The other day while doing some yard work I soundly noticed that it was quiet. It was an overcast and humid kind of day. So I scanned some trees and saw an irregular shape appearing near the top of a neighbor’s tree. Mmmmmmmmm. Sometimes it’s good to be curious in Siouxland. I retrieved my camera gear, grabbed a camp stool and planted myself along a fence line. It was hot and muggy, but a slight breeze made it bearable, as well as moving a few branches that helped me confirm that indeed a Cooper’s Hawk was quietly perched atop the tree scanning the horizon.
While sitting there, I noticed a few House Sparrows venture over toward the feeders I have and have a quick bite. I don’t know why they felt safer venturing out of the safe spots while I was there. A year or so ago I nearly had a Cooper’s Hawk slam into me within foot as it sailed past after trying to grab a song bird off a feeder. That was close.
But you can’t blame a hungry soul. It stayed there quite a while, as did I, until other chores called for my attention. And eventually more birds showed up so I guess it moved along hoping for better luck elsewhere.
The last two to three years I have watched some House Sparrows rearing some young in the backyard. Ah yes, those lowly invasive House Sparrows. But like any parent they work hard at providing for their brood. One particular day the male and female were constantly on the move. And the youngsters reminding them that they needed to move faster.
The parents were a bit apprehensive seeing that guy who fills the feeders just sitting nearby. Some days when I restock them the birds (all birds) will land on various perches about the yard waiting for me to do my rounds. Even flying into nearby bushes to watch, and after I’ve completed the chore and turned my back, swoosh, in they come.
This year there were three young birds in the bird house with one poor guy just there, not squawking as loud as the others and I hope he made it. He would look on as the other two got fed, and eventually one of the parents made certain it got a little nourishment. A 24/7 operation that I am certain leaves the adults/parents a little exhausted and hoping night time comes sooner than later for a little peace and quiet and rest.
The bird houses sit up under the eaves of an out building. Away from prying eyes, except the photographer, protected from rain storms and strong wind that might accompany said storms. And next year I will probably witness some of this parental oversight and enjoy it as a seasonal, right of passage for these industrious birds.
There is nothing better to crow about than a 4-H’er or FFA member winning best of show at the county fair and then having bragging rights for the rest of the year, or longer. I recently visited the Plymouth County Fair and always enjoy watching the young folk with their animal stock during the judging competitions, which reminds me of some younger years doing the same. Plus seeing what kind of photography is being displayed and produced by the younger talent of the day.
Rearing and grooming and keeping records of the animals that these young people prepare for the fair and competition prepares them in quiet ways for later in life. The responsibility of rearing and preparing their animal or other project for the fair along with record keeping of the process also includes being able to easily articulate aspects of their 4-H or FFA project. In later life most everyone has had a work project that needed clear, concise and direction for which the simple fair expectations will create a solid foundation.
It’s also fun to watch the “kids” show their animals who sometimes have minds of their own at the wrong time but that too is part of life. Serious stuff for young folk and something that will pass in time and later might be a story with a chuckle or two. I can relate to that.
Then there is the wait and getting ready for the competition. Stressful at the time, but looking back on it now a blip on the time life continuum. Seeing all this just makes me smile and I hope for the best for these youngsters’ attempts and particpation. Something most of these kids look forward too. Time consuming, but not as much as nowadays with kids enrolled in sporting event activities that take up much more time and travel.
In the end its all worth it. To me that was a lifetime ago, like many things I encountered or did when I was younger. Then the kids would have talk with one another and do other things to stay busy rather than being glued to the small screen that is carried in one’s pocket. Or maybe running around visiting with friends and checking out the sights of the fair itself. These judging competitions generally take place in the morning when the fair itself is just waking up and doesn’t really come to life until after Noon when the carnival becomes alive and the night time entertainment might possibly start sound checks if there happens to be a band playing later. But there could also be a tractor pull, or mutton busting competition rides for younger kids.
Fun times and hopefully fond memories for those these day.
Sometimes getting ready for the day can be a little time consuming. I kind of watched this occuring in Siouxland recently at Bacon Creek Park. I was surprised to find a Redstart who decided it need to freshen up a bit and groomed itself on a branch above one of the walking paths. And I was surprised that it was content to stay in one place until it had finished the chore. Then again, maybe it was meeting a lady friend for lunch and wanted to be presentable at its best.
I guess I know that I should do more research about the birds I photograph in Siouxland. This spring I was surprised to find a variety of birds going after suet from a couple of feeders rather than eating the “usual” seed supply left out for them. I have seen Robins previously eating suet, but the Nathatch and House Sparrows kind of surprised me. But am glad they “approved” of some of the meals put out for their enjoyment and nourishment. Just hope they don’t get too picky.
It seems there are those days when I am out and about in Siouxland looking for birds that it’s feast or famine. Maybe a taste. While in rural Thurston County, Nebraska I saw a Redheaded Woodpecker perched on part of a stump from a distance. I was hoping I might get a little closer to it for a better image. It stayed there a bit but then something caught its eye.
It flew off and landed in the grass nearby searching and search then soared away to another perch, only to repeat the process. I was able to fire off a few frames, then left it in peace searching for what I guess was an afternoon snack. Hoping it was successful.
