Orcalab reports:

Last night, the Boat Bay camp heard 5-6 blows in the Reserve. Just now a small group of transients are headed into Knights Inlet quickly.
Helena
20 Jul 2008 12:37:13 PDT

Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The excitment this afternoon was the reports of T14 making progress eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait. We waited and waited but we never saw him.
Helena
18 Jul 2008 19:21:56 PDT

Orcalab reports
No orcas present.

Apparently there were even orcas today. Just heard that there were a couple of transients seen earlier in Blackfish Sound headed north. Too bad we missed them!
Helena
17 Jun 2008 13:31:07 PDT

T20, T21, T69A, and T69A1

No calls but orcas nearby

Apparently, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) has found a small group of transients in the vicinity of Blackfish Sound. We also just saw a humpback moving slowly south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 14:48:36 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The small group of transients reported earlier have made their way through Blackney Pass headed toward Johnstone Strait. The male remained offshore while the 2 females and calf followed the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:07:25 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The transients turned and went back to Blackfish Sound!
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:50:42 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Stubbs Island identified the whales as T20, T21, T69A, T69A1.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 17:20:32 PDT

Transients in Blackfish sound

Orcalab reports:


No calls but orcas nearby

A small group of transients travelled through Blackney Pass this morning headed toward Blackfish Sound. There were no calls. The whales looked relaxed as they travelled along. The sea is calm and the sky sunny, lovely. We will resume audio streamig tomorrow.
Helena
31 May 2008 09:25:48 PDT

27 May 2008, The Centre for Whale research reports:

May 27, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 5:00 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 5:36 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 31.43 N
Start Long: 123° 13.37 W
End Encounter: 6:35 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 35.93 N
End Long: 123° 14.40 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:35 p.m.
Observers: Ken Balcomb, John Durban, Erin Heydenreich

T102 and T20 were traveling at a medium pace nothbound through Haro Straight about 200 meters from T21,T101,T101A and T101C.
**
T40 off Victoria.
T40 inbound from Race Rocks headed for Victoria
**

18 May 2008, Orca Network reports:

We headed out from Victoria across to the Haro Strait and approx. a couple of miles SE of Kelp Reef, at 1345, we just happen to come acrosss 2 lone Transients, one identified as T20 (and the other T21?). We proceeded to observe them as they headed north, and left them with other WW boats off the east side of Sidney Island at around 1445.
Tim Hunt
Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student

20 May Orca Network report

Orca Network received a call from a reporter for the Eureka (CA) Times Standard about an orca that charged up on a beach and grabbed a harbor seal. Half of the whale's body was out of the water. The whale then tossed the seal away and slid back into the water. At least 3 juvenile orcas were nearby. Was it all a hunting lesson for the young ones? He said there were some reports of a larger group of orcas further offshore. Orcas are known to beach themselves to catch sea lions in Patagonia, Argentina and in the Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean, but this is believed to be the first report of an orca grabbing a seal off a beach in North America. This occurred in front of about a dozen people who all tell the same basic story. The beach is called Indian Beach, in Trinidad Bay, about 20 miles north of Eureka CA, near the Humbolt Bay Marine Lab. The story will appear in the above paper tomorrow. No photos were taken as far as the reporter knows.

19 May 2008, Orca Network reports:

Hi Susan and Howard,
I believe the transients in Sansum Narrows on Monday were T20 and T21. I left them Sunday night off Coal Island(Swartz Bay) at 6:30pm and then picked them up again in Sidney Channel between James Island and Sidney Island at 8:30pm.

Simon @ Ocean Ecoventures

17 May 2008, Orca Network reports

Orca Network received a call Monday AM from Gregory Gilbertson about a sighting of roughly ten orcas ~2:30 PM, approx. 25 miles west of Newport OR (240 degrees from Newport), in an area known as the "chicken ranch." He described them as hunting whales so these may have been Transients (or Offshores? or Residents?).

Transients pass Victoria waterfront

The Center for Whaleresearch reports:

May 14, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Depart Snug Harbor: 10:55 a.m.
Begin Encounter: 11:35 a.m.
Start Lat: 48° 25.17 N
Start Long: 123° 16.83 W
End Encounter: 12:38 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 38.6 N
End Long: 123° 32.3 W
Return Snug Harbor: 2:05 p.m.
Observers: Dave Ellifrit.

Report by Dave Ellifrit: "I left Snug at 10:55 a.m. (overcast and mostly calm) and got on scene around 11:35 a.m. just west of the Chain Islets (48°25.17N, 123°16.83W). The eight whales were tight and heading southwest at a medium speed. The whales present were T87, T88, T90, T90B, T124, T124D, T124E, and a sprouter who I don't remember seeing before. I will have to send a picture of him off to Graeme (Ellis, DFO) for an I.D." (Graeme Ellis reports that the transient male Dave refers to is T073B, "who we haven't seen for a few years, so nice score!")
"By around 11:55 a.m. the whales were off the south tip of Trial Island still tight but had slowed down a bit. Most of the whales appeared to be resting but T124E and the sprouter were just slightly off to the side rolling around together. I saw a "seasnake" from those two that I think belonged to T124E, so I'm pretty confident he is a young male. I left the whales with a couple Victoria boats at 12:38 p.m. about 2 miles southwest of Trial Island (48°38.6N 123°32.3W). The whales were still tight and slowly heading southwest. After fueling up at Roche, I made back to Snug Harbor at 2:05 p.m."


photo by Dave Ellifrit. This photo was taken under DFO license #2006-08/SARA-34.
T73B and T87 pass close to the rocks of Trial Island, May 14, 2008.

More Photos

Just thought I'd add a little more info about the Transients sighted off Victoria. It seems as though we picked up the T's where Dave Ellifrit left them. We had a 1pm trip and came out of Victoria Harbor and they were approx. 2 miles SW of the Ogden Pt Breakwater. They then hugged the shoreline and swam right up against the breakwater, with one of the individuals rolling over and giving the lucky people walking along the breakwall a nice view of its white underside. It was amazing to see them right at the tip of Ogden Pt at the mouth of Victoria Harbor. They then crossed the mouth of the harbor and headed in a general SW direction towards Albert Head.
Tim Hunt, Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student

8 May 2008, Orca Network reports

Just a quick report that I heard a few transient calls between about 11:50 and midnight PDT on OrcaSound. The first couple were very loud and squawky -- at first I thought it was a great blue heron getting surprised and eaten by something! The subsequent calls were spaced a few minutes apart, rapidly grew fainter, and sounded like transient calls.
Scott Veirs, Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School

7 May 2008, Orcan Network reports

Another report of T20 and (apparently) T21 -- same place (Eastern entrance to Sooke Basin) , close to the same time, in fact 50 hours later. Animals were almost exactly on top of the aypoint where I had marked them on May 05. Time of sighting was 15:42 and seas were 6ft.-plus at in a roaring flood current.
Chris Zylstra, Victoria B.C. Canada
*
T20 and T21 going West off Sooke this afternoon in 5to 6 ft. seas at 1455.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C. Canada

May 5 2008, Orca Network reports

Orca Network received a call this morning from Chris Peterson, reporting a sighting of orcas off the N. end of Texada Island, B.C Gulf Islands. There were at least 3 orcas, near Rebecca Rock, observed from 11-11:30 am.
*
1204 hr - 1300hr. Bull orca T20 and (another T?) spotted in 3 ft. seas (4 ft. and building by the time we left the animals) approx. 2 NM offshore of Sooke Bluffs (Eastern entrance to Sooke Basin) at 1204hr. Current was a strong flood at Race Rocks but, further west and offshore, there was still a river of ebb current that the Westbound Transients sought out and rode West (of course dragging us into more exciting seas as time wore on). Left the animals near 1300hr approaching Otter Pt., still 2 plus NM offshore. Behaviour: 3-4 min dives between 3-4 minute "surfacings" (time near surface). No apparent hunting; animals traveling 4-6 Kn. (S.O.G).
Chris Zylstra, Victoria B.C.

03 May 2008, Orca Network reports:

Orca Network received a call from Dave Metz of Newport, OR at 10:10 am, he was observing 3 orcas swimming up the Yaquina River in Newport. They went 200-300 yards upriver, nearly to the Newport Bridge, then turned & were starting to swim back down river. He referred Angie to us, who was nearby watching the orcas - she first saw the orcas at 10:00 am as she was driving over the Newport bridge. She followed them along the jetty and took some photos which she will send to us. It is likely these are Transient orcas looking for a seal or two.We received several photos of the Orcas reported Saturday morning in the Yaquina River, Newport OR, along with an additional report (which leaves no doubt that they were Transients!).

