Seeking Shelter in Siouxland, Snyder’s Bend Park, Salix

A woodchuck looks around hearing construction noise at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

When one senses danger or even that something is amiss, it’s only natural to seek shelter. Even creatures in Siouxland are wary of man’s attempt to intervene in nature. While on a recent outing at Snyder’s Bend Park a parks department crew showed up to do some work, and this poor little woodchuck seemed a little besides himself trying to figure out if he was in danger and why were on these people hanging out in his neighborhood this particular day.

A woodchuck takes off after hearing construction noise at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A woodchuck runs for cover after hearing construction noise at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A woodchuck runs for cover after hearing construction noise at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

In most cases it is good to heed one’s instinct and behave cautiously rather than proceed as if nothing unusual is occurring. I believe that is the premise of many a teen horror movie that has been used numerous times all leading to the same conclusion. This little guy scampered away as fast as it could and appeared safe as far as I could tell. Until the next time it ventures probably hoping not to hear another backhoe for a while as it looks for a morning snack.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

 

A woodchuck heads off to a safer place after hearing construction noise at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Nature’s Calligraphers in Siouxland, Snyder’s Bend, Salix

Pelicans fly in formation at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I often times am awed by nature’s shows that take place in Siouxland and I can witness such feats of aerobatics and and “sky writing” done by birds.

This summer while visiting with a friend at Snyder’s Bend park we saw a large flock of pelicans performing synchronized flying near the park and it struck me as a form of calligraphy being written in the sky by these airborne creatures.

Pelicans fly in formation at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Pelicans fly in formation at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

What on the ground look like large unbalanced creatures created imagery in the sky that was fun to watch. I had never witnessed pelicans behaving in this manner before, mostly just images of these birds on the ground feeding. And seeing them fly in formation was truly amazing.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

 

Pelicans fly in formation at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Pelicans fly in formation at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Soaring in Siouxland, Snyder Bend Park

 

A raptor soars above the earth at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some days are just fine days, even in Siouxland, with a blue sky and sunshine, although the recent heat and humidity has made them a little less enjoyable. But then I look up and see a raptor or some bird soaring above enjoying the thermals and just taking in the sights. I pause, and realize I need to do the same, minus the soaring, but take in the sights and enjoy.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Riding the thermals at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursdat, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Enjoying a Day Out in Siouxland, Snyder’s Bend Park, Woodbury County

Enjoying a walk with a friend at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursday, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) 

It’s always nice to get out and enjoy fresh air and a little exercise in Siouxland, and summertime is perfect for that. The outdoors can offer difference experiences to those who pursue them. No matter the age.

Making a catch at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursday, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) 

And enjoying oneself should not only be relegated to humans. Four legged friends also should enjoy themselves and then sharing that experience after the fact.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Enjoying a dip in the water at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursday, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Sharing with friends after a little dip at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursday, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Sharing with friends after a little dip at Snyder’s Bend Park near Salix, Iowa Thursday, August 6, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©) 

Sun Shine in Siouxland, Sioux Falls, SD

Sunlight creates a pattern on the sidewalk at Sioux Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD Wednesday, March 4, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I enjoy the use of light and shade when making photographs as I drive about Siouxland. Although lately, the spring showers have arrived and sunshine has been in short order. Many times the shapes and forms are there, sometimes literally under foot, and one only has to look down with intention to realize what is there.

Sunlight creates a pattern on the sidewalk at Sioux Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD Wednesday, March 4, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Simple is good, but awareness is helpful. Hoping more sunshine shows up sooner than later to brighten days and spirits.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Sunlight creates a pattern on the sidewalk at Sioux Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD Wednesday, March 4, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Enjoying some sunshine and warmth in Siouxland, Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE

A cheetah takes a nap in the sunshine in its outdoor enclosure during an unseasonably warm day where temperatures almost reached 60 degrees at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Feb. 22, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

It seems everyone is waiting for an early spring, and enjoying those days that bring a little extra warmth in February and sunshine to the area. All creatures like to enjoy a peaceful moment and take in the surroundings.

