Migrations and Stopovers in Siouxland, Lewis and Clark State Park, Onawa

An American bald eagle peers through some tall grass as it sits next to a fish carcass while feeding on it on a frozen Blue Lake at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Friday, Feb. 03, 2022 near Onawa, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Apparently during the fall I was asleep when birds were migrating to their winter climes and somehow I kept missing them or seeing them when I was out driving about Siouxland. But that may have changed as spring approaches and birds are again making their way back to someplace where they want to spend their summer months. Recently I have been finding quite a few eagles and they will be appearing in some posts down the road.

An American bald eagle sits next to a fish carcass after feeding on it on a frozen Blue Lake at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Friday, Feb. 03, 2022 near Onawa, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A juvenile American bald eagle comes in for a landing to feed on fish kill on a frozen Blue Lake at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Friday, Feb. 03, 2022 near Onawa, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

My skill set are photographing these creatures is still developing as I can capture an image, it’s just that it is not always in focus. Operator error while using my longer telephoto lens, and sometimes coupled with a tele converter reaches 1000mm or better. And my cavalier days of handholding a long lens while shooting sports or some kind of emergency scene when working for newspapers has been on the shelf a few years.

But these creatures are fascinating to watch and see them jostle with one another for a food source or positioning on a branch. I also enjoy hearing them call a warning out when some large creature with a “big glass eye” is creeping about, or just chit chatting amongst themselves. This particular day I was happy because the sun was really shining and the grey clouds and overcast skies were not present. And they have been for most of my outings looking for these large raptors. But it is an enjoyable way to spend part of a day.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A juvenile and adult American bald eagles have a dispute over feeding on kill on a frozen Blue Lake at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Friday, Feb. 03, 2022 near Onawa, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Northern Harrier looks for another tree perch as bald eagles feed on kill on a frozen Blue Lake at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Friday, Feb. 03, 2022 near Onawa, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Fall’s Day in Siouxland, Lewis and Clark Park, Onawa

A quiet trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, near Onawa, IA. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Fall is gone and winter is here but I still like the remnants of fall that linger when I look at various images taken this season. Not all of the days out were warm and such. One thing photographs don’t always impart is the cool or cold day when it was taken.

Enjoying a fall day at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, near Onawa, IA. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Various fall scenes at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, near Onawa, IA. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Lewis and Clark Park has some nicely cut walking trails beyond the area where RV camping is permitted. Nothing strenuous and pleasant to just enjoy the quiet and maybe catch glimpses of song birds flitting about in the brush and an open meadow. The park also sports a couple of small cornfields planted to feed the deer who pass through or inhabit the area. And in a good year, the color of the trees make a day outing breathtaking. Although this was not one of those years. Still, any day out taking photographs is always a good day. Something I like to remind students who take a couple classes I teach about photography at a local community college. I could think of worse ways to spend the day, and probably have spent days, and the fresh air and exercise is always a welcomed activity.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Some colored leaves still on the trees at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, near Onawa, IA. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A cut walking trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, near Onawa, IA. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some fall foliage at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, near Onawa, IA. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Walk in Nature at the Lewis and Clark State Park, Onawa

A meadow seen from a nature trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I have visited the Lewis and Clark State Park in Onawa a few times over the years, one of the many places in Siouxland named for or associated with the excursion that Lewis and Clark made a couple centuries ago when exploring America for President Thomas Jefferson and before the Louisiana Purchase. But I had never really explored some of the hiking trails. Generally there were other activities taking place at the park that drew my attention, although those have dwindled the last few years and of course greatly because of the current pandemic the country still endures.

A monarch butterfly looks for nectar from a plant in a meadow near a nature trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

There are some extensive meadow areas located near a nature trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The trails loop around the park away from a lake area and some camping sites for those that either “rough it” or camp in style in the self-contained units. I can imagine going back as the fall temperatures cool down even more with the hope of finding some nice autumn leaf change happening as I found nearer the visitor’s center at the park.

A bird dashes away as a visitor approaches on a nature trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A cut nature trail to follow at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The paths were easy to navigate and depending on the time of day that is more appropriate to find critters out and about foraging, one could wait for deer or song birds to appear. There were a couple of small corn fields planted for deer. There is a sign though that clearly states hunting is available on some of the Iowa’s DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) land which the park falls under. Although I have to admit, I was a bit confused when I came upon the site about hunting, posted right next to another sign not 10 feet away which made me wonder exactly what directions people should follow.

Signs within proximity to one another can leave a person confused at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Benches as placed on some of the various trails for a person to sit and enjoy the nature around them at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Evidence of “empty nesters” in some brush along a nature trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

While not extended hiking it was pleasant enough to walk about the trails. Along a creek feeding into the lake at the park I saw a lone little duck and kind of wondered what its story is and whether he got left behind as it looked a bit forlorn by itself without seeing any other similar creatures nearby. Hoping during the migratory season it will make some new friends to join in safe adventures or just stick to the wildlife refuge.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A lone duck rests on a log in a creekl at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A lone duck at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A lone duck at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Enjoying the Light in Siouxland, Onawa

Sometimes when out taking photographs in Siouxland I just enjoy watching the light and the effect it has on an area or subject. Time of day can play a part and whether it is a clear or cloudy day. Nice light is just nice light.

