T2s

The T2s off Campbell River today.. :)
Aaron Webber@Campbell River
14 Jul 2009 21:43:20 PDT

Transients T020 and T021 in JS

No calls but orcas nearby

It is possible that the group of transients who were in Queen Charlotte Strait have appeared in Blackney Pass. There are 6, in two groups o 4 and 2. They are moving very slowly towards Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 19:45:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The male and female pair of transients has doubled back through Blackney Pass. They are on their way to Blackfish Sound. So far there is no sign of the other four. A12 gave a couple of calls before the transients exited Johnstone Strait. We have not heard her since so we don't know if she has kept going west. The tide is ebbing and so might encourage her to do so.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 21:33:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The evening gets more and more interesting. We heard transient calls briefly in Johnstone Strait. We were not able to source the calls other than generally.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 22:12:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those last transient calls, a short while ago were in Johnstone Strait. This probably means, the group of four (two females, two juveniles, stayed straitside while the pair travelled north in Blackney Pass. We do not know where A12 might have gotten to..
Helena
12 Jul 2009 23:10:45 PDT

Seasmoke reports
With a report of possible inbound orcas from the Numas Islands we headed in that direction and were thrilled to see their dorsal fins ahead of us and west of the Foster Islands. The six orcas were traveling slowly together in a line and were very relaxed for Transient orcas. T020 and t021 were among those orcas sighted.

Transient T40
"Captain Hook"
off Juneau, SE Alaska
July 11, 2009
Photo by Eric Ogren

July 5 - 11
Last week saw T40 and four to five other transients in Endicott Arm two miles from Ford's Terror and a day later more transients in Endicott searching for seals. May have some good I'd shots of them as well as of a pod of at least 20 residents off Point Coke on our way to Juneau. Several babies who played in front of us until mama came and with audible vocalization appeared to be chastising them and took them away. Pictures when I return to Friday Harbor.
Shannon Bailey, MV Catalyst.

July 2009
My wife, daughter and I went out of Juneau on the Adventure Bound glacier tour boat and came across a couple of orcas on our way back to town. They appeared to be a male and female with the male having a large bend in his dorsal fin. We weren't able to get any saddle pics but thought his uniqueness might give him away.
Eric Ogren

Researchers at the Center for Whale Research confirmed my suspicion that this was Transient T40, or Captain Hook - sb

July 2009
A little more info. on this photo & report of T40 from yesterday's report:
The picture was taken 7/11 at approximately 5:25pm just outside of Taku inlet south of Juneau.
Eric Ogren

T40

Transients
Endicott Arm,
SE Alaska
July 10, 2009
Photo by
Shannon Bailey

July 9 - 10
Group of transients, with Captain Hook T-40 in lead on July 9 and on July 10 two hunting alone for seals among the ice bergs (with the eagle and the seal hiding out) - see photo above. The orcas hunt this area around floating ice coming from Dawes Glacier where the seals have pupped and are now molting.
Shannon Bailey, MV Catalyst

Uncatalogued Transients

No orcas present.

There weren't any resident orcas today but there was some transient activity near Port McNeill. These whales headed off to the west. The Department of Fisheries reported that these were unusual, uncatalogued, transients. This doesn't happen very often so this was exciting and interesting.
Helena
03 Jul 2009 23:19:40 PDT

T36s

June 21
Hi, Just reporting a sighting of a pod of Orcas right off Mutiny Bay on Whidbey Island. It was about 3pm on June 21st. They were heading towards Seattle initially but then turned around and appeared to be circling in the shipping channel. We aren't familiar with the various pods but this one seemed to include at least 7 whales, including one baby and another younger (1 year old?) one. They were traveling then would stop, play and go in various directions. They seemed to be feeding on something-we saw lots of fish on our fish finder and some dolphins in the distance but couldn't really see what they were eating.
Caron McCune

June 21
I had a look at Lindsey McCune's photos of the transients (off Whidbey Island) and she definitely had the T36's. Warmest Regards,
Simon Pidcock, Ocean Ecoventures

T14, T20, T2s

Northbound transient Orcas outside Campbell River. Possibly T20 and others
Aboriginal Journeys@Campbell River
24 Jun 2009 09:49:34 PDT

Update on the Transients just north of Campbell River T 14 , T20 n T2's at 11:30 am
Aboriginal Journeys@Campbell River
24 Jun 2009 11:43:26 PDT

T036, T036B, T036C, T099, and T099B

Transient orcas - T36's
Mutiny Bay, Whidbey Island
June 21
Photo by Lindsey McCune

Jared Towers of Canada's Cetacean Research Program, Pacific Biological Field Station has further ID's on the Transient orcas photographed off S. Whidbey Island June 21st:
The animals I can confirm are as follows. T036, T036B, T036C, T099, and T099B. T099A is likely there as well but can't confirm it at low resolution. kind regards,
Jared Towers, Cetacean Research Program, Pacific Biological Station

June 21
I just wanted to send you some photos (link at the end of this email) I took of the orcas we saw on the 21st. It was pretty incredible and it was a complete fluke that I even had my camera with me. As my Mom said, they were in or very close to Mutiny Bay at around 3pm. It was the first time we had taken the boat out this year and thought at most we might see some seals or porpoises; we have been going out around this area for many summers and had never seen orcas before. When we first saw them in the distance, we thought they were porpoises but as we got a little closer, we could see their big fins and realized they were orcas. Needless to say, we were in complete awe. We tried to maintain a respectful distance as we did not want to upset them. But they actually seemed quite curious about our boat (which was 19ft) and swam in closer to us. We shut off the engine and they acted very playful.
I'm sure you can tell more from the photos than I can but I believe there were at least 7 or 8 of them. There was one "baby" that looked very new, he is in a couple of photos. There was another small one too but he didn't look brand new. A couple of them have some pretty distinctive notches in their dorsal fins so maybe that could help to identify them. I am not an experienced photographer at all and this was one of the first times I had ever used my camera but I pretty much just took as many shots as I could and got really lucky with a few of them.
We were blown away by our encounter with these magnificent creatures and are eager to know more about them if possible. thank you!
Lindsey McCune

