No orcas present.
A bit late, but yesterday (Oct.11), just before noon, a group of transients (the T55s) turned up in Blackney Pass once again. They cruised a group of sea lions and probably made a kill. Jared Towers later identified the group in Johnstone Strait. The whales were vocal for quite a while. None of the calls were very loud on our system. Quiet day here, all the best to everyone this Canadian Thanksgiving.
Helena & Paul
12 Oct 2008 11:42:24 PDT
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Transients in Weynton Pass
No calls but orcas nearby
Whales everywhere, both transients and residents! The A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and may have just come through Blackney Pass headed to Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, there were also transients in Weynton Pass. Last night, we heard distant A1 calls around 2:15am.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 16:06:16 PDT
Whales everywhere, both transients and residents! The A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and may have just come through Blackney Pass headed to Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, there were also transients in Weynton Pass. Last night, we heard distant A1 calls around 2:15am.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 16:06:16 PDT
Sunday, October 05, 2008
T55 within a group of 500 dolphins
No calls but orcas nearby
Our connection has been unstable today. However, here is a short update of the day's events so far. The A30s disappeared to the east, oast Robson Bight, around 3am. They recently have returned to the Bight (around 10am). Prior to the A30s' return, a small group of transients were in Blackney Pass in the middle of about 500 dolphins, sealions and two humpbacks. In a second, the dolphins and sealion porpoised awy to the west and the humpbacks disappeared. The transients lingered a while longer before sauntering off to the west also.
Helena
05 Oct 2008 11:38:41 PDT
No orcas present.
We heard from the A30s once again earlier this evening. They became quiet after reaching the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the transients of this morning turned out to be the T55s (thanks to Graeme Ellis for the identification and later updates) who apparently made an extensive tour of the whole area, ending up in Blackfish Sound at the same time the A30s were off Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait. They may have turned back to the west. Also, the Island Roamer found another transient group in Baronet Channel headed toward Knight Inlet. A busy and at times very wet day!
Helena
05 Oct 2008 22:33:48 PDT
Our connection has been unstable today. However, here is a short update of the day's events so far. The A30s disappeared to the east, oast Robson Bight, around 3am. They recently have returned to the Bight (around 10am). Prior to the A30s' return, a small group of transients were in Blackney Pass in the middle of about 500 dolphins, sealions and two humpbacks. In a second, the dolphins and sealion porpoised awy to the west and the humpbacks disappeared. The transients lingered a while longer before sauntering off to the west also.
Helena
05 Oct 2008 11:38:41 PDT
No orcas present.
We heard from the A30s once again earlier this evening. They became quiet after reaching the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the transients of this morning turned out to be the T55s (thanks to Graeme Ellis for the identification and later updates) who apparently made an extensive tour of the whole area, ending up in Blackfish Sound at the same time the A30s were off Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait. They may have turned back to the west. Also, the Island Roamer found another transient group in Baronet Channel headed toward Knight Inlet. A busy and at times very wet day!
Helena
05 Oct 2008 22:33:48 PDT
Monday, September 01, 2008
Transients resting
Seasmoke reports
This morning orcas were sighted out in front of Alert Bay, just ahead of passengers arriving to board and so it was with much excitement that the tour got underway. It turned out to be the same seven Transient orcas (mammal feeders, mostly marine) who were in the area two days ago, on August 30; the T34’s, T37’s and T72. When SV met up with the orcas they had just finished feeding and were resting and passengers were able to view these transient orcas in their relaxed state. Resting is rarely seen in transients , representing less than 3 % of their overall activity, as compared to 10-15% for residents. Passengers observed that the resting transients were uninterested in two Harbour Porpoises swimming nearby. After a time, the orcas began to travel to the west, passing west of Pultney Point on Malcolm Island.
This morning orcas were sighted out in front of Alert Bay, just ahead of passengers arriving to board and so it was with much excitement that the tour got underway. It turned out to be the same seven Transient orcas (mammal feeders, mostly marine) who were in the area two days ago, on August 30; the T34’s, T37’s and T72. When SV met up with the orcas they had just finished feeding and were resting and passengers were able to view these transient orcas in their relaxed state. Resting is rarely seen in transients , representing less than 3 % of their overall activity, as compared to 10-15% for residents. Passengers observed that the resting transients were uninterested in two Harbour Porpoises swimming nearby. After a time, the orcas began to travel to the west, passing west of Pultney Point on Malcolm Island.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Transients in JS
Seasmoke reports
We first sighted the A12’s off Weynton Passage as they crossed over to the VI shore in the heavy flood current. A55 was foraging steadily in the current off on his own while A34 and the rest of her offspring were foraging and at times could be seen resting, near to the VI shore; their beautiful A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone. They soon began to travel east, crossing over to Cracroft Point and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing as they foraged nearby the boat in the flood current at Blakney Passage. On our way home, when heading back to the west, 7 Transient orcas were also sighted traveling east down the VI shore. They had been identified as the T34’s, T37’s and T72. The sightings of Transient orcas this summer has been few and so it was an afternoon made even more interesting by their appearance in Johnstone Strait.
We first sighted the A12’s off Weynton Passage as they crossed over to the VI shore in the heavy flood current. A55 was foraging steadily in the current off on his own while A34 and the rest of her offspring were foraging and at times could be seen resting, near to the VI shore; their beautiful A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone. They soon began to travel east, crossing over to Cracroft Point and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing as they foraged nearby the boat in the flood current at Blakney Passage. On our way home, when heading back to the west, 7 Transient orcas were also sighted traveling east down the VI shore. They had been identified as the T34’s, T37’s and T72. The sightings of Transient orcas this summer has been few and so it was an afternoon made even more interesting by their appearance in Johnstone Strait.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008
5 August, 2008
Begin Encounter: 4:18 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 34.45 N
Start Long: 123° 02.20 W
End Encounter: 6:18 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 31.67 N
End Long: 123° 56.20 W
Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Erin Heydenreich, Courtney Smith and Mackenzie Consoier
Center for Whale Research staff responded to a report of transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008. The T124's, T20, T21 and T90 were encountered traveling south in a tight group mid channel north of Friday Harbor. The Center followed the whales past Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island, where the encounter ended at 6:18 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 4:18 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 34.45 N
Start Long: 123° 02.20 W
End Encounter: 6:18 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 31.67 N
End Long: 123° 56.20 W
Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Erin Heydenreich, Courtney Smith and Mackenzie Consoier
Center for Whale Research staff responded to a report of transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008. The T124's, T20, T21 and T90 were encountered traveling south in a tight group mid channel north of Friday Harbor. The Center followed the whales past Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island, where the encounter ended at 6:18 p.m.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Orcas near mics.
We have been listening to T14 who followed the rest of the transients through Blackney Pass. He continued into Johnstone Strait where, once off Cracroft Point, he became vocal. The others had already moved into Baronet Pass (the north side of Cracroft Island adjacent to Blackney Pass). T14 moved back into the entrance of Blackney Pass, still in Johnstone Strait, and continued to call. He is still westbound while the others continued east up Baronet. The residents are continuing eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 16:17:19 PDT
Helena
21 Jul 2008 16:17:19 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,A8s and A23s are moving west again opposite the Sophia islands. Meanwhile, yesterday's transient group (T124, T124D, T124E, T90s, T21s) are eastbound in Blackfish Sound not far from Blackney Pass. They took a dalls porpoise a short while ago.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 14:51:17 PDT
Helena
21 Jul 2008 14:51:17 PDT
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Orcalab reports:
Last night, the Boat Bay camp heard 5-6 blows in the Reserve. Just now a small group of transients are headed into Knights Inlet quickly.
Helena
20 Jul 2008 12:37:13 PDT
Helena
20 Jul 2008 12:37:13 PDT
Friday, July 18, 2008
Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The excitment this afternoon was the reports of T14 making progress eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait. We waited and waited but we never saw him.
Helena
18 Jul 2008 19:21:56 PDT
The excitment this afternoon was the reports of T14 making progress eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait. We waited and waited but we never saw him.
Helena
18 Jul 2008 19:21:56 PDT
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
T20, T21, T69A, and T69A1
No calls but orcas nearby
Apparently, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) has found a small group of transients in the vicinity of Blackfish Sound. We also just saw a humpback moving slowly south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 14:48:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The small group of transients reported earlier have made their way through Blackney Pass headed toward Johnstone Strait. The male remained offshore while the 2 females and calf followed the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:07:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned and went back to Blackfish Sound!
