WPotrebka Photography

09/06/2026

A Mom and cub of the year waking in Polar Bear Alley in the sunset light.

09/06/2026

This is a project near and dear to me. Please make a donation if you can.

Hi, I’m Alex, founder and director of the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program. For the past 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my life to one of Manitoba’s most endangered species.

In this picture, I am holding one of the young burrowing owls from this season. This youngster wouldn't be here if it wasn't for MBORP and our reintroduction efforts this year.

This work has become far more than a job—it’s a passion and a commitment to giving burrowing owls a chance to survive and return to our landscape. Working with an endangered species comes with enormous challenges. There are long days, setbacks, uncertainty, and the constant struggle of trying to do more with limited funding.

But the rewards make it all worthwhile. Every owl successfully raised, released, or returned to the wild is a reminder of why we keep going. Seeing these remarkable birds thrive is incredibly rewarding, and knowing that our work can make a difference for future generations keeps me motivated.

The reality is that conservation work cannot continue without support. Funding remains one of our greatest challenges, and we need your help to keep this program moving forward.

Please share our posts and message and if you can donate, please do here 👇

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/souris-river-watershed-district/

Tax receipts are provided for donations of $20 or more!

Thank you for believing in the owls—and in the people working to save them. 🦉💚

WPotrebka Photography

09/06/2026

This bear had just finished a meal of seal on a foggy morning.

09/05/2026

Discover Churchill Tours calls this tour package the “Colours of the Tundra” and this image shows why. What a wonderful last bear for my time guiding with them. If Churchill is on your list, go, and make sure Discover Churchill is your guide.

09/04/2026

The last 5 weeks have been amazing, but time in Churchill has come to an end, but I will be back next year for more Bears, Belugas, and Borealis with Discover Churchill.

08/29/2026

Such beautiful light on this Polar Bear

08/29/2026

Polar bears prefer shaken not stirred.

08/28/2026

This polar bear has been released on probation from the polar bear jail in Churchill. This involves a ride below a helicopter, relocating it to a safe spot far from town.

08/27/2026

I think this mom has had just about enough of these 2!