From Jim Rice: I've received this additional piece of information about Saturday's orca sighting: "I was out at S. Jetty this evening and ran into a young man walking the road who saw the orcas kill at least one harbor seal this morning. He lives near the start of the S. Jetty road. He thought there were 5 orcas, and they killed the seal on the south side between the bridge and the finger jetty. Barry"
Jim Rice, Stranding Coordinator, Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Marine Mammal Institute, OSU

Orca Network shared Angi's photos (which weren't great ID shots, but one had some saddle patches) with researchers, and Dave Ellifrit of the Center for Whale Research replied: I will go way, way out on a limb here and take a GUESS that this MIGHT be T49C and T50. The fin shape is right and I think I can believe that I see nicks where they should be. I believe both of those whales have been photographed down that direction before too. Other than that, I can't say for sure!
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island

02 May 2008, Orcanetwork reports:

T14 tail slapping away near Sooke! Curious to know just how many T's were turned up 3-4 NM West of Crescent Bay (Olympic Peninsula) today -- sounded like quite a few (around 1600hr).
Chris Zylstra , Victoria B.C.

I should be sleeping, but am listening to the Orcasound hydrophone and it is 1:34am. I am hearing whales and I think they sound like transients!
Annika, Shoreline, Wa.

Yes, it was T calls at 0133-35 off Lime Kiln .
Ken Balcomb, Senior Scientist, Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor

02 May 2008, The Centre for Whale Research reports:

Large group of Transients head east
past Race Rocks, May 2, 2008

The T100's, T101's, T124's and T90 with T90B (15 animals) head east past Race Rocks on Friday evening. They were first picked up near Pillar Point at 3:30 p.m.

01 May 2008, The Center for Whale Research report:

T14 was picked up again today, this time back on his own. He was first spotted at 10:10 a.m. cruising through the kelp forests of East Sooke Park. He then continued east through Race Passage and crossed Victoria's waterfront.
He passed by Trial Island at 5:00 p.m. and went through Oak Bay. I last saw him exiting Baynes Channel going north past Ten Mile Pt. at 6:45 p.m.

28 April 2008, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to transient calls in Blackfish Sound. A large group of transients just past us,heading north, quite close to the Hanson Island shore. Lots of rolling, tail slaps etc and now vocal!
Helena
28 Apr 2008 11:14:50 PDT

27 April 2008, Orcanetwork report

T14 accompanying T36a's and T49a's (I think). Animals were originally sighted at Salmon Bank marker approx 14:20 (by another whale watcher). I arrived at 14:55, .3 NM NNE of Northern Hein Bank marker. 6-7 Transient orca were traveling West-bound, zig-zagging to the North every so often. Witnessed harbour porpoise in the immediate area but no hunting behaviour. Animals turned northbound at approx. 15:55 appeared heading for Lime Kiln.
Christoper Zylstra, Victoria B.C.

26 April 2008, Orcanetwork report

We spent the afternoon, enjoying flat water, bright sunshine, and a group of transient orcas (7?), along with male, T-14. This fairly tight group was spotted on the west side of D'Arcy Island along the west side of Haro Strait. We arrived about 1:00 p.m. and watched as the group zig-zagged around the channel between Vancouver Island and D'Arcy Island. They were on long dives, and then surfaced, going either north or south - or west, or east. There appeared to be several youngsters with the older females, and a calf that was maybe just over a year.
Nan Simpson, Marine Naturalist - Western Prince

