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.

Muskoxen are the New Polar Bears in Grise Fiord

Churchill has polar bear alert to protect residents and tourists from harm. Grise Fiord, Nunavut’s northernmost community with a population of 148, may soon have muskoxen alert for the same reason! Two muskoxen have been seen along the coast and another has been a hindrance near the airport runway.

Nunavut communities map

Grise Fiord’s population of 148 is the smallest community in Nunavut. located on the southeast coast of Ellesmere island it is also the most remote. Government of Nunavut image.

 

Grise Fiord mayor Meeka Kigutak says the muskoxen are likely on a natural migration path though are very territorial. There’s a chance they will move away from the town on their own but are fair game for residents if they come closer and linger. “The wildlife office has advised us that anyone in our community can catch the two muskox.”, Kigutak says.

Muskoxen in Grise Fiord.

Muskoxen on the coast at Grise Fiord. Joanne Dignard photo.

Kigutak says the community of Grise Fiord is already a little on edge following the apparent tracking of a local woman by a polar bear last winter. Over a decade ago a child teasing a muskoxen was injured when the animal charged him. Muskoxen have sharp tusks and become aggressive when cornered or threatened. No incidents have been reported since.

Muskox near Grise Fiord

Muskoxen blending with the rocky coast in Grise Fiord. Joanne Dignard photo.

Churchill Photos of the Week

 

Wildlife researcher and photographer Brent Stephenson recorded these images in Baffin Island in the far north of Canada. An incredible day around Baffin where a pod of over 100 narwhals followed his vessel around. Even some male narwhals with tusks breaking the water’s surface appeared. Around ten polar bears throughout the day provided constant thrills and photo opportunities. Later a gyrfalcon made a kill in front of the bow viewed through binoculars. What a day in the high Arctic!

 

Churchill Sunday Photo – Polar Bears

Another favorite polar bear photo from Churchill. Polar bears spar during the time leading up to their time out on the Hudson Bay sea ice as a means of staying fit and even as a mating display. These two have been at some aggressive grappling as the blood on one of the bears indicates. More sparring this season on the way!

Polar bears sparring in the Churchill Wildlife management Area.

Polar bears sparring on the tundra. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.

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