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:50:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Stubbs Island identified the whales as T20, T21, T69A, T69A1.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 17:20:32 PDT
Apparently, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) has found a small group of transients in the vicinity of Blackfish Sound. We also just saw a humpback moving slowly south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 14:48:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The small group of transients reported earlier have made their way through Blackney Pass headed toward Johnstone Strait. The male remained offshore while the 2 females and calf followed the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:07:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned and went back to Blackfish Sound!
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:50:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Stubbs Island identified the whales as T20, T21, T69A, T69A1.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 17:20:32 PDT
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Transients in Blackfish sound
Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
A small group of transients travelled through Blackney Pass this morning headed toward Blackfish Sound. There were no calls. The whales looked relaxed as they travelled along. The sea is calm and the sky sunny, lovely. We will resume audio streamig tomorrow.
Helena
31 May 2008 09:25:48 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A small group of transients travelled through Blackney Pass this morning headed toward Blackfish Sound. There were no calls. The whales looked relaxed as they travelled along. The sea is calm and the sky sunny, lovely. We will resume audio streamig tomorrow.
Helena
31 May 2008 09:25:48 PDT
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
27 May 2008, The Centre for Whale research reports:
May 27, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 5:00 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 5:36 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 31.43 N
Start Long: 123° 13.37 W
End Encounter: 6:35 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 35.93 N
End Long: 123° 14.40 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:35 p.m.
Observers: Ken Balcomb, John Durban, Erin Heydenreich
T102 and T20 were traveling at a medium pace nothbound through Haro Straight about 200 meters from T21,T101,T101A and T101C.
**
T40 off Victoria.
T40 inbound from Race Rocks headed for Victoria
**
May 27, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 5:00 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 5:36 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 31.43 N
Start Long: 123° 13.37 W
End Encounter: 6:35 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 35.93 N
End Long: 123° 14.40 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:35 p.m.
Observers: Ken Balcomb, John Durban, Erin Heydenreich
T102 and T20 were traveling at a medium pace nothbound through Haro Straight about 200 meters from T21,T101,T101A and T101C.
**
T40 off Victoria.
T40 inbound from Race Rocks headed for Victoria
**
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
18 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
We headed out from Victoria across to the Haro Strait and approx. a couple of miles SE of Kelp Reef, at 1345, we just happen to come acrosss 2 lone Transients, one identified as T20 (and the other T21?). We proceeded to observe them as they headed north, and left them with other WW boats off the east side of Sidney Island at around 1445.
Tim Hunt
Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student
We headed out from Victoria across to the Haro Strait and approx. a couple of miles SE of Kelp Reef, at 1345, we just happen to come acrosss 2 lone Transients, one identified as T20 (and the other T21?). We proceeded to observe them as they headed north, and left them with other WW boats off the east side of Sidney Island at around 1445.
Tim Hunt
Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
20 May Orca Network report
Orca Network received a call from a reporter for the Eureka (CA) Times Standard about an orca that charged up on a beach and grabbed a harbor seal. Half of the whale's body was out of the water. The whale then tossed the seal away and slid back into the water. At least 3 juvenile orcas were nearby. Was it all a hunting lesson for the young ones? He said there were some reports of a larger group of orcas further offshore. Orcas are known to beach themselves to catch sea lions in Patagonia, Argentina and in the Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean, but this is believed to be the first report of an orca grabbing a seal off a beach in North America. This occurred in front of about a dozen people who all tell the same basic story. The beach is called Indian Beach, in Trinidad Bay, about 20 miles north of Eureka CA, near the Humbolt Bay Marine Lab. The story will appear in the above paper tomorrow. No photos were taken as far as the reporter knows.
Orca Network received a call from a reporter for the Eureka (CA) Times Standard about an orca that charged up on a beach and grabbed a harbor seal. Half of the whale's body was out of the water. The whale then tossed the seal away and slid back into the water. At least 3 juvenile orcas were nearby. Was it all a hunting lesson for the young ones? He said there were some reports of a larger group of orcas further offshore. Orcas are known to beach themselves to catch sea lions in Patagonia, Argentina and in the Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean, but this is believed to be the first report of an orca grabbing a seal off a beach in North America. This occurred in front of about a dozen people who all tell the same basic story. The beach is called Indian Beach, in Trinidad Bay, about 20 miles north of Eureka CA, near the Humbolt Bay Marine Lab. The story will appear in the above paper tomorrow. No photos were taken as far as the reporter knows.
Monday, May 19, 2008
19 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
Hi Susan and Howard,
I believe the transients in Sansum Narrows on Monday were T20 and T21. I left them Sunday night off Coal Island(Swartz Bay) at 6:30pm and then picked them up again in Sidney Channel between James Island and Sidney Island at 8:30pm.
Simon @ Ocean Ecoventures
Hi Susan and Howard,
I believe the transients in Sansum Narrows on Monday were T20 and T21. I left them Sunday night off Coal Island(Swartz Bay) at 6:30pm and then picked them up again in Sidney Channel between James Island and Sidney Island at 8:30pm.
Simon @ Ocean Ecoventures
Saturday, May 17, 2008
17 May 2008, Orca Network reports
Orca Network received a call Monday AM from Gregory Gilbertson about a sighting of roughly ten orcas ~2:30 PM, approx. 25 miles west of Newport OR (240 degrees from Newport), in an area known as the "chicken ranch." He described them as hunting whales so these may have been Transients (or Offshores? or Residents?).
Orca Network received a call Monday AM from Gregory Gilbertson about a sighting of roughly ten orcas ~2:30 PM, approx. 25 miles west of Newport OR (240 degrees from Newport), in an area known as the "chicken ranch." He described them as hunting whales so these may have been Transients (or Offshores? or Residents?).
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Transients pass Victoria waterfront
The Center for Whaleresearch reports:
May 14, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Depart Snug Harbor: 10:55 a.m.
Begin Encounter: 11:35 a.m.
Start Lat: 48° 25.17 N
Start Long: 123° 16.83 W
End Encounter: 12:38 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 38.6 N
End Long: 123° 32.3 W
Return Snug Harbor: 2:05 p.m.
Observers: Dave Ellifrit.
Report by Dave Ellifrit: "I left Snug at 10:55 a.m. (overcast and mostly calm) and got on scene around 11:35 a.m. just west of the Chain Islets (48°25.17N, 123°16.83W). The eight whales were tight and heading southwest at a medium speed. The whales present were T87, T88, T90, T90B, T124, T124D, T124E, and a sprouter who I don't remember seeing before. I will have to send a picture of him off to Graeme (Ellis, DFO) for an I.D." (Graeme Ellis reports that the transient male Dave refers to is T073B, "who we haven't seen for a few years, so nice score!")
"By around 11:55 a.m. the whales were off the south tip of Trial Island still tight but had slowed down a bit. Most of the whales appeared to be resting but T124E and the sprouter were just slightly off to the side rolling around together. I saw a "seasnake" from those two that I think belonged to T124E, so I'm pretty confident he is a young male. I left the whales with a couple Victoria boats at 12:38 p.m. about 2 miles southwest of Trial Island (48°38.6N 123°32.3W). The whales were still tight and slowly heading southwest. After fueling up at Roche, I made back to Snug Harbor at 2:05 p.m."
photo by Dave Ellifrit. This photo was taken under DFO license #2006-08/SARA-34.
T73B and T87 pass close to the rocks of Trial Island, May 14, 2008.
More Photos
Just thought I'd add a little more info about the Transients sighted off Victoria. It seems as though we picked up the T's where Dave Ellifrit left them. We had a 1pm trip and came out of Victoria Harbor and they were approx. 2 miles SW of the Ogden Pt Breakwater. They then hugged the shoreline and swam right up against the breakwater, with one of the individuals rolling over and giving the lucky people walking along the breakwall a nice view of its white underside. It was amazing to see them right at the tip of Ogden Pt at the mouth of Victoria Harbor. They then crossed the mouth of the harbor and headed in a general SW direction towards Albert Head.
Tim Hunt, Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student
May 14, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Depart Snug Harbor: 10:55 a.m.
Begin Encounter: 11:35 a.m.
