A couple more photos from Nunavut photographer Michael Davies. He captures some of the most incredible northern lights images I’ve ever seen. These two phenomenal shots of Pangirtung on Baffin Island, population 1,400, look like the town is on fire. With the aurora borealis glimmering in the sky, there seems to be an incredible energy in a most barren and isolated place. It really inspires me to visit this realm of the Arctic. Might be a side trip from Churchill someday!
About a week ago I re-posted this photo from Michael Davies in Pangnirtung, Nunavut. He and his friend, Markus Siivola, journeyed about 45 minutes by snow machine to mountains outside of town to capture the image. Considerable thought went into the composition and environmental factors beforehand. Davies knew he needed at least minus 40 degrees for the tea to freeze mid – air, little or no wind and a sunset behind to highlight the tea and subject. All three factors contributed to an amazing shot that became an internet sensation spread all over social media during the holidays.
The pair filled six thermoses with hot water at different levels to experiment and see which worked best for the shot.
“In each one we threw in a tea bag because we thought, if this doesn’t work, at least we can have a tea, because, as everybody knows, in Nunavut we go to great lengths to have tea somewhere strange, whether it’s in front of an iceberg, or on top of a mountain or in the middle of the tundra.” stated Davies.
The one seen was the second shot which Davies wasn’t sure about at first. After posting on the web the popularity proved this one was the golden shot.
Hot tea freezing mid air in Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Michael Davies photo.
Getting ready for the northern lights season in Churchill. This video is another fantastic display of aurora borealis in the north. Merry Christmas eve everyone and looking forward to another year of bringing you all the news and images of Churchill and the Arctic. Enjoy!
Amidst the magnificent diversity of wildlife viewing this polar bear season, another phenomena has captured the attention of many travelers to the north country. Clearly the highlight of this polar bear season in Churchill has been the fairly consistent northern lights and their multi – colored displays in the northern sky. Polar bear sparring, particularly out around the Tundra Lodge in the Churchill Wildlife management Area, has been steady and exciting over the past couple of weeks. Clear skies have provided the opportunity for northern lights viewing for almost every Natural Habitat Adventures group this season. Incredible night shows!
Northern lights above the confines of the boreal forest in Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Over the years, Churchill has revealed some other, less visible wildlife such as moose, wolves, pine martens and perigrine falcons. This image below by Natural Habitat Adventures guide Colby Brokvist of a wolverine is one of the best I’ve ever seen out of Churchill. Colby reported that, “the animal climbed up the tree to try and swat the helicopter out of the air, protecting his ground.” just an amazing shot!
Wolverine climbing tree out on the tundra. Colby Brokvist photo.
These next few polar bear photos by Natural Habitat guide Drew Hamilton are great shots of the relaxation process polar bears go through during this time of walking hibernation. Polar bears do engage in sparring and active walking and hunting if possible though much of their time during the fall is spent conserving energy in the snow, kelp or willows.
Polar bear in a kelp bed. Drew Hamilton photo.
Polar bear sporting a battle scar. Drew Hamilton photo.
Relaxing polar bear in Churchill. Drew Hamilton photo.
This closing shot by Natural Habitat guide Colby Brokvist is typical of what this season has delivered with regards to incredible aurora borealis. This could be the best season for northern lights we have seen in a decade in Churchill…lets hope it continues for the next few weeks.
Magnificent northern lights over the inukshuk by the Hudson Bay in Churchill. Colby Brokvist photo.