A cheetah suns itself on a rock in its outdoor enclosure during an unseasonably warm day where temperatures almost reached 60 degrees at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Feb. 22, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A cheetah rolls in the grass during an unseasonably warm day where temperatures almost reached 60 degrees at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Feb. 22, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

While recently visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE not many animals were outside their indoor enclosures. But the few who did venture out wasted no time in enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures. According the rodent, Phil, spring should be arriving soon. Early March maybe, but in Siouxland as elsewhere, there are always those sudden spring snow storms that might delight school children but only illicit groans from adults. Patience is a virtue, but sometimes that is in short supply.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Visitors watch a sealion sun itself on a rock in its enclosure during an unseasonably warm day where temperatures almost reached 60 degrees at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Feb. 22, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A white rhino stands outside its enclosure during an unseasonably warm day at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE Friday, Feb. 22, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

Nature’s Beauty after a Snow Storm in Siouxland, Sioux City

Sometimes the silver lining in a storm shows itself afterwards although that might be putting a nice spin on such an event. After a recent blizzard event in Siouxland and the more than 11 inches that fell in Sioux City, a couple days later nature gave the residents a show, although brief. The day started somewhat overcast and cloudy and soon sun began to appear. Many tree tops were still covered with frozen rain (ice) prior to the snow and with the sunshine it created a magical but brief visual.

Sunshine created a magical winter wonderland after a blizzard in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

 

Sunshine sunshine created a magical winter wonderland after a blizzard in Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

I had debated going out that day to look for photos and decided I would stick around the house and pursue other necessary chores and then peeked outside and saw the transformation that lasted maybe an hour or two. But even though I wasn’t in the country looking over a field that might have been a bit more grandiose in scale and image, I was happy to see the sunshine returning and giving the day a short, bright appearance that put a smile on my face.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Seeing Siouxland through the Window, Sioux City

Every year when winter descends on Siouxland like it does every other temperate zoned place, my two little friends, Poof and Small Fry become a little sullen and “patiently” wait for the return of Spring. On those days when the temps are in the high 30’s, or like recently, 40’s, and the sun is shining, they will venture for a while outside. But most days find them contemplating their anticipated Spring antics from their nap posts, enjoying what sunshine there is and waiting for warmer days.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

On a chilly day with the sun finally showing itself, Small Fry finds a sunny place to take a nap and relax, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

On a chilly day with the sun finally showing itself, Poof finds a sunny place to take a nap and relax, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Siouxland in a Deep Freeze, Stone State

The last few weeks in Siouxland, give or take a few days here and there, have been very cold. The kind of cold that drives a person to stay indoors, look at life through one’s windows and only venture out when your tongue doesn’t painfully stick to any pieces of metal one is crazy enough to encounter on a dare. During a warmer period of this deep freeze period, I did venture outside to a local state park, Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. It has a number of trails for hiking, and during the winter months, the park’s roads are closed. So to enjoy it, you need to walk. The nice thing about winter months with little snow is that walking becomes a little easier and it’s possible to hike over hillsides normally covered in brush and bramble making it impossible to get through. Allowing one to photograph items like lichen on a fallen log. It was a nice walk with temps in the 40’s, enough to work up a little sweat through my layers. The down side to the winter months is that photographically it can be a bit boring. Getting up early to catch the morning light is very chilling, and some mornings you just don’t want to wake up with a start as a 30 mph wind gust hits your face.

It is a wacky winter with temps jumping back and forth. With temps currently again in the 40’s and 30’s, it feels like a heat wave. Temps in the 20’s would as well after temperatures below -5 plus windchill making it feel like -40. But like all cyclical things, warmer weather is on the way. And the possibility of getting back outside to explore it is exciting.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa