by Steve Selden | Nov 23, 2015 | Churchill Photography
Some awesome images by local photographer Alex De Vries – Magnifico in Churchill. The season has come to an end and ice covers the Hudson Bay as far as the eye can see. Polar bears have begun their winter seal hunting and will return to Churchill in the late spring.Enjoy these parting shots from polar bear season 2016!
Polar bear gazing out at the Hudson Bay. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Preparing for a polar bear lift. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Lifting off with polar bear in tow. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Heading north with polar bear in the cargo net. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures group looking on at the polar bear lift. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures group photo under the northern lights. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
The “end’ of polar bear season. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 22, 2015 | Churchill Photography
Polar bear season 2016 was resounding success in Churchill. The ice has formed across the Hudson Bay and polar bears have migrated to the ice surface to hunt seals and build up their fat reserves that will carry them through the year. A few bears are still lingering around Mile Five and Ladoons dogs.Once the photographers and travelers have all dispersed, the surplus meat supply will dry up as well. Soon they will make the journey to the ice as well in search of fresh seal meat.
Here are some more amazing photos from the end of this season. Enjoy!
Northern lights over Churchill. Brad Josephs photo
Polar bear eying the fans. Brad Josephs photo.
Polar bear on the frozen tundra. Brad Josephs photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures group in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Polar bear family in Churchill. Katie De Meulles photo.
Churchill sled dog. Brad Josephs photo.
Dog sledding in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 20, 2015 | Tour News
This polar bear season was filled with unusual trends. Northern lights were more often visible in the evenings than not and the first seasonal use of Natural Habitat’s Aurora pod was an astounding success. Locating the pod was a little more difficult than northern lights season in January – March since polar bears are roaming during this time and safety is paramount for travelers to Churchill. The Aurora pod was finally located just on the outskirts of town near the ‘Welcome to Churchill’ sign just visible from the road. The winter location will be the same as last year out along the Hudson Bay coast above the rock quarry.
Photographing the northern lights at the Aurora Pod. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Another almost daily occurrence, out on the tundra near the Tundra lodge, and surrounding vicinity was polar bear sparring. Incredible images of this behavior flooded in throughout the season and we tried to post as many as possible. Because of the late freeze – up in the bay and southerly winds bears have been lingering along the coast and engaging in mock fights more often. Perhaps their anxiety as they await their frozen seal – hunting grounds is released with the behavior.
Polar bears engaged in sparring. Brad Josephs photo.
While polar bears await the return of the pack ice, hopefully aided by the latest gusts from the north, mother’s and cubs have been arriving in large numbers along the coast. they have been resting in the willows and have seemingly been guided by internal clocks and moved now to the coast. Unfortunately for them though fortunately for travelers, the ice is still not sufficient to hunt on. That could change quickly and many still believe a November freeze up will happen. until then enjoy the sights along the Hudson bay coast!
Mother and cub poar bear in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Brad Josephs photo.
Another frequency this season has been the sighting of smaller wildlife like red foxes and Arctic hares all around Churchill. And how can we forget the incredible image of the wolverine in a tree by Nat Hab guide Colby Brokvist. Amazing shot from a helicopter.
Brad Josephs getting up close with a red fox. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
wolverine in a spruce tree in Churchill. Colby Brokvist photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 19, 2015 | Churchill Photography
As the 2016 polar bear season winds down in Churchill, the stellar photos keep pouring in from Natural Habitat Adventures guides. These fine images from Brad Josephs are indicative of an incredible polar bear season on the tundra. Looking forward to posting more fantastic shots in the next week. Enjoy!
Sparring polar bears in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Polar bears engaged in sparring. Brad Josephs photo.
Polar bear near the polar rover at sunset. Brad Josephs photo.
Arctic hare in the rocks and snow. Brad Josephs photo.
Northern lights in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures traveler under the northern lights. Brad Josephs photo.
Churchill train depot. Brad Josephs photo.
Northern sled dog in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 18, 2015 | Churchill News
This is not the typical Facebook chat most people in the North America engage in. However, I thought it was so descriptive of what it’s like to live in Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world. We tend to take for granted what is most beautiful yet somewhat scary and dangerous in Churchill. Pretty cool to think about!
RR- Bear in my back yard, they’ve got it headed toward the complex.
PSK- Down by the beach now.
TK- In my backyard right now–the neighbors’ trash cans. Gusty winds.
LC- Too close for me, I know you are careful.
RR- Watch the show from my kitchen window.
Polar bear nose. Drew Hamilton photo.
Polar bear in Churchill. drew Hamilton photo.
