Sometimes it is surprising what one might find in Siouxland when out exploring areas like the Heron Haven, albeit in Omaha, NE and probably a bit south actually of Siouxland. On a visit last year a fellow photographer and I came across a number of Eastern Painted turtles themselves enjoying the park area sunning themselves in a large pond. It looked to be quite and extended family affair and they are far enough out and away from a bird blind so they didn’t seem to mind some curious onlookers. Barely any movement but the occasional head tilt, or until one felt sufficiently “sunned” only to slip back into the water. Just a nice day out with the family.
Traveling a bit outside of Siouxland proper to other places like Omaha, NE and visiting various parks and preserves it has is kind of a plus as it’s not too terrible long a drive and while it takes some effort to get there, the rewards or hope for same can be a good motivator to get out the front door.
And while I can’t say I have the bird bug pushing me to photograph these “flighty” creatures I do enjoy the time spent watching them and hoping to make an unusual, or usual kind of exposure. I am always happy no matter what when photographing animals.
I enjoy the light play on the critters and their surroundings. And with less than ideal rain conditions this year as well as last year many places that were just water have begun to become more wetland, land, than water ponds. Another element that looks weird when photographing fowl. The mossy like substance is more of a green ooze. Cue the Halloween music.
Heron Haven is a delightful place to watch water fowl and from what I learned, the one resident heron. I saw a shadow pass over but didn’t actually see the bird. Too focused on stationary ducks and reflections. But it’s all good. Outdoors, nature, pleasant enough weather and then lunch after having done an early start to reach Omaha in the morning while there is still some nice light. I have previously spent worse days when working for a newspaper. But now I can look forward to those excursions that I want to make. And only have myself to disappoint if all does not go well.
On a recent trip outside of Siouxland down to Omaha, NE and visiting a “new to me” nature place I was struck by the “art work” on display at the Heron Haven in Omaha, NE. I was looking for the resident heron and whatever other birds I could find, guessing my timing for season and such was probably not the best as it was a nice enough morning, but the day was heating up.
But as I sat quietly watching to see what birds might wander into view I began seeing the reflections surrounding some of the water areas at the preserve. A still morning would have made the images “more perfect”, but when visiting someplace, I enjoy what I find do the best that I can to make an image that might reflect, pun intended, what I have found there.
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 