28 March 2008, Orca Network reports:
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research relayed a report from Mark Malleson of Transient orca T103 off Sooke, S. Vancouver Island, at 3:20 pm heading west.
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
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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.
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
Monday, January 15, 2007
Monday, November 27, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
11 November 2006, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
We just heard from the MacKays that there are about a dozen whales in Beaver Cove foraging. So this means that besides the A30s, who were east of Beaver Cove until recently, there are other groups in the Strait as well. Exciting!
Helena
11 Nov 2006 10:59:21 PST
Distant calls audible.
We started to record at 4:15pm soon after the first clear A30 call in Johnstone Strait. The A30s are now on both the Critical Point and Cracroft systems, perhaps heading east. We also had another two reports about other orcas. At noon, a group was seen heading west past Ledge Point near Port McNeill. Also, a lone male was seen at the top end of Blackfish Sound just before noon. Tempting to think that these whales were transients.
Helena
11 Nov 2006 17:18:20 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
We just heard from the MacKays that there are about a dozen whales in Beaver Cove foraging. So this means that besides the A30s, who were east of Beaver Cove until recently, there are other groups in the Strait as well. Exciting!
Helena
11 Nov 2006 10:59:21 PST
Distant calls audible.
We started to record at 4:15pm soon after the first clear A30 call in Johnstone Strait. The A30s are now on both the Critical Point and Cracroft systems, perhaps heading east. We also had another two reports about other orcas. At noon, a group was seen heading west past Ledge Point near Port McNeill. Also, a lone male was seen at the top end of Blackfish Sound just before noon. Tempting to think that these whales were transients.
Helena
11 Nov 2006 17:18:20 PST
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
15 October 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
So here is what we know. Around 5:30am, we heard A1 calls off Cracroft Point. Soon after there were both A1 and G calls in the entrance to Blackney Pass. The G calls unfortunately ceased. However, we are fairly confident that the A12s entered the Strait at this time and headed east. Independent of the A12 calls was another A1 group further east. To make matters more complicated as the A12s were entering a group headed north in Blackney Pass. As this group reached Blackfish Sound we heard a few A1 N3 calls so we know one of the 3 A1 groups went that direction. Acoustic discrimination was difficult because the group only made "resting calls" .Then as if this wasn't enough activity, a small group of transients headed south through Blackney around 8am. We have since heard the A12s travel past Critical Point and continue east. Whew! and it is not yet 10am. Hopefully, we will get the chance to sort out who left & who stayed later today.
Helena
15 Oct 2006 09:33:44 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
So here is what we know. Around 5:30am, we heard A1 calls off Cracroft Point. Soon after there were both A1 and G calls in the entrance to Blackney Pass. The G calls unfortunately ceased. However, we are fairly confident that the A12s entered the Strait at this time and headed east. Independent of the A12 calls was another A1 group further east. To make matters more complicated as the A12s were entering a group headed north in Blackney Pass. As this group reached Blackfish Sound we heard a few A1 N3 calls so we know one of the 3 A1 groups went that direction. Acoustic discrimination was difficult because the group only made "resting calls" .Then as if this wasn't enough activity, a small group of transients headed south through Blackney around 8am. We have since heard the A12s travel past Critical Point and continue east. Whew! and it is not yet 10am. Hopefully, we will get the chance to sort out who left & who stayed later today.
Helena
15 Oct 2006 09:33:44 PDT
Saturday, October 14, 2006
14 October 2006, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Always a bit hectic on Town Run days. And a lot going on with the whales too. Around 12:10pm there were transient calls on CP along with the I31s (not the I11s by the way) on Flower Island. We no longer hear the transients and the I31s have disappeared into Weynton Pass. They should re-emerge in the Strait shortly. Thanks to Robin Abernathy and Jim & Jackie for help with the monitoring and sightings.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 12:43:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Always a bit hectic on Town Run days. And a lot going on with the whales too. Around 12:10pm there were transient calls on CP along with the I31s (not the I11s by the way) on Flower Island. We no longer hear the transients and the I31s have disappeared into Weynton Pass. They should re-emerge in the Strait shortly. Thanks to Robin Abernathy and Jim & Jackie for help with the monitoring and sightings.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 12:43:06 PDT
Friday, October 06, 2006
06 October 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
Just a short while ago we heard transient calls at the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
06 Oct 2006 15:22:23 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There be A30s too. In addition to the transients the A30s were located on the opposite side of the Strait heading west, close to the Cracroft Island side. Interesting the transients were vocal, the residents silent.
Helena
06 Oct 2006 16:42:42 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Those transients are still vocal! And still moving west in Johnstone Strait. Where are the A30s now?
Helena
06 Oct 2006 18:24:30 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Just a short while ago we heard transient calls at the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
06 Oct 2006 15:22:23 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There be A30s too. In addition to the transients the A30s were located on the opposite side of the Strait heading west, close to the Cracroft Island side. Interesting the transients were vocal, the residents silent.
Helena
06 Oct 2006 16:42:42 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Those transients are still vocal! And still moving west in Johnstone Strait. Where are the A30s now?
Helena
06 Oct 2006 18:24:30 PDT
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
23 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
While the A12s and the A30s neared CP a fairly large group of Transients (including the T18s) circled around Hanson Island and entered Blackney Pass. They are now well on their way to Blackfish Sound while the A12s and the A30s forage off of Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. The transients are silent, the residents very vocal.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 15:12:59 PDT
Orcas near mics.