Start Lat: 48° 25.17 N
Start Long: 123° 16.83 W
End Encounter: 12:38 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 38.6 N
End Long: 123° 32.3 W
Return Snug Harbor: 2:05 p.m.
Observers: Dave Ellifrit.
Report by Dave Ellifrit: "I left Snug at 10:55 a.m. (overcast and mostly calm) and got on scene around 11:35 a.m. just west of the Chain Islets (48°25.17N, 123°16.83W). The eight whales were tight and heading southwest at a medium speed. The whales present were T87, T88, T90, T90B, T124, T124D, T124E, and a sprouter who I don't remember seeing before. I will have to send a picture of him off to Graeme (Ellis, DFO) for an I.D." (Graeme Ellis reports that the transient male Dave refers to is T073B, "who we haven't seen for a few years, so nice score!")
"By around 11:55 a.m. the whales were off the south tip of Trial Island still tight but had slowed down a bit. Most of the whales appeared to be resting but T124E and the sprouter were just slightly off to the side rolling around together. I saw a "seasnake" from those two that I think belonged to T124E, so I'm pretty confident he is a young male. I left the whales with a couple Victoria boats at 12:38 p.m. about 2 miles southwest of Trial Island (48°38.6N 123°32.3W). The whales were still tight and slowly heading southwest. After fueling up at Roche, I made back to Snug Harbor at 2:05 p.m."
photo by Dave Ellifrit. This photo was taken under DFO license #2006-08/SARA-34.
T73B and T87 pass close to the rocks of Trial Island, May 14, 2008.
More Photos
Just thought I'd add a little more info about the Transients sighted off Victoria. It seems as though we picked up the T's where Dave Ellifrit left them. We had a 1pm trip and came out of Victoria Harbor and they were approx. 2 miles SW of the Ogden Pt Breakwater. They then hugged the shoreline and swam right up against the breakwater, with one of the individuals rolling over and giving the lucky people walking along the breakwall a nice view of its white underside. It was amazing to see them right at the tip of Ogden Pt at the mouth of Victoria Harbor. They then crossed the mouth of the harbor and headed in a general SW direction towards Albert Head.
Tim Hunt, Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student
Thursday, May 08, 2008
8 May 2008, Orca Network reports
Just a quick report that I heard a few transient calls between about 11:50 and midnight PDT on OrcaSound. The first couple were very loud and squawky -- at first I thought it was a great blue heron getting surprised and eaten by something! The subsequent calls were spaced a few minutes apart, rapidly grew fainter, and sounded like transient calls.
Scott Veirs, Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School
Just a quick report that I heard a few transient calls between about 11:50 and midnight PDT on OrcaSound. The first couple were very loud and squawky -- at first I thought it was a great blue heron getting surprised and eaten by something! The subsequent calls were spaced a few minutes apart, rapidly grew fainter, and sounded like transient calls.
Scott Veirs, Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
7 May 2008, Orcan Network reports
Another report of T20 and (apparently) T21 -- same place (Eastern entrance to Sooke Basin) , close to the same time, in fact 50 hours later. Animals were almost exactly on top of the aypoint where I had marked them on May 05. Time of sighting was 15:42 and seas were 6ft.-plus at in a roaring flood current.
Chris Zylstra, Victoria B.C. Canada
*
T20 and T21 going West off Sooke this afternoon in 5to 6 ft. seas at 1455.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C. Canada
Another report of T20 and (apparently) T21 -- same place (Eastern entrance to Sooke Basin) , close to the same time, in fact 50 hours later. Animals were almost exactly on top of the aypoint where I had marked them on May 05. Time of sighting was 15:42 and seas were 6ft.-plus at in a roaring flood current.
Chris Zylstra, Victoria B.C. Canada
*
T20 and T21 going West off Sooke this afternoon in 5to 6 ft. seas at 1455.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C. Canada
Monday, May 05, 2008
May 5 2008, Orca Network reports
Orca Network received a call this morning from Chris Peterson, reporting a sighting of orcas off the N. end of Texada Island, B.C Gulf Islands. There were at least 3 orcas, near Rebecca Rock, observed from 11-11:30 am.
*
1204 hr - 1300hr. Bull orca T20 and (another T?) spotted in 3 ft. seas (4 ft. and building by the time we left the animals) approx. 2 NM offshore of Sooke Bluffs (Eastern entrance to Sooke Basin) at 1204hr. Current was a strong flood at Race Rocks but, further west and offshore, there was still a river of ebb current that the Westbound Transients sought out and rode West (of course dragging us into more exciting seas as time wore on). Left the animals near 1300hr approaching Otter Pt., still 2 plus NM offshore. Behaviour: 3-4 min dives between 3-4 minute "surfacings" (time near surface). No apparent hunting; animals traveling 4-6 Kn. (S.O.G).
Chris Zylstra, Victoria B.C.
Orca Network received a call this morning from Chris Peterson, reporting a sighting of orcas off the N. end of Texada Island, B.C Gulf Islands. There were at least 3 orcas, near Rebecca Rock, observed from 11-11:30 am.
*
1204 hr - 1300hr. Bull orca T20 and (another T?) spotted in 3 ft. seas (4 ft. and building by the time we left the animals) approx. 2 NM offshore of Sooke Bluffs (Eastern entrance to Sooke Basin) at 1204hr. Current was a strong flood at Race Rocks but, further west and offshore, there was still a river of ebb current that the Westbound Transients sought out and rode West (of course dragging us into more exciting seas as time wore on). Left the animals near 1300hr approaching Otter Pt., still 2 plus NM offshore. Behaviour: 3-4 min dives between 3-4 minute "surfacings" (time near surface). No apparent hunting; animals traveling 4-6 Kn. (S.O.G).
Chris Zylstra, Victoria B.C.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
03 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
Orca Network received a call from Dave Metz of Newport, OR at 10:10 am, he was observing 3 orcas swimming up the Yaquina River in Newport. They went 200-300 yards upriver, nearly to the Newport Bridge, then turned & were starting to swim back down river. He referred Angie to us, who was nearby watching the orcas - she first saw the orcas at 10:00 am as she was driving over the Newport bridge. She followed them along the jetty and took some photos which she will send to us. It is likely these are Transient orcas looking for a seal or two.We received several photos of the Orcas reported Saturday morning in the Yaquina River, Newport OR, along with an additional report (which leaves no doubt that they were Transients!).
From Jim Rice: I've received this additional piece of information about Saturday's orca sighting: "I was out at S. Jetty this evening and ran into a young man walking the road who saw the orcas kill at least one harbor seal this morning. He lives near the start of the S. Jetty road. He thought there were 5 orcas, and they killed the seal on the south side between the bridge and the finger jetty. Barry"
Jim Rice, Stranding Coordinator, Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Marine Mammal Institute, OSU
Orca Network shared Angi's photos (which weren't great ID shots, but one had some saddle patches) with researchers, and Dave Ellifrit of the Center for Whale Research replied: I will go way, way out on a limb here and take a GUESS that this MIGHT be T49C and T50. The fin shape is right and I think I can believe that I see nicks where they should be. I believe both of those whales have been photographed down that direction before too. Other than that, I can't say for sure!
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
Orca Network received a call from Dave Metz of Newport, OR at 10:10 am, he was observing 3 orcas swimming up the Yaquina River in Newport. They went 200-300 yards upriver, nearly to the Newport Bridge, then turned & were starting to swim back down river. He referred Angie to us, who was nearby watching the orcas - she first saw the orcas at 10:00 am as she was driving over the Newport bridge. She followed them along the jetty and took some photos which she will send to us. It is likely these are Transient orcas looking for a seal or two.We received several photos of the Orcas reported Saturday morning in the Yaquina River, Newport OR, along with an additional report (which leaves no doubt that they were Transients!).
From Jim Rice: I've received this additional piece of information about Saturday's orca sighting: "I was out at S. Jetty this evening and ran into a young man walking the road who saw the orcas kill at least one harbor seal this morning. He lives near the start of the S. Jetty road. He thought there were 5 orcas, and they killed the seal on the south side between the bridge and the finger jetty. Barry"
Jim Rice, Stranding Coordinator, Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Marine Mammal Institute, OSU
Orca Network shared Angi's photos (which weren't great ID shots, but one had some saddle patches) with researchers, and Dave Ellifrit of the Center for Whale Research replied: I will go way, way out on a limb here and take a GUESS that this MIGHT be T49C and T50. The fin shape is right and I think I can believe that I see nicks where they should be. I believe both of those whales have been photographed down that direction before too. Other than that, I can't say for sure!
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
Friday, May 02, 2008
02 May 2008, Orcanetwork reports:
T14 tail slapping away near Sooke! Curious to know just how many T's were turned up 3-4 NM West of Crescent Bay (Olympic Peninsula) today -- sounded like quite a few (around 1600hr).
Chris Zylstra , Victoria B.C.
I should be sleeping, but am listening to the Orcasound hydrophone and it is 1:34am. I am hearing whales and I think they sound like transients!
Annika, Shoreline, Wa.
Yes, it was T calls at 0133-35 off Lime Kiln .
Ken Balcomb, Senior Scientist, Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor
T14 tail slapping away near Sooke! Curious to know just how many T's were turned up 3-4 NM West of Crescent Bay (Olympic Peninsula) today -- sounded like quite a few (around 1600hr).
Chris Zylstra , Victoria B.C.
I should be sleeping, but am listening to the Orcasound hydrophone and it is 1:34am. I am hearing whales and I think they sound like transients!
Annika, Shoreline, Wa.
Yes, it was T calls at 0133-35 off Lime Kiln .
Ken Balcomb, Senior Scientist, Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor
Thursday, May 01, 2008
01 May 2008, The Center for Whale Research report:
T14 was picked up again today, this time back on his own. He was first spotted at 10:10 a.m. cruising through the kelp forests of East Sooke Park. He then continued east through Race Passage and crossed Victoria's waterfront.
He passed by Trial Island at 5:00 p.m. and went through Oak Bay. I last saw him exiting Baynes Channel going north past Ten Mile Pt. at 6:45 p.m.
T14 was picked up again today, this time back on his own. He was first spotted at 10:10 a.m. cruising through the kelp forests of East Sooke Park. He then continued east through Race Passage and crossed Victoria's waterfront.
He passed by Trial Island at 5:00 p.m. and went through Oak Bay. I last saw him exiting Baynes Channel going north past Ten Mile Pt. at 6:45 p.m.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
27 April 2008, Orcanetwork report
T14 accompanying T36a's and T49a's (I think). Animals were originally sighted at Salmon Bank marker approx 14:20 (by another whale watcher). I arrived at 14:55, .3 NM NNE of Northern Hein Bank marker. 6-7 Transient orca were traveling West-bound, zig-zagging to the North every so often. Witnessed harbour porpoise in the immediate area but no hunting behaviour. Animals turned northbound at approx. 15:55 appeared heading for Lime Kiln.
Christoper Zylstra, Victoria B.C.
T14 accompanying T36a's and T49a's (I think). Animals were originally sighted at Salmon Bank marker approx 14:20 (by another whale watcher). I arrived at 14:55, .3 NM NNE of Northern Hein Bank marker. 6-7 Transient orca were traveling West-bound, zig-zagging to the North every so often. Witnessed harbour porpoise in the immediate area but no hunting behaviour. Animals turned northbound at approx. 15:55 appeared heading for Lime Kiln.
Christoper Zylstra, Victoria B.C.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
26 April 2008, Orcanetwork report
We spent the afternoon, enjoying flat water, bright sunshine, and a group of transient orcas (7?), along with male, T-14. This fairly tight group was spotted on the west side of D'Arcy Island along the west side of Haro Strait. We arrived about 1:00 p.m. and watched as the group zig-zagged around the channel between Vancouver Island and D'Arcy Island. They were on long dives, and then surfaced, going either north or south - or west, or east. There appeared to be several youngsters with the older females, and a calf that was maybe just over a year.
Nan Simpson, Marine Naturalist - Western Prince
We spent the afternoon, enjoying flat water, bright sunshine, and a group of transient orcas (7?), along with male, T-14. This fairly tight group was spotted on the west side of D'Arcy Island along the west side of Haro Strait. We arrived about 1:00 p.m. and watched as the group zig-zagged around the channel between Vancouver Island and D'Arcy Island. They were on long dives, and then surfaced, going either north or south - or west, or east. There appeared to be several youngsters with the older females, and a calf that was maybe just over a year.
Nan Simpson, Marine Naturalist - Western Prince
26 April 2008. Cetaceanlan reports:
It was early Friday morning, the waters were choppy in Whale Channel as we travelled north to Money Point, our day's destination to work on a storm damaged hydrophone station. We were almost there, just halfway across the mouth of Verney Passage, when Hermann yelled "WHALE!!!". I lifted my ski goggles, which were covered in sea spray, to see the telltale mist above the unmistakable dorsal fin of a male orca. Splashing in the distance followed, and a bigger group of Orcas revealed themselves with small explosions of mist from their blows. As we detoured into the picturesque channel shrouded with steep-walled hanging valleys and snow capped peaks, it became apparent that these were Transients, about 8, travelling quickly down the north shoreline of the channel. Travelling down the center of the channel angling towards the main group was T162, the big male we first spotted, who has a distinguishing cut out of the base of his dorsal fin. While we were taking ID photos and soaking in the grace and mystery of these beings, it became apparent that this wasn't the only group of orcas in the passage. More blows on the other side of the channel! As we slowly made our way across the channel jumping from group to group trying to get ID shots, Hermann estimated that there were over 20 whales spread across the channel! Among them, T162, T54, T58, and possibly T59. It is so rare to observe that many transients travelling together, we were truly lucky to have been there to witness it. What could be the reason for such a gathering of transients? Could they have been searching for a large group of dolphins? Do they come together like this more often than we think? Whatever the reason for such a large group of transients, prey populations must be healthy and abundant enough to support such behaviour. Over the past 2 weeks transients have been dominating the hydrophone activity, as well as sitings. Just before dinner on Saturday evening the T69's swam right by the house! Luckily, we spotted them through the living room window or else they would have passed right by without even the slightest sound over the hydrophone! Not even an echolocation click! How do they find their way? With every encounter and vocalization, my wonder and respect for these whales grow.
It was early Friday morning, the waters were choppy in Whale Channel as we travelled north to Money Point, our day's destination to work on a storm damaged hydrophone station. We were almost there, just halfway across the mouth of Verney Passage, when Hermann yelled "WHALE!!!". I lifted my ski goggles, which were covered in sea spray, to see the telltale mist above the unmistakable dorsal fin of a male orca. Splashing in the distance followed, and a bigger group of Orcas revealed themselves with small explosions of mist from their blows. As we detoured into the picturesque channel shrouded with steep-walled hanging valleys and snow capped peaks, it became apparent that these were Transients, about 8, travelling quickly down the north shoreline of the channel. Travelling down the center of the channel angling towards the main group was T162, the big male we first spotted, who has a distinguishing cut out of the base of his dorsal fin. While we were taking ID photos and soaking in the grace and mystery of these beings, it became apparent that this wasn't the only group of orcas in the passage. More blows on the other side of the channel! As we slowly made our way across the channel jumping from group to group trying to get ID shots, Hermann estimated that there were over 20 whales spread across the channel! Among them, T162, T54, T58, and possibly T59. It is so rare to observe that many transients travelling together, we were truly lucky to have been there to witness it. What could be the reason for such a gathering of transients? Could they have been searching for a large group of dolphins? Do they come together like this more often than we think? Whatever the reason for such a large group of transients, prey populations must be healthy and abundant enough to support such behaviour. Over the past 2 weeks transients have been dominating the hydrophone activity, as well as sitings. Just before dinner on Saturday evening the T69's swam right by the house! Luckily, we spotted them through the living room window or else they would have passed right by without even the slightest sound over the hydrophone! Not even an echolocation click! How do they find their way? With every encounter and vocalization, my wonder and respect for these whales grow.
