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April 16, 2018 by landm

A couple of birds for the list

Last year Mark and I took up the challenge from a friend, to take part in the “150 Bird Challenge” to see how many bird species we could identify during Canada’s 150th birthday year. The goal was to try and count at least 150 bird species during the year within Canada. Mark ended up counting 148, while I was able to break the 150 mark with a total of 156. I was able to get out to more locations than Mark got to. We decided that we would try again this year and started the count again on January 1st. Mark is currently leading this year with 51 birds seen, whereas I am only at 29 species. Now that the weather is warming and the birds are beginning to return, my count should increase. Hopefully I can catch up quickly.

A couple of weeks ago during the Easter weekend we both added a few more species to this year’s list, amongst those were the Great Gray Owl and the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, which was a new species that neither of us had seen before. – Leslie

Great Gary Owl

Who is watching who, Great Gary Owl, Olympus EM-1 Mark ll, Olympus 300mm f4 lens, ©Leslie Degner

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch warming itself in the sun, Olympus EM-1 Mark ll, Olympus 300mm f4 lens, ©Leslie Degner

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October 2, 2017 by landm

Pack Ice in Hudson Bay at Churchill

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.

icebergs in Hudson Bay 1

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

Small icebergs in Hudson Bay

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

Pack ice in Hudson Bay

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 150th 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

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

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

Sun setting over Hudson Bay

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

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September 21, 2017 by landm

Churchill and Beluga Whales

One of the main attractions at Churchill Manitoba in the early summer is seeing Beluga Whales. At the end of June and early in July the Belugas gather near the estuary of the Churchill River, where it flows into Hudson Bay, to give birth, mate and to cleanse their skin. Belugas can be seen right from the beach just behind the town of Churchill, but going out on the water by tour boat allows for much better viewing.

Watching Beluga Whales in Hudson Bay, Olympus E-M1

Watching Beluga Whales in Hudson Bay, Olympus E-M1 Mark II, Olympus 40-150mm F2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Beluga Whales in the estuary of Churchill River

Beluga Whales in the estuary of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay, Olympus E-M1 Mark II, Olympus 40-150mm F2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Beluga Whale in the estuary of the Churchill River

Beluga Whale in the estuary of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay, Olympus E-M1 Mark II, Olympus 40-150mm F2.8, ©Leslie Degner

As a photographer from Alberta I find the landscape very interesting since the geology is quite different from what I am use to photographing as there isn’t really any Precambrian Shield in Alberta.

Shoreline at Churchill, Olympus E-M1 Mark II, Olympus 40-150mm F2.8

Shoreline at Churchill, Olympus Tough TG4, ©Leslie Degner

Precambrian Shield at Churchill

Precambrian Shield at Churchill, Olympus Tough TG4, ©Leslie Degner

Transition zone of Tundra and Boreal Forest at Churchill

Transition zone of Tundra and Boreal Forest at Churchill, Olympus Tough TG4, ©Leslie Degner

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July 14, 2017 by landm

Churchill Manitoba In Summer

Last week I was in Churchill, Manitoba for a couple of days with my dear friend Lee. In the late fall Churchill is famous for its polar bears, but what do you do in Churchill in the summer time? Surprisingly, as we found out, there is a lot to do there at this time of the year. We primarily went there on a Beluga Whale watching tour with Classic Canadian Tours, and discovered that in addition to the whale watching there were plenty of things to see and do. When we weren’t out watching the belugas we walked in and around the town and discovered it is a town full of public artwork, including statues, wall murals, and a couple of large Inukshuk’s. There were also some information signs about the region and the animals in it.

The tour included the Beluga Whale boat tour and a tour of the Prince of Wales Fort on the other side of the Churchill River and also a cultural and heritage tour. The other activities that were offered during our stay were kayaking with Belugas, snorkeling with Belugas, and a tour of the tundra on one of the Polar Bear buggies (unfortunately we didn’t see any Polar Bears on this trip). Here are a few pictures from our walk around town and the Polar Bear holding facility (aka the Polar Bear Jail) out near the airport. I’ll share a few more pictures of some of the other things we did in a future post – Leslie