While the A12s and the A30s neared CP a fairly large group of Transients (including the T18s) circled around Hanson Island and entered Blackney Pass. They are now well on their way to Blackfish Sound while the A12s and the A30s forage off of Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. The transients are silent, the residents very vocal.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 15:12:59 PDT
Friday, September 22, 2006
22 September Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Yesterday, Nick Templeton reported seeing T2 & T2C (and her calves) in Fredrick Arm (eastern Johnstone Strait) in the afternoon involved in an intense hunt for Dall porpoise. The successful hunt lasted 25 minutes. Nick was certain the adults were teaching the calves how to hunt.
Helena
22 Sep 2006 08:05:25 PDT
No orcas present.
Yesterday, Nick Templeton reported seeing T2 & T2C (and her calves) in Fredrick Arm (eastern Johnstone Strait) in the afternoon involved in an intense hunt for Dall porpoise. The successful hunt lasted 25 minutes. Nick was certain the adults were teaching the calves how to hunt.
Helena
22 Sep 2006 08:05:25 PDT
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
20 September Orcalab reports:
A small group of transients travelled through Cllio Channel, out of Baronet Passage and into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
20 Sep 2006 15:21:56 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned out to be the rest of T2B's family. The Gikumi folowed T2, T2C and her calves into the Strait and left them heading east just east of CP. Helena
20 Sep 2006 15:41:03 PDT
A small group of transients travelled through Cllio Channel, out of Baronet Passage and into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
20 Sep 2006 15:21:56 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned out to be the rest of T2B's family. The Gikumi folowed T2, T2C and her calves into the Strait and left them heading east just east of CP. Helena
20 Sep 2006 15:41:03 PDT
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
19 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Hi, power was down in Alert Bay so it was difficult to post coments. A lot happened today. The "Crowd" (the A12s and G clan) moved off to the west this afternoon. As they did so two other events occured. The A30s moved to the west, got just past Big Bay and then turned around and went back to the east past Critical Point and a group of 6 transients moved into Blackfish Sound and east to the Strait. These were ( thanks to Jared Towers for the IDs) the T60s, T124C and T2B. T2B has a new calf and Jared informs us that the calf is less than 20 days old because he saw T2B without a calf that long ago. This is rather exciting! Right now all is quiet, whales dispersing in all sorts of different directions.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 19:49:42 PDT
No orcas present.
Hi, power was down in Alert Bay so it was difficult to post coments. A lot happened today. The "Crowd" (the A12s and G clan) moved off to the west this afternoon. As they did so two other events occured. The A30s moved to the west, got just past Big Bay and then turned around and went back to the east past Critical Point and a group of 6 transients moved into Blackfish Sound and east to the Strait. These were ( thanks to Jared Towers for the IDs) the T60s, T124C and T2B. T2B has a new calf and Jared informs us that the calf is less than 20 days old because he saw T2B without a calf that long ago. This is rather exciting! Right now all is quiet, whales dispersing in all sorts of different directions.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 19:49:42 PDT
Monday, September 11, 2006
11 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
Several notes: Most current, we are hearing the A12s off of the Ecological Reserve and most likely headed west; we saw a small group of transients heading north through Blackney Pass; the large group of residents who went into Queen Charlotte Strait are most likely still there. Thanks to Jackie of Stubbs Island Whale Watching and Jared Towers for help with the visual IDs today.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 20:26:19 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Several notes: Most current, we are hearing the A12s off of the Ecological Reserve and most likely headed west; we saw a small group of transients heading north through Blackney Pass; the large group of residents who went into Queen Charlotte Strait are most likely still there. Thanks to Jackie of Stubbs Island Whale Watching and Jared Towers for help with the visual IDs today.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 20:26:19 PDT
Saturday, August 26, 2006
August 26 2006, Seasmoke reports:
This afternoon MV Cetacea saw all the same animals plus a group of 4 Transient Orcas known as the T18 group while SV Tuan saw the Transients as well as some of the I31 pod foraging nearby. The Orcas were vocal off and on all day long and engaged in relaxed social behaviour and some foraging. Guests aboad Tuan had 2 very unexpected wildlife encounters on the way home, 1 being bowriding Dall's Porpoises, and 2 being another group of Transient Orcas right between our departure points of Alder and Alert Bay. These animals were T2B, and the T60's. Their blows were clearly illuminated against the bright low sun on the calm sea. A beautiful way to end the day.
This afternoon MV Cetacea saw all the same animals plus a group of 4 Transient Orcas known as the T18 group while SV Tuan saw the Transients as well as some of the I31 pod foraging nearby. The Orcas were vocal off and on all day long and engaged in relaxed social behaviour and some foraging. Guests aboad Tuan had 2 very unexpected wildlife encounters on the way home, 1 being bowriding Dall's Porpoises, and 2 being another group of Transient Orcas right between our departure points of Alder and Alert Bay. These animals were T2B, and the T60's. Their blows were clearly illuminated against the bright low sun on the calm sea. A beautiful way to end the day.
26 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
Monday, August 21, 2006
21 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
After the resident groups met & socialised they headed east out of the Reserve and continued with the flood tide. Just recently a small group of transients were spotted off Blinkhorn in the Strait. They crossed to the Hanson side and then through Blackney Pass and "up" Baronet Passage. We caught a glimpse of them as they moved along the Blackney pass side of Cracroft Island before disappearing.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 17:24:06 PDT
No orcas present.
All is pretty quiet. The transients (the T12s) turned around and went back out to the Strait and carried on to the west around 6pm. We have not heard the residents return.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 22:45:59 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After the resident groups met & socialised they headed east out of the Reserve and continued with the flood tide. Just recently a small group of transients were spotted off Blinkhorn in the Strait. They crossed to the Hanson side and then through Blackney Pass and "up" Baronet Passage. We caught a glimpse of them as they moved along the Blackney pass side of Cracroft Island before disappearing.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 17:24:06 PDT
No orcas present.