Friday, April 25, 2008
25 April 2008, Orcanetwork report:
A group of Transient Orcas (I counted 7), in southwest Haro Strait, a ways offshore from Gordon Head. We definitely ID'ed T14, and were informed that the remainder of the group was the T36A's and T49A's. When we arrived, the T's were travelling slowly Westbound, doing typical long dives. A short time later, the whole group turned and headed Eastbound, now appearing to swim with a purpose in mind. Our Captain, wisely looking ahead, observed a Steller Sea Lion amongst a crowd of seagulls. The Sea Lion was obviously enjoying a fresh meal, and seemed oblivious to what was approaching from behind. We observed the T's lunge at the sea lion, and what followed was much splashing and turmoil at the surface, with the sea lion's flippers appearing several times, pointed upwards. There was an extended period of no action at the surface, followed by the departure of the T's, once again headed back in the direction from whence they came. We felt that was rather quick for the dispatch and consuming of an animal as large and powerful as a Steller. A minute later, the Steller appeared at the surface, heading away from the whales. Where we expected to witness a prolonged and possibly messy battle, we instead observed the prey putting on a brave and effective defence. There were some cheers for the sea lion, and some expressions of respect being heard over the radio. As the T's headed towards Discovery Island, we were finally able to finally get a closer look at them and observed that one female had some extensive damage to her dorsal fin on the left side. As this was the first time I had seen these T's this year, I don't know if the damage had been inflicted during the brief battle we witnessed, or if it had occurred earlier. A zoomed and cropped photo is attached (see above). Our passengers were thrilled with seeing the whales, and there was not one complaint about the long journey on a chilly April day to witness the amazing power of these top predators, even if they weren't successful, this time.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch
*
Well, it's been a busy whale day for Haro Strait. First we had transients around 8:30 AM heading SOUTH, then later a group of transients headed towards Race Rocks going west. Later this afternoon, around 3:30 pm, I got a call saying all the transients were now heading in with the floodtide. So I wasn't too surprised at 9:30 PM to hear a group of whales passing Kelp Reef. The water was so still you could see the lights of Victoria reflected on the water, and the sound of multiple whale blows clearly carried on the cool evening air!
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, San Juan Island
*
There were up to 30 Orcas feeding on a gray whale that they had killed on the 23rd (in Monterey Bay, CA)!
Steve Johnston, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA
*
Mark Malleson of Victoria called at 11:29 am to report Transient orca T14, "Pender" off Victoria, heading west. He also had 7 Transient orcas - the T36A's & T49A's - off Race Rocks, heading east at the same time.
A group of Transient Orcas (I counted 7), in southwest Haro Strait, a ways offshore from Gordon Head. We definitely ID'ed T14, and were informed that the remainder of the group was the T36A's and T49A's. When we arrived, the T's were travelling slowly Westbound, doing typical long dives. A short time later, the whole group turned and headed Eastbound, now appearing to swim with a purpose in mind. Our Captain, wisely looking ahead, observed a Steller Sea Lion amongst a crowd of seagulls. The Sea Lion was obviously enjoying a fresh meal, and seemed oblivious to what was approaching from behind. We observed the T's lunge at the sea lion, and what followed was much splashing and turmoil at the surface, with the sea lion's flippers appearing several times, pointed upwards. There was an extended period of no action at the surface, followed by the departure of the T's, once again headed back in the direction from whence they came. We felt that was rather quick for the dispatch and consuming of an animal as large and powerful as a Steller. A minute later, the Steller appeared at the surface, heading away from the whales. Where we expected to witness a prolonged and possibly messy battle, we instead observed the prey putting on a brave and effective defence. There were some cheers for the sea lion, and some expressions of respect being heard over the radio. As the T's headed towards Discovery Island, we were finally able to finally get a closer look at them and observed that one female had some extensive damage to her dorsal fin on the left side. As this was the first time I had seen these T's this year, I don't know if the damage had been inflicted during the brief battle we witnessed, or if it had occurred earlier. A zoomed and cropped photo is attached (see above). Our passengers were thrilled with seeing the whales, and there was not one complaint about the long journey on a chilly April day to witness the amazing power of these top predators, even if they weren't successful, this time.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch
*
Well, it's been a busy whale day for Haro Strait. First we had transients around 8:30 AM heading SOUTH, then later a group of transients headed towards Race Rocks going west. Later this afternoon, around 3:30 pm, I got a call saying all the transients were now heading in with the floodtide. So I wasn't too surprised at 9:30 PM to hear a group of whales passing Kelp Reef. The water was so still you could see the lights of Victoria reflected on the water, and the sound of multiple whale blows clearly carried on the cool evening air!
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, San Juan Island
*
There were up to 30 Orcas feeding on a gray whale that they had killed on the 23rd (in Monterey Bay, CA)!
Steve Johnston, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA
*
Mark Malleson of Victoria called at 11:29 am to report Transient orca T14, "Pender" off Victoria, heading west. He also had 7 Transient orcas - the T36A's & T49A's - off Race Rocks, heading east at the same time.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
21 April 2008, The Centre for Whale Research report:
T100s and T101s travel northbound in Haro Strait, April 21, 2008
T102 northbound in Haro Strait, April 21, 2008.
photo by Ken Balcomb.
photo by Dave Ellifrit.
T102 surfaces among the T100's and T101's travelling north in Haro Strait.
I first spotted them milling around a group of birds south west of Discovery Island (48.4 123.3) at 2:05 p.m. They looked like they were finishing off a kill. I left them heading north-west up Haro Strait near Beaumont Shoals at 2:50 p.m."
April 21, 2008
T100's and T101's
Platform: Orca
Begin Encounter: 5:00 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 62.01 N
Start Long: 123° 24.43 W
End Encounter: 5:50 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 70.46 N
End Long: 123° 24.21 W
Observers: Ken Balcomb and Dave Ellifrit.
Staff of the Center for Whale research encountered and observed transients northbound in Haro Strait April 21, 2008. The adult male T102 was traveling with the T100's and T101's - eight whales in total. "After Mark Malleson's visit with them off Discovery Island, they travelled up Haro Strait and into the Canadian waters of Swanson Channel," said Ken Balcomb, director of the Center for Whale Research. "We observed the eight whales for nearly an hour and no hunting was observed during that time. Though we saw a dozen juvenile Dall Porpoises in Boundary Pass not far from the whales, and many harbor seals in the water off Stuart Island. It was reported by a whale-watch operator that these Transients fed earlier in the day off Discovery Island, so perhaps they were not hungry for the rest of the day."
T100s and T101s travel northbound in Haro Strait, April 21, 2008
T102 northbound in Haro Strait, April 21, 2008.
photo by Ken Balcomb.
photo by Dave Ellifrit.
T102 surfaces among the T100's and T101's travelling north in Haro Strait.
I first spotted them milling around a group of birds south west of Discovery Island (48.4 123.3) at 2:05 p.m. They looked like they were finishing off a kill. I left them heading north-west up Haro Strait near Beaumont Shoals at 2:50 p.m."
April 21, 2008
T100's and T101's
Platform: Orca
Begin Encounter: 5:00 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 62.01 N
Start Long: 123° 24.43 W
End Encounter: 5:50 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 70.46 N
End Long: 123° 24.21 W
Observers: Ken Balcomb and Dave Ellifrit.
Staff of the Center for Whale research encountered and observed transients northbound in Haro Strait April 21, 2008. The adult male T102 was traveling with the T100's and T101's - eight whales in total. "After Mark Malleson's visit with them off Discovery Island, they travelled up Haro Strait and into the Canadian waters of Swanson Channel," said Ken Balcomb, director of the Center for Whale Research. "We observed the eight whales for nearly an hour and no hunting was observed during that time. Though we saw a dozen juvenile Dall Porpoises in Boundary Pass not far from the whales, and many harbor seals in the water off Stuart Island. It was reported by a whale-watch operator that these Transients fed earlier in the day off Discovery Island, so perhaps they were not hungry for the rest of the day."
Sunday, April 20, 2008
20 April 2008, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to transient calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, the first orcas we've heard for some time. Cold & sunny days here & we're fine, hope all of you are too. Good news about Robson Bight a couple of days ago - the diesel fuel tanker lying at the bottom is going to be removed, hopefully before the northern resident orcas return (see update story on OrcaLab site).
Helena & Paul
20 Apr 2008 23:59:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to transient calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, the first orcas we've heard for some time. Cold & sunny days here & we're fine, hope all of you are too. Good news about Robson Bight a couple of days ago - the diesel fuel tanker lying at the bottom is going to be removed, hopefully before the northern resident orcas return (see update story on OrcaLab site).
Helena & Paul
20 Apr 2008 23:59:54 PDT
Saturday, April 19, 2008
19 April 2008, Centre for Whale Research reports:
Thanks to Ivan on Western Prince we were able to see T14 take out a couple of seals this afternoon during snow flurries between Forrest and Domville Island. The gulls and even a bald eagle were able to take advantage of a few scraps left behind. He was originally picked up near Mandarte Island at around 1:30 p.m. heading north west. He was last seen north of Coal Island heading west towards Satellite Channel at appoximately 2:30 p.m.
