Experiencing Churchill in the winter months potentially can shock one’s physical system. Weathering the weather is really a ‘mind over matter’ concept. However, the beauty of the landscape and the shimmering northern lights soothe the pain of occasional frigid temperatures. Amazing beauty in the Churchill region has a way of heightening one’s pleasure under any circumstances.
The addition of Natural Habitat’s Aurora Pod on the Hudson Bay coast now provides another option for experiencing the many facets of natural beauty in Churchill. The frozen bay, precambrian sheild, boreal forest under the aurora borealis in one location enables travelers to experience the Arctic feel in a panoramic setting.
Natural Habitat photographer under the northern lights in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Natural Habitat staff member Alex under the amazing aurora borealis in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Incredible northern lights above the boreal forest in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Northern lights with the warm aurora pod in the foreground in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Northern lights above the Wapusk Adventures dog yard and teepee in Churchill, Manitoba. Brad Josephs photo.
Aurora borealis above road to Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Baby elephant. Andy Rouse/WWF/ naturepl. com photo.
Now, you’re asking yourself ‘why is there a photograph of an elephant and a rhino on a website dedicated to polar bears and life in the northern Arctic region’, right? Well, this campaign by World Wildlife Fund is important enough to dedicate today’s post to the cause of fighting poaching! Please go to the link below and sign the pledge…even polar bears will be grateful for your support of their kindred animals down south.
Today has been designated International Polar Bear Day by Polar Bears International, one of the world’s leading polar bear conservation groups. The crux of celebrating the “king of the Arctic”, the mighty polar bear, is to raise awareness of global warming and initiate change in the ways we make choices for energy usage. Global warming continues to be a “hot” issue and the reduction of Arctic sea ice is the tell -tale sign that polar bears are in danger.
We encourage you to think hard today and the coming week about the ways you use energy and options available to reduce usage of these resources! But most of all have an amazing International Polar bear Day! Enjoy these polar bear action photos to celebrate the day.
February 27 is International Polar Bear Day. Polar Bears International image.
Polar bear cooling off in Churchill, MB. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
Polar bears sparring on the tundra. Brad Josephs photo.
Sparring bears captured up close with a telephoto lens. Brad Josephs photo.
Churchill is experiencing a warm spell with temperatures this week in the single fahrenheit digits. The “warmer” air is welcome after an extended streak of frigid cold the past few weeks. The region currently has light snow with the temperatures to dip below zero for the next couple of days and then back above that mark by week’s end.
This weeks photos are in honor of the warmth. Summer will be here before you know it and here are some fun Arctic northern summer shots to keep you warm! Enjoy!
August colors of the tundra. Ed Bouvier photo.
Pisew Falls near Thompson, Manitoba. Steve Selden photo.
Looking for polar bears from Fort Prince of Wales in Churchill. Steve Selden photo.
polar bear emerging from the boreal forest. Steve Selden photo.
Shorebird wading in the tidal waters of the Hudson Bay. Steve selden photo.
Tundra swans on an inland pool. Ed Bouvier photo.
Orca’s in the Hudson Bay. Dwight Allen photo.
Come experience the Arctic summer on the Hudson bay. Visit nathab.com today!
In the Arctic or sub-Arctic there are some birds that become aggressive when threatened near their nesting grounds. The majority of these species are seasonal residents of the bountiful feeding areas around the coastal lowlands. Churchill’s bountiful feeding grounds attract over 200 bird species during the spring and Summer. The Arctic tern is the king of the Arctic air…and for that matter all the air between the migration path pole to pole.
Arctic tern hovering above the nesting grounds. Rhonda Reid photo.
Arctic terns are notorious for pursuing capelin or other small fish stirred up by pods of beluga whales in the Churchill River or Hudson Bay. Their darting, aggressive behavior evokes the urgency of their mission to gain sustenance in the short summer feeding window. After a trip from nearly pole to pole of 35,000 km these birds really don’t have a pause phase. With lifetime accumulation of close to three million kilometers of flight, the life of an arctic tern is surely one of the highest paced of all living organisms. The majority of their lives is spent in the air.
Arctic terns also vehemently protect their nesting grounds which are usually along beaches in the strewn rocks and sand and nestled in the sea grass or tundra. I have personally witnessed near-attacks as well as direct hits on myself and Natural Habitat travelers who wandered too close to the nests. One such strike was to the forehead of a guest posing for a photograph taking the hit from a arrow-like beak right in the forehead. A small stream of blood symbolized the intent of these strong-willed birds. Although at the time the wound caused jaws to drop, the end result was constant laughs throughout the trip within the group. No stitches required!
Arctic tern with capelin in beak. Warwick Sloss photo.