All is pretty quiet. The transients (the T12s) turned around and went back out to the Strait and carried on to the west around 6pm. We have not heard the residents return.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 22:45:59 PDT
Sunday, August 20, 2006
20 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
To catch up: the A12s,A4s and the A5s are westbound in Johnstone Strait. After quick, on the fly, rubs they past the Ecological Reserve and Boat Bay. CP watched the A24s and the A35s pass on their side . The whales are spread out across the Strait still pretty much in the Kaikash Creek and CP area. And they are having a bite to eat. The surprise of the day were the transients (T11,T11A and possibly two others) who turned up suddenly at the eastern end of Hanson Island. They went west quickly ahead of the advance of the resident orcas who were passing Critical Point at the time. They have since been sighted in Bauza Cove. The Cs and Ds and the I35s have been reported eastbound by the Roller Bay nearPort Hardy.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 16:16:17 PDT
T11 and T11a Photo made by Jared Towers
Multiple pod calls audible.
To catch up: the A12s,A4s and the A5s are westbound in Johnstone Strait. After quick, on the fly, rubs they past the Ecological Reserve and Boat Bay. CP watched the A24s and the A35s pass on their side . The whales are spread out across the Strait still pretty much in the Kaikash Creek and CP area. And they are having a bite to eat. The surprise of the day were the transients (T11,T11A and possibly two others) who turned up suddenly at the eastern end of Hanson Island. They went west quickly ahead of the advance of the resident orcas who were passing Critical Point at the time. They have since been sighted in Bauza Cove. The Cs and Ds and the I35s have been reported eastbound by the Roller Bay nearPort Hardy.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 16:16:17 PDT
T11 and T11a Photo made by Jared Towers
Friday, August 11, 2006
11 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The resident orcas who came during the night have remained east all day. A fairly large group of transients (the T100s) turned up off Donegal Head this morning. The went west toward Alet Bay and Port McNeill and then turned around and headed for Alder Bay and Beaver Cove. They were identified by DFO. The fishing opening will close at 6pm so we anticipate the area to be a little less busy tonight.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 16:40:01 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The Ds, Cs & A30s have returned from the east and are now off Robson Bight. Nick Templeton of Painter's Lodge reported tonight that the I15s were on their way through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River) on the slack tide while the A12s, A24s & A11s had been in Frederick Arm (also very far east). The Bs were in Nodales (also very far east) The A36s and the Gs were also seen in the east today. The T100s continued to tour the area. After nearing the Reserve they turned and headed back west. They were last seen by the Blue Fjord around 8:30pm off the Nimpkish River opposite Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 22:00:21 PDT
No orcas present.
The resident orcas who came during the night have remained east all day. A fairly large group of transients (the T100s) turned up off Donegal Head this morning. The went west toward Alet Bay and Port McNeill and then turned around and headed for Alder Bay and Beaver Cove. They were identified by DFO. The fishing opening will close at 6pm so we anticipate the area to be a little less busy tonight.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 16:40:01 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The Ds, Cs & A30s have returned from the east and are now off Robson Bight. Nick Templeton of Painter's Lodge reported tonight that the I15s were on their way through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River) on the slack tide while the A12s, A24s & A11s had been in Frederick Arm (also very far east). The Bs were in Nodales (also very far east) The A36s and the Gs were also seen in the east today. The T100s continued to tour the area. After nearing the Reserve they turned and headed back west. They were last seen by the Blue Fjord around 8:30pm off the Nimpkish River opposite Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 22:00:21 PDT
Friday, August 04, 2006
04 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s just went by - they are the same group that went into Johnstone Strait yesterday. This morning they headed back to the west, past CP and into Blackney Pass. We also heard that the residents are still east near Camp Point. The good news is that they are west bound.
Helena
04 Aug 2006 12:02:21 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s just went by - they are the same group that went into Johnstone Strait yesterday. This morning they headed back to the west, past CP and into Blackney Pass. We also heard that the residents are still east near Camp Point. The good news is that they are west bound.
Helena
04 Aug 2006 12:02:21 PDT
Thursday, August 03, 2006
03 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The whales who went past the beaches last night at around 11pm have not yet returned to the western part of johnstone strait. There were sketchy reports of groups in Nodales and Frederick Arm this morning. Meanwhile, a group of transients (the T18s) turned up off the White Cliff Islands. This may have been the same group reported in Knight Inlet yesterday. The T18s went through Weynton Passage (seems to be the prefered route these days) and east in Johnstone Strait. We also heard that the Bs may have exited the area yesterday via Goletas Channel (near Port Hardy). On review of the tape from the day they came into Johnstone Strait we think the A36s may have been there as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2006 16:22:09 PDT
No orcas present.
The whales who went past the beaches last night at around 11pm have not yet returned to the western part of johnstone strait. There were sketchy reports of groups in Nodales and Frederick Arm this morning. Meanwhile, a group of transients (the T18s) turned up off the White Cliff Islands. This may have been the same group reported in Knight Inlet yesterday. The T18s went through Weynton Passage (seems to be the prefered route these days) and east in Johnstone Strait. We also heard that the Bs may have exited the area yesterday via Goletas Channel (near Port Hardy). On review of the tape from the day they came into Johnstone Strait we think the A36s may have been there as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2006 16:22:09 PDT
Monday, July 24, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
14 July 2006, Seasmoke reports:
About a mile away from us at this time were 2 male transient Orcas that we couldn't identify. We followed them through the open water of central Queen Charlotte Strait as they cruised along slowly. 1 of them had its large dorsal fin bent right over while the other's dorsal fin was a little bit crooked as well. After spending 20 years of encountering all 3 eco-types of killer whales in these waters it was very exciting for us to see these animals here as we may never see them again.