Polar Bear Sculpture in Churchill

Polar Bear Sculpture in Churchill, Manitoba, iPhone 5, ©Leslie Degner

An Inukshuk in Churchill, Manitoba

An Inukshuk in Churchill, Manitoba, iPhone 5, ©Leslie Degner

Bear Sculpture in Churchill, Manitoba

Bear Sculpture in Churchill, Manitoba, iPhone 5, ©Leslie Degner

Bear and Beluga Mural in Churchill, Manitoba

Bear and Beluga Mural in Churchill, Manitoba, iPhone 5, ©Leslie Degner

Painted Wolf Sculptures in Churchill, Manitoba

Painted Wolf Sculptures in Churchill, Manitoba, iPhone 5, ©Leslie Degner

The Churchill Weather Station in Churchill, Manitoba

The Churchill Weather Station in Churchill, Manitoba, iPhone 5, ©Leslie Degner

Inukshuk overlooking Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba,

Inukshuk overlooking Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus Tough TG-4, ©Leslie Degner

Polar Bear Holding Facility, Churchill, Manitoba

Polar Bear Holding Facility, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus Tough TG-4, ©Leslie Degner

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November 19, 2015 by landm

What a difference two weeks made – Churchill, November 8th 2015

In late October Leslie and her friend Lee did a whirlwind one-day trip to Churchill, Manitoba to see and hopefully photograph the polar bears that gather on the shores of Hudson Bay waiting for the sea ice to form (see our previous blog posting for details on Leslie and Lee’s experience). A number of people asked me why I didn’t go with them; was it because it was a “girls only” day out and I wasn’t welcome? No, that wasn’t the case as they did ask me to come along with them, but I decided that it might be a better idea that I go on another date so that we broaden the photographic opportunities that different days might bring. Well it appears that it was a good decision on my part and what a difference going two weeks later made. Leslie and Lee saw two polar bears on their trip and I also saw two polar bears – times ten for a total of at least 20 different individuals.

From the Tundra Buggy platform

From the Tundra Buggy platform, Nikon D7100, Nikon 200 – 500mm f5.6, ©Mark Degner

Tundra Buggy

Tundra Buggy, Olympus PEN E-PL5, Olympus 14-42mm f3.5 – 5.6, ©Mark Degner

The first polar bears that I saw and photographed were a mom with two cubs near the platform where you board the Tundra Buggies. So I hadn’t even boarded the Tundra Buggy and I had already seen more polar bears than Leslie and Lee saw on their entire trip. It took over an hour on the Tundra Buggy before our group came across our next polar bears, another mom with two cubs. Throughout the rest of the day we slowly came across a number of other bears, including two more moms each with a single cub and a number of single bears. Unfortunately most of the polar bears that we encountered were either resting or just slowly wandering around, so I didn’t get to see some of the interesting behaviours, like males sparring, that Leslie and I saw in our previous trip in 2009.

Resting with Mom 1

Resting with Mom 1, Nikon D7100, Nikon 200 – 500mm f5.6, ©Mark Degner

Wandering the shoreline

Wandering, Nikon D7100, Nikon 200 – 500mm f5.6, ©Mark Degner

staying close

Staying close, Nikon D7100, Nikon 200 – 500mm f5.6, ©Mark Degner

The weather was quite variable and constantly changing, which is unusual for Churchill at this time of the year as it is often just cloudy. We started out with some clear skies and a bit of sun, but that was quickly replaced with cloud, then snow and finally blowing snow as the winds picked up. However, as the Tundra Buggy was heading back at the end of the day we were treated to a rare break in the clouds to the west and a brief sunset that capped off a very enjoyable visit to Churchill to see polar bears.

Resting with Mom 2

Resting with Mom 2, Nikon D7100, Nikon 200 – 500mm f5.6, ©Mark Degner

Victor one of the few named bears

Victor – one of the few named bears, Nikon D7100, Nikon 200 – 500mm f5.6, ©Mark Degner

Both of our trips this year were tours organized by Classic Canadian Tours based in Calgary, which offered a number of one-day trips to Churchill from Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon. This is the second year that we have gone on one of their polar bear trips; the first was in November 2009. We have been really pleased with the tours that we have taken with them; they have been well organized, professionally carried out and also educational and informative.

When I told Leslie how many polar bears I saw, and that there were a number of moms and cubs included in that total, she said she was very happy for me, but I could also hear the disappointment in her voice that she wasn’t as lucky. She has gotten to at least partially experience my trip through viewing the photos and videos that I took, but it’s not the same as seeing the polar bears firsthand. I guess that we will just have to go again. Mark

Churchill sunset

Churchill Sunset, Olympus PEN E-PL5, Olympus 14-42mm f3.5 – 5.6, ©Mark Degner

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October 31, 2015 by landm

In Search of Polar Bears – Churchill October 25th 2015

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but spending the day with a good friend – priceless! Last Sunday I joined one of my best friends, Lee Charleson, on a one-day trip to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears. After having to leave home for the Edmonton International Airport at 4:45 a.m. and a couple of hour flight to Churchill we were finally on the Tundra Buggy around 10:30. We were given a mixed bag of weather, a lot of cloud, some sunshine, some snow and a strong constant wind blowing. With the temperature at -10 C and the wind chill around -25, we didn’t linger very long when we went out to the rear deck of the Tundra Buggy.