26 April 2008. Cetaceanlan reports:

It was early Friday morning, the waters were choppy in Whale Channel as we travelled north to Money Point, our day's destination to work on a storm damaged hydrophone station. We were almost there, just halfway across the mouth of Verney Passage, when Hermann yelled "WHALE!!!". I lifted my ski goggles, which were covered in sea spray, to see the telltale mist above the unmistakable dorsal fin of a male orca. Splashing in the distance followed, and a bigger group of Orcas revealed themselves with small explosions of mist from their blows. As we detoured into the picturesque channel shrouded with steep-walled hanging valleys and snow capped peaks, it became apparent that these were Transients, about 8, travelling quickly down the north shoreline of the channel. Travelling down the center of the channel angling towards the main group was T162, the big male we first spotted, who has a distinguishing cut out of the base of his dorsal fin. While we were taking ID photos and soaking in the grace and mystery of these beings, it became apparent that this wasn't the only group of orcas in the passage. More blows on the other side of the channel! As we slowly made our way across the channel jumping from group to group trying to get ID shots, Hermann estimated that there were over 20 whales spread across the channel! Among them, T162, T54, T58, and possibly T59. It is so rare to observe that many transients travelling together, we were truly lucky to have been there to witness it. What could be the reason for such a gathering of transients? Could they have been searching for a large group of dolphins? Do they come together like this more often than we think? Whatever the reason for such a large group of transients, prey populations must be healthy and abundant enough to support such behaviour. Over the past 2 weeks transients have been dominating the hydrophone activity, as well as sitings. Just before dinner on Saturday evening the T69's swam right by the house! Luckily, we spotted them through the living room window or else they would have passed right by without even the slightest sound over the hydrophone! Not even an echolocation click! How do they find their way? With every encounter and vocalization, my wonder and respect for these whales grow.

25 April 2008, Orcanetwork report:

A group of Transient Orcas (I counted 7), in southwest Haro Strait, a ways offshore from Gordon Head. We definitely ID'ed T14, and were informed that the remainder of the group was the T36A's and T49A's. When we arrived, the T's were travelling slowly Westbound, doing typical long dives. A short time later, the whole group turned and headed Eastbound, now appearing to swim with a purpose in mind. Our Captain, wisely looking ahead, observed a Steller Sea Lion amongst a crowd of seagulls. The Sea Lion was obviously enjoying a fresh meal, and seemed oblivious to what was approaching from behind. We observed the T's lunge at the sea lion, and what followed was much splashing and turmoil at the surface, with the sea lion's flippers appearing several times, pointed upwards. There was an extended period of no action at the surface, followed by the departure of the T's, once again headed back in the direction from whence they came. We felt that was rather quick for the dispatch and consuming of an animal as large and powerful as a Steller. A minute later, the Steller appeared at the surface, heading away from the whales. Where we expected to witness a prolonged and possibly messy battle, we instead observed the prey putting on a brave and effective defence. There were some cheers for the sea lion, and some expressions of respect being heard over the radio. As the T's headed towards Discovery Island, we were finally able to finally get a closer look at them and observed that one female had some extensive damage to her dorsal fin on the left side. As this was the first time I had seen these T's this year, I don't know if the damage had been inflicted during the brief battle we witnessed, or if it had occurred earlier. A zoomed and cropped photo is attached (see above). Our passengers were thrilled with seeing the whales, and there was not one complaint about the long journey on a chilly April day to witness the amazing power of these top predators, even if they weren't successful, this time.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch
*
Well, it's been a busy whale day for Haro Strait. First we had transients around 8:30 AM heading SOUTH, then later a group of transients headed towards Race Rocks going west. Later this afternoon, around 3:30 pm, I got a call saying all the transients were now heading in with the floodtide. So I wasn't too surprised at 9:30 PM to hear a group of whales passing Kelp Reef. The water was so still you could see the lights of Victoria reflected on the water, and the sound of multiple whale blows clearly carried on the cool evening air!
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, San Juan Island
*
There were up to 30 Orcas feeding on a gray whale that they had killed on the 23rd (in Monterey Bay, CA)!
Steve Johnston, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA
*
Mark Malleson of Victoria called at 11:29 am to report Transient orca T14, "Pender" off Victoria, heading west. He also had 7 Transient orcas - the T36A's & T49A's - off Race Rocks, heading east at the same time.

25 April 2008, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

There was a small group od orcas who headed quickly through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Apr 2008 16:32:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing very faint transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Apr 2008 16:54:40 PDT

22 April 2008, Orcanetwork reports:

There were sightings of about 20 Orcas in Monterey Bay. One report was that they were hunting a gray whale calf, but the calf escaped. I didn't see them, but the report is from a reliable source!
Steve Johnston, Monterey Bay Aquarium

21 April 2008, The Centre for Whale Research report:

T100s and T101s travel northbound in Haro Strait, April 21, 2008


T102 northbound in Haro Strait, April 21, 2008.
photo by Ken Balcomb.


photo by Dave Ellifrit.
T102 surfaces among the T100's and T101's travelling north in Haro Strait.