14 July 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The resident groups (the A12s,A36s,A4s and A8s) stayed far to the east today. Two transients wandered Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Jul 2006 22:41:44 PDT
About a mile away from us at this time were 2 male transient Orcas that we couldn't identify. We followed them through the open water of central Queen Charlotte Strait as they cruised along slowly. 1 of them had its large dorsal fin bent right over while the other's dorsal fin was a little bit crooked as well. After spending 20 years of encountering all 3 eco-types of killer whales in these waters it was very exciting for us to see these animals here as we may never see them again.
14 July 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The resident groups (the A12s,A36s,A4s and A8s) stayed far to the east today. Two transients wandered Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Jul 2006 22:41:44 PDT
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Orca Network report:
5-7 transients heading North in the Strait of Georgia - off Georgina Point. There was one adult male, several females and one calf. They were travelling in a group and then spread out, with 2 animals trailing behind (hence I am not entirely sure of the number. No positive ID on them, my photos are from the wrong side..... but I have some pretty clear ones, so I will send them to John Ford and Graeme Ellis to see if they can id them. I will check later if I can id them once downloaded. None of the females looked to have any very visible nicks, but that is just from observation from the small LCD screen on my camera, will have to check them out on the screen.
Ellen
Steveston Seabreeze Adventures, Richmond
5-7 transients heading North in the Strait of Georgia - off Georgina Point. There was one adult male, several females and one calf. They were travelling in a group and then spread out, with 2 animals trailing behind (hence I am not entirely sure of the number. No positive ID on them, my photos are from the wrong side..... but I have some pretty clear ones, so I will send them to John Ford and Graeme Ellis to see if they can id them. I will check later if I can id them once downloaded. None of the females looked to have any very visible nicks, but that is just from observation from the small LCD screen on my camera, will have to check them out on the screen.
Ellen
Steveston Seabreeze Adventures, Richmond
Sunday, June 04, 2006
4 June 2006, Cetaceanlab reports:
We had a report of 2 humpback whales traveling close to our home so we quickly packed the camera, put on rain gear and out the door. We decided that one of us would go out in the boat and the other would stay behind and listen for calls on the hydrophone. I was just leaving the bay in our boat and I could hear Hermann yelling “STOP STOP” I thought there must be something wrong with the boat so shut down immediately. Then I saw this 6 foot black dorsal break the stillness of the water, to follow a female orca, most likely mother and son. Slowly I traveled towards them. They were very relaxed and I was able to get a few excellent ID pictures. Turned out to be 2 transient orcas, T11 and T11A. After following them for a short time I saw 2 more blows, at least 20 feet high so had to be the humpbacks reported earl;ier. Traveled towards them and within minutes recognized these 2 large resident whales. They have been in this area , always together, for weeks now. Then another report on the radio, a family of orcas traveling down Whale channel. This group turned out to be a family of resident orcas, the A42s. They were traveling so close to shore and very quiet, not a single call.
We had a report of 2 humpback whales traveling close to our home so we quickly packed the camera, put on rain gear and out the door. We decided that one of us would go out in the boat and the other would stay behind and listen for calls on the hydrophone. I was just leaving the bay in our boat and I could hear Hermann yelling “STOP STOP” I thought there must be something wrong with the boat so shut down immediately. Then I saw this 6 foot black dorsal break the stillness of the water, to follow a female orca, most likely mother and son. Slowly I traveled towards them. They were very relaxed and I was able to get a few excellent ID pictures. Turned out to be 2 transient orcas, T11 and T11A. After following them for a short time I saw 2 more blows, at least 20 feet high so had to be the humpbacks reported earl;ier. Traveled towards them and within minutes recognized these 2 large resident whales. They have been in this area , always together, for weeks now. Then another report on the radio, a family of orcas traveling down Whale channel. This group turned out to be a family of resident orcas, the A42s. They were traveling so close to shore and very quiet, not a single call.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Yesterday, we had a group of 7 transients head south through Blackney Pass. They were too far away for a proper ID. They bucked the tide all the way into Johnstone Strait where Jim on the Gikumi tried to get the necessary photos for later identification. They were silent but this may have been the same group we heard in the Strait three days ago. A group of seven were seen the day after in one of the close by waterways by the Island Odyssey. There were no males but there were two young calves and the group seemed to be interested in something in the water. stopping, changing direstion several times. When they were in Blackney Pass they passed the Parson Island Light and the seals sunning themselves on the rocks nearby. The seals stayed glued to the rocks.
Helena & Paul
31 May 2006 09:52:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Yesterday, we had a group of 7 transients head south through Blackney Pass. They were too far away for a proper ID. They bucked the tide all the way into Johnstone Strait where Jim on the Gikumi tried to get the necessary photos for later identification. They were silent but this may have been the same group we heard in the Strait three days ago. A group of seven were seen the day after in one of the close by waterways by the Island Odyssey. There were no males but there were two young calves and the group seemed to be interested in something in the water. stopping, changing direstion several times. When they were in Blackney Pass they passed the Parson Island Light and the seals sunning themselves on the rocks nearby. The seals stayed glued to the rocks.