T2s, T14, T20 and T21

June 20
We had T2's, T14 and T20 and 21 pass by Campbell River this morning, last seen south bound at Bates Beach, Comox.
Matthew Ellis, Eagle Eye Adventures, Campbell River

T49s

June 20
T49A, T49A1 and T49A2 were skulking around between Race Rocks and Pedder Bay for most of the day on June 20.
Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales, Victoria BC

T11s

June 19
T11 et al was headed east in the Straits off Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island on Friday.
Brad Hanson, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC, Seattle

T2's, T90's and T14

June 15
Hey Susan, We had some Transient's off Quadra Island today (6/15) found by "Neptune " (Simon) all the way from Cowichan Bay "Ocean eco ventures". Identified as the T2's, possibly T90's and met up with T14 . Way to go!
Matthew Ellis, Eagle Eye Adventures

T20 & T21

Transient Orcas
T20 & T21
Salt Spring Island, B.C.
June 15, 2009
Photo by Joan Lopez


June 15
We were on our way to the Victoria area this afternoon (6/15) to watch the 3 Transient's that had shown up there, when something in the water caught the eye of Captain John. We were just south of Beaver Point on Saltspring Island when T20 and T21 surfaced. They were doing very long dives, 7-8 minutes at a time, and were likely resting. They still followed a zig-zagging pattern though, making it very difficult to predict where they would surface again. Given the long dives, it was pure chance that these whales were spotted at all. It was a treat for our passengers to have these two whales all to themselves for about 20 minutes, when the next boat arrived on scene. We left T20 and T21 after 4 PM, travelling in a mostly northerly direction towards Navy Channel.
Joan Lopez, Vancouver Whale Watch

Transient Orcas
June 2, 2009
Strait of Juan de Fuca
Photo by Andrew Lees

June 1
What a magnificent start to Orca Month with over 20 Transient Orcas in the Strait of Juan De Fuca! (see above photo) During our afternoon tour we were incredibly fortunate to not only observe two Harbor Seal kills by the Transient Orcas but a greeting ceremony as two different groups met North of Port Angeles. We observed one dramatic kill in particular as a young Orca porpoised directly towards a harbor Seal and then exploded onto the poor unsuspecting Seal! Later as the two groups met we saw a number of tailslaps, Spyhops, pectoral waves and breaches, it was breathtaking to watch.
Andrew Lees, Marine Naturalist, Five Star Whale Watching

June 1
Another morning starting out without knowing where or if there were any Orcas close by. Then the call came - 3 miles N of Dungeness Spit, which is near Sequim. We got there in about 50 minutes and watched a spectacular scene. One of the other captains announced that there was a seal to the port side of his boat. No sooner said, three female orcas headed toward the poor seal at top speed, porpoising through the water with blazing speed. The captain said he just saw the seal turn its head toward the onrushing Orcas about a second before he was gone. This all happened so quickly that I missed most of it with my camera but not the eyes. We left about 4:00 PM and shortly after that the last boat on scene departed and the Ts were not to be found again yesterday evening.
Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Westside Charters

T14

June 13
Transient orca T14 south end of Quadra Island. 3 other orcas bute inlet.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale watching

T10, T10B & T10C

June 12
Transient orcas T10, T10b, and T10c off quadra island, B.C. Canada @ 1100 heading north.
Aaron webber, Campbell River whale watching

T20 T21

June 10
As if that wasn't magic enough (see above report), on the way back we sighted two more Orca off Seabird Lighthouse, Discovery Island, and they turned out to be T 20 and T 21. We only saw them once and then they disappeared.
Marie , Orca-Magic POW, Victoria B.C.

T125, T127, T125A and T128

June 9
I was forwarded an e-mail and photos from Julia regarding a group of killer whales. She got some pretty good photos so hopefully someone can identify who this group of (transient?) killer whales is.
Thanks, Dawn Noren, NOAA Fisheries
Forwarded report:
My name is Julia and I am working with pinnipeds at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, OR. On Tuesday (June 9) I saw a group of at least 8 orcas off the central Oregon coast traveling southwards, between 5:40 pm and around 9:00 pm. The group consisted of two big males (one of them has a very remarkable dorsal fin - looks like cut at the tip), several adult females and probably one calf. The first sighting was at 5:41 pm pretty close to the shore in Depoe Bay. They spent about 20 minutes in the bay before slowly traveling south. A sea lion was present but the orcas seemed not to be interested at all. I followed them and saw them again off Rocky Creek State Park, Otter Crest and Cape Foulweather. Off Rocky Creek they were playing (or hunting?) and breaching. One of the big males separated from the group (maybe with one or more group members) and continued traveling south. From time to time they swam farther off shore and were hard to see. I ended up watching at Moolack Beach where the they were pretty close to the beach again. They showed almost the same behavior as off Rocky Creek for at least an hour. Around sunset they swam farther off shore again and I lost sight.
I hope this information and the pictures are helpful and usable! Best regards
Julia, Newport, OR

We forwarded these photos to orca researchers and received the following replies:
"I can ID T125 and T127 from the attached photos. It would be likely that both T125A and T128 would be present as well. These animals are usually seen near Langara Island so it's nice to have an encounter of them so far to the south. best regards,
Jared Towers, Canada's DFO Pacific Biological Field Station, B.C.
And from Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research:
"Looks like T125 and T127 plus others."

