30 December 2007, Orca Network reports:
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research called with a report of seeing 10 orcas in N. Haro Strait; Dave Ellifrit & Mark Malleson got out & saw 6 Transients near Gooch Island (between N. San Juans & Sidney, BC), Identified as: T14 (Pender), T49, T49 a & b, & 2 others.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Mammal-eating orcas cruise coast CanWest News Service Published: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 NANAIMO - A group of 13 transient killer whales has paid an unexpected visit to Nanaimo harbour, possibly in search of food. Robin Abernethy, a marine mammal technician at Nanaimo's Pacific Biological Station, said the group was last week spotted swimming south at Stephenson Point. The whales were monitored as they headed toward Dodds Narrows before turning back north into Nanaimo harbour and were last seen near the Winchelsea Islands. She said the whales were identified as transients, which hunt other sea mammals such as harbour seals, porpoises and sea lions, and these particular whales usually spend their time on the west coast of Vancouver Island and off the coast of Alaska. Abernethy said transient killer whales, which number about 220 in the Vancouver Island area, are occasionally seen in areas in the Strait of Georgia where there are lots of harbour seals, and she expects the whales were in Nanaimo harbour looking for food. "They're unpredictable animals and we don't know for certain why these transients came together to travel in such a large group, but there may be social reasons or it may be just easier for them to hunt," she said. In a previous interview, marine biologist John Ford said hundreds of killer whales travel by Nanaimo at all times of the year, but most of those seen in Nanaimo waters are usually fish-eating southern resident killer whales from pods that generally stay in the Strait of Georgia year-round. Transient and resident killer whales are socially isolated from each other and never mix. ? The Vancouver Sun 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Distant calls audible.
We're listening to occasional distant calls from transient orcas on the Flower Island hydrophone. Still thinking about Corky, first morning as a captive. The underwater inspection of the wreckage in Robson Bight will begin this morning.
Helena & Paul
12 Dec 2007 07:02:58 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients heard earlier this morning in Blackfish Sound (to 7:20am) may have circled around to Johnstone Strait. Very briefly (and faintly), we heard calls in the Strait. Bill MacKay, who was taking media to the sub dive off Robson Bight today, saw the whales (a large group of about 11) off of the Sophias. The transients, according to Jim Borrowman (who is on scene with the sub), continued east very fast past Boat Bay. A small group of Dalls porpoise had been off the Bight prior to the transient's pass. Right now we can hear the muffled conversations between the sub and the rest of the crew which is rather interesting.
Helena
12 Dec 2007 11:52:58 PST
We're listening to occasional distant calls from transient orcas on the Flower Island hydrophone. Still thinking about Corky, first morning as a captive. The underwater inspection of the wreckage in Robson Bight will begin this morning.
Helena & Paul
12 Dec 2007 07:02:58 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients heard earlier this morning in Blackfish Sound (to 7:20am) may have circled around to Johnstone Strait. Very briefly (and faintly), we heard calls in the Strait. Bill MacKay, who was taking media to the sub dive off Robson Bight today, saw the whales (a large group of about 11) off of the Sophias. The transients, according to Jim Borrowman (who is on scene with the sub), continued east very fast past Boat Bay. A small group of Dalls porpoise had been off the Bight prior to the transient's pass. Right now we can hear the muffled conversations between the sub and the rest of the crew which is rather interesting.
Helena
12 Dec 2007 11:52:58 PST
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Superb sounds!!
We had a few brief call sessions earlier today, and a great hour long set off FI tonight from 7-8pm. Transients.
Tim
22 Nov 2007 20:41:04 PST
Listen to their calls from november 22
We had a few brief call sessions earlier today, and a great hour long set off FI tonight from 7-8pm. Transients.