Helena & Paul
31 May 2006 09:52:25 PDT
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Orcanetwork reports:
16 February 2006
@ 16:30 4 small groups (aprox. 12 animals in total) of orca heading north into Discoverey Passage , Campbell River, BC. 2 bulls 10+ small fins, travalling.
Chaos
Eagle Eye Adventures
Orcalab reports
No orcas present.
We've heard no "resident" calls at all during the past month, but we did hear transient orcas calling in Robson Bight yesterday afternoon as a large group (about 16) passed through Johnstone Strait, heading west.
Paul & Helena
18 Feb 2006 20:09:43 PST
16 February 2006
@ 16:30 4 small groups (aprox. 12 animals in total) of orca heading north into Discoverey Passage , Campbell River, BC. 2 bulls 10+ small fins, travalling.
Chaos
Eagle Eye Adventures
Orcalab reports
No orcas present.
We've heard no "resident" calls at all during the past month, but we did hear transient orcas calling in Robson Bight yesterday afternoon as a large group (about 16) passed through Johnstone Strait, heading west.
Paul & Helena
18 Feb 2006 20:09:43 PST
Monday, November 21, 2005
21 November Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Hello, everyone! Just after the sun rose over the mountains on this lovely morning, we saw misty blows in Blackney Pass, then the black shapes of orca dorsal fins appeared in the sun's glare! We only had one more glimpse of them as they headed into Blackfish Sound, but saw enough to conclude that they were transients. The group of 4 consisted of 1 adult male, 2 females & a juvenile. They weren't vocal. After more than 2 weeks without sighting orcas, this was an exciting way to start our day!
Paul & Helena
21 Nov 2005 09:42:44 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
Hello, everyone! Just after the sun rose over the mountains on this lovely morning, we saw misty blows in Blackney Pass, then the black shapes of orca dorsal fins appeared in the sun's glare! We only had one more glimpse of them as they headed into Blackfish Sound, but saw enough to conclude that they were transients. The group of 4 consisted of 1 adult male, 2 females & a juvenile. They weren't vocal. After more than 2 weeks without sighting orcas, this was an exciting way to start our day!
Paul & Helena
21 Nov 2005 09:42:44 PST
Friday, October 21, 2005
21 October Orcalab reports
No calls but orcas nearby
A very stormy day. A group of transients are working the area off of Parson Island. They were first seen heading south but then stalled and are now going back and forth in about the same place as first seen. At least one male and maybe 2 -3 others.
Helena
21 Oct 2005 10:19:56 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We have lost track of the transients. One minute it looked like they had pulled away from whatever was interesting them and were angling over towards us. Then we couldn't find them again. There were no calls.
Helena
21 Oct 2005 11:27:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A very stormy day. A group of transients are working the area off of Parson Island. They were first seen heading south but then stalled and are now going back and forth in about the same place as first seen. At least one male and maybe 2 -3 others.
Helena
21 Oct 2005 10:19:56 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We have lost track of the transients. One minute it looked like they had pulled away from whatever was interesting them and were angling over towards us. Then we couldn't find them again. There were no calls.
Helena
21 Oct 2005 11:27:57 PDT
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
27 September Orcalab reports:
12:33 PDT Superb sounds!!
We're listening to Transients. They're in the entrance of Blackney. On Channel A
14:12 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The transients who were busy a short while ago in the entrance of Blackney Pass have moved to the east of CP. From the glimpse we had as they passed CP we think they may have been the T18s.
14:46 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s slowly made their way to the Sophia's and after some milling around were last seen heading east along the shore.
12:33 PDT Superb sounds!!
We're listening to Transients. They're in the entrance of Blackney. On Channel A
14:12 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The transients who were busy a short while ago in the entrance of Blackney Pass have moved to the east of CP. From the glimpse we had as they passed CP we think they may have been the T18s.
14:46 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s slowly made their way to the Sophia's and after some milling around were last seen heading east along the shore.
Friday, September 23, 2005
23 September Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls today. However, orcas were not very far away. The A36s were sighted by the Naiad Explorer (Mackay Whalewatching) in Goletas Channel near Port Hardy, and a group of transient orcas that included the T2s was sighted by the Gikumi (Stubbs Island Whalewatching) in eastern Baronet Passage, a little to the east of us.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 22:56:16 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls today. However, orcas were not very far away. The A36s were sighted by the Naiad Explorer (Mackay Whalewatching) in Goletas Channel near Port Hardy, and a group of transient orcas that included the T2s was sighted by the Gikumi (Stubbs Island Whalewatching) in eastern Baronet Passage, a little to the east of us.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 22:56:16 PDT
Friday, September 16, 2005
Transients in Chattam Sound
Today we went whalewatching with Prince Rupert Adventure Tours.
Our goal was to see humpback whales but we started with a group a 3 Transients!
The group consists of 2 males and 1 females. This group was the T170 group.
I have one positive ID of T170.
The female was speeding with 12 knots.
According to Gream Ellis the female was T172 and the other male was T171.
We saw the transients at position 54-18N 130-37W in Chattam Sound, heading south.
Click here to watch the videoclip 'a Transient speeding'
Our goal was to see humpback whales but we started with a group a 3 Transients!
The group consists of 2 males and 1 females. This group was the T170 group.
I have one positive ID of T170.
The female was speeding with 12 knots.
According to Gream Ellis the female was T172 and the other male was T171.
We saw the transients at position 54-18N 130-37W in Chattam Sound, heading south.
