Churchill Birding & Photography 2022 PART 1 Hudson Bay June 2022

In Part 1, Sparky arrives in Churchill Manitoba in mid June for a birding and bird photography adventure. He finds a nearly frozen Hudson Bay, but fortunately the Beluga Whales have found their way to the open Churchill River. He has amazing photo opportunities with a mellow male Willow Ptarmigan, a trio of Pacific Loons, courting Common Eiders, nesting Semipalmated Plovers and even finds THREE Little Gulls! (a rare European species).
Lots of 4K video of the birds and wildlife. Stills taken with Canon R5 and Canon 100-500mmm lens.
www.sparkyphotos.com
www.thephotonaturalist.com

[@Cobbmtngirl]

Pacific loons are definitely among my favs. You were fortunate. Thanks so much.

[@SparkyStensaas]

Thank you! They have the coolest plumage of any Loon for sure. They nest in the tundra ponds all around Churchill.

[@ThomasHaase-v3g]

Amazing photography with wonderful commentary. I really enjoyed both episodes. I especially enjoyed the close ups on the semipalmated Plover and the Willow Ptarmigan. Keep those fantastic wildlife adventures coming.

[@SparkyStensaas]

Thank you so much! And I appreciate that you shared the specific shots that you like. More adventures coming for sure!

[@birdsofray]

Keep ‘em coming, Sparky! 👏👏

[@SparkyStensaas]

Thanks Ray! Are you going to make it up to the Bog this winter?

[@birdsofray]

@@SparkyStensaas I’m going to try to make it in January. I just need a little irruption of some sort and I’m there! 😂

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always 🐦👍🤗

[@SparkyStensaas]

I appreciate your kind words Miguel…Thanks!

[@chantaljacques7664]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SparkyStensaas]

You are welcome!

[@goldenoriolesilverbirch8220]

Cracking video

[@SparkyStensaas]

Thank you! Part two is coming…

[@tracyreaume6451]

Now I want to go to Churchill, MB. 😂 Love your videos, pictures and commentary - thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@SparkyStensaas]

Part two is coming out in a few days… Finally! It is a great place but conditions can be very tough. Not really much infrastructure there for Birders. I’m often the only one around who is looking for birds. And very expensive flight from Winnipeg! But a very unique experience. Mid June is great for birds and belugas.

[@BMW7series251]

WOW!! Just found you & have Subbed. Beautiful, crisp shots. My Dad was born in Calgary in 1917. He came to England in 1936 & joined the army in 1939. (Black Watch). We lived in the UK ever since. Regards, John.

[@SparkyStensaas]

Very cool John! Welcome to the channel. Maybe you’ll have to get to Churchill someday :-)

[@piccadillypie]

Awesome, Sparky. Looking forward to the next episode. Cool music at the end.

[@SparkyStensaas]

Thanks Kevin! My wife didn’t care for the music but my kids did :-)

[@thephotoyak]

You flew in a week after I left. I was there June 6-11. Looks like those little gulls were in the same spot. I never saw a SEOW the whole time, but I also never saw a single mosquito. I believe I saw the first Belugas of the year as I was at Cape Merry every day and didn't see any until the last morning when I got to see them when the fog lifted. What an amazing place.

[@SparkyStensaas]

Hi sillyak, Very interesting! What were your trip highlights? Part 2 video should be done soon…stay tuned!

[@thephotoyak]

@Sparky Stensaas there was less open water at the Cape when I was there so the birds were a bit more concentrated. Most mornings there were a group of 100+ arctic terns feeding close together. Watching the Parasitic Jaegers rolling in from a distance and then harassing the terns was such an amazing sight.

[@servanfotografie15]

Amazing bird-nature episode again Sparky really stunning birdfilmfootage again enjoying crazy much

[@SparkyStensaas]

Thank you so much Servan!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for sharing this adventure! A dream location for sure and amazing opportunities. I just found your channel a few weeks ago and am catching up! I am out in NH so we have some similar boreal birding opportunities in the northern parts of my state and Maine as you do in northern MN.

[@SparkyStensaas]

Welcome aboard John! Do you also have a KZbin channel?

[@johnwelchphotography]

Yeah I've been a long time photographer but just getting into video end in the past few years. It's this KZbin account. All the videos I have made are bird related. @@SparkyStensaas

[@redheadonethousand]

I’ve been waiting for this one! Great to see it uploaded on a Friday, great way to end the week! Thank you Sparky!

[@SparkyStensaas]

Thanks Jer! Starting to work on Episode 2!

[@almeadows8277]

Just great, Sparky! I wish I had known you were going. I was up there, get this, in 1968 and I’ve always wanted to go back.

[@SparkyStensaas]

Wow! What were you doing up there in 1968? What time of year was it?

[@almeadows8277]

It was August. I wasn’t really into birding then, but had just graduated from high school and a buddy and I took the interminable train ride up there. It was a memorable adventure. We even met old Angus MacIver and his wife Bernice. Angus had trapped that country for 50 years and we got to spend two evenings with him, listening to his stories.

[@SparkyStensaas]

@@almeadows8277 sounds like a great adventure! I can’t imagine the stories that guy had :-)

[@loonypeat312]

Sparky, I always enjoy all your videos. You do a great job at capturing and telling us about your magnificent finds. It’s wonderful to take a “journey” with you and learn so much! You’re amazing! I appreciate all that you do so we can enjoy and learn from you 😊

[@SparkyStensaas]

Glad to hear that! I enjoy bringing folks along on these trips