Churchill Field Notes – Photos of the Week

With so much happening in Churchill we are posting more amazing photos that Natural Habitat Adventures guides have submitted from some pretty spectacular trips! Aggressive polar bear sparring seems to be the theme thus far as the 2015 polar bear season settles in. Aurora borealis has also been more visible in the northern sky in vivid reds and greens. A  recent Tundra Lodge group viewed shimmering ribbons across the ink black sky deep in the CWMA. Last week my son and I experienced the northern lights with a few Natural Habitat groups by the inukshuk behind the town complex. My son’s eyes lit up with wonder as he viewed them over the placid and glimmering Hudson Bay. Priceless memories for sure.

northern lights in Churchill

Natural Habitat travelers on the tundra lodge under amazing northern lights. Drew Hamilton photo.

The tundra lodge has enjoyed abundant bear population from the start of the season. Sparring in and out of the willows surrounding the lodge has kept travelers in awe throughout the day. This will be hard to sustain though some new exciting phenomena out in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) will surely arise. Every year a new and interesting behavior emerges from the polar bear population in Churchill. A cycle of other species seems to revolve from year to year as well. This season numerous snowy owls have been sighted all over the area. Last season red foxes were all over the tundra and the previous year the Arctic fox population was prolific.Every year is a new adventure!

polar bears in churchill mock fighting

Polar bears engaging in mock fighting on the tundra in Churchill. Drew Hamilton photo.

snowy owl in Churchill

Snowy owls have been prolific this polar bear season. Colby Brokvist photo.

polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba

Polar bears engaged in some pre sparring jawing. Drew Hamilton photo.

Awesome Summer Northern Lights in Churchill

This past year has been stellar for northern lights in Churchill. Although peak season for aurora borealis viewing in the region is typically February and March, the end of summer in Churchill can be a perfect time to see the lights. These photographs from just a couple of nights ago by local photographer and guide Alex De Vries – Magnifico are the best of the season so far. The images may be the grande finale until polar bear season in October or even northern lights season in February. Whenever lights appear in the northern sky it’s truly a unique experience!

northern lights in Churchill, Manitoba.

Spectacular northern lights over the Hudson Bay by Inukshuk in town. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

Swirling aurora borealis over a thermakarst in Churchill. Alex De Vries - Magnifico photo.

Swirling aurora borealis over a thermakarst in Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

Subtle yet vibrant northern lights in a pale blue sky. Alex De Vries - Magnifico photo.

Subtle yet vibrant northern lights in a pale blue sky. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

Northern lights above a thermakarst in Churchill. Alex De Vries - Magnifico photo.

Northern lights above a thermakarst in Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

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