Click here to watch the videoclip 'a Transient speeding'
16 September Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The A30s moved off to the west from Blackney Pass a while ago, but have now turned back to the east again. They are visibler on Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island Hydrophone. The other groups decided to head north through Weynton Pass, against the flooding tide. Some of them are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, others are still in Weynton Pass. We're hearing G clan calls in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone. Meanwhile, a group of transients has been sighted off Bold Head... they are now heading towards the Penfolds.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 14:17:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s moved off to the west from Blackney Pass a while ago, but have now turned back to the east again. They are visibler on Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island Hydrophone. The other groups decided to head north through Weynton Pass, against the flooding tide. Some of them are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, others are still in Weynton Pass. We're hearing G clan calls in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone. Meanwhile, a group of transients has been sighted off Bold Head... they are now heading towards the Penfolds.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 14:17:09 PDT
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
14 September Orcalab reports:
Boat noise
As the boat noise continues, a group of orcas has been sighted heading west, mid Strait, off the Sophias. They may be visible from CP soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:57:30 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The westbound orcas turned out to be a group of transients, the T18s. They have headed into Blackney Pass & are now moving quickly north through it.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 10:51:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We believe the I15s , A30s and A12s are coming west. Just now they stalled off the western boundry in the Reserve. The I31s are apparently near Kelsey Bay and the transients have continued west toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2005 13:38:35 PDT
Boat noise
As the boat noise continues, a group of orcas has been sighted heading west, mid Strait, off the Sophias. They may be visible from CP soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:57:30 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The westbound orcas turned out to be a group of transients, the T18s. They have headed into Blackney Pass & are now moving quickly north through it.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 10:51:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We believe the I15s , A30s and A12s are coming west. Just now they stalled off the western boundry in the Reserve. The I31s are apparently near Kelsey Bay and the transients have continued west toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2005 13:38:35 PDT
Monday, September 05, 2005
07:09 PDT Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to transient calls for the past several hours. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier, but are now in Johnstone Strait. The calls are audible on the CP & Critical Point hydrophones.
08:08 PDT Distant calls audible.
The transients are still calling in Johnstone strait. Overnight: the resident orcas (the A11s, I15s, A8s and the A30s - in that order) headed east past the reserve. We last heard the A30s around 3:30am. We first heard the transients at 2:43am when they were in Blackfish Sound. They quickly moved to the Strait while the A30s enjoyed a rub before moving on to the east after the other resident groups.
09:53 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The ever vocal transients are again moving west past the entrance to Blackney Pass. Channel A
12:01 PDT No orcas present.
It turned out that there may have been 3 transients in total. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) located them this morning off of the Sophia Islands. There was a male and two smaller fins. The male and one of the female fins disappeared quickly and then the other "female" headed off to the west apparently by itself. This whale went to Weynton Passage and passed into Cormorant Channel. As of a half hour ago the Tuan (Seasmoke Whale Watching) saw this whale passing Leonard Point on Cormorant Isand still doing 9 kn. meanwhile, the resident whales (specifically the I15s) were seen heading east at 10 am well past the eastern end of the Reserve on the Cracroft side. Recent reports place whales off the Broken Islands. (Naiad Explorer)
We've been listening to transient calls for the past several hours. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier, but are now in Johnstone Strait. The calls are audible on the CP & Critical Point hydrophones.
08:08 PDT Distant calls audible.
The transients are still calling in Johnstone strait. Overnight: the resident orcas (the A11s, I15s, A8s and the A30s - in that order) headed east past the reserve. We last heard the A30s around 3:30am. We first heard the transients at 2:43am when they were in Blackfish Sound. They quickly moved to the Strait while the A30s enjoyed a rub before moving on to the east after the other resident groups.
09:53 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The ever vocal transients are again moving west past the entrance to Blackney Pass. Channel A
12:01 PDT No orcas present.
It turned out that there may have been 3 transients in total. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) located them this morning off of the Sophia Islands. There was a male and two smaller fins. The male and one of the female fins disappeared quickly and then the other "female" headed off to the west apparently by itself. This whale went to Weynton Passage and passed into Cormorant Channel. As of a half hour ago the Tuan (Seasmoke Whale Watching) saw this whale passing Leonard Point on Cormorant Isand still doing 9 kn. meanwhile, the resident whales (specifically the I15s) were seen heading east at 10 am well past the eastern end of the Reserve on the Cracroft side. Recent reports place whales off the Broken Islands. (Naiad Explorer)
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
31 August Orcalab reports
09:49 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
some group of whales have been seen in north off Foster Island, no ID yet. some of them are coming down to Blackfish sound.
10:12 PDT Distant calls audible.
We are hearing A4 calls on CRPT. the A11s who came back from the east last night, now going east to the bight. There are T18s off Big Bay too.
11:25 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s went north through Blackney Pass. it seems like the I15s are entering the Strait through Weynton.
11:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
We started hearing I15 calls on CRPT. A group of whales just came into Blackney from north, no calls from this group.
11:35 PDT Distant calls audible.
the T143s are going south through Blackney Pass.
11:48 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
the T143s are going into JS, the T18s changed direction and following them. nice Transient calls!
12:04 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
T18s and T143s are in front OF CP, A11s and A8s are rubbing
13:02 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A11s left Rubbing beach, came back to the Bight. The I15s are along VI side off Kaikash, going east. T18s and T143s are going east along to CI side.
15:22 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
After meeting up off Robson Bight the A11s,A8s and the I15s headed east. A few brushed past the beaches. The transients of earlier are a bit further east near Naka Creek. They are also east bound at the last report. The A30s are east bound in Blackfish Sound nearing Blackney Pass.
09:49 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
some group of whales have been seen in north off Foster Island, no ID yet. some of them are coming down to Blackfish sound.
