Spotting Wildlife at the Ends of the World
Whether in the heart of Antarctica or deep in the Arctic, wildlife roams the landscapes and swims the icy waters. On a voyage with Quark Expeditions, Annie Inglis, is there to help guests make the most of their trip by sharing her knowledge of polar wildlife and pointing out these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Her CL Companion binoculars help her keep guests safe from polar bears and enable her to share unique wildlife moments with them. Learn more about the importance of high-quality optical gear on expedition cruises.
Annie Inglis, Marine Biology Presenter
As part of the Quark Expeditions team, Annie shares her expertise in polar mammals, helping guests to better understand and appreciate these well-adapted animals of the marine and land environments.
With over two decades of experience, Annie has spent more time in the Arctic and Antarctic (observing mammals) than on native Australian terra firma. This has been interspersed with work in the Galapagos Islands. With her experience, passion and knowledge of mammalian biology and the ecology of the polar regions, Annie is thrilled to share polar adventures helping everyone learn throughout the journey.
Photo credit: Shannon Vandivier
Can you describe a memorable wildlife encounter when you used the CL Companion binoculars?
I can recall this wonderful wildlife experience in the Arctic: I was looking out from the ship and saw something in the distance but was not quite sure if what we were seeing on shore was a polar bear. Having the CL Companion binoculars there, I was able to put them to my eyes, search the coastline, and confirm, yes, that is a polar bear. And it was about three miles from the vessel.
What did the binoculars allow you to see that you might have missed with the naked eye?
Not only do the CL Companion binoculars enable me to find wildlife, they enable me to observe the behaviors of bears. Sometimes those behaviors are such fine details, you really need something to help you get in close to be able to pick up on the eye movement, the turn of the head, and to help identify the age and gender of these animals
Photo Credit: Jonas Fellenstein, Quark Expeditions
As a marine biologist, what details do you look for when observing polar wildlife?
When I’m observing wildlife, I often want to understand how old the animal is. Is it a juvenile? Is it of a greater age? Sometimes that can be so challenging when we're observing seals or whales that are above water intermittently. It’s also hard with polar bears. But having binoculars like the CL Companion enables me to get greater detail about what we're seeing and then share that with our guests.
How do the binoculars perform in polar conditions, including changing light, weather and movement?
One of the features of working in the polar regions is the certainty of the uncertainty of conditions. We know they will change and they can change rapidly. They can go from really good visibility to foggy in an instant. And having binoculars like this helps me pick up any detail, even in low light. They're essential for what I do in conditions that can change so quickly.
Photo Credit: Gajan Balan, Quark Expeditions (left)
Photo Credit: Shannon Vandivier (right)
What features of the CL Companion stood out most to you?
The first thing I noticed about the CL Companion binoculars was how light and easy to focus they are. I was able to lock in on the animal I was looking for immediately. So, the ease of use was evident. Also, carrying these binoculars around my neck was great as they are much lighter than many others of the same quality. The clarity of the lenses is also another feature as a guide that's essential for me. To have an excellent glass with outstanding viewing through the lens is a gamechanger when you’re observing animals in the wild.
How did the binoculars help you share the wildlife experience with Quark guests?
So, in using these binoculars, I’m out on the deck or land searching for wildlife. Once I find that wildlife, I want to share with the guests and be able to describe what is going on. If it’s a bear, what is it doing? Did it catch a scent and is on the hunt for food? Is it eating something?
When I’m searching for whales, I need to be able to identify those to share with the guests because they have questions immediately. What species is it? What is it doing? I want to help them understand better what they’re seeing in this environment. And by understanding or describing what’s going on to them, and then letting them use the binoculars to see it themselves, they have a better appreciation of what these animals are doing in their natural habitat.
Photo Credit: Jonas Fellenstein, Quark Expeditions
Why are binoculars an important tool for observing polar wildlife responsibly?
Binoculars are an essential tool for me as a guide in the polar regions. We do not want to disturb wildlife, and there are many guidelines and restrictions we must follow when exploring here. To be able to observe wildlife responsibly, you need to maintain distance, so you don’t disturb them or other wildlife around us. With the CL Companion, we’re able to see animals with clarity from a safe, respectable distance. Honestly, I could not do my job the same without these as they allow me to share incredible wildlife sightings with guests, and these types of moments really elevate their expedition experience.
What advice would you give guests using binoculars on a polar expedition for the first time?
I always hope that when people come to explore the polar regions with us, they bring binoculars. I think they’re an essential tool. I also recommend guests practice using them. Work on putting them to your eyes, knowing where the focus tool is and how to quickly adjust focus so they can spend less time searching for wildlife and more time viewing them. If they’re ready to use them, they’ll be able to appreciate more of what they see in the polar regions.