Tim
22 Nov 2007 20:41:04 PST
Listen to their calls from november 22
Thursday, October 04, 2007
04 October 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
All quiet through the night. This morning T14 travelled west up Johnstone Strait and into Blackney Pass. From 10:20 - 10:50 am, he passed several humpbacks on his way to Blackfish Sound. While in Blackney he had an active "moment", stopping his travels briefly, as he jumped on top of something. We are still unable to broadcast but are hopeful the problems will be solved soon. Sorry for the delay.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 13:03:47 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
All quiet through the night. This morning T14 travelled west up Johnstone Strait and into Blackney Pass. From 10:20 - 10:50 am, he passed several humpbacks on his way to Blackfish Sound. While in Blackney he had an active "moment", stopping his travels briefly, as he jumped on top of something. We are still unable to broadcast but are hopeful the problems will be solved soon. Sorry for the delay.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 13:03:47 PDT
Thursday, September 20, 2007
20 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have travelled through Weynton Pass toward Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile T14 was seen heading east from the Nimpkish River toward Johnstone Strait. This possible "confict" of interests was solved by T14 ducking into Weynton Pass as the A30s entered the Strait. He loks like he might head to Blackfish Sound. This was all done without any calls.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 17:07:58 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
T14 gave us a bit of a surprise. Despite being seen moving through Weynton Pass earlier after passing the A30s on their way to Johnstone Strait through the same passage, he must have doubled back. Tim at CP saw first saw him off the western tip of Hanson Island. From there he moved east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. He then went north into Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the resting A30s, contiued east against the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 19:48:10 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have travelled through Weynton Pass toward Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile T14 was seen heading east from the Nimpkish River toward Johnstone Strait. This possible "confict" of interests was solved by T14 ducking into Weynton Pass as the A30s entered the Strait. He loks like he might head to Blackfish Sound. This was all done without any calls.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 17:07:58 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
T14 gave us a bit of a surprise. Despite being seen moving through Weynton Pass earlier after passing the A30s on their way to Johnstone Strait through the same passage, he must have doubled back. Tim at CP saw first saw him off the western tip of Hanson Island. From there he moved east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. He then went north into Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the resting A30s, contiued east against the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 19:48:10 PDT
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
19 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
A lovely quiet morning - even the wind has dropped. No reports and we only heard dolphins during the night. The Critical Point system has been fussy and noisy. Hopefully, this can be corrected. No reports about the A30s or the G25s.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 09:32:56 PDT
No orcas present.
More transient activity today. Earlier this morning, two groups were spotted travelling toward each other in the Retreat Pass area (off of Queen Charlotte Strait). One group of three came into Arrow Pass and met up with the group of four near the Fox islands. The whales then turned and have headed back through Arrow Pass. They are currently just at the mouth of Arrow. The group of dolphins we heard earlier west of Critical Point continued west and out Weynton Pass. They moved toward Mitchell Bay where they have stalled in company with a minke whale whose feeding has excited lots of birds. The A30s were again reported in Nodales Channel. No word on the G25s - have they left the area? Also, jim Borrowman saw 45 Sandhill Cranes fly overhead on his way to watch the transients.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 13:58:35 PDT
No orcas present.
A lovely quiet morning - even the wind has dropped. No reports and we only heard dolphins during the night. The Critical Point system has been fussy and noisy. Hopefully, this can be corrected. No reports about the A30s or the G25s.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 09:32:56 PDT
No orcas present.
More transient activity today. Earlier this morning, two groups were spotted travelling toward each other in the Retreat Pass area (off of Queen Charlotte Strait). One group of three came into Arrow Pass and met up with the group of four near the Fox islands. The whales then turned and have headed back through Arrow Pass. They are currently just at the mouth of Arrow. The group of dolphins we heard earlier west of Critical Point continued west and out Weynton Pass. They moved toward Mitchell Bay where they have stalled in company with a minke whale whose feeding has excited lots of birds. The A30s were again reported in Nodales Channel. No word on the G25s - have they left the area? Also, jim Borrowman saw 45 Sandhill Cranes fly overhead on his way to watch the transients.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 13:58:35 PDT
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
18 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Just after 6am this morning we heard clear echo location followed by some crunching sounds. Unfortunatel, we were not able to source the sounds. A short while later, at 7:49am, we spotted a small group of transients opposite the Lab in Blackney Pass. They were going very slowly and changing directions but generally heading north. We lost track of them at 8:35am just as they crossed paths with a humpback going the opposite direction. The transients (later Id'd as the T55s) carried on into Blackfish Sound where the Gikumi continued the observations. No sign of the residents and these transients were a different group identified yesterday. Last night was remarkable for the humpback calls mixed in with the transient calls in Johnstone Strait around 9:50pm.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 10:17:39 PDT
No orcas present.