Thanks to Ivan on Western Prince we were able to see T14 take out a couple of seals this afternoon during snow flurries between Forrest and Domville Island. The gulls and even a bald eagle were able to take advantage of a few scraps left behind. He was originally picked up near Mandarte Island at around 1:30 p.m. heading north west. He was last seen north of Coal Island heading west towards Satellite Channel at appoximately 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
16 April 2008, Orcanetwork reports:
Report by Adam U, Center for Whale Research: "Here are some shots of the action today. Dave and I had (Transient orcas) T49A, T49A1, T49A2, T49B, T49B1, T36A and T36A1. Started out pretty standard-issue then got really cool; they got something right along the rocks at Edwards Point but we were waaaay offshore so we missed most of the action. Then they nailed this Dalls Porpoise which was probably part of a mom/calf pair. I think they got the calf too, but it was hard to see exactly what was going on. Then they cruised south of Eagle Point and nailed this Harbor Seal right next to us. Incredible photos from Dave & Adam on the Center for Whale Research website.
Report by Adam U, Center for Whale Research: "Here are some shots of the action today. Dave and I had (Transient orcas) T49A, T49A1, T49A2, T49B, T49B1, T36A and T36A1. Started out pretty standard-issue then got really cool; they got something right along the rocks at Edwards Point but we were waaaay offshore so we missed most of the action. Then they nailed this Dalls Porpoise which was probably part of a mom/calf pair. I think they got the calf too, but it was hard to see exactly what was going on. Then they cruised south of Eagle Point and nailed this Harbor Seal right next to us. Incredible photos from Dave & Adam on the Center for Whale Research website.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
April 5 2008, Center for Whale Research report:
At 7:30 a.m ., faint transient killer whale calls were heard on the Lime Kiln hydrophone, and at 7:52 a.m. approximately 15 killer whales were observed traveling north, line abreast, in Haro Strait off Bellevue Point.
As they passed the Center for Whale Research at 8:20 a.m., T87, T124, T124A, and T88 were identified from the porch; and, at 8:55 a.m. "Orca Starlet" cast off from Snug Harbor to ascertain the remaining identifications. Almost immediately, at 8:58 a.m. we observed T14 by himself heading rapidly north off Mitchell Bay in Haro Strait toward the larger group of whales off Kellett Bluff. As the breeze picked up against the ebbing tide, the seas became rough, but we managed to approach the larger group and identify T87, 88, 124, 124A, 124A1, 124A2, 124A3, 124D, 124E, 71, 71A, 71B, 71C?, 90, 90A in a tight fast traveling group in mid-Haro Strait by the time they reached the turbulent eddies west of Speiden Channel. At 10:25 a.m., we terminated the encounter for safety reasons because of rough water. Mark Malleson on Mount Young spotted another group of killer whales in a tight group off Bellevue Point as soon as we left the transients, so we responded via calmer waters in Mosquito Pass and ventured back out into the churning water to encounter J pod in Haro Strait in front of the Center for Whale Research. At 10:55. We took proof of presence photos and left them heading toward Kelp reef at 11:05 a.m. Back at the Center for Whale Research, we heard T14 calls on the Orca Sound hydrophone and observed him on the SE side of D'Arcy Island at the same time that J pod was 1 mile SE of Kelp reef. For a brief time, a few J pod calls were heard concurrent with the T calls. Reports from the whale-watching fleet indicated that the T87 group continued north to Swanson Channel and through Active Pass by day's end; T14 remained behind them several miles traveling north off the west side of Pender Island; and J pod also continued north in Swanson Channel at last report. In the afternoon, Mark Malleson went west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and encountered seven additional transient killer whales heading west toward Sooke (see above report). They were T49A, 49A1, 49A2, 49B, 49B1, 36A, and 36A1. Mark took photographs of some very interesting fresh tooth rakes on the dorsal fin of T36A, suggesting that there may have been a very recent agonistic event of some kind.
Center for Whale Research
At 7:30 a.m ., faint transient killer whale calls were heard on the Lime Kiln hydrophone, and at 7:52 a.m. approximately 15 killer whales were observed traveling north, line abreast, in Haro Strait off Bellevue Point.
As they passed the Center for Whale Research at 8:20 a.m., T87, T124, T124A, and T88 were identified from the porch; and, at 8:55 a.m. "Orca Starlet" cast off from Snug Harbor to ascertain the remaining identifications. Almost immediately, at 8:58 a.m. we observed T14 by himself heading rapidly north off Mitchell Bay in Haro Strait toward the larger group of whales off Kellett Bluff. As the breeze picked up against the ebbing tide, the seas became rough, but we managed to approach the larger group and identify T87, 88, 124, 124A, 124A1, 124A2, 124A3, 124D, 124E, 71, 71A, 71B, 71C?, 90, 90A in a tight fast traveling group in mid-Haro Strait by the time they reached the turbulent eddies west of Speiden Channel. At 10:25 a.m., we terminated the encounter for safety reasons because of rough water. Mark Malleson on Mount Young spotted another group of killer whales in a tight group off Bellevue Point as soon as we left the transients, so we responded via calmer waters in Mosquito Pass and ventured back out into the churning water to encounter J pod in Haro Strait in front of the Center for Whale Research. At 10:55. We took proof of presence photos and left them heading toward Kelp reef at 11:05 a.m. Back at the Center for Whale Research, we heard T14 calls on the Orca Sound hydrophone and observed him on the SE side of D'Arcy Island at the same time that J pod was 1 mile SE of Kelp reef. For a brief time, a few J pod calls were heard concurrent with the T calls. Reports from the whale-watching fleet indicated that the T87 group continued north to Swanson Channel and through Active Pass by day's end; T14 remained behind them several miles traveling north off the west side of Pender Island; and J pod also continued north in Swanson Channel at last report. In the afternoon, Mark Malleson went west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and encountered seven additional transient killer whales heading west toward Sooke (see above report). They were T49A, 49A1, 49A2, 49B, 49B1, 36A, and 36A1. Mark took photographs of some very interesting fresh tooth rakes on the dorsal fin of T36A, suggesting that there may have been a very recent agonistic event of some kind.
Center for Whale Research
Sunday, March 30, 2008
30 March 2008, Orca Network reports:
Orca Network received a call from Harry Olund at 1:40 pm, reporting 5 orcas off Yaquina Head, Newport, OR possibly feeding on a gray whale.
*
Mark Malleson called at 12:10 pm to report a few Transients had been sighted from shore, milling off Constance Bank. At 1:05 pm they were westbound off Victoria, heading toward Race Rocks, & had been ID'd as T20 & T21.
Orca Network received a call from Harry Olund at 1:40 pm, reporting 5 orcas off Yaquina Head, Newport, OR possibly feeding on a gray whale.
*
Mark Malleson called at 12:10 pm to report a few Transients had been sighted from shore, milling off Constance Bank. At 1:05 pm they were westbound off Victoria, heading toward Race Rocks, & had been ID'd as T20 & T21.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
25 March 2008, Orca Network reports:
Transients westbound along southern coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. I first spotted the T20's from shore at 12:30 p.m. just 1.5 nautical miles south of Beacon Hill west bound. I picked them up at 2:40 p.m. one half nautical mile south of Becher Bay slowly traveling against the flood current in a large ground swell. I left them at 3:41 p.m. at 48° 19.1 N, 123° 43.1 W (.75 nm south of Secretary Island).
Mark Malleson
*
Transient orcas T20 and T21 off Victoria near noon, carried on west. Going west from Sooke about 1700.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
Transients westbound along southern coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. I first spotted the T20's from shore at 12:30 p.m. just 1.5 nautical miles south of Beacon Hill west bound. I picked them up at 2:40 p.m. one half nautical mile south of Becher Bay slowly traveling against the flood current in a large ground swell. I left them at 3:41 p.m. at 48° 19.1 N, 123° 43.1 W (.75 nm south of Secretary Island).
Mark Malleson
*
Transient orcas T20 and T21 off Victoria near noon, carried on west. Going west from Sooke about 1700.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
23 March 2008, Orca Network Reports:
Transients sighted from Gonzales lookout, Vancouver Island, B.C. In the morning I spotted KW's from Gonzales lookout, which turned out to be the T20's with the group of females and juveniles (T49A's, 36A and A1) from the previous two encounters.
Malleson
*
Orcas south of Trial Island inbound. Mark Malleson picked them up about noon.
Later: Seems now they are transients, T20's and ??. "Mallard" left them going North at Halibut Island just before 1700. And still later: It seems we had 9-10 T's off Victoria and on up North into Haro St. T20, T21, T49's T36's and a few more.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
Transients sighted from Gonzales lookout, Vancouver Island, B.C. In the morning I spotted KW's from Gonzales lookout, which turned out to be the T20's with the group of females and juveniles (T49A's, 36A and A1) from the previous two encounters.
Malleson
*
Orcas south of Trial Island inbound. Mark Malleson picked them up about noon.
Later: Seems now they are transients, T20's and ??. "Mallard" left them going North at Halibut Island just before 1700. And still later: It seems we had 9-10 T's off Victoria and on up North into Haro St. T20, T21, T49's T36's and a few more.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
Friday, March 21, 2008
21 March 2008, Orca Network reports:
Transients encountered off Pedder Bay towards Race Rocks. I spotted the T49A's and T36A with 36A1 in Pedder Bay at 1:30 p.m. They were feeding on something fairly significant as there were a lot of gulls picking up scraps as they were frollicking around. There were a few squeaks and whistles heard at the surface. They were slowly west bound but doubled back to the east when they got into Race Passage and were last seen milling east of Race Rocks.
Mark Malleson
*
John Ford relayed a report from Graeme Ellis of approx. 9 Transient orcas off Nanaimo at about 7 pm
*
I just got a call at 4:45 pm from Captain Ivan who heard on the radio that a group of Transient Orcas were spotted East of Race Rocks.
John Boyd, San Juan Island
Transients encountered off Pedder Bay towards Race Rocks. I spotted the T49A's and T36A with 36A1 in Pedder Bay at 1:30 p.m. They were feeding on something fairly significant as there were a lot of gulls picking up scraps as they were frollicking around. There were a few squeaks and whistles heard at the surface. They were slowly west bound but doubled back to the east when they got into Race Passage and were last seen milling east of Race Rocks.
Mark Malleson
*
John Ford relayed a report from Graeme Ellis of approx. 9 Transient orcas off Nanaimo at about 7 pm
*
I just got a call at 4:45 pm from Captain Ivan who heard on the radio that a group of Transient Orcas were spotted East of Race Rocks.
John Boyd, San Juan Island
Thursday, March 20, 2008
20 March 2008, Orca Network reports:
Transients observed hunting a Sea Lion off Parry Bay. The T10's were first picked up east bound in Race Passage at 11:30 a.m.. The T49A's with T36A and T36A1 appeared to the south-west of Constance working on a steller at 2:00 p.m. The T10's joined them and at approximately 2:50 p.m. they killed a steller sea lion in Parry Bay (between William Head and Albert Head). At 7:00 p.m. I watched them from shore swim past Clover Point for south Trial Island.
Mark Malleson
*
The whales (Transient orcas) were T10's, T49,s and a few more; on the 21st the T49's and not sure who else.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
Transients observed hunting a Sea Lion off Parry Bay. The T10's were first picked up east bound in Race Passage at 11:30 a.m.. The T49A's with T36A and T36A1 appeared to the south-west of Constance working on a steller at 2:00 p.m. The T10's joined them and at approximately 2:50 p.m. they killed a steller sea lion in Parry Bay (between William Head and Albert Head). At 7:00 p.m. I watched them from shore swim past Clover Point for south Trial Island.
Mark Malleson
*
The whales (Transient orcas) were T10's, T49,s and a few more; on the 21st the T49's and not sure who else.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
17 March 2008, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Just a bit more news on yesterday's transients. Jackie Hinderling saw 5 transients in Beaver Cove later that same afternoon. Unfortunately, they were being harassed by a boat. I guess some people don't realise how little it takes to disturb these whales. On the northern resident front: DFO has encountered a large group (several pods) further north. This will certainly help this year's survey!
Helena
17 Mar 2008 15:20:10 PST
No orcas present.
Just a bit more news on yesterday's transients. Jackie Hinderling saw 5 transients in Beaver Cove later that same afternoon. Unfortunately, they were being harassed by a boat. I guess some people don't realise how little it takes to disturb these whales. On the northern resident front: DFO has encountered a large group (several pods) further north. This will certainly help this year's survey!
Helena
17 Mar 2008 15:20:10 PST
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
No calls but orcas nearby
4 March 2008, Orcalab reports
Bill and Wendy have seen a group of 4-5 transients off of the east end of Pearse Islands in Johnstone Strait. This west of Hanson Island. The two females, one male, one juvenile and a possible sprouter, may have done a kill, and then headed off to Stubbs Island. Pictures have been sent to the DFO.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 12:18:55 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of 7 transients have been in Blackney Pass for the last hour. They surrounded a seal which then disappeared. This may have been a kill. By dark they were still in Blackney, a little further south, milling opposite a group of young sea lions. The group consisted of females, juveniles and one young calf.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 18:59:49 PST
4 March 2008, Orcalab reports
Bill and Wendy have seen a group of 4-5 transients off of the east end of Pearse Islands in Johnstone Strait. This west of Hanson Island. The two females, one male, one juvenile and a possible sprouter, may have done a kill, and then headed off to Stubbs Island. Pictures have been sent to the DFO.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 12:18:55 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of 7 transients have been in Blackney Pass for the last hour. They surrounded a seal which then disappeared. This may have been a kill. By dark they were still in Blackney, a little further south, milling opposite a group of young sea lions. The group consisted of females, juveniles and one young calf.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 18:59:49 PST
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
19 February 2008, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
We just had 4 transients pass by headed north through Blackney Pass. It looked to us like the T18s. They have not made any calls but T19B (the young male) made a lovely spyhop before moving on.
Helena
19 Feb 2008 13:46:47 PST
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to the T18s in Blackfish Sound, after they passed silently through Blackney Pass, heading north. Lovely sounds & no boat noise!
Helena
19 Feb 2008 14:50:36 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
We just had 4 transients pass by headed north through Blackney Pass. It looked to us like the T18s. They have not made any calls but T19B (the young male) made a lovely spyhop before moving on.
Helena
19 Feb 2008 13:46:47 PST
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to the T18s in Blackfish Sound, after they passed silently through Blackney Pass, heading north. Lovely sounds & no boat noise!
Helena
19 Feb 2008 14:50:36 PST
Sunday, February 10, 2008
10 February 2008, Orcalab reports:
Superb sounds!!
The transients are in Johnstone Strait not too far from the Robson Bight area!
Helena
10 Feb 2008 12:51:04 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
The transient calls seem to have ended for the moment. The tide is flooding and this may have encouraged them to head east. But we will see. They managed to be heard a few times over the boat noise (which is also gone now too).
Helena
10 Feb 2008 14:36:56 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of seven transients were seen off the Pearse Islands by Bill and Wendy so , if the same group (probably) as heard earlier, they went off to the west and not east. Bill and Wendy thought they possibly made a kill off Weynton Island. They continued west toward Sointula.
Helena
10 Feb 2008 15:59:51 PST
Superb sounds!!
The transients are in Johnstone Strait not too far from the Robson Bight area!
Helena
10 Feb 2008 12:51:04 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
The transient calls seem to have ended for the moment. The tide is flooding and this may have encouraged them to head east. But we will see. They managed to be heard a few times over the boat noise (which is also gone now too).
Helena
10 Feb 2008 14:36:56 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of seven transients were seen off the Pearse Islands by Bill and Wendy so , if the same group (probably) as heard earlier, they went off to the west and not east. Bill and Wendy thought they possibly made a kill off Weynton Island. They continued west toward Sointula.
Helena
10 Feb 2008 15:59:51 PST
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
27 January 2008, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
There is a group of 8 transients around today. They were first sighted by the MacKays off Bold Head headed to Stubbs Island. They must have then gone through Weynton Pass as they were next seen in Beaver Cove by Jackie Hinderling. They are now moving off to the west toward Alert Bay.