T14

June 4
Just wanted to inform you of T14 (Pender) heading north mid Strait of Georgia between the Powell River ferry terminal and Savory Island yesterday (6/4) afternoon.
Matthew Ellis, Eagle Eye Adventures

T124s

Transient Orcas
Yaquinna Hd, Newport, OR
June 2, 2009
Photo by Amanda Gladics
ID's from this report below

June 2 - OR Transient IDs:
We received the below ID's for these Transient orcas reported off Yaquinna Head, Newport OR on June 2nd:
These animals(see above photo) look very much like the T124A matriline. T124A, T124A1, T124A2, and T124A3. Thanks for forwarding this sighting along. regards,
Jared Towers, DFO Pacific Biological Field Station, Canada

T2s and T14

T14, "Pender"
Cape Mudge, BC
June 2, 2009
Photo by Nick Templeman


June 2
We had the T-2s i believe today along with T-14 in the Campbell River area. Left on our tour at 1515 from C.R. with reports of orcas off of Fransisco Point, south end of Quadra Island. Went around and found, i think, the T-2s, 5 animals in post feeding activity. The young one was breaching alot, and amazing vocalization for about 40 minutes. Afterwards we headed to the mouth of Bute Inlet and found a black bear foraging along the shoreline. We found another black bear on Sonora Island on the way home, and some info on the way turned into finding "Pender" T-14 Southbound @ Cape Mudge (see photo above). A beautiful trip and happy guests with a 4hr safari turning into 6hrs! But with so much to see, no one wanted to go home - including me!! Cheers!
Nick Templeman, Discovery Marine Safaris, Cambell River BC

June 2
We have Orcas off the south end of quadra island. @ 1425 on the 2nd of june.
4 or 6 orcas; Humpback in the area as well.
Aaron Webber, Campbell river whale watching

T30s T100s, T101s, T124s, T90 & T90B, T12A, T109A & T109A2

Transient Breach
Strait of Juan de Fuca
May 31, 2009
Photo by John Boyd

May 31
Well, once again the old saw of "just when you figure out orcas, they go and change things" held true yet again. For the most part, when we are viewing Transient (mammal feeding) orcas, you see a few fins (usually groups of 4- 6) every now and then as they pass through the area. IF you get lucky, you may even witness Transients feeding. Well, today was anything but "typical." We heard that there was a group of Transients in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near the Romeo marker, so we were happy to hear we had whales in the area. As we left the dock, we heard that it was actually a large group of Transients, numbering between 14-20. Wow! We arrived about 6 miles north of Sequim at 1320 and slowly approached the area the whales were sighted. The perfectly glassy calm water made spotting the whales very easy, and we shut down about 450 yards from the group. Amazingly--they were in a definite resting pattern, with all 14 whales slowly rising to the surface in unison in a tight, contact pattern. This went on for about 15 minutes until one of the whales decided "nap time" was over. Then the whales began zig-zagging in what appeared to be a random pattern, breaking into smaller groups and then coalescing into a big group again. Soon the Transients were spy-hopping, tail slapping, and then a swirl of water around 3-4 whales--followed by a bunch of seagulls swarming the area. They had made a stealthy kill, and we can only guess it was a porpoise as there were dozens in the area. This was followed by several breaches!! And for only the 3rd time in 12 years--I witnessed whales swimming backwards four times! It always catches me off-guard to see a dorsal fin going backwards! No vocalizations, but amazing to see Transients so active! We left the scene at 1410 as the whales continued heading easterly. A truly spectacular day!
John Boyd (JB), SSAMN Marine Naturalist, Western Prince, Friday Harbor

May 31
Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales called to relay a report of a large group of 18 Transients in the Strait of Juan de Fuca - the T30's, T100's, T101's, T124's, T90 & T90B. They followed them as they headed east, leaving them at 4:30 pm off Pt. Wilson, still heading east.

May 31
Ken Balcomb & Emma Foster of the Center for Whale Research had 3 other Transient orcas: T12A, T109A, & T109A2, south of Discovery Island at 11 am, heading west. (see photo below)

May 31
Hi Susan and Howie, A pod of orcas went past Pt No Pt (N. Kitsap Peninsula) from 8-8:45 pm this evening 5/31/09. Two whales were seen at around 8pm by beach walkers and then a second group came by around 8:30pm. There was at least one large male and 3-4 females in the second group. They were travelling south towards Kingston. The second pod hung out about ¼ mile past the lighthouse at Pt No Pt and did some breaching and tail lobs. A tug was following them and possibly you might get some photos from the folks on the tug, unfortunately I was without a camera this evening.
Patty Michak, MarineView Fisheries Consulting, Inc., Hansville

May 31
Bev Wenthin of Bush Pt. called to report 3 orcas just north of Bush Pt. at 6:32 pm, heading south. They were between mid-channel & the far side of Admiralty Inlet.