After the excitment of the transients in Blackney Pass (the T55s) early this morning we had to be content to follow their progress (or lack of it) for the rest of the day. For several hours this group moved back and forth off Stubbs Island in Weynton Passage. The A30s, meanwhile, were found in Nodales Channel (eastern Johnstone Strait). 100 dolphins, Dalls porpoise, sea lions, seals, myriad birds and humpbacks filled up the rest of the day.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 23:41:35 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just after 6am this morning we heard clear echo location followed by some crunching sounds. Unfortunatel, we were not able to source the sounds. A short while later, at 7:49am, we spotted a small group of transients opposite the Lab in Blackney Pass. They were going very slowly and changing directions but generally heading north. We lost track of them at 8:35am just as they crossed paths with a humpback going the opposite direction. The transients (later Id'd as the T55s) carried on into Blackfish Sound where the Gikumi continued the observations. No sign of the residents and these transients were a different group identified yesterday. Last night was remarkable for the humpback calls mixed in with the transient calls in Johnstone Strait around 9:50pm.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 10:17:39 PDT
No orcas present.
After the excitment of the transients in Blackney Pass (the T55s) early this morning we had to be content to follow their progress (or lack of it) for the rest of the day. For several hours this group moved back and forth off Stubbs Island in Weynton Passage. The A30s, meanwhile, were found in Nodales Channel (eastern Johnstone Strait). 100 dolphins, Dalls porpoise, sea lions, seals, myriad birds and humpbacks filled up the rest of the day.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 23:41:35 PDT
Monday, September 17, 2007
17 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have arrived back at the east end of the Reserve (from the east). Meanwhile, we had a group of transients which included T68 & T68A - thanks to Jackie & Stubbs Island for the IDs) - head south through Blackney Pass to Cracroft Point. Just as the rub started the transients turned and began to head west.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 16:54:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have come west from the beaches. Meanwhile, the G25s turned up unexpectedly and briefly off CP. They must have come through Blackney Pass. They have been quite scattered and elusive all day but hopefully they now have connected with the A30s. They did seem to be "searching" ealier. No further word on the transients who were recently in Johnstone Strait as well.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 18:59:01 PDT
No orcas present.
If you are wondering what happened...you are not alone. The A30s and the G25s disappeared and we imagine that they went off to the east. However, there were no calls to support this or any other theory. The transients may have turned up once again off the entrance to Blackney, after a trip to the west, around 7:30pm. At least, there was a group of 6 that showed up there. From there, this group, went east along Cracroft Island. By 8pm, they were off the Sophia Islands.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 20:56:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We ave been listening to (mostly distant) transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 22:17:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The transients are still in Johnstone Strait calling in sporadic bouts. They came up toward the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier and then after a period of silence their calls seemed louder once again on the Critical Point system.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 23:58:53 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have arrived back at the east end of the Reserve (from the east). Meanwhile, we had a group of transients which included T68 & T68A - thanks to Jackie & Stubbs Island for the IDs) - head south through Blackney Pass to Cracroft Point. Just as the rub started the transients turned and began to head west.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 16:54:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have come west from the beaches. Meanwhile, the G25s turned up unexpectedly and briefly off CP. They must have come through Blackney Pass. They have been quite scattered and elusive all day but hopefully they now have connected with the A30s. They did seem to be "searching" ealier. No further word on the transients who were recently in Johnstone Strait as well.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 18:59:01 PDT
No orcas present.
If you are wondering what happened...you are not alone. The A30s and the G25s disappeared and we imagine that they went off to the east. However, there were no calls to support this or any other theory. The transients may have turned up once again off the entrance to Blackney, after a trip to the west, around 7:30pm. At least, there was a group of 6 that showed up there. From there, this group, went east along Cracroft Island. By 8pm, they were off the Sophia Islands.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 20:56:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We ave been listening to (mostly distant) transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 22:17:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The transients are still in Johnstone Strait calling in sporadic bouts. They came up toward the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier and then after a period of silence their calls seemed louder once again on the Critical Point system.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 23:58:53 PDT
Sunday, September 09, 2007
09 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of transients (yet to be identified) are off Izumi Rock (west of the Reserve). A group of dolphins is not too far away, off of the Sophias. The A30s are most likely off the Broken Island.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 10:53:26 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients turned out to be the T46 group once again. They went up to Weynton Pass and had a bite to eat (seal) and carried on. The A30s at 3pm were back off the Broken Island group. Meanwhile, sealions, humpbacks and myriad birds have kept us busy for the afternoon.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 17:09:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of transients (yet to be identified) are off Izumi Rock (west of the Reserve). A group of dolphins is not too far away, off of the Sophias. The A30s are most likely off the Broken Island.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 10:53:26 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients turned out to be the T46 group once again. They went up to Weynton Pass and had a bite to eat (seal) and carried on. The A30s at 3pm were back off the Broken Island group. Meanwhile, sealions, humpbacks and myriad birds have kept us busy for the afternoon.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 17:09:17 PDT
Thursday, September 06, 2007
06 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
A little bit handicapped last night with Critical Point down. However, there was movement. Just after midnight we had close A5 calls in the entrance of Blackney Pass. After a gap of 20 minutes we then began to hear A4s approach the entrance from the Johnstone Strait side. A group (the A4s?) travelled through Blackney to the north. Much later there was a brief but intense rub at the beaches. This morning, a male transient (T14) has been sighted off Weynton Island. Other blows have been sighted towards Blinkhorn, and T14 has turned toward this vocal group. Just now we are hearing distant transient calls continue in Johnstone Strait.(Critical is working again).
