On my trip to Churchill, Manitoba, in July to view the Beluga Whales I ended up with a bonus attraction that wasn’t expected, which really made the trip for me. While we were out on the water viewing the Belugas the tour boat operator said there was some pack ice close by and asked if we were interested in seeing it? The consensus was yes, so we headed over to see the pack ice in Hudson Bay. The diversion was well worth it as I found the pack ice to be really cool (pardon the pun), I just wish we had more time to explore and photograph it.

Small icebergs in Hudson Bay 1, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus E-M1 markII, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Small icebergs in Hudson Bay 2, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus E-M1 markII, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Pack ice in Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus E-M1 markII, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Churchill is where the Arctic Tundra meets the Boreal Forest, it is considered a transitional habitat, so both arctic and boreal species of birds, mammals and plants can be seen in the area, which is great for both naturalists and photographers alike. Churchill in the summer is considered to be a bird watching capital and many serious bird watchers go there to add some unique birds to their “life list”. So if you are a bird watcher and/or a bird photographer and happen to be in the Churchill area during the summer months, there is great potential to increase your bird sightings. Myself, I have taken up a personal “Canada 150 bird challenge” trying to see and identify as many bird species as I can in this year of Canada’s 150^th birthday. Over the two days spent in Churchill, I was able to add 12 more bird species to my challenge list. – Leslie

Indian Paintbrush and Willow growing between the rocks on the Taiga, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus E-M1 markII, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Arctic Tern at the Granary Ponds, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus E-M1 markII, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Sun setting over Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus E-M1 markII, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner