Wild Wolf & Bald Eagles AMAZING!
Ontario Wolves and Eagles Blog
Capturing video and photographing wild wolves in their natural habitat has been on our bucket list for a number of years. We wanted to offer an exciting Wild Wolf Photo Tour with real wolf image opportunities. After several years of scouting missions and exploring the possibilities we finally found a location in northern Ontario that was safe and would impress any discerning wildlife enthusiast.
I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the main lodge. My wolf guide took me by snowmobile watching the sun rise as we made the trip to the blind. He would be back to pick me up at sun down and I had cell service and could text or call if I was in trouble or decided I wanted to come back to the main lodge. Sitting in a blind all by myself, in the Ontario wilderness was a bit uncomfortable at the beginning since it was a new experience for me. After a while sitting in the blind, I was very comfortable. After setting up my Canon 500mm 1.4TC and my Canon 100-400mm I was there to test the focal length distance and to experience for real, wild wolf photography. It was -10C and I was toasty warm and had a heater just in case. Being quiet was the main priority. I knew the less noise I made the better my chances. I enjoyed the stillness and listening to sounds of the winter snow blowing across the lake and wildlife around me. A bark in the distance and then a howl. I realized that I was not alone, that was a wolf and based on the wolf tracks a very large one.
After a few hours, I dozed off being completely relaxed and woke up to look through my lens and see a Golden Eagle right before my eyes. I started shooting immediately, while upset I missed the action due to falling asleep, I managed to get some photographs and video of the Golden Eagles. Several Ravens and Bald Eagles flew in closer to the deer. One look from the Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle jumped back out of the way. Ravens didn’t dare. The Golden Eagles was king of this deer. After the Golden Eagle left, the bird battle began. Ravens started to flight with Bald Eagles. Bald Eagles swooping and fighting with snow flying. Amazing bird in flight photo action in the snow with pine tree backgrounds and blue skies. A great start, but still no wolves in my viewfinder as of yet. Will they arrive? I asked myself as my guide drove me back as the sun went down watching the pink sky disappear below the treeline. I was looking forward to seeing my images of the day. After a hearty meal of fresh fish caught that day, and discussing my day’s events, and enjoying the fireplace, I headed to my room and prepared for the next day.
The next morning, we headed back to the blind site as we drew nearer my stomach got butterflies. The sun was rising and it was going to be a great morning with beautiful light. I sat and stared looking through my lens, double checking my equipment and waiting. The ravens appeared, a good sign and then the bald eagles. As I watch nature unfold before me, I saw more and more bird action. There must have been about 20 bald eagles from immature bald eagles and mature bald eagles with ravens all over the deer chasing each other. With my finger almost cramping, I still hoped for more wildlife action, the wolves. As quickly as the birds appeared, they all disappeared except for one bald eagle. Did I scare them off I thought to myself? Then I looked again and there he was. A wolf cautiously coming towards me. Would I scare him off with the noise from my camera? I hoped not. This was the big test. I started to capture some wolf video and then started photographing this amazing Eastern Gray Wolf (Bush Wolf) in action. He looked at me and didn’t care as I took images. A few ravens flew in challenging the wolf and then the wolf chased the ravens. Amazing! I could hardly breathe and kept focused on taking wild wolf photos and video. After several minutes, he finally walked off into the forest after rolling in the snow. Unfortunately, but too far away. What a photo that would have been with the snow flying off as he rolled and shook. My adrenaline pumped, I was so excited to have experienced and watched wolves in their natural habitat and couldn’t wait to see the images and wolf video footage. AMAZING!
While looking at some of my images in the blind, I looked back up through my lens to see if he had come back. No, not the Eastern Gray Wolf, but a majestic Timber Wolf. Wow! There she was at the deer and then from out of nowhere another. I was in shock at first and then started to take pictures. Two wolves together, they started to jump in the air, chase ravens, and then I got the message card full! Oh no! I had to get the other card out and could hardly get it in the camera since my hands were shaking with excitement as the two Timber Wolves fought the ravens and eagles protecting their meal. Yes, I missed the whole scene. Then, another wolf showed up. I had three Timber Wolves before my eyes. They knew I was there as they peered right at me, the clicking of my shutter button didn’t bother them. They were most interested in the meal. The wolves came back to the site 4 times which was absolutely incredible. Finally, one dragged the deer back into the forest back to the alpha male. What a day!
After returning home, downloading my 5 full cards and started processing and putting the finishing touches on this incredible wild wolf tour, I realized I have the wolf bug and can’t wait to go back. A great feeling to be the first to photograph these particular wolves. It was the most incredible experience I have ever had. Imagine the feeling just you and your lens watching wildlife in their natural habitat unfold before you. Happy Shooting, Jennifer Hemmings
Read more about this Wild Wolf Tour
