and the service individuals provided to their country. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

SUSAN HUSSEY sits quietly and sheds a tear as she talks with her parents at their gravesite prior to Memorial Day at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Communities large and small will host celebrations to honor those who stepped up to serve their country. Some will truly eulogize these service men and women, some will give lip service knowing it may benefit or help them is some future endeavor, mostly political. A cynical view, but one that’s been proven time and again.

The U.S. flag flies at half staff along with a flag from each service prior to Memorial Day at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An American Legion Post honor guard stands ready for a funeral later in the morning at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023, prior to Memorial Day. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Most times at the beginning of the weekend of Memorial Day families will visit the gravesites of their loved one to set out flowers and some graves will be honored with a small American flag that volunteers will post next to the grave of each service person. A small act with large implications for a small thank you for their service and sacrifice. Families visited the Omaha National Cemetery and paid their respects, spending time to catch the departed souls with up to date news items, reminiscing about the shared past and current happenings.

A large debt that is owed by all who live freely and should take a moment to quietly remember before pursuing those summer joys all also look forward too.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

TODD MIDDAGH places a floral wreath next to his father’s (Eugene) gravesite prior to Memorial Day at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American flags are placed next to all grave sites at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023 in honor of Memorial Day and the service individuals provided to their country. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American flags are placed next to all grave sites at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE Saturday, May 27, 2023 in honor of Memorial Day and the service individuals provided to their country. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sharing with Siblings in Siouxland, Stone State Park, Sioux City

Two juvenile American bald eagles work out perching from the same tree top as another watches from a separate branch above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

If one grew up in a family and was not an only child, there were those days when siblings were expected to share. And sometimes I am guessing the same is true in the animal kingdom, even in Siouxland. This past February on a cold day I hiked into an area along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park. Eagles were congregating there and hanging out until it was time to move along.

And on one particular day, it seemed two related juvenile bald eagles liked sitting on the same branch and in the same place.

Two juvenile American bald eagles work out perching from the same tree top above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Two juvenile American bald eagles work out perching from the same tree top above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Human siblings will exhibit the same behavior, each wanting to occupy space that another might already occupy, or want depending on the circumstances. I find the behavior fascinating while also chilly waiting to see how everything played out. And remember thinking one of them flew to another branch probably only to continue the battle of wills another time and another day.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Two juvenile American bald eagles work out perching from the same tree top as another lands on a separate branch above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

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©)

Polarization in Siouxland, Sioux City

Clouds create a backdrop of city hall in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Thursday April 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I believe there has always been a debate between various factions of photographers, some in Siouxland as well, about whether one should use a polarizing filter on lenses when taking photos. I myself waffle back and forth. Those times I use it, I like the extreme saturation, and almost too dark images that are created. Other times I might go months without using it. And sometimes I don’t even think about it.

A sculpted art piece near the Art Center in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Thursday April 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sculpted art piece near the Art Center in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Thursday April 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sculpted art piece near the Art Center in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Thursday April 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Even when taking photographs in black and white a polarizing filter can add more contrast by affecting the light as it strikes the camera’s sensor. I have used one previously when shooting film, both for color and black and white. The above photos give a bit of an idea of its affect. The filter can give a scene an unreal look, but can also create more appeal especially when photographing fall foliage against a bright blue sky. The light quality in the fall is different, not quite so harsh, but a softer light as the earth does its rotation around the sun.

Love the filter or hate the filter, it’s just another tool that can add something to a photograph when the conditions are right and one wants to punch up the scene.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Clouds create a backdrop in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Thursday April 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Clouds create a backdrop in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Thursday April 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Enjoying Color in Siouxland, Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha, NE

Flowers in bloom at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Monday March 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

There are various gardens in and around Siouxland that are fun to visit and explore. The indoor garden at Lauritzen Garden in Omaha, NE adds a bit of an educational aspect by listing the name of the plant so one can become better informed at what they are seeing. The same is true for the plants one comes across outside while traversing the garden’s grounds during the various season.

The indoor garden allows visitors a chance to shake off the cold winter months by enjoying these plants in their enclosed habitat and still enjoy wonderful plants. And the colors of some of these are simply amazing.

Flowers in bloom at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Monday March 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Flowers in bloom at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Monday March 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes when photographing, the flowers are wonderful subjects, but it is the color they produce and show the viewer that then becomes the subject, aided when the window rooftop allows in strong sunlight, somewhat filtered by the glass or whatever light passthrough material is used for the indoor habitat. On a cold winter’s day, or cold spring day, the color is fun, something to remind a person that yes, better, more seasonal weather is approaching, and a chance to just enjoy nature.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Flowers in bloom at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Monday March 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Flowers in bloom at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Monday March 20, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Behind Door #1 in Siouxland, Osmond, Randolph and Snyder, NE

A doorway that apparently hasn’t been used in years or even decades at a residence in the downtown area of Snyder, Nebraska, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Although a local resident said a number of felines have been seen coming and going. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

My travels throughout Siouxland to small towns and communities always provides an opportunity to see doorways. And for some odd reason I find doorways a fascinating subject. I have not found similar doorways in most places I have visited. I suppose the odds are similar to winning the lottery. Infinitesimal chances of any two being the same. So although shapes and construction might be similar, doorways are not.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A new and older door of a building in the downtown area of Snyder, Nebraska, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A very nondescript doorway to the police department in the downtown area of Osmond, Nebraska, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An older building in the downtown area of Randolph, Nebraska, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A side doorway entrance to a building in the downtown area of Osmond, Nebraska, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Getting Lost in the Weeds in Siouxland, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, SD

A Lesser Yellowlegs looks for a meal along the shoreline of Mud Lake at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Sunday April 23, 2023 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes when trying to photograph wildlife at various parks and preserves in Siouxland I swear they really work at trying to avoid me and my endeavors. A red-headed woodpecker a year or so ago would always land near me and make its call. And just as I raised my lens it would fly off, only to land nearby and start the process over again. I guess on some mornings I was cheap entertainment.