Helena
06 Sep 2007 09:22:32 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients were identified by Jared Towers as T14, T41, T44, and the T37s (who have not been seen very many times before). This group is past Port McNeill now andstill headed west. A wealth of humpbacks in the area. There is a steady count of 5 in the immediate area and probably others in Queen Charlotte Strait etc.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 13:45:58 PDT
No orcas present.
An amazingly uneventful rest of the day! There are whales still to the east although we had no updates today about what happened below. And no word about any resident activity to the west. The morning transients kept going west and the humpbacks kept going in circles. This day is almost done.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 23:11:21 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A little bit handicapped last night with Critical Point down. However, there was movement. Just after midnight we had close A5 calls in the entrance of Blackney Pass. After a gap of 20 minutes we then began to hear A4s approach the entrance from the Johnstone Strait side. A group (the A4s?) travelled through Blackney to the north. Much later there was a brief but intense rub at the beaches. This morning, a male transient (T14) has been sighted off Weynton Island. Other blows have been sighted towards Blinkhorn, and T14 has turned toward this vocal group. Just now we are hearing distant transient calls continue in Johnstone Strait.(Critical is working again).
Helena
06 Sep 2007 09:22:32 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients were identified by Jared Towers as T14, T41, T44, and the T37s (who have not been seen very many times before). This group is past Port McNeill now andstill headed west. A wealth of humpbacks in the area. There is a steady count of 5 in the immediate area and probably others in Queen Charlotte Strait etc.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 13:45:58 PDT
No orcas present.
An amazingly uneventful rest of the day! There are whales still to the east although we had no updates today about what happened below. And no word about any resident activity to the west. The morning transients kept going west and the humpbacks kept going in circles. This day is almost done.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 23:11:21 PDT
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
04 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Sorry, ity has been a while since we have posted a comment. This morning a small group of transients (the T101s) travelled west in Johnstone Strait from Robson Bight to points west. They were travelling quite fast. Meanwhile, the humpbacks, Chunky and Stripe returned to the area for the first time this year, coming out of Queen Charlotte Strait to Blackfish Sound. There they found 100+ dolphins and at least 80 sealions. A busy day despite the fact that the large 100+ residents remained in the east for the day. The good news from below is that since 1:45pm they are westbound from Ripple Point - Tonight sometime?
Helena
04 Sep 2007 15:15:40 PDT
No orcas present.
Sorry, ity has been a while since we have posted a comment. This morning a small group of transients (the T101s) travelled west in Johnstone Strait from Robson Bight to points west. They were travelling quite fast. Meanwhile, the humpbacks, Chunky and Stripe returned to the area for the first time this year, coming out of Queen Charlotte Strait to Blackfish Sound. There they found 100+ dolphins and at least 80 sealions. A busy day despite the fact that the large 100+ residents remained in the east for the day. The good news from below is that since 1:45pm they are westbound from Ripple Point - Tonight sometime?