I first spotted them milling around a group of birds south west of Discovery Island (48.4 123.3) at 2:05 p.m. They looked like they were finishing off a kill. I left them heading north-west up Haro Strait near Beaumont Shoals at 2:50 p.m."

April 21, 2008
T100's and T101's
Platform: Orca
Begin Encounter: 5:00 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 62.01 N
Start Long: 123° 24.43 W
End Encounter: 5:50 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 70.46 N
End Long: 123° 24.21 W
Observers: Ken Balcomb and Dave Ellifrit.

Staff of the Center for Whale research encountered and observed transients northbound in Haro Strait April 21, 2008. The adult male T102 was traveling with the T100's and T101's - eight whales in total. "After Mark Malleson's visit with them off Discovery Island, they travelled up Haro Strait and into the Canadian waters of Swanson Channel," said Ken Balcomb, director of the Center for Whale Research. "We observed the eight whales for nearly an hour and no hunting was observed during that time. Though we saw a dozen juvenile Dall Porpoises in Boundary Pass not far from the whales, and many harbor seals in the water off Stuart Island. It was reported by a whale-watch operator that these Transients fed earlier in the day off Discovery Island, so perhaps they were not hungry for the rest of the day."

20 April 2008, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

We're listening to transient calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, the first orcas we've heard for some time. Cold & sunny days here & we're fine, hope all of you are too. Good news about Robson Bight a couple of days ago - the diesel fuel tanker lying at the bottom is going to be removed, hopefully before the northern resident orcas return (see update story on OrcaLab site).
Helena & Paul
20 Apr 2008 23:59:54 PDT

19 April 2008, Centre for Whale Research reports:

Thanks to Ivan on Western Prince we were able to see T14 take out a couple of seals this afternoon during snow flurries between Forrest and Domville Island. The gulls and even a bald eagle were able to take advantage of a few scraps left behind. He was originally picked up near Mandarte Island at around 1:30 p.m. heading north west. He was last seen north of Coal Island heading west towards Satellite Channel at appoximately 2:30 p.m.

16 April 2008, Orcanetwork reports:

Report by Adam U, Center for Whale Research: "Here are some shots of the action today. Dave and I had (Transient orcas) T49A, T49A1, T49A2, T49B, T49B1, T36A and T36A1. Started out pretty standard-issue then got really cool; they got something right along the rocks at Edwards Point but we were waaaay offshore so we missed most of the action. Then they nailed this Dalls Porpoise which was probably part of a mom/calf pair. I think they got the calf too, but it was hard to see exactly what was going on. Then they cruised south of Eagle Point and nailed this Harbor Seal right next to us. Incredible photos from Dave & Adam on the Center for Whale Research website.

April 5 2008, Center for Whale Research report:

At 7:30 a.m ., faint transient killer whale calls were heard on the Lime Kiln hydrophone, and at 7:52 a.m. approximately 15 killer whales were observed traveling north, line abreast, in Haro Strait off Bellevue Point.
As they passed the Center for Whale Research at 8:20 a.m., T87, T124, T124A, and T88 were identified from the porch; and, at 8:55 a.m. "Orca Starlet" cast off from Snug Harbor to ascertain the remaining identifications. Almost immediately, at 8:58 a.m. we observed T14 by himself heading rapidly north off Mitchell Bay in Haro Strait toward the larger group of whales off Kellett Bluff. As the breeze picked up against the ebbing tide, the seas became rough, but we managed to approach the larger group and identify T87, 88, 124, 124A, 124A1, 124A2, 124A3, 124D, 124E, 71, 71A, 71B, 71C?, 90, 90A in a tight fast traveling group in mid-Haro Strait by the time they reached the turbulent eddies west of Speiden Channel. At 10:25 a.m., we terminated the encounter for safety reasons because of rough water. Mark Malleson on Mount Young spotted another group of killer whales in a tight group off Bellevue Point as soon as we left the transients, so we responded via calmer waters in Mosquito Pass and ventured back out into the churning water to encounter J pod in Haro Strait in front of the Center for Whale Research. At 10:55. We took proof of presence photos and left them heading toward Kelp reef at 11:05 a.m. Back at the Center for Whale Research, we heard T14 calls on the Orca Sound hydrophone and observed him on the SE side of D'Arcy Island at the same time that J pod was 1 mile SE of Kelp reef. For a brief time, a few J pod calls were heard concurrent with the T calls. Reports from the whale-watching fleet indicated that the T87 group continued north to Swanson Channel and through Active Pass by day's end; T14 remained behind them several miles traveling north off the west side of Pender Island; and J pod also continued north in Swanson Channel at last report. In the afternoon, Mark Malleson went west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and encountered seven additional transient killer whales heading west toward Sooke (see above report). They were T49A, 49A1, 49A2, 49B, 49B1, 36A, and 36A1. Mark took photographs of some very interesting fresh tooth rakes on the dorsal fin of T36A, suggesting that there may have been a very recent agonistic event of some kind.
Center for Whale Research

