Tag Archives: Lost in Siouxland

Getting the Look in Siouxland, Feathered Friends, Sioux City

21 Mar
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©)

Winter Scenes in Siouxland, Rural Monona County

19 Mar
A barn in a field with trees covered with hoar frost and fog along a rural country road in Monona County, Iowa near Onawa, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 22, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some days driving about in winter weather has its challenges besides just trying to stay warm. A winter scene might look nice to the viewer’s eye, but is it compelling enough to “force” a person to stop and get out of a warm vehicle to walk about and select a composition and photograph the scene.

Besides, white is, well, white. Not always the most interesting of subjects to photograph. But one still needs to attempt and create an image and hope that it converts something about the area or scene that attracts a viewer, besides thinking what an idiot this person was to go out in freezing weather just to photograph something white. Guilty. Sadly, it is not the first time and probably will not be the last time this photographer attempts those winter forays into the countryside looking for something that catches the eye and is worthy of others’ time and attention.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Hoar frost and fog along a rural country road in Monona County, Iowa near Onawa, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 22, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A tree covered with hoar frost and snow along a rural country road in Monona County, Iowa near Onawa, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 22, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Black and White Architecture in Siouxland, Sioux City

17 Mar
Late afternoon sunlight in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

On a recent outing in Siouxland the daylight hours ended with some strong sunlight after a very drab, grey and overcast start to the day. When shooting in black and white I am reminded of turn of the century photographs taken by various photographers, using light and shade to create images. Normally large cities produce better images of this type simply because of the buildings there. Even better when the buildings themselves have survived from early 20th century.

Late afternoon sunlight in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Late afternoon sunlight in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Many of the smaller communities I have visited in the past in and around Siouxland have some older buildings, since the state of Iowa became one in the mid 1800’s. Earlier communities all had some kind of structure that served as a courthouse, hotel, bank or maybe some kind of industrial facility. Now, many of these former buildings are seeing life as law firms (people with money to refurbish them), apartments or other non industrial kinds of businesses.

Photographing older brick buildings in black and white still gives them an austere look and demeanor that color can not achieve. The tonality created has a certain look that red brick or other kind of faded exterior color shade just doesn’t work. But used judiciously black and white achieves a desired affect that I think is timeless and and harkens back to an earlier time period.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Late afternoon sunlight in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Soaring in Siouxland, Watching Eagles, Sioux City

15 Mar
A juvenile American bald eagle flies above the Big Sioux City near Stone State Park Saturday, Feb. 11, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

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.

A juvenile American bald eagle flies above the Big Sioux City near Stone State Park Saturday, Feb. 11, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
A juvenile American bald eagle flies above the Big Sioux City near Stone State Park Saturday, Feb. 11, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
An American bald eagle checks out its surroundings above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

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.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A juvenile American bald eagle flies above the Big Sioux City near Stone State Park Saturday, Feb. 11, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
An American bald eagle and a juvenile bald eagle check of their surroundings from a treetop above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
An American bald eagle checks out its surroundings above the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Up, Up and Away in Siouxland, Sioux City

13 Mar
A juvenile American bald eagle takes flight from the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

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.

A juvenile American bald eagle prepares to take flight from the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A juvenile American bald eagle takes flight from the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
A juvenile American bald eagle takes flight from the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

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.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A juvenile American bald eagle takes flight from the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
A juvenile American bald eagle takes flight from the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
A juvenile American bald eagle takes flight from the Big Sioux City River near Stone State Park Sunday, Feb. 12, in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Growing Tree Shadows in Siouxland, Sioux City

11 Mar
A tree shadow grows out of a brick wall in late afternoon sunlight in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes a person is limited only by their narrow imagination. And not from lack of such. I find exploring Siouxland on foot provides more opportunities in seeing. Although when driving back roads I do prefer four tires as it allows one to travel farther without becoming too tired. I have passed by many shadows as I walk about and may not always “see” the forest but for the trees. But not this time.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Waiting for the Return in Siouxland, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, SD

9 Mar
An American robin 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©)

As spring officially ticks closer via the calendar in Siouxland, I always anticipate seeing the American Robin singing and hanging out in backyards. To me, when the presence of robins occurs, it is a sure sign that warmer weather is here for the year until it’s time for winter to return.

An American robin sits in a tree top at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota Friday, March 4, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Robins will sometimes hang out in this area of Siouxland until the cold becomes too much. Many times I will find them south in the Omaha, NE area which isn’t all that far south, but evidently far enough and warm enough for the creatures. Winter is still on in this area even as I have relatives somewhat complaining about more winter in their neck of the woods, the Siouxland region seems to be a magnet for the snow and cold, and sometimes just the cold.

So, wishing a speedy return of the robin and the warm weather it will usher in and hopeful it is sooner than later.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

An American robin sits in a tree top at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota Friday, March 4, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Light and Shade (Shadow) in Siouxland, Sioux City

7 Mar
Late afternoon sunlight creates shadow designs in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Winter maybe ending in Siouxland sometime this year, maybe in May, I sometimes find it hard to get motivated to get and photograph. And as much as I like photographing critters, there are times I want to pursue other interests. Finding opportunities of creating light and shadow photographs is a sometimes hit and miss adventure. It seems larger and somewhat older cities gives a person more chances of pursuing such interests.

Taller buildings, more of them, the light and shadow opportunities seem abundant. In smaller cities or towns with buildings spread out or nonexistent creates the challenge.

Late afternoon sunlight creates shadow designs in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

So a person needs to explore a bit and see what can be found. The day started out wet, overcast and a bit gloomy. Had it continued that way I had hoped to shoot early evening with reflected light in pools of water creating a smorgasbord of color. But it didn’t The sun appeared, streets dried up or hadn’t been sufficiently wet to begin with and it was necessary to take a different tack.

Sometimes objectives are not always possible to follow through on and a person must be open to seeing what is possible. So the “photo safari” wasn’t a total wash and even provided one opportunity for reflection, but that didn’t materialize either as as originally thought might happen. As the farmers used to say, and maybe some still do, “Make hay while the sun shines.”

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A building reflects in a puddle from late afternoon sunlight in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Too early for spring flowers for a waiting container seen late afternoon in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Day’s Not Done in Siouxland, Sioux City

3 Mar
Work continues late afternoon as a deliveryman trucks off some supplies for a local business late in the day in downtown Sioux City, Iowa Monday, Feb. 25, Sioux City Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Somedays the work isn’t done in Siouxland until it’s done. When I previously worked for various publications I never worked a constant or particular shift, but worked when it was needed. The hours might change week to week or month to month. That kind of change never bothered me as different types of photography assignments would happen during different times of the day or month or year. So it kept life interesting and one learned to just get the work done. I never had any regrets for the photography work I did for the publications as it was an opportunity to see life that some folk never saw up close and personal. It was not always glamorous and sometimes down right ugly depending on what one might be photographing. But it was never mundane.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Some Siouxland Days are not Exciting, Although Seeing Eagles Always is, Gavins Point Dam, Yankton, SD and Correctionville, Iowa

1 Mar
Two American bald eagles sit on a log in the Little Sioux River in Little Sioux Park, Sunday, Feb. 19, near Correctionville, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Recently while driving about Siouxland and heading to destinations in hopes of finding more eagles, I realize that not all of the images, if most of any of them, are really exciting. Mostly just a documentary exercise of photographing them in a place. It seems most of winter has been quite grey and overcast, along with extremely cold. And only every now and again does the sun seem to make an appearance.

An American Bald Eagle sits perched in a tree top at Gavins Point Dam Monday, Feb. 06, 2022 in Yankton, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Two American bald eagles sit perched in a tree top at Gavins Point Dam Monday, Feb. 06, 2022 in Yankton, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Two photographers look for American bald eagles perching in tree tops at Gavins Point Dam Monday, Feb. 06, 2022 in Yankton, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But it is still nice to get out into nature, albeit, a cold nature this winter to look for the birds. Some days out have been balmy in the teens and low 20’s temperature wise. And even though I am a bit of an early rise these days, I don’t always like venturing out in the wee hours of the morning as “black ice” still exists in areas when traveling around Siouxland. But if you go with a couple friends at least one is not singularly disappointed. And on a cold day, there is always lunch to look forward too.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Hooded mergansers and common goldeneyes swim about in the Missouri River at Gavins Point Dam Monday, Feb. 06, 2022 in Yankton, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
An American Bald Eagle sits perched in a tree top at Gavins Point Dam Monday, Feb. 06, 2022 in Yankton, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
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