May 31
Sunday, May 31 about 2PM we were attracted by a large number of boats of all sizes off Partridge Point Sunday afternoon. Apparently, the fishing in the Sound is good at the moment. When I noticed that there were some large party boats and whale watchers in the group as well as one of the Prince of Whales vessels from Victoria, I took a look with the spotting scope and sure enough, there was a pod of Orcas doing a little fishing as well. They were probably 10-15 miles offshore from where I am near Partridge Point, so there wasn't a lot of see from my vantage point, but the male's dorsals were unmistakable even from afar. Regards,
Cameron Chandler, Coupeville


Transient Orcas & Mt. Baker
T12A, T109A, & T109A2
May 31, 2009
Discovery Island, BC
Photo by
Emma Foster,
Ctr. for Whale Research
(see report above)

May 31
This majestic bull T12A (see below) was out there yesterday, May 31st, keeping company with T 109A and T109A2. We had good looks of the three of them slowly heading out west. He has a Dorsal fin rather like Ruffles, full of nice waves. We encountered them just south of Trail Island and they were in a resting pattern with very long dives. Conditions on the water fantastic. Photo cropped.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic, Prince of Whales

Transient Orca T12A
May 31, 2009
Discovery Island, BC
Photo by
Marie O'Shaughnessy

May 31
Ken Balcomb and Emma Foster of the Center for Whale Research encountered 3 transients while in route from Victoria, B.C. to San Juan Island. T109A and calf T109A2 were traveling with T12A.
Center for Whale Research

T40

Transient T40,
"Capt. Hook"
May 30, 2009
off William Head, B.C.
Photo by Andrew Lees


May 30
We headed out this afternoon into the Strait of Juan De Fuca in search of T40, Cpt. Hook and eventually found him traveling a few miles East of William Head. The sea state was very confused this afternoon but T40 seemed to be taking the surf in his stride. As we observed T40 we noticed a number of directions changes. It was great to see the old guy again.
Andrew Lees, Marine Naturalist, Five Star Whale Watching

T'2s reported near Sidney BC, then at Active Pass

May 25
T 2's just outside of active pass.
Photo by Gary Sutton


May 25
Some Ts have been spotted near Coal Island, over near Sidney.
Capt. Jim

May 25
We ran into the T2's just outside of active pass in trincomali channel and followed them through the pass. Beautiful weather and the transients made it a great day!!
Gary Sutton
Naturalist
Wild Whales Vancouver

T18s

No calls but orcas nearby

A report from StraightWatch at 11am: a small group of transients are heading west into Robson Bight. Also at 8:15am this morning there was at least one humpback in Blackney Pass travelling south along Parson Island.
Helena
17 May 2009 11:20:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Transient call in Johnstone Strait. At least 3 transients (one male) were seen travelling west from Robson Bight mid strait.
Helena
17 May 2009 11:51:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Straitwatch reports that the 4 transients have been identified by Jared Towers as the T18s. They are continuing west mid strait past Kaikash creek. Straitwatch also reports that the humpback who was in Johnstone Strait has turned back toward Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
17 May 2009 12:18:48 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Jared now reports the T18s are actually turning into Blackney Pass!
Helena
17 May 2009 12:22:02 PDT

The T18s travelled north through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound. T19 B stopped for a while and circled around, looking like he was interested in something but as the final pair approached he continued off to the west. It turns out that there were two humpbacks and as the transients turned into Blackney they were only 200 meters apart, to no consequence. A few sea lions were in the water as the transients passed through.
Helena
17 May 2009 13:08:18 PDT

T100s, T124s, T101's, T90s

May 16
There were T's everywhere May 16th out west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They were seen 2-5 miles south and west of Race Rocks. I have never seen so many in one day. Such an awesome spectacle. The early afternoon trip at 12.15pm caught up with playful Transients, possibly 10-12 that had probably just eaten. Their behaviour included several breaches and tail lobbing activity. T102, the big bull, was obvious on both the trips. His dorsal fin reminded me of 'Faith, 'L 57'. The later trip at 3.30pm, saw most of the T's in separate groups, heading fast out west past Sheringham Lighthouse. There could have been 15-20 or more in total at that time. Mark Mallerson our Expert on T's, here in Victoria, identified many of the groups seen in the Strait. T100s.T124's T101's,T90's. Amazing sight I will never forget!
Marie, Orca-Magic, POW

T123s and T2

May 15
I took another trip Friday on the Ocean Magic at 3.30pm, Friday May 15th and conditions were even better than in the morning. Flat calm waters in Haro Strait with no wind. Exceptional ! We encountered T 123's and their tiny calf. Also the T 2's that were with the T123's. The research boat monitoring them at the time gave me the info as to who we were watching. We had encountered the T's west of Kelp Reef at 4.30 pm and they were heading south in Haro Strait.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic POW

May 15
As soon as the we left the 20 some transients up in Satellite Channel, B.C., we recieved another report of more transients off the southern end of Sidney Island. The T2's and the T123's were spotted off Kelp Reef in Haro Strait (48° 32 169N, 123° 16 213W) at 4:31 p.m. They were traveling south in a tight group. At 4:49 the group of T's quickly killed a harbor porpoise. The 3rd encounter of the day ended at 5:01 p.m., with the T2's and T123's continuing south at 48° 30 989N, 123° 15 447W.
Dave Ellifrit and Erin Heydenreich, Center for Whale Research

T18s,T20, T21, T100s, T101s, T124s

May 15
Amazing day with T's today. Dave Ellifrit was also there representing the Center for Whale Resarch, so I'm sure you will get a fantastic report from him too. When our boats passed close, he was just grinning from ear to ear and rattling off ID's. I think he was in T heaven!
A group of approx 8 Transient Orcas was located on the east side of Prevost Island at approx 12:30 today. T102 was clearly recognizable in the group, along with several females and juveniles. They were travelling at about 8 knots, heading south. Then, off a ways to the south there were many more blows spotted. We had heard that J Pod was headed North, and the immediate reaction was that we were going to have a near pass of Resident and Transient Orcas. As we approached, the pointy tips of the dorsal fins, and the unmistakable lean of T19B's fin revealed there were even more T's in the area. I can't give you an exact count of the number as the various groups kept joining up, then seperating, but I would estimate there were about 20 whales altogether. The whales we ID'ed on scene and after the fact from photos were the T18's, T20 & T21, T100's, T101's and the T124's. A photo of T124D and company travelling together is attached. The Center for Whale Research was also on scene, so I am positive they will have a complete list of the whales that were present. We did see one kill during the time we spent with the T's - likely a seal as there was not much fuss at the surface, except for the seagulls looking for scraps. There was some social activity, some breaches and tailslaps, however, no vocals were heard. When we left the whales, most of the group was headed southwest, along the south side of Saltspring Island. What a magnificent show of power to have so many T's travelling together.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch

May 15
After leaving J pod and the K13's off Mitchell Bay, we recieved a report of 20 plus transients off Beaver Point on Saltspring Island B.C.At approximately 1:30 p.m., the T18's, T20's, T101's, T100's and the T124's were encountered by Dave Ellifrit and Erin Heydenreich of the Ctr. for Whale Research, the whales were traveling in a tight group (see photo) up Satellite Channel (48° 44 329N, 123° 22 990W). The encounter ended with the whales split up into groups heading toward the Swanson Narrows at 3:23 pm(48° 45 350N, 123° 34 163W).
From Center for Whale Research


MANY Transients!
Salt Spring Island
May 15, 2009
Photo by
Dave Ellifrit,
Center for Whale Research

May 15
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research called to report Transients at Kelp Reef at 4:35 pm

May 15
Hillary from Beam Reach called to say that a pod of orcas reported earlier in the day in Active Pass were Transients, at 2:15 pm they were in Swanson Channel.

T100s

No calls but orcas nearby

This is a bit late but this afternoon as we headed into town to vote a small group of orcas crossed our path in Weynton Pass. The whales were headed to Johnstone Strait where they eventually headed east. We didn't really stop but Jim Borrowman was able to get some IDs and is pretty sure it was the T100s. Earlier in the day, there were orcas in Robson Bight again. This has been a fairly busy transient month so far.
Helena
12 May 2009 22:57:52 PDT

May 11
Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research received a report of ~20 orcas in Shelter Cove, between Ft. Bragg & Eureka, CA, killing sea lions close to shore.
Orca Network also received a message from Carlos Cordina (sp?) on May 11th reporting he was out in a boat near Crescent City, CA and encountered a lot of orcas. We have been unable to reach him for more details at this time but will keep trying.

May 11
8 to 10 killer whales, 1 bull, reported in front of Campbell River, B.C. early afternoon today (5/11).
Matthew Ellis, Eagle Eye Adventures

T14

May 10
I just talked with Radar out of Victoria. He has T14 ("Pender") out by Sheringham now.
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island

T40

May 10
We got a report from Susan McLeod at 4:50 pm, of 4 - 5 orcas between west Fulford Harbor, Salt Spring and Pender island, west of Russell Island, heading north. She described one of them as having a flopped over fin, possibly T40/Captain Hook?

Correction/Clarification - May 10:
I reported the sighting of 4-5 orcas yesterday (in yesterday's whale report). I want to correct the location. I guess that I gave too much information on the phone and didn't make myself clear. I saw the orcas pretty much between Salt Spring Island and North Pender Island - out where the Swanson Channel and perhaps the Satellite Channel intersect - south of Beaver Point, Salt Spring Island.
I live on the west side of Fulford Harbour on Roland Road and observed the orcas way out beyond Russell Island (from my vantage point on Roland Road). I do have a good spotting scope and am pretty sure that the male that I saw had a dorsal fin that was completely bent over at the top (it looked like it was rolled over). Probably T40/Captain Hook - sb I hope that this helps.
Susan MacLeod, Salt Spring Island, B.C.

T14

May 10
The Ocean Magic encountered T 14 , 'Pender' this afternoon (5/10) at 1.30pm, near Sheringham light house. He was typically all alone and definitely heading out west this time. Last time I saw him on April 10th he was keeping company with the T30's and T11's near Piers Island, Swartz Bay. It was so nice to see he had company at that time.
Marie , Orca-Magic POW.

May 10
This morning our vessel "Fastcat" was half way between Race Rocks and Crescent Bay when Marine Naturalist, Rachel, spotted a large dorsal fin in the distance. We slowed down and after a few more surfacings soon realized we had found T14 "Pender". During the 30 minutes we observed T14 he was zig-zagging across Juan De Fuca Strait and then suddenly made a number of sharp direction changes, possibly making a kill underwater of one of the Harbor Porpoise we had also seen in the area. It was great to see the old guy out there in all his splendor!
(see more of Andrew's report under Minkes & Grays)
Andrew Lees, Marine Naturalist, Five Star Whale Watching

T18s

May 8
Transient Orcas T18's swam by Campbell River today between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Matthew Ellis,
Eagle Eye Adventures

T19b ?

No calls but orcas nearby

We were just informed that there are 5 orcas in Robson Bight heading east.
Helena
07 May 2009 13:23:04 PDT

From the audience:
Just a note....5 orcas southbound past Cape Mudge on Quadra Island at 1200 today
Haywire@c.r. bc
08 May 2009 13:01:18 PDT

Thanks Haywire, wonder if these were the same as here yesterday.
Helena@Hanson Island
08 May 2009 13:44:51 PDT

Could be.......out with the flood. too far away to confirm but the male looked alot like T-19b....
Haywire@c.r. bc
08 May 2009 13:56:08 PDT

T40

Transient Orcas
attack Steller Sea Lion
May 7, 2009
Photo by
John Boyd


May 7
I had the opportunity to go out and see "Captain Hook" (T40) and the other transients, and witness a rare interaction between the Transients & a Steller Sea Lion. The 5 transients spent over an hour and a half toying with the sea lion, occasionally letting it "get away" before they'd lunge after it. The two younger whales were obviously practicing their techniques, and we kept wondering if they were just toying with the sea lion or if they'd really eat it. Finally, after 90 minutes of this behavior, they decided to eat and the steller was pulled below the surface and all five orcas disappeared for several minutes. When they returned to the surface, there was no sign of the sea lion. It was amazing to see the power of the orcas as they batted around this large animal. An awe-inspiring day that my words do not truly convey.
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Friday Harbor

