While out and about in Siouxland looking for critters and migrating birds, I never really know who or what may be a local resident and just out and about, or just passing through on its way to another destination.
I don’t know if I will ever become a serious birder, but I find that I now recognize a few more birds that I previously did. And I only a few thousands (hundreds of thousands?) to go. But photographing them, or at least trying, has been a nice past time and a skill set I still need to work on. A newspaper photo editor once told me I only need one photo to tell a story. I didn’t respond about how many photos I might take to tell that story. Of course, he never asked.
Recently on an outing in Siouxland at Brown’s Lake and Snyders Bend in rural Woodbury County, a number of American White Pelicans numbering between 100-200 were seen between the two places and bodies of water. Moving in tandem they swarmed and fed together circling areas of water then turning bottoms up while others soared overhead and skimmed the water’s surface, just enjoying a day out as they migrated back to wherever home is.
The pelicans put on quite a show and their graceful agility is pretty amazing to watch. Recently a few numbers can be seen flying about various parts of Siouxland soaring high on the air currents and circling climbing ever higher until they swoop toward the earth only to repeat themselves.
Watching nature is always fascinating I believe, and away from all the white noise and other distractions that so easily encroach on one’s days and time. It’s just good to get away and birds times appear ready to perform their floor shows while on the road.
I also find it challenging to photograph them depending on the day and environment. The stark whiteness on an especially bright sunny day works well on the water in early morning light but more difficult as the day moves forward. The light skimming the area accentuates the blue water which contrasts nicely with the white bodies. Skyward, not so much. The images taken at Snyders Bend was the same morning as at Brown’s Lake, but the direction of the sun and the movements of the birds were different thus creating totally different types of images as the sun lit the two areas in a much different fashion. But still, capturing the pelicans’ movements and antics was still fun and nice being out in nature.
Back in March winter was still clinging onto the Siouxland area as it was in much of other parts of the continental U.S. Actually, winter is still clinging with recent sleeting and snow flurries occurring in April. Driving out to a spot to check on some waterfowl I came across some snow geese that also seemed surprised by the weather. They had moved from wherever they had been and again hunkered down as snow and sleet began blowing about.
Watching the waterfowl as I photographed them, some of the birds seemed surprised with the sleet and flurries as much as the humans were as well. Hoping to “return home” in a decent amount of time the birds would have to do a layover until weather improved. Just hopefully they wouldn’t be any cranky passengers flying with them that would attack the “pilots” (lead birds) or later decide to open passenger doors mid-flight.
This year’s winter and spring is unusual. I am hoping it stays unusual and doesn’t become a trend.
Waterfowl have been migrating through the Siouxland region for a few weeks now, somewhat slowly. In recent days however the pace seems to have picked up. And depending on the weather the various types of waterfowl and others have stayed put or moved on. Recently I spotted American robins close to home which is always a good sign that while not Constant Spring temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s, maybe those will be showing up as well. Recent temps have generally started out in the teens and 20’s with highs maybe hitting the 40’s, sometimes 50’s, but then snow showers or a cold north wind returns and the temps plummet once more.
Recently I made a couple of trips to the a local park, refuge area for waterfowl, Snyder’s Bend Park. The one day I arrived and stepped out of the vehicle thousands of Canada geese lifted off the water (before I had a camera ready) and it looked like starling murmurations as they swarmed about the sky before taking off. And of course, these and other geese didn’t give me the courtesy of repeating that act.
I also saw some American bald eagles about and sadly, the remnants of what looked like a snow goose laying on the ice and apparently someone’s meal.
The one day I was trying to photograph the large gathering of Canada geese and other waterfowl I overlooked an eagle enjoying a meal just behind them as they played about the water, coming and going and not paying any mind to this particular predator. I didn’t notice the eagle myself until reviewing images later.
And after spending some time just watching and photographing, I was leaving and happened upon a group of geese at the basketball court near in-season camping sites at the park. And it struck me that maybe this group was going to shoot some hoops or do a little three on three, until I saw no one brought a ball to play with.
It seems I recently have noticed more migration of waterfowl while driving about Siouxland, even though I don’t really have any statistics per se that back up that assumption. When driving I do see more flocks of geese flying overhead, and a congregating of eagles and a few other birds when I visit outdoor places, either parks or near open bodies of water, large or small.
