As many times as I can get out into Siouxland and look for places that the American bald eagle might be hanging out these days during migration, I never tire of watching them. Sitting in tree tops, perched, alert, ever watchful. Of course if I was always looking for a meal I would probably do the same, except for perching in tree tops.
The winter season has not left the area as more snowstorms or wintry weather mix is still occupying most of the days recently and into the near future. It seems this year I have been out photographing on more overcast, cloudy and hazy days than I remember from last year. So while it may not be as ideal of photography weather with crisp blue skies setting off the eagles flying or perched, the joy and fun of watching them is still there.
When I do get out and look for critters, like American bald eagles, to photograph in Siouxland, I am always amazed at their abilities, even during those take offs and landings that seem not as graceful as when watching them soar overhead. Of course they would probably think the same of me who works really hard in keeping both left feet moving in the same direction.
Like any flying “machine” a little distance and time is needed to make that jump to get airborne and then to continue the climb to reach that area overhead and begin soaring above the earth. Looking for the next meal or just seeing what is around, the eagles and other birds make it look somewhat easy. Of course I always thought that it wasn’t the take off that was hard, it was the landing that could hurt.
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 