30 March 2008, Orca Network reports:

Orca Network received a call from Harry Olund at 1:40 pm, reporting 5 orcas off Yaquina Head, Newport, OR possibly feeding on a gray whale.
*
Mark Malleson called at 12:10 pm to report a few Transients had been sighted from shore, milling off Constance Bank. At 1:05 pm they were westbound off Victoria, heading toward Race Rocks, & had been ID'd as T20 & T21.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

19 March 2008, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Transient calls out there somewhere. We have not located a source so no map at the moment.
Helena
19 Mar 2008 20:37:09 PST

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

16 March 2008, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing transient calls in Johnstone Strait once again. Cold, grey and snowy today!
Helena
16 Mar 2008 12:58:17 PST

9 March 2008, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

For the record the MacKays reported that a large group of transients were seen off Port Hardy yesterday. The transients certainly have been busy lately.
Helena
09 Mar 2008 10:23:45 PST

7 March 2007, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

Very interesting transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Mar 2008 22:30:36 PST

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

02 March 2008, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Transients in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
02 Mar 2008 21:04:21 PST

26 February 2008, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

We have had recent reports of 5 transients in Johnstone Strait yesterday and in Weynton Passage today. Thanks to the MacKays for both reports.
Helena
26 Feb 2008 21:55:24 PST

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

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

31 January 2008, Orcalab reportrs:

No orcas present.

A nice grey day here on Hanson Island. The MacKays reported seeing a small group of transients near Gilford village this morning. Snow on the mountains, all has melted on the ground.
Helena
31 Jan 2008 14:26:50 PST

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

23 May 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Yesterday, Stubbs Island Whale Watch found a group of transients off the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 May 2007 08:01:46 PDT

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

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

11 May 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Still have one group lurking in the area. Today, a group of 5 was seen heading west towards Alder Bay. There was a young baby in the group. Thanks to Bill and Wendy for the report.
Helena
11 May 2007 15:32:14 PDT

08 May 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The area seems very busy with transients these days.Yesterday, yet another group of transients were seen near Port McNeill. Thanks to the new MacKay grandparents (visit their website) for the latest report.
Helena
08 May 2007 09:21:06 PDT

07 May 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Again we have heard transient calls. However, the calls only lasted a very brief time and we have not been able to figure out where the whales are in the area. We will hope they resume calling soon.
Helena
07 May 2007 14:35:51 PDT

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

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

Superb sounds!!

Well... after only distant sightings and uneventful orca days...transients are vocal in Blackfish Sound just now.
Helena
01 May 2007 17:28:24 PDT

27 March 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing transient calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
27 Mar 2007 16:46:02 PST

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.

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

15 January 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We are listening to transients in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
15 Jan 2007 22:23:37 PST

27 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Around 2pm we heard transients in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
27 Nov 2006 16:00:21 PST

22 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

It has been a rather uneventful day except we did have a report from Stubbs Island that a group of transients were in the Queen Charlotte Strait/Blackfish Sound area this morning.
Helena
22 Nov 2006 23:07:46 PST

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

19 October 2006, Orcalab reports:


No calls but orcas nearby

A small group of silent orcas just travelled south through Blackney Pass and headed toward Johnstone Strait. We only got a short glimpse and wondered if they might be transients.
Helena
19 Oct 2006 16:18:42 PDT

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

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

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

24 September 2006, Orcalab reports:


No calls but orcas nearby

T142 and T143 just went north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
24 Sep 2006 14:04:01 PDT

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

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

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

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

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