Helena
27 Jan 2008 15:17:01 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
There is a group of 8 transients around today. They were first sighted by the MacKays off Bold Head headed to Stubbs Island. They must have then gone through Weynton Pass as they were next seen in Beaver Cove by Jackie Hinderling. They are now moving off to the west toward Alert Bay.
Helena
27 Jan 2008 15:17:01 PST
Monday, January 21, 2008
21 January 2008, Orca Network reports:
We had a frustratingly late call of [orcas] that were heading up past Maple Bay in the morning, but we did not get the report until about three o'clock. We managed to race down and get a few quick id's before dark, but that's all. It was a group of transients including T124's, T124A's and T090's, 9 in total.
Graeme Ellis, DFO, Canada
We had a frustratingly late call of [orcas] that were heading up past Maple Bay in the morning, but we did not get the report until about three o'clock. We managed to race down and get a few quick id's before dark, but that's all. It was a group of transients including T124's, T124A's and T090's, 9 in total.
Graeme Ellis, DFO, Canada
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
16 january 2008, Orca Network reports:
I work in the 3131 Western Ave building, and I just spent about 10 minutes watching a pod of Orcas playing in Elliott Bay. I was using a telescope, but I'm not a whale expert so I can't offer much more information than the fact that there were about 6 orcas, and it appeared that there were about four larger fins (adults?) and about two smaller fins (juveniles?). They are still out there (it's currently 10:01 A.M.), between the downtown waterfront and West Seattle (currently closer to the downtown side). It looks like they're playing and feeding. I'm so excited because I've been working in this building for a year and a half, and this is my first sighting! This made my day. Thanks very much for your great work,
Deb Hardy, Seattle
*
Amy Carey of Vashon Island relayed some additional reports she received of the Transient pod as they headed south this afternoon. They were observed going south past Pt. Robinson, east Maury Island, in the early afternoon; from 3:30 - 4 pm they were off Gold Beach in the Maury Island Preserve heading south, but another report soon afterward had them heading north.
*
Orca Network received a call from John Fortin at 3:25 pm, reporting a male & female orca off Double Bluff, west Whidbey Island, heading north.
*
We jumped in the car & headed over to Bush Pt. after receiving the above report, and we found the orcas at 4:07 pm off the entrance to Hood Canal. They unfortunately stayed on the other side of Admiralty Inlet so we didn't get any close looks, but we were able to shoot some video. There were 4 orcas - 2 adult males, 1 sprouter & a female. They continued NW in Admiralty Inlet, closer to the other side. We left them at 4:40 pm, just south of Ft. Flagler, swimming in a line not far offshore. The entire time we watched them, we also were watching small groups of Harbor Porpoise all across the Inlet - the orcas must have been well fed because we didn't witness any of the porpoise becoming dinner!
Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
*
Orca Network sent stills from the video we took to see if anyone could ID any of these whales (though it was from a LONG distance away!) - here's what Dave Ellifrit has to say: I will go out on a limb here and say that the one bull does indeed have all the looks of T87. Mallard had him and T88 over a week ago with the T124's and T90's so I would not doubt that that group could be bopping around (& as noted above, T124 was ID'd in Jeff Hogan's shot of the T's off Alki). I'll go out on an even bigger (smaller?) limb and say that the other big bull looks like T93. That's about the best I can do. Good catch and send them up here! Cheers,
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
*
I just wanted to let you know that I am watching orcas in Elliot Bay from my office window, 10:00am. I have never seen them this far into Elliot Bay. They are on the west side of Elliot bay, southwest of the Ferry Route, closer to the Alki side, down where there are some cargo ships moored out in the bay. It's now 10:38 am and it looks like they have moved south and west around the point at Alki. There was a helicopter very high above them for a little while so I'm guessing it might have been one of the news stations.
Heather Hudson, Seattle
*
A pod of Orca passed Alki point heading south at app. 10:30 this morning. Don't know which pod but I would estimate 10-15 individuals, without an obvious adult male. They were travelling quickly, with long periods (and distance) underwater. I first saw them 10 minutes earlier passing SW close to Alki Beach, appearing to be coming from Eliiot Bay.
Kevin Schafer, Seattle
*
Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales in Seattle called at 11:05 am to report seeing the pod of orcas just south of Alki Pt, south of Elliott Bay, Seattle. He saw ~9 orcas, no males present, & identified them as Transient orcas. He called again at 11:30 am to report they had just disappeared - when he saw them they weren't traveling in any direction - he did get some photos so we hopefully will have some ID's on them soon.
I work in the 3131 Western Ave building, and I just spent about 10 minutes watching a pod of Orcas playing in Elliott Bay. I was using a telescope, but I'm not a whale expert so I can't offer much more information than the fact that there were about 6 orcas, and it appeared that there were about four larger fins (adults?) and about two smaller fins (juveniles?). They are still out there (it's currently 10:01 A.M.), between the downtown waterfront and West Seattle (currently closer to the downtown side). It looks like they're playing and feeding. I'm so excited because I've been working in this building for a year and a half, and this is my first sighting! This made my day. Thanks very much for your great work,
Deb Hardy, Seattle
*
Amy Carey of Vashon Island relayed some additional reports she received of the Transient pod as they headed south this afternoon. They were observed going south past Pt. Robinson, east Maury Island, in the early afternoon; from 3:30 - 4 pm they were off Gold Beach in the Maury Island Preserve heading south, but another report soon afterward had them heading north.
*
Orca Network received a call from John Fortin at 3:25 pm, reporting a male & female orca off Double Bluff, west Whidbey Island, heading north.
*
We jumped in the car & headed over to Bush Pt. after receiving the above report, and we found the orcas at 4:07 pm off the entrance to Hood Canal. They unfortunately stayed on the other side of Admiralty Inlet so we didn't get any close looks, but we were able to shoot some video. There were 4 orcas - 2 adult males, 1 sprouter & a female. They continued NW in Admiralty Inlet, closer to the other side. We left them at 4:40 pm, just south of Ft. Flagler, swimming in a line not far offshore. The entire time we watched them, we also were watching small groups of Harbor Porpoise all across the Inlet - the orcas must have been well fed because we didn't witness any of the porpoise becoming dinner!
Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
*
Orca Network sent stills from the video we took to see if anyone could ID any of these whales (though it was from a LONG distance away!) - here's what Dave Ellifrit has to say: I will go out on a limb here and say that the one bull does indeed have all the looks of T87. Mallard had him and T88 over a week ago with the T124's and T90's so I would not doubt that that group could be bopping around (& as noted above, T124 was ID'd in Jeff Hogan's shot of the T's off Alki). I'll go out on an even bigger (smaller?) limb and say that the other big bull looks like T93. That's about the best I can do. Good catch and send them up here! Cheers,
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
*
I just wanted to let you know that I am watching orcas in Elliot Bay from my office window, 10:00am. I have never seen them this far into Elliot Bay. They are on the west side of Elliot bay, southwest of the Ferry Route, closer to the Alki side, down where there are some cargo ships moored out in the bay. It's now 10:38 am and it looks like they have moved south and west around the point at Alki. There was a helicopter very high above them for a little while so I'm guessing it might have been one of the news stations.
Heather Hudson, Seattle
*
A pod of Orca passed Alki point heading south at app. 10:30 this morning. Don't know which pod but I would estimate 10-15 individuals, without an obvious adult male. They were travelling quickly, with long periods (and distance) underwater. I first saw them 10 minutes earlier passing SW close to Alki Beach, appearing to be coming from Eliiot Bay.
Kevin Schafer, Seattle
*
Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales in Seattle called at 11:05 am to report seeing the pod of orcas just south of Alki Pt, south of Elliott Bay, Seattle. He saw ~9 orcas, no males present, & identified them as Transient orcas. He called again at 11:30 am to report they had just disappeared - when he saw them they weren't traveling in any direction - he did get some photos so we hopefully will have some ID's on them soon.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
No calls but orcas nearby
Seven transients just travelled south through Blackney Pass headed for Johnstone Strait. Too far away for identifictation but the group included a mum and calf, two adult females, a possible juvenile and an adult male. They made no calls but moved back and forth over something when opposite us.
Helena
02 Jan 2008 13:35:14 PST
Seven transients just travelled south through Blackney Pass headed for Johnstone Strait. Too far away for identifictation but the group included a mum and calf, two adult females, a possible juvenile and an adult male. They made no calls but moved back and forth over something when opposite us.
Helena
02 Jan 2008 13:35:14 PST
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