Helena
04 Sep 2007 15:15:40 PDT
Monday, September 03, 2007
03 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT
Friday, August 24, 2007
24 August, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
The day just gets busier. A group of transient (T46s +) who were first seen about an hour ago in Weynton Pass have turned up off cracroft Point heading east. Meanwhile, it appears that the A30s have picked up the rest of the I31s and are headed back east in Queen Charlotte Strait. The A36s never went as far as the A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait have been in range from time to time. And finally (?) the A12s who must have gone east and not followed the big group out to the west two nights ago, are on their way west in Johnstone Strait and have past the Eve River.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 13:39:19 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The day just gets busier. A group of transient (T46s +) who were first seen about an hour ago in Weynton Pass have turned up off cracroft Point heading east. Meanwhile, it appears that the A30s have picked up the rest of the I31s and are headed back east in Queen Charlotte Strait. The A36s never went as far as the A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait have been in range from time to time. And finally (?) the A12s who must have gone east and not followed the big group out to the west two nights ago, are on their way west in Johnstone Strait and have past the Eve River.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 13:39:19 PDT
Saturday, August 11, 2007
11 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
Thursday, August 09, 2007
09 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
After all of the activity today the end of the day held one more surprise! The T100s came out of White Beach Pass and travelled south through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait. There were no calls and the IDs were provided by Jared Towers. The I11s may have finally made up their minds by heading out toward Queen Charlotte Strait just a short while ago. All the whales in the Strait may have drifted east. The last we heard was echo location on Critical Point (Robson Bight). at 8:33pm.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 21:05:40 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After all of the activity today the end of the day held one more surprise! The T100s came out of White Beach Pass and travelled south through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait. There were no calls and the IDs were provided by Jared Towers. The I11s may have finally made up their minds by heading out toward Queen Charlotte Strait just a short while ago. All the whales in the Strait may have drifted east. The last we heard was echo location on Critical Point (Robson Bight). at 8:33pm.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 21:05:40 PDT
Friday, July 20, 2007
20 July 2007, Cetaceanlab reports:
The next morning it happened all over again except with a different group of transients. They also hunted down a Dall’s then sharing this meal for a short period of time. It was what happened later that was interesting. They had initially come from the south and traveled north in Whale Channel to Camp Island, this is when they made the kill. After they turned back south and traveled to a local sea lion rock. On the rock there were about 30 young sea lions, females and a few old males. The transients came very close to the rock, circling it 3 times. The sea lions at first were slightly calm but by the second time the orcas were circling they began to panic and soon the frenzy began and they all, except the males, began to jump off the rock into the water. We thought for sure there was to be another kill but these sea lions then joined into a very tight group close to the rock. The transients then traveled on but it was inspiring to watch the technique they used, similar to a pack of wolves, causing panic among their prey.
The next morning it happened all over again except with a different group of transients. They also hunted down a Dall’s then sharing this meal for a short period of time. It was what happened later that was interesting. They had initially come from the south and traveled north in Whale Channel to Camp Island, this is when they made the kill. After they turned back south and traveled to a local sea lion rock. On the rock there were about 30 young sea lions, females and a few old males. The transients came very close to the rock, circling it 3 times. The sea lions at first were slightly calm but by the second time the orcas were circling they began to panic and soon the frenzy began and they all, except the males, began to jump off the rock into the water. We thought for sure there was to be another kill but these sea lions then joined into a very tight group close to the rock. The transients then traveled on but it was inspiring to watch the technique they used, similar to a pack of wolves, causing panic among their prey.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
19 July 2007, Cetaceanlab reports:
We were with a couple of humpback whale trying to get an ID photo when Cara from KPL called to report one lone female orca. She said the whale was traveling close to the Campania shoreline heading north. We happened to be just north of that location so decided to just sit and wait with the hydrophone in the water. Not even twenty minutes had passed and there was a blow, followed by another. There were 2 females close to the boat, followed by another female and her 2 calves. We were just wondering if these were transients when the leading females did a dive, next thing they were leaping through the air around our boat in pursuit of a Dall’s porpoise. They made the kill very quickly; the two females only fed for a moment and then left the rest for the female and her calves. For the next 40 minutes we watched in wonder as this mother would actually hold onto this meal with her mouth and the two calves would follow her to feed. At one point they had all disappeared for over 5 minutes. Then the mother appeared right under our boat and surfaced just a few feet away, then again, this time with the older calf right at her side, totally taking a look at us in our boat. I can honestly say my throat was so tight I could not speak. I really was not sure how to interpret this encounter except to say the feeling within me to have a transient orca choose to come so close with her calf is to feel complete for that moment.
