Soaring in Siouxland, Watching Eagles, Sioux City

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

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©)

Watching Nature and Eagles in Siouxland, Sioux City

A juvenile American bald eagle sits perched in a tree top Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2022 along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

So for a week or so some American bald eagles, adults and juveniles, have been hanging out in the Siouxland area. Somewhat taking up residence along some smaller rivers where there is some open water from which they find fish on which to feed. The times of day I am finding the they generally are perching or roosting in tree tops, swaying in the wind high up and watching their surroundings.

Two American bald eagles perch in a tree top as sunset approaches Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2022 along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A juvenile American bald eagle gets a “blow dry” experience from wind gusts perched in a tree top Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2022 along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Most times I go early or earlier in the morning, but the weather hasn’t really been cooperating. Sometimes it isn’t until the later afternoon when the sun briefly peeks through grey and overcast skies when one might catch a little sun and some blue sky rather then the silver grey look that often accompanies dreary winter days.

It is interesting to watch them “close up” through a telephoto lens, watching expressions as they look and swivel from their perches of which I am guessing they are looking for food movement down below. One area I have found them takes me a bit of time to walk slowly, very, very slowly, from tree to tree. In such a way as not to spook them so I can be in a position to photograph them more clearly. The trees along this small river have many, many spindly branches that are everywhere. And they are sitting across the river and have a commanding view of the countryside.

A juvenile American bald eagle watches a couple of his friends spar for a spot on a branch in a tree top Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2022 along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A third juvenile American bald eagle joins a couple of friends to perch in a tree top Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2022 along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And sometimes I think they amuse themselves as they land and take off from those branches up high, occasionally breaking a piece off and having to try again. It’s mostly the juvenile eagles that seem most active. Riding wind currents and gliding over the mostly frozen river bed. I only hope for a few more tries at improving my ability to capture them in flight, maybe catching a fish but mostly enjoying their gracefulness. Although, while panning and lining up a chance to photograph them, that “odd” tree pops up and fills my frame and I silently curse, knowing it would have been a beauty of a photo.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A juvenile and adult American bald eagles sit perched in a tree top Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2022 along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

American bald eagles are silhouetted from a setting sun as they perch in a tree top Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2022 along the Big Sioux River near Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Counting the Little Birdies in Siouxland, Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Sioux City

Local Loess Hills Audubon chapter member Jerry Probst programs a portable speaker to emit barred owl sounds as he spends the morning participating in the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in Stone State Park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes one has to have faith that you will find what you seek. Even if you feel you are walking in a dark wilderness and feeling your way, metaphorically speaking. But starting the day before sunrise looking for birds can feel that way. And in the end, one may or may not be successful in the endeavor.

Every Christmas the Audubon Society conducts an annual Christmas bird count where chapters of the Society, like the Loess Hills chapter, throughout the U.S. during a two-week period in December look for whatever species happens to be there and record their findings. These may be birds that are indigenous to the area as well as those migrating to another clime to winter at.

Local Loess Hills Audubon chapter member Jerry Probst places a portable speaker in some brush to emit barred owl sounds as he spends the morning participating in the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in Stone State Park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

City lights from Sioux City is seen past the dark trees before sunrise as local Loess Hills Audubon chapter members Jerry Probst and Warren Dunkle spend the morning looking for barred owls for the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in Stone State Park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

It was difficult photographing this bird count which I previously had done, but then it was later in the day and I actually had light to be able to accomplish the task. But two Audubon Loess Hills chapter members Jerry Probst and Warren Dunkle were looking for owls. At least they were “looking” to hear owls at Stone State Park and had brought along a small portable speaker to start a dialogue with these elusive creatures.

And one never really knows what you might find go bump in the night (dark) or, literally, stumble upon as the pair made their way along one of the roadways in the park.

A woman walking her dog in total darkness called out as she saw the red light the two used to check their footing and avoid fallen limbs that littered the roadway due to recent storm activity that brought some F1 tornado activity throughout Iowa and not that far from Sioux City, damaging buildings and downing trees and limbs.