I do get tips from a “birder” friend of where some species have been spotted and try to make my way over to such places to see if I get lucky and photograph whatever species happens to be hanging out. Most of the species are fairly stationary when I arrive to these places, and that’s okay. the sunshine seems spotty these days with mostly overcast and cloudy days so I don’t begrudge the fowl relaxing and enjoying a respite while the sun is out.
On a recent trip down to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge there was a mix of waterfowl, with various species of ducks, trumpeter swans and Canada geese. Most of these were sticking to the open water areas near the refuge’s visitor’s center which allows people to watch through large windows from inside. Although it does make it a challenge to photograph them. But not all of the Missouri was open water. There were parts up river from the visitor’s center that was frozen over, much to chagrin of some folk I believe.
Seeing the tip of someone’s boat peeking out from the river, stuck in ice, was probably not a pleasant sight for the folk looking for their small craft. But at least they knew where to find it, until the river thaws. I had not seen this particular area that iced over previously on excursions during winter time trips. But although it’s winter, it seems the frigid temps and the extremes of which they have occurred this year are different than in precious years. Just hoping it’s an anomaly and not a trend.
When I walk about nature places in Siouxland I always keep an eye out for birds. I find it challenging to be able to photograph these little guys/gals. Quick and small and generally pausing only momentarily, I’ve learned it takes considerable skill to get a photograph. And many times I am feeling more lucky than good at taking a photo. Some are nice images of the birds, some are just decent and then some I am really happy with that I was able to make an image. And it doesn’t matter the species, although it is nice when it’s a bird I don’t photograph often. But if the little one gives me attitude and makes for a delightful photo, I am happy.
Last year’s winter was warmer than what seemed normal with little to no snow. This year the weather is considerably colder with more snow and now ice storms mixed with snow. Some winter days I like sitting in one spot to photograph small song birds, but so far this winter the weather with its minus 30-40 degree temperatures has made me wary of frostbite just being outside too long.
But spring will eventually come and hopefully warmer temperatures, even in the high 20’s or 30’s with little wind would be pleasant enough to sit outside for a bit to capture these little guys in a different season and scenario. Plus the practice wouldn’t hurt.
Life in Siouxland has been heating up as it were. Like most of the country it seems the heat has settled for a few days with only intermittent rain showers to cool things down. On those days I wistfully think back to brisk walks I have taken outdoors, mostly at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve looking for critters and enjoying the time when I get back home and I put some coffee on to sit down with and enjoy the warmth.
Some days in Siouxland I find myself checking out a location just to see what I might find. These days I don’t expect to make spectacular photographs or even interesting ones. It’s just nice to be outside, without freezing one’s a____ off and enjoying a drive.
I do like swinging by Badger Lake in rural Monona County. The water levels had been very low, then have increased with some recent rain showers and so while no overly populated as during a heavy migration period, there are still some water fowl taking advantage of the almost “exclusive” availability of the watering hole. No crowding, “elbowing” for space. Just a nice relaxing spring day to enjoy.
With the migrating waterfowl like the American White Pelicans passing through Siouxland, I sometimes get confused about what birds find a home in this area and those that are passing on to another destination. Like the majority of Canada geese that use Siouxland as flyover country, but others call it home.
As I occasionally check various locations around the area to see who’s hanging out, sometimes I am delighted, other times disappointed when I find nothing. But then there is another day, and these critters like we humans are dealing with roller coaster weather than runs cold, then hot, dry, then wet, which probably interrupts their travels as much as it does our daily lives. And some of us are not traveling as far.
Wishing these critters a safe journey and fair winds as they journey to their summer destination.
While many folk have access and the ability to visit a number county and regional parks in Siouxland, I for one feel lucky that I can enjoy the various trails and sights and scenes I come across. But that might not be true of all residents. When I visited Brown’s Lake earlier this year I noticed that the Woodbury County Conservation group installed a small deck that is “handicapped” accessible, now making it easier for some people to stand or sit over the water. To watch the waterfowl, maybe fish, or later, enjoy a summer’s evening, notwithstanding the mosquitoes who might also be visiting.
I have enjoyed a few outings to the lake and the chance to see various migrating waterfowl passing through the area. Although I braved the colder temps and winds gust of 30mph and higher in doing so. Call me crazy, but it was still worth it to watch nature and enjoy the show at hand.
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 