We were with a couple of humpback whale trying to get an ID photo when Cara from KPL called to report one lone female orca. She said the whale was traveling close to the Campania shoreline heading north. We happened to be just north of that location so decided to just sit and wait with the hydrophone in the water. Not even twenty minutes had passed and there was a blow, followed by another. There were 2 females close to the boat, followed by another female and her 2 calves. We were just wondering if these were transients when the leading females did a dive, next thing they were leaping through the air around our boat in pursuit of a Dall’s porpoise. They made the kill very quickly; the two females only fed for a moment and then left the rest for the female and her calves. For the next 40 minutes we watched in wonder as this mother would actually hold onto this meal with her mouth and the two calves would follow her to feed. At one point they had all disappeared for over 5 minutes. Then the mother appeared right under our boat and surfaced just a few feet away, then again, this time with the older calf right at her side, totally taking a look at us in our boat. I can honestly say my throat was so tight I could not speak. I really was not sure how to interpret this encounter except to say the feeling within me to have a transient orca choose to come so close with her calf is to feel complete for that moment.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
14 July 2007, Orcalab reports
No orcas present.
The 5 year Springer Reunion is in progress in Telegraph Cove and there are a lot of fingers crossed that she and her family and friends will come back from eastern Johnstone Strait by this afternoon. All was quiet over night (except boat noise, of course) and so we believe they are still east. Yesterday, T14 went through the area generating some excitment.
Helena
14 Jul 2007 09:03:51 PDT
No orcas present.
The 5 year Springer Reunion is in progress in Telegraph Cove and there are a lot of fingers crossed that she and her family and friends will come back from eastern Johnstone Strait by this afternoon. All was quiet over night (except boat noise, of course) and so we believe they are still east. Yesterday, T14 went through the area generating some excitment.
Helena
14 Jul 2007 09:03:51 PDT
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
11 July 2007, Cetacean lab reports:
I had just anchored the boat and canoed back to shore when a report of 6 orcas came over the radio. Hermann decided he would go out in the boat and I would remain here and listen for any calls to come over the hydrophone station. He called within 15 minutes and reported that they were Transient Orcas for sure. They had just taken a long dive and he was patiently waiting for them to surface to take identification pictures. Over 30 minutes later he still had not seen them. I was still at home waiting for any calls when suddenly; looking through our living room window I saw 2 orcas flying through the air in hot pursuit of a Dall’s porpoise. I ran to the radio phone and called Hermann. At this exact same time a different group of transient orcas had surfaced right beside his boat and were also heading in the direction of action bay, better known as Taylor Bight. Looking back we now realize that what they had done is come in as one group then split in to 2 separate groups looking for prey. Once the first group had started the hunt this second group then arrived to share the meal. During the time of this hunt these 2 groups were 2 kilometers apart. The hunt lasted 15 minutes and was extremely dynamic. Then everything calmed right back down, they all came back together and after feeding traveled slowly towards the west.
I had just anchored the boat and canoed back to shore when a report of 6 orcas came over the radio. Hermann decided he would go out in the boat and I would remain here and listen for any calls to come over the hydrophone station. He called within 15 minutes and reported that they were Transient Orcas for sure. They had just taken a long dive and he was patiently waiting for them to surface to take identification pictures. Over 30 minutes later he still had not seen them. I was still at home waiting for any calls when suddenly; looking through our living room window I saw 2 orcas flying through the air in hot pursuit of a Dall’s porpoise. I ran to the radio phone and called Hermann. At this exact same time a different group of transient orcas had surfaced right beside his boat and were also heading in the direction of action bay, better known as Taylor Bight. Looking back we now realize that what they had done is come in as one group then split in to 2 separate groups looking for prey. Once the first group had started the hunt this second group then arrived to share the meal. During the time of this hunt these 2 groups were 2 kilometers apart. The hunt lasted 15 minutes and was extremely dynamic. Then everything calmed right back down, they all came back together and after feeding traveled slowly towards the west.
Friday, June 22, 2007
22 June 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
A small group of transients went through Blackney Pass this morning headed to Blackfish Sound. Two days ago, Jared Towers reported that T20,21 59, 59A, 59A1 were eastbound in Johnstone Strait. Humpbacks,minke, dolphins and dalls porpoise continue to be a daily presence.
Helena
22 Jun 2007 08:29:26 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A small group of transients went through Blackney Pass this morning headed to Blackfish Sound. Two days ago, Jared Towers reported that T20,21 59, 59A, 59A1 were eastbound in Johnstone Strait. Humpbacks,minke, dolphins and dalls porpoise continue to be a daily presence.