A woman walks her dog in Stone State Park as local Loess Hills Audubon chapter members Jerry Probst and Warren Dunkle spend the morning looking for barred owls for the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in the park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A woman walks her dog in Stone State Park as local Loess Hills Audubon chapter members Jerry Probst and Warren Dunkle spend the morning looking for barred owls for the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in the park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

She seemed genuinely surprised that other folk were out so early in the morning walking trails in the park, as were Probst and Dunkle. But then not many folk probably venture into the park in total darkness. And try as they may to get whatever owls might be around to respond to the calls made, not a sound could be heard, not even a “Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight” from these furry creatures.

But with the recent weather activity with the recent warming periods and then dip into cold, it seems even these creatures have had to learn to adjust their formerly normal activity that might also include a new normal. But as an annual event, the bird counting folk can always look forward to next year.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Local Loess Hills Audubon chapter members Warren Dunkle, right, moving to stay warm, as he and Jerry Probst and spend the morning looking for barred owls for the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in Stone State Park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Local Loess Hills Audubon chapter members Jerry Probst said he’s been involved in the Audubon Christmas bird count for over 20 years as he spends the morning looking for barred owls for the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in Stone State Park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Local Loess Hills Audubon chapter member Warren Dunkle says he mostly is a second pair of eyes as he spends the morning looking for barred owls for the annual Audubon Society Christmas bird count in Stone State Park Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 in Sioux City, IA. The pair didn’t find any owls while out looking. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A First Day Hike in Siouxland, Stone State Park, Sioux City

A number of individuals showed up to participate in the First Day Hike outing in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A number of people showed up this year at Stone State Park to hike on New Year’s Day in Siouxland to start their year enjoying nature and the outdoors, as well as a sunny, warmer winter’s day. Roughly a 2-3 mile hike over fairly good terrain the intrepid individuals make their way along a trail selected by a park manager.

Individuals hike down a trail participating in the First Day Hike outing in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Footprints tell the story as a number of individuals participate in a First Day Hike outing at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

With milder and warmer temperature than in recent days, the trails made easy walking except for a couple inclines that left a couple people rubbing their backsides dusting off snow after finding their feet touching air for a few moments because of slick surfaces. But it is a nice way to start the year and nice to find like minded folk. Talking to a couple others who hiked some said only 4-5 people participated  in last year’s hike because of minus zero temperatures that kept most folk indoors.

People begin making their way back to the start of the First Day Hike outing in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Participants enjoy their walk during the First Day Hike outing in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Mid point for the hike was a small lake which I always enjoy. It changes its looks every season and it’s a place I have hiked to many times. Both by trail and by a road that ends near it.

Checking out Turtle Lake during the First Day Hike outing in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Hitting the halfway point during the First Day Hike outing in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Not one for making resolutions anymore, I do plan to get outdoors more often to local parks and walk. With shot knees my running days are over, but I still like to be outside hearing the birds or crickets or whatever creatures happen by and enjoy nature. And most times it’s not really getting time, but making time to enjoy.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

One last chat with the park manager after the First Day Hike outing in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Fall is Coming to Siouxland, Stone State Park

at Stone State Park inSioux City, Iowa Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

Even though weather-wise it feels like autumn has arrived in Siouxland, the weather this year has been so wacky that one day it’s extremely cool, the next hitting the 80’s and 90’s. Recently a Mother Nature mood swing had the area doing a 50 degree temperature swing. Colors are just beginning to show on trees and I am hopeful to get out and see them before more weather makes leaves drop prior to their coming into a full autumn delight.

at Stone State Park inSioux City, Iowa Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

 

at Stone State Park inSioux City, Iowa Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

A recent hike through a local state park, Stone State Park, the foliage was still very green. The park is always a nice walk on the roadways or hikes on the trails. After a recent rain I stuck to the roadways as slippery leaves and trails can sometimes add more excitement for my descent down a steep incline that I particularly want to enjoy. Bouncing along isn’t my idea of fun these days, or hobbling back to my vehicle. But fall is a favorite time of year for myself and for others too. Nature gets to display her beauty in ways that are worth waiting an entire year for. Just hoping it’s not a quick view this year.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

at Stone State Park inSioux City, Iowa Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

 

at Stone State Park inSioux City, Iowa Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

Enjoying a Long Day in Siouxland, Stone State Park, Sioux City

Stone State Park manager Brianna Martens leads a solstice hike on the longest day of the year in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, June 21, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The longest day of the year recently passed here in Siouxland as it did in other places too. A group of friends and like-minded individuals assembled at a local state park, Stone State Park, to celebrate solstice and get in a hike with plenty of light still available to find one’s way through the forested area. At least with this hike one didn’t have to worry about slipping on ice or stepping off the trail in the darkness.

