Awesome. The clarity and quality of the shots makes them look like zoo shots, but I know they're not (judging from the EXIF which you kindly included.) It seems a bit incongruous to see polar bears in fields with flowers and no snow. Beautiful, but different. Love the splash of color from the flowers. Congrats. You must be very pleased.
It seems a bit incongruous to see polar bears in fields with flowers and no snow. Beautiful, but different.
I think this might be a problem for the bears...saw some programmes about the fact that the polar regions are receding and the usual hunting grounds of these bears are changing. Also, the polar ice is melting quicker and earlier each year which cuts off their route to the feeding grounds. I'm not an environmentalist, however, just repeating what i watched on the TV.
As for the shots, they are great! 5 and 6 are my favourites, and the last close up is great too. Was wondering how close you were, but the EXIF says 1100mm, so you were a fair distance. What lens was that, then?
there is some misconceptions about polar bears and their lives and the habitats they occur. i partly blame this on all of the global warming the ice is melting folks.
polar bears do encounter areas that are not frozen 24/7 365 days a year. these polar bears are in what's called a "walking hibernation." they just kinda hang out until the ice comes...which will be soon enough.
the hudson bay will be covered w/ ice and then the polar bears can move on and do their hunting.
but yes, in the summer months, they can be found in semi warm (40-65 degree weather) where flowers bloom. interestingly enough, we also found a couple of wood frogs. they are active in the warmer months, then freeze solid in the winter months, only to thaw back out.
for more info on the trip that i took....check out http://www.churchillwild.org i did the bears, belugas and birds trip. if you are interested in one of these trips, i think the mothers and cubs may be the best bet.
there is some misconceptions about polar bears and their lives and the habitats they occur. i partly blame this on all of the global warming the ice is melting folks.
polar bears do encounter areas that are not frozen 24/7 365 days a year. these polar bears are in what's called a "walking hibernation." they just kinda hang out until the ice comes...which will be soon enough.
the hudson bay will be covered w/ ice and then the polar bears can move on and do their hunting.
but yes, in the summer months, they can be found in semi warm (40-65 degree weather) where flowers bloom. interestingly enough, we also found a couple of wood frogs. they are active in the warmer months, then freeze solid in the winter months, only to thaw back out.
for more info on the trip that i took....check out http://www.churchillwild.org i did the bears, belugas and birds trip. if you are interested in one of these trips, i think the mothers and cubs may be the best bet.
Thanks for the info...I thought that global warming was having an effect, and that polar bears were not always living in white wastelands. I will check that link...thanks.
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Dennis KaczorRegistered UsersPosts: 2,413Major grins
personally i have issues w/ the whole global/man made warming theories, but what they are saying is the earth is heating up and the ice is coming later and later and leaving earlier and earlier which means the bears can't hunt the seals like they use to or need to.
but in the warmer months, this is the type of environment that the polar bears live in, they aren't nec. on the ice 24/7 - 365.
I envy you the opportunity to capture these subjects. You really made the most out of your opportunity.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
You obviously found an alternative to Churchill, Manitoba, where I photographed Polar Bears over a decade ago. The bears in both places are waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can go out on the ice and hunt for seals.
Wonderful images of the bears, and a far more colorful area in Seal River than Churchill.
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I think this might be a problem for the bears...saw some programmes about the fact that the polar regions are receding and the usual hunting grounds of these bears are changing. Also, the polar ice is melting quicker and earlier each year which cuts off their route to the feeding grounds. I'm not an environmentalist, however, just repeating what i watched on the TV.
As for the shots, they are great! 5 and 6 are my favourites, and the last close up is great too. Was wondering how close you were, but the EXIF says 1100mm, so you were a fair distance. What lens was that, then?
Great shots. Thanks for sharing them.
polar bears do encounter areas that are not frozen 24/7 365 days a year. these polar bears are in what's called a "walking hibernation." they just kinda hang out until the ice comes...which will be soon enough.
the hudson bay will be covered w/ ice and then the polar bears can move on and do their hunting.
but yes, in the summer months, they can be found in semi warm (40-65 degree weather) where flowers bloom. interestingly enough, we also found a couple of wood frogs. they are active in the warmer months, then freeze solid in the winter months, only to thaw back out.
for more info on the trip that i took....check out http://www.churchillwild.org i did the bears, belugas and birds trip. if you are interested in one of these trips, i think the mothers and cubs may be the best bet.
Thanks for the info...I thought that global warming was having an effect, and that polar bears were not always living in white wastelands. I will check that link...thanks.
Dennis Kaczor Photography
but in the warmer months, this is the type of environment that the polar bears live in, they aren't nec. on the ice 24/7 - 365.
This is a well presented series. The clarity, color & contrast are phenomenal. Well done!
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How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Wonderful images of the bears, and a far more colorful area in Seal River than Churchill.
Dave
www.munchkinphotos.smugmug.com
My Photo Gallery:Northern Focus Photography
I wish I was half the man that my dog thinks I am...
Thanks for sharing
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