by Steve Selden | Nov 4, 2015 | Churchill News
Churchill’s polar bear season is running along smoothly and bear counts are increasing daily. The hudson Bay has a buffer of land – fast ice that will continue to expand with cooler temperatures. Northern lights have been sharing the spotlight with polar bears so far this season with incredible shows over the last few nights. Check out these tantalizing northern lights photos by Drew Hamilton!
Northern lights above the inukshuk in town. Drew Hamilton photo.
Last night had a high rating of probability, six, which is very infrequent according to Natural Habitat Adventures guide Eric Rock. Natural Habitat adventures Guides in Churchill expressed that last nights lights were some of the best they have ever seen in the north. Northern lights could be seen as far south as the northern united states with fascinating displays reported from many.
Tantalizing northern lights in the Churchill sky. Drew Hamilton photo.
Churchill’s main northern lights season occurs in February and March with increased probability of seeing the spectacle. Since the Hudson Bay and Churchill River are frozen solid at that time of year, night skies tend to have more cloudless nights without water being drawn up from the Hudson Bay by prevailing north winds. These amazing displays are a bonus for travelers seeking out the polar bears and other Arctic wildlife of the Churchill region.
Natural Habitat Adventures travelers by the inukshuk under aurora. Drew Hamilton photo.
Northern lights from the boreal forest. Drew Hamilton photo.
Boreal forest view of the northern lights. Drew Hamilton photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 3, 2015 | Churchill Photography
These recent photos from Natural Habitat Adventures guide Colby Brokvist are some fantastic polar bear shots out in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Polar bear activity has been increasing out in the CWMA with the recent seal – kill out at Gordon Point. Sparring at the Tundra Lodge and around the area has continued to peak as well. Northern lights have been exceptional this season and hopes that the trend will continue through the second half. In fact this evening presents incredible viewing potential even down through some of the United States due to solar storms produced through intensified reactions in the Earth’s atmosphere. Lets hope that the sky is clear in Churchill and wherever the lights might be visible!
Polar bear close – up on the tundra. Colby Brokvist photo.
Sparring polar bears in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Colby Brokvist photo.
Majestic polar bear on a chilly, frosty morning in Churchill. Colby Brokvist photo.
Polar bears in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Colby Brokvist photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 2, 2015 | Tour News
A seal kill out near Gordon Point attracted nearly 30 polar bears looking for a preseason meal. The congregation of polar bears in this one area has made the viewing incredible for travelers on polar rovers.With snow covering the tundra now the rest of the season will have that wintry look and polar bears will be moving about the land more frequently with decreasing temperatures. While the bay always threatens to freeze up early due to cold, we always seem to make it through to the third week of November. Northern lights have also been an added bonus this year with more action than normal in October. Hopefully the trend will continue. Tomorrow will bring another experience from the north in Churchill!
Polar bear wandering the tundra near Gordon point. Drew Hamilton photo.
Alert polar bear keeping an eye on the other bears in the area. Drew Hamilton photo.
One of the polar bears post seal kill. Drew Hamilton photo.
Polar bear after seal kill with raven. Drew Hamilton photo.
Polar bear licking at the remnants of a seal kill. Drew Hamilton photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 1, 2015 | Churchill Photography
Halloween in Churchill is like no other place in the world when Halloween night comes. Every street is patrolled by the town and Manitoba Conservation to insure all kids and families are safe from polar bears.Children are not allowed to dress in white either….no ghosts on this Halloween night. Enjoy these photos from Churchillian Jody Grosbrink and Happy Halloween.
Polar bears on the tundra in Churchill. Jodi Grosbrink photo
by Steve Selden | Oct 30, 2015 | Tour News
Natural Habitat Adventures guide Drew Hamilton has documented some pretty cool polar bear interaction out at the Tundra Lodge in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. The photos below show a small curious polar bear checking out the end of the Tundra lodge and then a larger male bear moving in and pushing the smaller polar bear off to the willows. The small bear then finally settled into a nice spot to chill and sleep. A very interesting interaction not witnessed very often. ” It was fascinating watching the larger bear assert his higher rank as he pushed on the younger bear to make sure the interloper knew who is the boss.” ,observed Drew. Just another awesome northern experience for travelers out on the tundra.
Juvenile polar bear inspects the Tundra lodge. Drew Hamilton photo.
Juvenile nervous about large male moving in. Drew Hamilton photo.
Large male polar bear arrives on scene. Drew Hamilton photo.
Large male bear chasing off small bear into the willows. Drew Hamilton photo.
Small polar bear glancing back towards Tundra lodge at large male. Drew Hamilton photo.
Small polar bear looking cautiously from the willows at the large male polar bear. Drew Hamilton photo.
Juvenile polar bear finally over the stress…no worries. Drew Hamilton photo.