May 7
The Ocean Magic spent time with Capt. Hook, T 40 this afternoon. He was with four other Transient Orca. Possibly three females and a youngster. This was my first ever observation of this male with a distinct looking dorsal fin (see photo below). He sure is an old male Orca.
Marie, Orca-Magic Prince Of Whales, Victoria



Transient Orca T40
"Capt. Hook"
May 7, 2009
Photo by Marie O'Shaughnessy

T71s T40

May 7
At 4:19 p.m. on May 7th, 2009 Center staff Dave Ellifrit, Erin Heydenreich and guest John Boyd responded to a report of Transients off Kelp Reef as well as J pod off the South end of San Juan Island. The T71's (T71, T71A and T71B) and T40 were encountered at 4:33 p.m. just north of Kelp Reef (48° 33.15 N, 123° 13.54 W). The whales were actively hunting a Steller Sea Lion. The transients continued to attack the sea lion for about an hour. The sea lion was determined to have been killed around 6:00 p.m. At 6:21 the encounter ended and the transients continued traveling slowly north at (48° 34.39 N, 123° 13.48 W). Center staff continued down the west side of San Juan Island in search of J pod.

May 7
Just to let you know I had an excited telephone call from my Mum in Ladysmith (Vancouver Island) B.C. today around 5.30 pm - she was watching four Orcas from her condo looking down on to Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. They were in full activity mode with plenty of seagulls hanging around. Orcas here are not a common sight - what a treat.
Sandra Pollard, Whidbey Island

May 7
4:03 pm - calls on OrcaSound hydrophones now - seeing Transient T40 plus others. 4:06 pm - Transients were going after a sea lion, was hoping to capture more calls.
Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island

May 7
What an afternoon. First the Transients off of Discovery Island, then the Js at Iceberg Pt, then more Transients on the way home at Kelp Reef eating a Steller. Also, observed and photographed a bleeding Steller sea lion off Whale Rocks today off of south Lopez Is. I don't know about the small one. We hardly ever see them in here.
Capt. Jim and Mrs. Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Westside Charters

Ts near Nanaimo

May 5
For your records we had a group of 9 transients out front of Nanaimo today heading north. best regards,
Jared Towers, Cetacean Research Technician, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo BC

T118, T121, T164 and T70

May 3
Sighting of 4-6 transients hunting and catching a seal half mile off powell river, b.c. around noon on may 3. Seal came and hid under our boat and whales came over and circled us flushing out the seal caught and ate him, displaying spy hopping, tail lobbing, and breaching. Have many pictures. Possible identification of t 118,121, 164, 70.
Mv catalyst, Bill and shannon bailey

T124A's and T86A's

Active Pass Transients
May 2, 2009
Photo by Jill Persick

May 2, 2009
We found a group of about 5 transients in Active Pass yesterday (May 2nd). We travelled with them into Swanson channel and they were travelling southbound when we left. I got a few really good ID shots so I thought I'd send them in.
Jill Persick, Steveston Seabreeze Adventures

ID's on the Active Pass Transients in photos from May 2 by Jill Persick:
Looks like the T124A's and the T86A's. The first pic is T124A2 and T86A.
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research

My guess is the one with the 2 nicks could be T86A. The one with it could be T86A2.
Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales

T49s near Race Rocks

Transient Orcas
T49's
Race Rocks, B.C.
April 28, 2009
Photo by Andrew Lees

April 28
Today reports first came in around 11.30am of Transient Orcas near Sheringham Lighthouse. We headed out on a 2pm trip and caught up with the 5 Transient Orcas just North of Race Rocks. The Orcas were later identified as the T49's by Ron Bates, MMRG. Whilst we observed the T49's we did see signs of a kill underwater and the Orcas milling around after the kill.
Andrew Lees, Marine Naturalist, Five Star Whale Watching

T20 through Seymour Narrows

Transient Orca
T20 southbound
through Seymour Narrows
April 28, 2009
Photo by Matthew Ellis


April 28
Transient killer whales T20 and T21 and 7 other small fins (T23's?) came through Seymour Narrow's on a big ebb tide yesterday (4/28) and swam past Campbell River at about 5pm southbound.

T20, T21, T2s, T123s

No calls but orcas nearby

Today, two faily sizable transient groups travelled into Johnstone Strait from the west. Jim Boprrowman managed to get IDs. Here is a list of some of today's orcas:T20, T21, T2, T2C, T2C1, T2C2, T123 and T023D
Helena
27 Apr 2009 17:40:34 PDT

T49s

April 26
It was a great encounter with the T49's (5 Transient orcas) yesterday April 26th on our Ocean Magic trip at 12.15pm. These animals were confirmed by Mark Malleson. We came across them off Secretary Island, Sooke, Vancouver Island. They were frolicking close to shore. They were encountered again on a later trip east and south of Race Rocks. They were very active with tail slaps and spyhops. Beautiful conditions on the water. Spring is here at last.
Marie, Orca-Magic, POW


April 26
So we headed out at 1:00 today with the familiar questions, "Do you know where the Orcas are?" And the too familiar response, "Not right now - " Then about 45 minutes later came the call and we headed out toward Victoria.We encountered a group of Transient Orcas, still unidentified (see photo).
Thanks,
Capt. Jim and Mrs. Capt. Jim Maya,
Maya's Westside Charters, San Juan Island


Transient Spyhop
Strait of Juan de Fuca
off Victoria, B.C.
April 26, 2009
Photo by Capt. Jim Maya