Tundra Buggies are not the most stable of vehicles; they are actually very rocky and bumpy when they are in motion. Hence you are to remain seated while they drive and are only allowed to move around and go outside on the rear deck when the buggy is stopped and the motor is turned off. The tires on the Tundra Buggies are the same as what they use on farm combines, but with less air in the tire making it softer and spongier on the roads.

Polar Bear at rest

Polar Bear at rest, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 + MC14, ©Leslie Degner

It was at least an hour after getting on the Tundra Buggy that we came across our first polar bear. There he was, creamy white, laying down resting at the edge of the shoreline of one of the many lakes and ponds. Everyone quietly watched in hopes of any movement from the bear, and there were big oohs and aahs every time the bear would move, we would joke that the bears probably tally the oohs and aahs that they caused and brag to the other bears how many they each get in a day.

Landscape near Churchill,

Landscape near Churchill, Olympus E-M5, Olympus 40-150mm f4.5-5.6, ©Lee Charleson

It was Lee that spotted the first Ptarmigan, at first thinking it was a piece of garbage till it moved and she saw the distinct shape. Then she spotted another one hidden further into the dense willow shrubs. Against the shrubs they stand out but when they are on the patches of snow it is tougher to spot them. After spending quite awhile with this bear, the driver finally concluded that it was only going to sleep away the day and we moved on in search of other bears.

Ptarmigan at the edge of the shrubs

Ptarmigan at the edge of the shrubs, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 + MC14, ©Leslie Degner

Lay of the land, Churchill, Manitoba

Lay of the land, Churchill, Manitoba, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 + MC14, ©Leslie Degner

I found the geography of the area very interesting, as it is a transition zone where the Boreal forest (Taiga) meets the Tundra. The Tundra Buggies are limited in where they can travel, having to stay in a certain area that has a network of roadways. As they travel around the area they are constantly weaving around numerous lakes and ponds and along the Hudson Bay coastline.

Tundra Buggy road

Tundra Buggy road, Olympus E-M5, Olympus 40-150mm f4.5-5.6, ©Lee Charleson

Spruce tree in the willows

Spruce tree in the willows, Olympus E-M5, Olympus 40-150mm f4.5-5.6, ©Lee Charleson

Most of the lakes and ponds were frozen but the ice was still thin and a few still had some open water. Hudson Bay was ice free with just a hint of ice forming at the edges. Later in the afternoon while working our way back we passed the first bear, still lying about. We came across more Ptarmigan this time about 10 hunkered down staying out of the wind. Finally, around 3:00 we saw a second bear. This one was farther away than the first, but like the other it was just laying down not doing anything. So for the second time in the day we played the waiting game but to no avail as it just laid there, probably just conserving its energy waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so that they can head out onto the sea ice to hunt seals.

Ptarmigan rests beside a log

Ptarmigan rests beside a log, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 + MC14, ©Leslie Degner

Taiga meets the Tundra

Taiga meets the Tundra, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 + MC14, ©Leslie Degner

Snowing and blowing

Snowing and blowing, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 + MC14, ©Leslie Degner

We were a little disappointed that we only saw two polar bears, especially since when Mark and I went in November 2009 we saw around 25 polar bears. However, it was still a great time, especially since I was able to spend it with Lee. I am sure that there were more bears around, just unfortunately not where we went that day. – Leslie

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September 1, 2015 by landm

After the Excelsior Creek Fire, Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is one of our favourite locations both for photography and just experiencing nature, so when we heard that there was a forest fire in the Maligne valley area we were quite concerned. The Maligne valley is place we spend a considerable amount of time when in Jasper and we have taken lots of great photos in the area over the years. The Excelsior Creek fire was started by a lightening strike in the afternoon of July 9th and burned, uncontrolled at times, for a number of days before it was finally put out. We realize that fire, especially naturally started ones, is beneficial for mountain forest ecology but were curious how the fire impacted the region.