Helena
22 Jun 2007 08:29:26 PDT
Saturday, June 09, 2007
9 June 2007, Cetaceanlab reports:
We were just getting ready to do a whale survey when Hermann came running back from the beach, a group of Orca was already passing by the lab. He went to get the boat and I put together the camera and hydrophone equipment, within 10 minutes we were on our way. It was just past 6:30 am, the sun was already providing lots of light on the water. We were soon idling along beside this family of orca. It did not take long for us to realize they were Transient orca. The blows were soft, they were taking long dives and we could just sense that they were in hunting mode. We took some photo IDs, one juvenile that had an extremely injured dorsal. There was also one tiny new calf, from this year as it was still quite orange in color. We stayed with them as they followed the Gil Island shore to the west. Then Hermann mentioned that he thought he could see a blow near Ashdown. I looked and said “Oh I think that is a Humpback” I was wrong, there were 2 more groups or orca, going in a different direction then the family we were with. Our first thought was, could these other whales be Resident? It is always interesting and rare to have these 2 different populations of orca in the same area. We slowly made our way toward the first group, a very large male and a female. They came quite close to the boat, definitely Transient, we were able to ID them immediately. The male was T20 and the female T23. Suddenly they turned, right toward the boat, came past our stern only a few feet away, was magnificent!! We then looked for the first group and sure enough they had turned in the same direction, we looked for the 3rd group, same thing, they were now all headed to the south. Interesting how they do this, traveling miles apart and not a single call was heard, at least not by us. We decided to travel towards the third group of 3 females to take some photo IDs. Just as we approached they took a dive, we waited and waited, they just disappeared! After 30 minutes we gave up, even the other 2 group were gone. This is so common with Transients, one minute they are here next they are gone!
We were just getting ready to do a whale survey when Hermann came running back from the beach, a group of Orca was already passing by the lab. He went to get the boat and I put together the camera and hydrophone equipment, within 10 minutes we were on our way. It was just past 6:30 am, the sun was already providing lots of light on the water. We were soon idling along beside this family of orca. It did not take long for us to realize they were Transient orca. The blows were soft, they were taking long dives and we could just sense that they were in hunting mode. We took some photo IDs, one juvenile that had an extremely injured dorsal. There was also one tiny new calf, from this year as it was still quite orange in color. We stayed with them as they followed the Gil Island shore to the west. Then Hermann mentioned that he thought he could see a blow near Ashdown. I looked and said “Oh I think that is a Humpback” I was wrong, there were 2 more groups or orca, going in a different direction then the family we were with. Our first thought was, could these other whales be Resident? It is always interesting and rare to have these 2 different populations of orca in the same area. We slowly made our way toward the first group, a very large male and a female. They came quite close to the boat, definitely Transient, we were able to ID them immediately. The male was T20 and the female T23. Suddenly they turned, right toward the boat, came past our stern only a few feet away, was magnificent!! We then looked for the first group and sure enough they had turned in the same direction, we looked for the 3rd group, same thing, they were now all headed to the south. Interesting how they do this, traveling miles apart and not a single call was heard, at least not by us. We decided to travel towards the third group of 3 females to take some photo IDs. Just as we approached they took a dive, we waited and waited, they just disappeared! After 30 minutes we gave up, even the other 2 group were gone. This is so common with Transients, one minute they are here next they are gone!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
31 May 2007, Orcalab reports
No orcas present.
An interesting postscript: about 9 transients were seen heading west past Port McNeill around 7:45pm. This was possibly a different group from the group who were vocal in Blackfish Sound just 20 minutes earlier. Thanks to Bill and Donna MacKay for the report. Busy night!
Helena
31 May 2007 20:23:15 PDT
No orcas present.
An interesting postscript: about 9 transients were seen heading west past Port McNeill around 7:45pm. This was possibly a different group from the group who were vocal in Blackfish Sound just 20 minutes earlier. Thanks to Bill and Donna MacKay for the report. Busy night!
Helena
31 May 2007 20:23:15 PDT
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
16 May 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
A couple of sightings to add. On May 14th the same group of transients came back into Blackney Pass later in the day. Farewell Harbour, out for their first sport fishing of the season spotted them in the entrance of Blackney Pass and gave us the heads up. It was early evening but we were able to watch the group travel north through the Pass. Then yesterday, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island), on the lookout for a reported humpback, found the T2s in Weynton Pass very close to some Dalls Porpoise. Further north, there have been a few northern resident encounters off the central coast. It certainly feels as if the season is beginning to ramp up!
Helena
16 May 2007 13:19:17
No orcas present.
A couple of sightings to add. On May 14th the same group of transients came back into Blackney Pass later in the day. Farewell Harbour, out for their first sport fishing of the season spotted them in the entrance of Blackney Pass and gave us the heads up. It was early evening but we were able to watch the group travel north through the Pass. Then yesterday, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island), on the lookout for a reported humpback, found the T2s in Weynton Pass very close to some Dalls Porpoise. Further north, there have been a few northern resident encounters off the central coast. It certainly feels as if the season is beginning to ramp up!
Helena
16 May 2007 13:19:17
Monday, May 14, 2007
14 May 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Cruise ships and cruising transients this morning! A group of 5 transients were in Blackney Pass from 6:15 to about 7am. They headed north and at 8:15am they were mid channel at the western end of Blackfish Sound pointed toward Donegal Head. There were no calls and the group had one male and 4 others.
Helena
14 May 2007 08:45:43 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Cruise ships and cruising transients this morning! A group of 5 transients were in Blackney Pass from 6:15 to about 7am. They headed north and at 8:15am they were mid channel at the western end of Blackfish Sound pointed toward Donegal Head. There were no calls and the group had one male and 4 others.
Helena
14 May 2007 08:45:43 PDT
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Superb sounds!!
We just had a long session with very vocal and visable transtients (4) in Blackney Pass. Their behaviours and the numerous gulls circling about suggests they must have completed a successful hunt. They have now travelled into Blackfish Sound but are still vocal.
Helena
04 May 2007 19:57:34 PDT
We just had a long session with very vocal and visable transtients (4) in Blackney Pass. Their behaviours and the numerous gulls circling about suggests they must have completed a successful hunt. They have now travelled into Blackfish Sound but are still vocal.
Helena
04 May 2007 19:57:34 PDT
Thursday, May 03, 2007
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of 4 transients just passed south through Blackney Pass. One male accompanied 2 females and a calf. They were for a time very interested in a sealion but we don't believe they made a kill. The other sealions clustered in the water became quite agitated as the transients passed. Things have since settled down.
Helena
03 May 2007 08:14:38 PDT
A group of 4 transients just passed south through Blackney Pass. One male accompanied 2 females and a calf. They were for a time very interested in a sealion but we don't believe they made a kill. The other sealions clustered in the water became quite agitated as the transients passed. Things have since settled down.
Helena
03 May 2007 08:14:38 PDT
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 05, 2007
05 March 2007, Cetaceanlab reports:
We had a small group of transient Orcas close to Taylor Bight and enjoyed a close encounter of a juvenile/young adult humpback whale that came very close to the shore of our Lab. We also had the first acoustic recording of a group of resident Orcas. In the morning of March 5th, we started hearing A-calls on our “Home” station. The whales were most likely traveling north in Squally Channel. It may have been a fairly large group and we were able to determine that an A1 group was present (most likely the A36s), and a B,C,D group. It was a pleasant surprise for us to listen to the B,C,D Orcas as we never had them this early in the season in our study area.
We had a small group of transient Orcas close to Taylor Bight and enjoyed a close encounter of a juvenile/young adult humpback whale that came very close to the shore of our Lab. We also had the first acoustic recording of a group of resident Orcas. In the morning of March 5th, we started hearing A-calls on our “Home” station. The whales were most likely traveling north in Squally Channel. It may have been a fairly large group and we were able to determine that an A1 group was present (most likely the A36s), and a B,C,D group. It was a pleasant surprise for us to listen to the B,C,D Orcas as we never had them this early in the season in our study area.
Monday, January 29, 2007
29 January 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
There was a lot that happened today. The I33s along with I46 and I80 went through Blackney Pass as reported and then headed east. The I35s (the other members of the I31s) unexpectedly turned up off Cracroft Point and went west. We are not sure if they had followed the others in un-noticed and then went on their own way. Just as this was happening several transients were also westboud further "up" the Strait. They went out via Alert Bay. It is a crazy amount of activity for this time of year. The day was gorgeous and if we weren'ty having to wear our sweaters and warm clothes we might believe it was summer!
Helena
29 Jan 2007 18:48:11 PST
No orcas present.
There was a lot that happened today. The I33s along with I46 and I80 went through Blackney Pass as reported and then headed east. The I35s (the other members of the I31s) unexpectedly turned up off Cracroft Point and went west. We are not sure if they had followed the others in un-noticed and then went on their own way. Just as this was happening several transients were also westboud further "up" the Strait. They went out via Alert Bay. It is a crazy amount of activity for this time of year. The day was gorgeous and if we weren'ty having to wear our sweaters and warm clothes we might believe it was summer!
Helena
29 Jan 2007 18:48:11 PST
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