The moon rises above houses along the lake at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Saturday Nov. 9, 2019. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Most times I find myself in the wrong place when this light happens. It is fleeting. maybe 10-15 minutes early morning and in the evening as the sun awakens the day and leaves for the night. Sometimes I get lucky and am near something that embraces the magical light which makes it a magical subject. But not often, so I enjoy the light. Whether I was lucky and was able to make a nice photograph, the jury is still out.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Sun sun sets and light reflects in a body of water near the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Saturday Nov. 9, 2019. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Enjoying a Nice Fall Evening in Siouxland, Onawa

The Fall Photo Safari class taking photographs at night in Onawa, Iowa Saturday Nov. 9, 2019. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Probably my favorite season of the year, like many Siouxland folk, is fall. Sunset comes a little earlier and the weather is still pleasant. Of course, not so much this year as winter seems to have already arrived and along with it, colder evenings. But recently with a photography class we spend a pleasant evening shooting pictures at sunset and night. Students practicing long exposures and light painting. I enjoy the long exposures. Light painting is a practiced art of science as one learns to determine length of exposure and amount of light to add to a scene.

The Fall Photo Safari class taking photographs at night in Onawa, Iowa Saturday Nov. 9, 2019. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

The Fall Photo Safari class taking photographs at night in Onawa, Iowa Saturday Nov. 9, 2019. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And how one lights a scene or uses the “existing” light to effect determines the outcome of a photograph. These images are taken at the Monona County Memorial Museum and Freedom Rock in Onawa. The placement of the plane with a neighborhood in the background makes it difficult to make a clean photo of the exhibit, especially using a setting sun to accomplish it. So one must take liberties and use selective cropping within the camera for some images. And then find the right exposure to create that image.

The Fall Photo Safari class taking photographs at night in Onawa, Iowa Saturday Nov. 9, 2019. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But a challenge is always good, especially for students. And to fail a couple of times while learning a new skill only reinforces that skill once success is accomplished and a sweet image produced.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The Fall Photo Safari class taking photographs at night in Onawa, Iowa Saturday Nov. 9, 2019. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Enjoying a Fall Day in Siouxland, Lewis and Clark State Park, Onawa

at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some days in Siouxland are so nice one just wants to savor them as long as one can. Recently a fall day had temps finally getting back into the 50’s with sunshine. The weather has been a bit funky this year and what should have been a great year for fall color found many trees getting close, but continued cold nights and rainy days seemed to stopped the color change in progress.

at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

People were out though enjoying what they thought might be one of the truly nice days this year before the winter season begins bringing a constant chill to the air in the temperature range of the 20’s and 30’s. Indeed chilly and the cold spell helps the trees to drop their leaves before they can reach that peak of color display.

at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But I enjoy what I can and wandered through the park savoring the sunshine, the golden boughs and hoping for maybe one more day when I didn’t have to throw on a heavy coat to go outside and brave the chill.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Passing through Siouxland, Onawa

Sometimes to and from places in Siouxland I pass by the same small community a few times. And if given the chance, I always stop to shoot a few pics knowing each time the lighting or weather or some other variable may be different. With time permitted, I walk the streets and enjoy the moment, this time in Onawa.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The facade of downtown Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An elevator cooperative in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Monona County Courthouse in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Buildings still in use in downtown Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Exploring History in Siouxland

Given the time to drive about and actually get out of one’s car to walk about, there is quite a bit of history in the Siouxland area. Although timing visits to actually get in and see some of the historical places or museums can at times prove problematic. But still, it is nice to see a slice of life of another era and the fact that people of a community are proud enough and care enough to preserve that history and share it with others. Such is the case of the Kiwanis Museum Complex in Onawa, Iowa. Some buildings reflecting an earlier period of time that youth of today can probably not even imagine. It’s possible that even the parents of young children can’t remember some of these former periods of time as well. It’s history, and people have a chance to share that with their children at such places as this museum.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The Onawa Kiwanis Museum Complex in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Onawa Kiwanis Museum Complex in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Kiwanis Museum Complex and Monona County Veteran Memorial in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A look into an earlier lifestyle at the Onawa Kiwanis Museum Complex in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A look into an earlier lifestyle at the Onawa Kiwanis Museum Complex in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An early settler’s home at the Onawa Kiwanis Museum Complex in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A blacksmith’s shop at the Kiwanis Museum Complex and Monona County Veteran Memorial in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A church and school house at the Kiwanis Museum Complex and Monona County Veteran Memorial in Onawa, Iowa Monday, June 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Finding History in Siouxland in Plain Sight, Onawa

Driving back from Omaha, Nebraska the other day a friend and I stopped in Onawa, Iowa to get a snack. I have been to Onawa many times but this time the Hotel Monona was standing in bright light and I couldn’t believe I had never paid attention to it previously. It looks like a hotel from the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. Stately, and I would guess many people stayed there on their way to another destination, possibly into the Dakota Territory north and west. Such a fine building that looks like it is no longer in use. Another gem from another era that slips slowly, and visibly into the past right before our eyes.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The Hotel Monona in Onawa, Iowa Thursday, May 12, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)