So a couple of weeks ago when we were driving through Jasper National Park we decided to take a quick trip up the Maligne Lake road to see how much effect the Excelsior Creek fire had on the Medicine Lake area. From the Maligne Lake road we first saw the burn on the Maligne Range at Excelsior Creek, just across from the Watchtower parking area. The fire continued heading southeast to Medicine Lake along the Maligne Range till it was finally put out three quarters of the way down the lake. The fire also crossed over the road just before the north end of the lake and burned around the north end of the lake and a little bit down the north east side of the lake. Fortunately none of the infrastructure was damage by the fire, thanks to the hard work of the fire fighters who battled the blaze.

Although the local scenery has changed due to the fire, it has also opened up some new photographic opportunities, both now and as the forest slowly regenerates over time. We are looking forward to spending time photographing the burn.

The first images are from the north end of Medicine Lake.

Medicine Lake Pano from North end

Medicine Lake Pano from North end, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 12-40mm f2.8,©Leslie Degner

Excelsior Creek burn 2

Excelsior Creek burn 2, Olympus E-PL5, Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, ©Mark Degner

Excelsior Creek burn 3

Excelsior Creek burn 3, Olympus E-PL5, Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, ©Mark Degner

Medicine Lake at North end 4

Medicine Lake at North end 4, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 12-40mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Excelsior Creek burn 5

Excelsior Creek burn 5, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 12-40mm f2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Later we stopped at the south end of Medicine Lake to get a different view of the burn. The extent of the burn fallowed the length of Medicine Lake’s south west shore. – Mark and Leslie

Excelsior Creek burn 6

Excelsior Creek burn 6, Medicine Lake from south end, Olympus E-PL5, Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, ©Mark Degner

 

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May 20, 2015 by landm

Just a walk in the park

Just a walk in a park along the Fraser river in British Columbia. I got a chance to play with the camera and enjoy the beauty of the forest, on a trip I took back in February. – Leslie

Pathway, Pitt Meadows, B.C., 1, ©Leslie Degner

Pathway, Pitt Meadows, B.C. 1, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 12-40mm F2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Pathway, Pitt Meadows, B.C. 2, ©Leslie Degner

Pathway, Pitt Meadows, B.C. 2, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 12-40mm F2.8, ©Leslie Degner

Pathway, Pitt Meadows, B.C. 3 ©Leslie Degner

Pathway, Pitt Meadows, B.C. 3, Olympus E-M1, Olympus 12-40mm F2.8, ©Leslie Degner

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January 28, 2015 by landm

Red sky at morning

Last Wednesday I was treated to a spectacular sunrise in the lower mainland near Vancouver. It started with deep reds changing to magentas, then to orange and yellows before the sun broke over the mountains to the east. The weather forecast that day was for heavy rainfall, the forecasters were right as the coastal areas of British Columbia ended up with a lot of rain that continued for the next few days, with some areas having flood warnings issued. It made me think of the saying “Red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning” that hints of bad weather on the way. – Leslie

Red sky in the morning, three image panoramic, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6, ©Leslie Degner

Red sky in the morning, three image panoramic, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6, ©Leslie Degner

Morning fog envelops farm, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6

Morning fog envelops farm, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6, ©Leslie Degner

Sunlight on the cloud above Mount Baker, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6, ©Leslie Degner

Sunlight on the cloud above Mount Baker, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6, ©Leslie Degner

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January 8, 2015 by landm

Lone Black Wolf

For the last number of years we have spent the Christmas and New Years holidays at home alternating between relaxing and trying to get a little work done and not being very successful at either. However, this year we decided that we needed a change so we headed to one of our favourite places in the mountains, Aurum Lodge. So after we stuffed ourselves with turkey and all the good stuff that goes with it on Christmas Day and did a little Boxing Day shopping we drove to the lodge on December 27th and settled into one of the cabins there. We had a wonderful time, spending a lot of it just relaxing and going for hikes around the lodge with K’san, our Bernese Mountain Dog, and Aura, the lodge’s Berner.

We also did some photography, as we had some new gear to test and review. On one of our excursions we had an incredible encounter with a lone black wolf. It is rare enough to see a wolf in the wild, let alone photograph it, but we were able to get a few photographs of it before it disappeared into the forest. Below are a few of our favourite images of it. – Mark & Leslie

Lone black wolf 1,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Leslie Degner

Lone black wolf 1,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Leslie Degner

Lone black wolf 2,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Leslie Degner

Lone black wolf 2,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Leslie Degner

Lone black wolf 3,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Leslie Degner

Lone black wolf 3,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Leslie Degner

Lone black wolf 4,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Mark Degner

Lone black wolf 4,Olympus OM-D E-M1 micro 4/3, Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, Olympus Digital 1.4 Teleconverter MC-14, ©Mark Degner

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