Watching wildlife feed and stalk its food sources is fascinating. And although some of these birds are the same species I have photographed many times before, they still give me a challenge in capturing their movements. Autofocus is great, but sometimes that muscle memory and manual focus is a needed skill. But with age and glasses, technology is still welcomed. And I am happy to utilize focus peaking when manually focusing. Most mirrorless camera bodies now incorporate that feature, which is great for crowded subject fields as well as shooting in low light situations.

Now if I could get that woodpecker to cooperate.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A Lesser Yellowlegs looks for food along the shoreline of Mud Lake at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Sunday April 23, 2023 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Lesser Yellowlegs spots something as it looks for food along the shoreline of Mud Lake at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Sunday April 23, 2023 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Seeing the White of the American White Pelican in Siouxland, Brown’s Lake and Snyders Bend in rural Woodbury County

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

Recently on an outing in Siouxland at Brown’s Lake and Snyders Bend in rural Woodbury County, a number of American White Pelicans numbering between 100-200 were seen between the two places and bodies of water. Moving in tandem they swarmed and fed together circling areas of water then turning bottoms up while others soared overhead and skimmed the water’s surface, just enjoying a day out as they migrated back to wherever home is.

The pelicans put on quite a show and their graceful agility is pretty amazing to watch. Recently a few numbers can be seen flying about various parts of Siouxland soaring high on the air currents and circling climbing ever higher until they swoop toward the earth only to repeat themselves.

American White Pelicans take off at Snyder’s Bend Park in rural Woodbury County Saturday, April 1, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American White Pelicans fly over the water as an egret watches in the background at Snyder’s Bend Park in rural Woodbury County Saturday, April 1, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Watching nature is always fascinating I believe, and away from all the white noise and other distractions that so easily encroach on one’s days and time. It’s just good to get away and birds times appear ready to perform their floor shows while on the road.

American White Pelicans fly in synch at Snyder’s Bend Park in rural Woodbury County Saturday, April 1, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American White Pelicans set out to fly over Brown’s Lake in Bigelow Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I also find it challenging to photograph them depending on the day and environment. The stark whiteness on an especially bright sunny day works well on the water in early morning light but more difficult as the day moves forward. The light skimming the area accentuates the blue water which contrasts nicely with the white bodies. Skyward, not so much. The images taken at Snyders Bend was the same morning as at Brown’s Lake, but the direction of the sun and the movements of the birds were different thus creating totally different types of images as the sun lit the two areas in a much different fashion. But still, capturing the pelicans’ movements and antics was still fun and nice being out in nature.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

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

An American White Pelican flies along the surface at Brown’s Lake in Bigelow Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An American White Pelican skims the water at Brown’s Lake in Bigelow Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American White Pelicans on parade while others enjoy the sunshine amongst the reeds at Brown’s Lake in Bigelow Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

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

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

An American White Pelican joins friends at Brown’s Lake in Bigelow Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Trumpeter swan flies over two American White Pelicans at Brown’s Lake in Bigelow Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A small duck tries to keep pace with an American white pelican at Snyder Bend Park Thursday, April 6, 2023 in rural Woodbury County near Salix Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An American White Pelican flies overhead at Brown’s Lake in Bigelow Park in rural Woodbury County Sunday, April 2, 2023 near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Swimming among Diamonds in Siouxland, rural Thurston County, Nebraska

Swimming in a pond of “diamonds” two Canada geese are silhouetted with backlight shining onto a pond seen Monday, April 17, 2023 seen in rural Thurston County, near Winnebago, NE. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

It’s always fun photographing in Siouxland to watch the “light play” that can occur depending on the time of year, day and whether or not Mother Nature grants a reprieve so the sun shines, and it’s also a clear day.

With the recent wacky weather seen this spring, the Siouxland weather also changes capriciously. And I was glad it was no hallucinations one day when I saw some Canada geese and other waterfowl swimming among diamonds on a pond that I check out from time to time. Rich in the moment of light, if not in wealth, the day just shone a bit brighter.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Blending in, in Siouxland, Omega Wetland Complex, rural Woodbury County, Iowa

A northern Harrier, center left, flies with a group of waterfowl spooking them at the Owego Wetland Complex seen Friday, April 7, 2023 in rural Woodbury County near Salix, Iowa. Owego was an early settlement now abandoned and comprises of over 1,300 acres of recovered agricultural land. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes when visiting places in and around Siouxland, I find it best to try and blend in at whatever event or place I am visiting in order to photograph various scenes. And I am assuming the same is true in nature as animals do quite a good job fading into their surroundings.

Recently visiting the Owego Wetland Complex with a friend, we watched a Northern Harrier raptor flying over some ducks and Canada geese on the ponds. Eventually the ducks bolted even though they were in some respects the same size or larger than the raptor. And so it was surprising as I was editing my images after that outing to find the Northern Harrier flying in amongst the ducks, maybe sizing them up, or just enjoying itself in creating a little mayhem. No complaints, it just made a more interesting image I didn’t realize until later.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa