by Steve Selden | Dec 14, 2017 | Videos
With Churchill’s northern light season just about a month away, here’s a video clip from Natural Habitat Adventures guide Drew Hamilton in the great white north….soon to be the great “green” north! Of course, aurora borealis occurs throughout the year in the Arctic and sub – Arctic, however, January through March is the prime window for viewing, when skies are the clearest. The Hudson Bay on the Churchill shores freezes over and no moisture rises to form cloud cover or fog. This season is promising to be one of high-intensity auroral action as we are still in a cycle of heavy solar flare activity. We will be posting regularly with all the news and views from the heart of the northern lights action in Churchill!
by Steve Selden | Dec 13, 2017 | Churchill Photography
While most if not all voracious polar bears have ventured out to the sea ice for seal hunting season, foxes both Arctic and Red are still scavenging the tundra around communities in the north. This precocious little critter waits at the bus stop unfazed by any sign of human activity. Foxes never stop searching out their next meal during the harsh, cold winter months in the Arctic.
by Steve Selden | Dec 4, 2017 | Videos
Anyone ever wonder how Arctic towns above the tree – line get their Christmas tree for holidays? Well, we just discovered the secret…is Santa flying that helicopter? Everything that happens in the Arctic is unique. Let’s hope we can protect this amazing land for future generations.
The tiny green dot descended upon the community of Kuujjuaq, Quebec in time for this year’s holiday season. Over 14 meters tall, this is the fifth year the community has had a community Christmas tree delivered from the heavens.
Mayor Tunu Napartuk has a vivid memory of that first occasion.
“I was there, and I remember exactly the moment and the feeling — the euphoria basically — of seeing from a distance a helicopter coming in, slinging a large tree,” said Napartuk.
“If you were there with me, you would’ve been seeing a grown man jumping up and down like a little boy, being all excited.”
Councillor George Berthe, of the newly formed town council, suggested in 2012 the town have the biggest tree it could find flown into the remote town.
“It wasn’t so far-fetched,” said the mayor.
“Kuujjuaq is one of the few [Nunavik] communities that has trees readily available not too far to the south,” said Napartuk.
A couple of men from the town went on a scouting trip to find the perfect tree.
“They found it right away. And a couple of days later, we asked the helicopter to go pick it up.The only way to access it was to pick it up by helicopter. We don’t have a big enough sled to pull by skidoo. “
“Of course, we don’t have access to it by road, by truck, so the only option was to get it by helicopter,” said Napartuk.
The annual Christmas tree drop is becoming a tradition. After the tree is secured in its resting spot next to the town hall, city staff decorate the tree utilizing equipment, then an angel is placed on top of the tree.
An individual who’s made a contribution to the community is selected by town council, and the honoree has the prestige of lighting the tree.— and people are “just mesmerized by it,” says Napartuk.
by Steve Selden | Nov 8, 2017 | Tour News
The
2017 exciting polar bear season is moving along with some of the most incredible wildlife in recent years being seen daily. While the fox population, all varieties, is burgeoning, there have been some rare sightings of large caribou herds and even a wolverine…although we are still in search of a photo of this one. These images from Colby Brokvist are from his recent guided trip of Natural Habitat travelers on a photo tour. Some pretty cool and first – time
happenings out in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area!
White Gyrfalcon perched on a rock in Churchill. Colby Brokvist photo.
Polar bear cub investigates the polar rover. Colby Brokvist photo.
The group also enjoyed sightings of Arctic, silver and red foxes, a snowy owl and a white phase Gyrfalcon.
A beautiful silver fox prances along the tundra in search of a meal. Colby Brokvist photo.
Aurora borealis was also visible at night for this lucky group of travelers. While the cold weather is allowing for ice forming on the Hudson Bay it is not unusual for panic to set in for thoses who want to see the polar bears.
Polar bear resting on a kelp day bed. Colby Brokvist photo.
Shaking off the winter cold. Colby Brokvist photo.
A happy group of Nat Hab travelers after a memorable trip to Churchill. Colby Brokvist photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 5, 2017 | Churchill Photography
What a stellar shot of a cross fox with a lemming in its mouth by Konan Wendt is quite a catch for the photographer and the fox. A plethora of foxes have inhabited the northern tundra this season. A noticeable increase in Arctic and Cross foxes has allowed for some interesting shots like this one that have been absent for a few years.Polar bears have been the main draw here in Churchill though the fox population has rivaled the king of the Arctic this season. Enjoy!