The Northwest Iowa Group, Sierra Club rented two campsites for people to camp out overnight and enjoy nature. However, nature wasn’t having any of it as it has been raining a few days and folk showed up to walk and enjoy a meal cooked outdoors, but no one was staying the night. So it was a hike they made to just enjoy nature and revisit some areas a few had previously hiked on their own.

Solstice hikers stop to check out certain foliage along a trail in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, June 21, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stone State Park manager Brianna Martens leads a solstice hike in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, June 21, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

This group of avid explorers remarked about certain plants they found along the way, noting that young deer eat plants that older deer do not, as well as tiny moths glowing white (they are white) in the early evening light within the forest and standing out against a carpet of green.

Stone State park intern Emily shows a solstice hiker a confirmation of a moth species they found in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, June 21, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

With all the recent rain beginning in early spring Stone State Park was carpeted in green as far as the eye could see during a solstice hike in in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, June 21, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Stone State Park manager Brianna Martens said it’s because of these core people that have an interest in their local parks that stopping by and spending some time with them, even taking them on a short hike is always delightful and a way to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Stone State Park manager Brianna Martens, left, talks with Bill Zales during a solstice hike in Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Friday, June 21, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Enjoying a Day in Siouxland, Stone State Park, Sioux City

Some days are just to be enjoyed. A walk in a local state park, taking in the sights and natural sounds, and just enjoying the moments of solitude, beauty and contemplation.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Lingering Winter in Siouxland, Stone State Park

Winter is hanging out much too long this year in Siouxland. And it’s not only in Siouxland, but sometimes being selfish, I only care that it is lingering too long here. There have been brief moments of sunshine, and actual sun shining, but those seem to be few. Recently there was another snow fall. And the sky is grey and hazy.

I began looking at images as black and white, trying to see the possibility of grey tones.

Walking on a cold grey day at Stone State Parkin Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, April 1, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

On a recent hike before the snow in Stone State Park the browns and greys of this past winter still loomed large and didn’t create any excitement on my part. And with hazy, grey and overcast skies it’s sometimes hard to create images that have any kind of spark to them.

Walking on a cold grey day at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, April 1, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But it was nice to get out of the house, go for a walk and breath some fresh air without the intake freezing one’s lungs, or walking, again, through snow drifts. I like winter, being outside and enjoying what it offers, but it’s time to move on, climb new hills and see what a reawakening or rebirth can is in the offering from spring. I just hope it shows up before summer is here, maybe in June.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Walking during a grey cold day at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, April 1, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Winter Wonderland in Siouxland, Stone State Park

Siouxland has yet to get hit by a big snowstorm although the area has been threatened with such the last few weeks. But inevitably it will happen. But recently the area had a light dusting of snow, enough to give some shape and form and contrast plus fairly mild temperatures in the 30’s which is always pleasant to photograph in, especially when hiking in Stone State Park.

Walking through fresh snow at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Tree sentries scattered throughout at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

And it was nice to see I was not the only intrepid individual out to enjoy the day.

Tracks in the snow of another hiker at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Stone State Park has a lot to offer any time of year, but in winter it becomes a bit more navigable if there is a good amount of snow on the ground which makes it easier to bushwhack through the park, although with a light snow fall trails were just slick enough to enable sliding down them a bit tricky. But the quiet, fresh air and stark landscape make it an escape from the daily routine and the other noise that occurs all too often.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Endless paths for exploration at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Some green grass stems are still hanging on despite some brutally cold snows at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Other hikers enjoying a little warmer day and fresh snow at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

A water fountain out of service until spring and summer at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Following a path through freshly fallen snow at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)