April 26
Jim Maya's pics from the 26th are the T49A's and B's again. The spyhopper (the photo included in yesterday's whale report) is T49A with her slightly funky jawline.
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Reserch, San Juan Island


Transient Orcas
T49A's & B's
Strait of Juan de Fuca
off Victoria, B.C.
April 26, 2009
Photo by Capt. Jim Maya

T40

On Monday April 20th, my classmates and I were heading into Mitchell Bay after our first full day at sea when our Captain, Todd Shuster, noticed a collection of whale watching boats off in the distance. We took the opportunity to turn around and were rewarded by seeing a group of transient killer whales by Sidney Island. There was one male orca, which we later identified as T40, with four females or juveniles. We have not identified the other four whales yet. Males are typically easier to identify because they have larger dorsal fins, but T40 is especially easy to pick out because the tip of his dorsal fin is bent over. It was a very exciting hour watching the whales and the boats around them. A few times the whales took a view of the world above them by spy hopping and jumped into the air a couple of times as well. After the initial exhilaration, we began to confer about the behavioral state of the whales. We were unable to deploy the hydrophones in time to record any sounds. It was a good learning experience to enable us to be more proficient in organizing equipment so that next time we come across whales we will be able to record all forms of data. I feel fortunate that on our first full day at sea we came across orcas.
There are many more comments and pictures about sightings of this group of whales at orcanetwork .org. I will be able to post a picture or two of the experience when I get on land and have a more reliable internet connection.
The Beam Reach students onboard the Gato Verde

T40, T124's and T90's in Haro Strait

April 20
Encounter 12 was conducted by Ken Balcomb and Dave Ellifrit on April 20 with T40 (Captain Hook), T124's and T90's in Haro Strait. They came in past Race Rocks in the morning and travelled up Haro Strait past Moresby Island by evening, making at least two kills enroute.

T40 (Captain Hook)

April 20
Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales called to report 7 - 10 Transient orcas at 9 am, east of Race Rocks heading east.

T103 east of Sooke park

April 17
Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales called to report Transient orca T103 off E. Sooke Park, S. Vancouver Island at 12:30 pm, heading east. It happened to be the exact same place & date he had observed T103 alone last year!

April 17
I was on the Ocean Magic 12.15 pm sailing today and this lone Transient was seen at Beecher Bay, Metchosin, Vancouver Island. It was identified by Mark Mallerson,POW, as T 103. Mark was already out in a Zodiac when we arrived. A good looking male who was fairly illusive, and taking long dives. A good day to be out again in the sunshine, even with the wind and choppy seas.
Marie, Orca-Magic, POW

April 11
Encounter 10 was conducted by John Durban and Dave Ellifrit on 11 April 2009 with T123's in Haro Strait. An adult male was seen with them when first sighted from shore, but was not with them when encountered at 1218 PM.
Photo & report at Center for Whale Research

Photograph by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research

April 11
Encounter 11 by Center for Whale Research was conducted by John Durban and Dave Ellifrit and Meghan and Katie Mckillop with T14 and the T49's near Gooch Island, BC on 11 April 2009 around 5:30 PM. T14 may have been the male seen but not encountered with T123's earlier in the day. He seems to be wandering from group to group of transients, and is often by himself.

Photograph by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research
T14

T14, T30a and T11a sighted near Swartz Bay

April 10
Mark Malleson's 10 am Zodiac trip caught up with the big group of Transients near Swartz Bay today. He encountered the same ones reported yesterday, 9th April. I saw three big males T14, T30A and T11A along with many females. Great day seeing all those Transients together. All we needed was more sunshine. Happy Easter to you.
Marie, Orca-Magic POW

April 10
Orca Network received a call from Rob Lawson of Powell River, B.C, reporting 3 orcas in Malaspina Strait at 12:45 pm today. There was a male, female & young calf - the male had a vertical white line on his fin (more description below). They were in the N. end of Malaspina Strait, heading SE.
he then sent this update: The male is not in the photo groups (ID Guide), very big, vertical white strip on dorsal fin is about 1/3 to 2/3 of the ways to the top. Cute baby, very small, must be this years?? thanx from the best coast,
Rob Lawson, Powell River B.C.

Transients are save

April 9
Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales called this afternoon with some good news - they found all the Transients that were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on April 7th when sonar was used in the Strait, were present today! At about 3:10 pm, off the Dungeness Lighthouse heading east, they ID'd these Transient orcas: T30s', T172,
T49A's. T14, plus T11 and T11A (who were not present on the 7th).
He also had a report from the Mill Bay Ferry of Transient orcas T123, 123A, & 123B heading into Saanich Inlet this morning, then heading back out toward Goldstream early this afternoon.

T30s east of Sooke

April 7
Jeff LaMarche called Orca Network at 11:20 am to report ~ 6 Transient orcas 2.5 miles SE of East Sooke Park, S. Vancouver Island, taking a Steller Sea Lion. So far, ID's included 4 T30's, T172 & possibly T38. Mark Malleson was with them, hopefully we'll have more photos for tomorrow's report!

April 7
At about 11 AM Tuesday, April 7, While working as Lighthouse Keepers for a week at New Dungeness Spit Lighthouse, Karla Harrison saw a group of four orcas in Dungeness Bay at approximately N48.17974 W123.10975 (datum is that used by NASA's Worldwind. I've been trying to find it without success), directly south of the lighthouse and about 100 yards off the beach. They were moving West when first seen, but turned back to the east after rolling, blowing and displaying their dorsal fins several times. Several of us observed them from the lighthouse tower and Karla took the appended pictures with a Canon Powershot 590 camera. I thought they might be useful in identifying the individuals. In the picture with the male's fin showing, the whale in front of him seems to have a white spot near the tip of her fin. They did not appear to be feeding. After turning to the east to leave the bay and blowing three or four times, they were not seen again. Apparently they moved away without surfacing. After the whales left, we saw two groups of harbor seals quite close to shore, and wondered if they were taking refuge from the orcas, but the latter were not seen. I would appreciate hearing from you if you are able to identify individuals.
Mike Marsh

We forwarded the photos sent with this report on to researchers, and heard this back from Mark Malleson:
My guess is T14 with the T49A's as they were headed that direction last night. The fin shape is right for T14.
Mark Malleson, Victoria B.C.