10:12 PDT Distant calls audible.
We are hearing A4 calls on CRPT. the A11s who came back from the east last night, now going east to the bight. There are T18s off Big Bay too.
11:25 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s went north through Blackney Pass. it seems like the I15s are entering the Strait through Weynton.
11:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
We started hearing I15 calls on CRPT. A group of whales just came into Blackney from north, no calls from this group.
11:35 PDT Distant calls audible.
the T143s are going south through Blackney Pass.
11:48 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
the T143s are going into JS, the T18s changed direction and following them. nice Transient calls!
12:04 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
T18s and T143s are in front OF CP, A11s and A8s are rubbing
13:02 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A11s left Rubbing beach, came back to the Bight. The I15s are along VI side off Kaikash, going east. T18s and T143s are going east along to CI side.
15:22 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
After meeting up off Robson Bight the A11s,A8s and the I15s headed east. A few brushed past the beaches. The transients of earlier are a bit further east near Naka Creek. They are also east bound at the last report. The A30s are east bound in Blackfish Sound nearing Blackney Pass.
Monday, August 29, 2005
29 August Orcalab reports
09:07 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
we were surprised about 20 minutes ago by the sound of blows heading south through Blackney Pass very quickly. They should be in the Strait by now. No calls, no clues.
09:23 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
CP had good visibility and could see that the small group was transients. Tomoko and Paul T think that the transients went to the west after entering the Strait.
09:07 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
we were surprised about 20 minutes ago by the sound of blows heading south through Blackney Pass very quickly. They should be in the Strait by now. No calls, no clues.
09:23 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
CP had good visibility and could see that the small group was transients. Tomoko and Paul T think that the transients went to the west after entering the Strait.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
28 August Orcalab reports
Multiple pod calls audible.
We just had a small group of transients go by, headed north, mid channel. They breached as they left our view and then apparently gave chase to a minke in Blackfish Sound. The residents were coming east in Blackfish at the time. The hunt is continuing opposite Bold Head. The Bs are not far away.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 15:07:11 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s followed the A36s and the i15s into the strait and at about the same time the Bs came in via Weynton Pass (4pm). the B had been following the rest into Blackfih sound when the transient/minke whale encounter happened. They turned and went through the "Blow-hole to Weynton Pass and then on to the Strait. from eye witness accounts the transients were unable to catch the minke.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 16:32:07 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We just had a small group of transients go by, headed north, mid channel. They breached as they left our view and then apparently gave chase to a minke in Blackfish Sound. The residents were coming east in Blackfish at the time. The hunt is continuing opposite Bold Head. The Bs are not far away.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 15:07:11 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s followed the A36s and the i15s into the strait and at about the same time the Bs came in via Weynton Pass (4pm). the B had been following the rest into Blackfih sound when the transient/minke whale encounter happened. They turned and went through the "Blow-hole to Weynton Pass and then on to the Strait. from eye witness accounts the transients were unable to catch the minke.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 16:32:07 PDT
Friday, August 19, 2005
Orcas near mics.
Despite the boat noise the A30s are sounding great in the Bight. They crossed from Boat Bay and are in the reserve now fishing. Reports from Robson Bight Charters via the Naiad: the a11s and the A8s are back in Nodales, the A36s are headed east from Hickey Point and the I15s are west bound at Camp Point. The t18s are in Chancellor Channel. fog is rolling back in but the sun keeps trying.
Helena
19 Aug 2005 12:47:05 PDT
Despite the boat noise the A30s are sounding great in the Bight. They crossed from Boat Bay and are in the reserve now fishing. Reports from Robson Bight Charters via the Naiad: the a11s and the A8s are back in Nodales, the A36s are headed east from Hickey Point and the I15s are west bound at Camp Point. The t18s are in Chancellor Channel. fog is rolling back in but the sun keeps trying.
Helena
19 Aug 2005 12:47:05 PDT
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Distant calls audible.
a group of whales (transients?) are going south in Blackney pass.
Tomoko
18 Aug 2005 01:28:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Good morning everyone! We began hearing the the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone shortly after 7am, but are not yet sure of their direction. And, a few minutes ago, a small group of transient orcas passed close to CP, heading east. This is already an interesting day!
Paul
18 Aug 2005 07:58:41 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the A30s conrinued quickly to the east. They are now well past Naka Creek. Meanwhile, the transients of earlier this morning travelled back to the west & the Sophia Islands where they killed a Dalls porpoise. They vocalised briefly and then headed off to the east again. The Naiad Explorer found the A36s off the White Cliff Islets just north of Swanson Island in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2005 14:27:59 PDT
a group of whales (transients?) are going south in Blackney pass.
Tomoko
18 Aug 2005 01:28:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Good morning everyone! We began hearing the the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone shortly after 7am, but are not yet sure of their direction. And, a few minutes ago, a small group of transient orcas passed close to CP, heading east. This is already an interesting day!
Paul
18 Aug 2005 07:58:41 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the A30s conrinued quickly to the east. They are now well past Naka Creek. Meanwhile, the transients of earlier this morning travelled back to the west & the Sophia Islands where they killed a Dalls porpoise. They vocalised briefly and then headed off to the east again. The Naiad Explorer found the A36s off the White Cliff Islets just north of Swanson Island in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2005 14:27:59 PDT
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Distant calls audible.
