This short documentary on Whimbrels in Churchill is a wonderfully concise and informative look into how these amazing shorebirds are tracked, trapped and studied across the bountiful tundra of the north country. This video was a production of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Multimedia Department for use in its undergraduate thesis project. It’s a great inside look at the dedication bird researchers have when studying and documenting these creatures. Churchill’s Arctic Summer is an incredible open air laboratory
Churchill in summertime is a magical sub – Arctic paradise! Three short or long months, depending on how you look at it, pack in a vast and diverse pallet of nature. The tundra and Hudson Bay come alive as tributary rivers ignite with life and small boats of eager travelers seeking the vibe of the beluga whale pods. The “Arctic Riviera” is shelter for belugas to nurture young, molt their old skin or just enjoy the “warm” waters of the southern Hudson Bay.
Beluga whale underwater in th Churchill River. Alex De Vries -Magnifico photo.
As a guide returning to Churchill each year, I was drawn naturally like a migrating animal and the annual sojourn just became instinctual. Each spring I would start to feel the pull of belugas out on the Churchill River and Hudson Bay. After trolling among the pods, kayaking and snorkeling on a daily basis for over 10 years, the feeling takes root in one’s psyche. The draw to migrate for whatever reason is real. The belugas are the main attraction here for sure!
Although belugas, birds and sometimes polar bears are the main draw for the summer season, there are some lesser known features or entities in and around Churchill that have been hidden jewels over the years. Here are some that I really was drawn to.
-Boreal Chorus Frog – One of the jewels of the north and so much fun to search for around the edges of an Arctic pond.2.- Jellyfish– There are a number of jellyfish that thrive in the cold water of the north. On clear water days the sight of them suspended around beluga whales is ethereal.
Aurelia, a jellyfish found in the Churchill River. G. Young, Photo copyright.
3. Sandhill Cranes – Over the years these birds are usually spotted along the railroad tracks where grain drops from rail cars.
Two Sandhill cranes mixed in with Canada geese in Churchill. Rhonda Reid photo.
4.- Orca whales – A rare sight indeed in the Churchill area. Though, over the last few years they have been seen more often.
Orca’s in the Hudson Bay. Dwight Allen photo.
5. – Pack Ice on the Hudson Bay– If you visit Churchill early enough in the Spring there’s a good chance there will still be some pack-ice in the bay and even in the Churchill River. The ice draws wildlife to it such as bears, whales and birds.
6.- Polar Bear Seal kill – The shorter ice season has produced more seal kills in both summer and fall. These kills will often draw up to 10 polar bears to the scene. This is a kill from later in the polar bear season.
Polar bear and ravens scavenge a seal kill carcass in Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Brad Josephs photo.
7. – Ross’s Gull – A true incredible check on the life-list if this beautiful bird unveils itself along the Churchill River. Another fun treasure hunt!
Ross’ gull along the gravelly shore. Brian Small photo.
8. Orchids – One wouldn’t think these delicate plants could survive the harsh Arctic weather though these flowers are opportunistic and make the most of their northern environment.
Round – leaved orchid in Churchill. Steve Selden photo.
Although the heart of winter has really just begun in Churchill, we are starting to dream of summer and the Arctic secrets revealed during the warmer months in the north. Birds, beluga whales, Arctic wildflowers and other wonders of the short Churchill Arctic summer season will leave a lasting impression on any travelers to Churchill during this time.
Arctic tern in a nesting area. Rhonda Reid photo.
Kayakers surrounded by beluga whales in the hudson Bay. Sea North Tours photo.
Round – leaved orchid in Churchill. Steve Selden photo.
A beautiful photo of the fall colors of Churchill! Alex De Vries Magnifico photo.
When plant life dies it’s carbon content is absorbed into the permafrost. Steve Selden photo.
Silver fox scouring tundra for lemmings. Colby Brokvist photo
They keep coming! Northern lights season 2016 in Churchill is of to a banging start with more incredible lights over the past couple of nights.Here are some images from Alex De Vries – Magnifico in Churchill. Even though the temperatures have been frigidly cold, the northern lights have been on fire in the sky. Enjoy!
Tee pee in Churchill under the northern lights. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Churchill boreal forest with northern lights above. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Northern lihts over wapusk Adventures dogsled compound. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Tee pee with northern lights in the sky above Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures guide Drew Hamilton. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
The northern lights were swirling in the chilly Churchill air last night and Alex De Vries – Magnifico got this pretty sweet shot from just outside the Aurora Domes. The red fringe around the wave of green provides another element of composition not always present when the aurora fires up. The rather extreme cold of the past week has made for extraordinary northern lights displays!
2.- Jellyfish– There are a number of jellyfish that thrive in the cold water of the north. On clear water days the sight of them suspended around beluga whales is ethereal.
6.- Polar Bear Seal kill – The shorter ice season has produced more seal kills in both summer and fall. These kills will often draw up to 10 polar bears to the scene. This is a kill from later in the polar bear season.