Many times when I visit various places in Siouxland like Bacon Creek Park, Merlin the app tells me what birds are about. But much to my dismay it doesn’t tell me where it actually is, which creates the conundrum of finding one and then photographing it. Many times I have walked this particular walking trail at the park and many times Merlin tells me there are Vireos about, more likely Red-eyed Vireos.
A friend recently texted me to say the birds were a hoppin’ at the park and I left later than he did. But sometimes being late can be a blessing. Walking down this trail I heard the Northern House Wren which I now recognize and another more melodious sound, to my ears, also calling out. I thought it my be a Vireo as I have checked Merlin numerous times and this was again the case.
So I stood and waited, listened and watched. And finally I saw some small movement flitting about the branches of a tree along the trail and not back in the woods. And there was something there, chasing something. Once you can look at images on a large monitor and not the little screen of a camera, details become more apparent. Checking in the field I knew I had finally found and photographed the elusive Vireo. And only upon checking the larger screen at home did I realize the Vireo had also gotten lucky. I was happy for it, and am sure it was happy for me having found and photographed it. And after snacking it continued singing and looking for another snack. And I continued on my merry way to see what birds my friend had photographed and I had missed.
Each summer for the last 160 years, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska has held a Homecoming Celebration (powwow) honoring its last war chief, Chief Little Priest, who along with 75 scouts, fought alongside the U.S. Army during the latter part of the 1800’s to secure rights to land and peace with the U.S. government after being forced many times over from earlier places the tribe had settled.
The powwow is used to celebrate what Chief Little Priest did for his tribe but also all veterans who have served in one of the armed services branches of the United States. Native Americans from many tribes travel throughout the year to attend the various powwows as do drumming groups from various tribes. Songs are created to celebrate various people, seasons and activities such as a thanks giving or blessing song for bounty received throughout the year.
Each day begins with a flag raising ceremony and later a flag retreat. After a community meal at noon, there is a Grand Entry where veterans will lead a procession of dancers wearing their various regalia, both men and women, as drumming groups play and sing during this. Afterwards there are then a number of inter tribal dancing and sometimes dancing for specific types of regalia wearers like what is referred to as “Fancy Dress” or Woodland” or other categories of dancing styles. Each dancer goes through various moves indicative of their individual tribal connection and generally telling a story about hunting, fighting off enemies or searching. The colorful display is interesting and overwhelming at times.
The history of circle dancing dates back centuries and not just for Native Americans. But tribes use this dancing as a way of healing and leaving the worries of the outside world outside of the circle once they enter the arena and a chance to cleanse oneself and embrace the opportunity of being better. a website refers to the “Native American Round Dance is more than just a form of expression; it is a powerful tradition steeped in history, spirituality, and community. Often associated with healing, unity, and joy, the Round Dance offers participants a unique opportunity to connect with each other and their cultural heritage.” And this tradition is passed down to the younger members of the tribe as they learn customs and traditions celebrating their heritage.
To me in a way it is no different than someone seated cross legged and meditating, maybe even referencing that word “om (aum)”, which the rock group The Moody Blues made famous in a song. Or maybe walking into nature to “commune” with the world. A Catholic will visit a church or cathedral and sit with their rosary beads to talk with God and the Virgin Mary, each individual looking for a connection with a spiritual being to sustain them and help them through life. Something maybe we all should strive for.
Many times when driving about in Siouxland, especially the rural areas and back roads, I rely on luck in catching a quick glimpse of something that I might like to photograph, especially small birds. And driving back roads I can generally drive very slowly which gives me an opportunity in finding them, especially the smaller songbirds hiding alongside a roadway in brush or trees. on this particular day I saw a flash of yellow and tried to follow where it stopped. I thought maybe I got lucky and came across a couple of Goldfinches out frolicking. But it was even better than that in my humble expectation.
I came across a couple of Yellow Warbers just enjoying their morning chasing one another until a a stranger gave them pause and they perched. Peering about from under cover and giving me a chance to take a few images. Anymore I feel I don’t need to sit and exhaust every opportunity I come across. If checking some results tells me I have a couple decent images, then I am satisfied and move along, letting the these two and other birds enjoy their day as I am trying to do as well.
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska celebrated its 160th annual Homecoming Celebration (powwow) honoring its last war chief, Chief Little Priest. Located in Siouxland, I believe this particular Native American Powwow is the oldest continually celebrated ceremony in the United States. The tribe honors Chief Little Priest, who along with his warriors worked with the U.S. Army in the latter 1800’s so the tribe could secure a place to call home and be at peace with the United States. The celebration pretty much follows the same routine each year. The tribe’s veterans along with other visiting tribal veterans and non native veterans each morning and afternoon of the 4-day event do a morning flag raising and flag retreat.
The flags that are flown are those flags donated by community residents’ families and represent a family member who served in one of the Unites States’ armed services including the Coast Guard. The visiting military members raise the flags which are flown during the day and begin the day with a remembrance of those who have served or are currently serving. And when possible, active duty members return to Winnebago to participate in the powwow.
Then prior to sunset and evening activities, the flags are taken down until the next day when once again day begins with honoring those who serve, served and defended the Winnebago Tribe. Honor is an important element and remembering those who sacrificed and came before is important.
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 