The transients are on Flower Island.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 21:01:37 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to transient orca calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Paul
17 Aug 2005 22:44:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After beautiful Transient calls, we started hearing A30 calls on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
17 Aug 2005 23:19:37 PDT
The transients are on Flower Island.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 21:01:37 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to transient orca calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Paul
17 Aug 2005 22:44:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After beautiful Transient calls, we started hearing A30 calls on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
17 Aug 2005 23:19:37 PDT
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s have arrived back in the Strait and have met up with the A12s,A4s,A36s and Cs. they are eastbound from the west end of Hanson Island. meanwhile the very big group of transients of the last couple of days just went through Blackney to blackfish Sound after passing CP.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 09:34:13 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We are listening to transients in Blackfish sound!
Tomoko
13 Aug 2005 10:08:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is certainly one of those days - very intense. The transients are continuing west from the west end of Blackfish Sound while the residents (the A36s, Cs (C10s,C6s), A4s (A11s at least) and A30s continue to move into the Reserve. The A12s turned back to the west at the Sophias and are moving towards CP once more.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 11:30:54 PDT
The A30s have arrived back in the Strait and have met up with the A12s,A4s,A36s and Cs. they are eastbound from the west end of Hanson Island. meanwhile the very big group of transients of the last couple of days just went through Blackney to blackfish Sound after passing CP.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 09:34:13 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We are listening to transients in Blackfish sound!
Tomoko
13 Aug 2005 10:08:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is certainly one of those days - very intense. The transients are continuing west from the west end of Blackfish Sound while the residents (the A36s, Cs (C10s,C6s), A4s (A11s at least) and A30s continue to move into the Reserve. The A12s turned back to the west at the Sophias and are moving towards CP once more.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 11:30:54 PDT
Thursday, August 11, 2005
No calls but orcas nearby
There is a large group of transients heading into the Strait after passing Alert Bay a while earlier. The Rs and Ws continued to the west.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 17:13:39 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The large group of transients is near Big bay on the hanson island side. They are still moving toward the eastern end of Hanson Island. No calls. CP is filming but they are still distant.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 18:03:34 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients after being quite active off CP and the entrance of Blackney are headed east now. They are split still into two groups. The group which came close to CP has carried on down the Cracroft Island shore while the other group stayed mid strait and is off the Sophia Islands by now.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 19:08:02 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We've been hearing occasional calls from the transient orcas on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like some of them are in Robson Bight, probably heading east.
Paul
11 Aug 2005 20:57:41 PDT
There is a large group of transients heading into the Strait after passing Alert Bay a while earlier. The Rs and Ws continued to the west.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 17:13:39 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The large group of transients is near Big bay on the hanson island side. They are still moving toward the eastern end of Hanson Island. No calls. CP is filming but they are still distant.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 18:03:34 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients after being quite active off CP and the entrance of Blackney are headed east now. They are split still into two groups. The group which came close to CP has carried on down the Cracroft Island shore while the other group stayed mid strait and is off the Sophia Islands by now.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 19:08:02 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We've been hearing occasional calls from the transient orcas on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like some of them are in Robson Bight, probably heading east.
Paul
11 Aug 2005 20:57:41 PDT
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
No calls but orcas nearby
Lots happening! the A12s turned off big bay and are now headed across to the Vancouver Island shore. A group of transient orcas have come out of Knight Inlet and are headed toward Donegal Head. And finally, the very BIG group which was seen earlier in the day is still far to the west of the "core area". Some of the groups have broken off and moved away while another group remains off the Port Hardy airport and is still eastbound. There is not yet a complete description of who has been positively sighted but it may include A4s, A5s along with Cs.
Helena
10 Aug 2005 16:40:21 PDT
Lots happening! the A12s turned off big bay and are now headed across to the Vancouver Island shore. A group of transient orcas have come out of Knight Inlet and are headed toward Donegal Head. And finally, the very BIG group which was seen earlier in the day is still far to the west of the "core area". Some of the groups have broken off and moved away while another group remains off the Port Hardy airport and is still eastbound. There is not yet a complete description of who has been positively sighted but it may include A4s, A5s along with Cs.
Helena
10 Aug 2005 16:40:21 PDT
Monday, April 25, 2005
No orcas present.
Hello everyone! It has been a very long time since we have made any comment. There hasn't been any northern resident activity around here although the A36s were seen on the northern coast at the beginning of April. Around April 20th there were numerous transient sightings from Port Hardy to here in Blackney Pass. We recorded several hours of transient calls in Blackfish Sound on the 21st. This was an unusually long session (for transients) and unfortunately, the fog defeated our attempts to find out which whales were calling. Dolphins have been around through the winter and spring. Perhaps the most exciting news came from Donna MacKay, Nic Dedeluk and Alex Morton that humpbacks are back in the area. We haven't seen any yet but are keeping a watchful eye on the Pass just in case. We can definitely sense that the seasons are turing and summer will not be long in coming!
Helena & Paul
25 Apr 2005 13:18:21 PDT
Hello everyone! It has been a very long time since we have made any comment. There hasn't been any northern resident activity around here although the A36s were seen on the northern coast at the beginning of April. Around April 20th there were numerous transient sightings from Port Hardy to here in Blackney Pass. We recorded several hours of transient calls in Blackfish Sound on the 21st. This was an unusually long session (for transients) and unfortunately, the fog defeated our attempts to find out which whales were calling. Dolphins have been around through the winter and spring. Perhaps the most exciting news came from Donna MacKay, Nic Dedeluk and Alex Morton that humpbacks are back in the area. We haven't seen any yet but are keeping a watchful eye on the Pass just in case. We can definitely sense that the seasons are turing and summer will not be long in coming!
Helena & Paul
25 Apr 2005 13:18:21 PDT
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