Churchill Birds: Photographer's Guidelines

June 20-28, 2003

Transporting Your Gear to Churchill

It is getting increasingly difficult for photographers – amateur and pro – to transport large amounts of gear and film to their destinations. If you’re a NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association) member you know this has been a hot topic.

There are two particular problems that seem to be getting worse instead of better: increased restrictions (and enforcement of restrictions) on carry-on baggage, and new scanners for checked baggage that employ x-rays that can damage even slow-speed films. The latter are present in only some airports, but there whereabouts isn’t public for security reasons.

My advice is to pack carefully and check with the airlines ahead of time to clarify their current restrictions. Try to pack camera equipment in plain-looking luggage rather than fancy cases that scream, "Photo Equipment!" You can pack camera equipment with your regular luggage by carefully wrapping clothes around it for protection.

You may also want to shipping film directly to and from the motel in Churchill. FedEx services Churchill, but inquire about schedules and international shipping requirements.

I have obtained Camera Equipment Insurance from NANPA (1-303-422-8527) partly in anticipation of the need to transport more camera equipment as checked luggage (and also as insurance against dropping my big telephoto into Hudson Bay, which I came close to doing!) 

Conditioning

Although the area around Churchill is mostly flat as a pancake, carrying tripods and long lenses and flash equipment can be tiresome. Trudging through tundra pools, where the footing is uneven, while trying to protect your camera gear, can be quite fatiguing. Although you don’t have to be a marathon runner to photograph birds in Churchill, you will probably find that good physical fitness will contribute to your enjoyment. You will always have the option of not traveling through any terrain that you find too taxing that day, and the vehicle won’t be far away.

I recommend that you undertake a moderate program of aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling, etc.) with the advice of your physician. Besides the numerous health benefits, your increased fitness will enable you to travel farther and photograph longer in this unique environment. 

References

Highly recommended as an introduction to Churchill birds and birding locations:

• Bonnie Chartier, A Birder’s Guide to Churchill, American Birding Association (1994). Available from ABA Sales: 1-800-634-7736.

Bonnie resides in Churchill and we'll probably meet her on the Tour.

Other books of interest:

• Karen Johnson, Wildflowers of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Region (1987)
• Norbert Rosing, The World of the Polar Bear (1996) (a large format coffee table book.
• Robert Taylor, The Edge of the Arctic (1992) (a large format coffee table book)

The Town of Churchill

Churchill is a remote Arctic outpost. It was the site of a Canadian/American military base during World War II (which helps explain the network of roads), and serves as a port to ship grain from the wheat fields of Manitoba via Hudson Bay to Europe during the brief summer. But this enterprise has an uncertain economic future, and the town has relied increasingly on its tourist attractions, primarily its famous polar bears.

The motels are clean but somewhat average, and the town is rather drab. This in part reflects the difficulty and expense of transporting anything to Churchill, as well as the harsh environment. The main street is only about eight blocks long. The Eskimo Museum contains one of the world’s finest collections of Inuit carvings. There is an historic fort. While decent meals are available, suffice it to say that no one travels to Churchill for the food. We will endeavor to find wholesome and satisfying meals, but Churchill is not a location for fine dining.

Still, it is a fascinating location with a mix of native and non-native population and an interesting history. And it provides some of the richest and most diverse ecosystems for nesting birds in North America. 

A Spirit of Adventure

I have endeavored to make your experience in Churchill one of "the best photo trips to the greatest locations on Earth!" But we are traveling to a relatively remote place, and we are subject to the vagaries of the weather and nature and the birds. I certainly hope that it does not rain for nine straight days!! But regardless, we will do our best to adapt to the conditions. It helps to have a spirit of adventure, and to be prepared to "roll with the punches." Churchill is one of the more challenging and rugged locations in which to photograph birds. But it is also one of the most rewarding. I hope everyone returns home with plenty of fabulous images and experiences. I look forward to meeting you and photographing with you on this Arctic adventure!