Transient Orcas
T30, 30B, 30C and T172
E. Sooke Park,
S. Vancouver Island B.C.
April 7, 2009
Photo by Mark Malleson



T30 leaping during
Steller sea lion attack
SE of E.Sooke Park,
Vancouver Island, B.C.
April 7, 2009
Photo by Mark Malleson

April 7 w/Correction
The morning departure out of Victoria started out as any other normal wildlife tour, but that all changed at 1115 hrs. when I lucked out and found a small group of very active Killer Whales a few miles Southwest of Race Rocks Lighthouse. Upon arrival to this very active group of Orcas, I noticed that there was a large Sea Lion in the water with the whales. Whales were ID'd as T30, T30A, T30B, T30C and T172, respectively. (did not include the possible T38 included in the last report). Our location at this point was 2.5 nm SW of Church Rk. (Offshore of East Sooke Park). The five Transients were lunging and thrashing around frantically at the surface trying to stun or knockout this large Steller Sea Lion. For 25 minutes the five whales continually rammed the poor guy from all directionsuntil the Sea Lion magically caught a huge stroke of luck. Somehow the Steller Sea Lion had managed to drift right into the path of a giant floating kelp bed which he immediately took refuge in. I stayed on scene for as long as possible to see what was going to happen to the Sea Lion. At 1215, I finally had to leave the area to head back to Victoria to pickup the afternoon trip. As I left the area, the whales were still circling the kelp bed, taunting the Sea Lion. I never did see the final outcome of the encounter and the only two boats that were on scene were Mallard and myself. Absolutely brilliant Transient encounter off of East Sooke Park. Magic !!
On the afternoon trip, the five whales had moved well to the East of Race Rocks and were all grouped up in traveling mode doing long dives of 5-8 minutes. We picked the whales up at 1530 hrs. 3.5 nm SE of Race Rocks and left them one hour later at 1635 hrs. headed Southwest 3.9 nm SW of Race Rocks Lighthouse.
Jeff Lamarche, Seafun Safaris

T14 and T49s off Victoria

April 6
Mark Mallard of Prince of Whales called at 1:10 pm to report Transient orcas, including T14/Pender, & the T49's off the Victoria Waterfront. They had just made a kill. There was another group of Transients reported between Salmon Bank and Hein Bank as well - we'll hopefully have more details & ID's in tomorrow's report.



On April 6,2009, T14 came in past Race Rocks at 08:30 and appeared on the Race Rocks webcam with at least seven other transient killer whales. In the group were T123, T123A, and new calf, T123B, pictured here (see above photo). Also in the group were the T49's.
Report & more photos at Center for Whale Resarch

Transient Orcas T49s
hunting a porpoise
April 6, 2009
Photo by Monika Wieland

April 6
Today I saw my first orcas of 2009, and what a sighting it turned out to be! I was out with Captain Jim on the Peregrine this afternoon and we saw 8 transients in Haro Strait (we saw a group of 3 and a group of 5 - and there was another group reported further south). First we had the group of three including a pink little calf. I'm not sure who they were, but Ken Balcomb and others got good looks so hopefully they will report who it was. They spent about 15-20 minutes chasing a harbor porpoise around. At times it was hard to tell the calf apart from the porpoise as they both appeared so small next to the two adult females. The grand finale was a huge lunge by one of the adult females that launched the porpoise high into the air! (See first photo above.) I didn't even register it fully when I saw it but I somehow managed to click my camera and capture the proof. That was the last we saw of the porpoise, except for some lungs floating on the surface a little later. Shortly thereafter we were surprised by another group of five Ts. We knew they were in the area but thought they had headed in the other direction, so it was a pleasant surprise for them to pop up in our vicinity. The big male was T14, and I believe he was with the T49s. T49B and T49B1 were both in that group, and we left them heading south while the other group of 3 was heading north.
Monika Wieland, San Juan Island

April 6
Thought you might enjoy this pic (see photo below), with Mt Baker as a backdrop for the T49As and others. T14,' Pender ', was with this group this morning on Mark Mallerson's 11am trip. We finally found this illusive group, just off the Victoria waterfront, near Clover Point, after much searching. Marie, Orca-Magic, POW


T49s & T14 with Mt. Baker
Victoria, B.C.
April 6, 2009
Photo by Marie O'Shaughnessy

April 6
Well, looks like the first part of the trip (onboard NOAA's McArthur II Cruise) was So. Residents and then has been transient fest ever since. After Sunday'w Transient encounter we started zig-zagging south and about 4 AM (4/6) started picking up infrequent calls on the hydrophone array - we werent sure on ecotype - we were able to stay with and localize at sunrise and turned out to be another big group of Transients - at least 15 split into in several groups, including the whales we had Sunday afternoon! Candi and Dave are still working on the IDs.but at least the T11s, T46Bs, CA195 et al,. We were able to get out in the small boat and deployed two satellite tags - one on T11 and the other on a female-sized whale that ID is still to be determined. Robin Baird will have maps up on the Cascadia web site in the next couple of days. Made a swing down past Hecta Bank last night and now making the run north to be back in Seattle Thurs AM.
Brad Hanson, NWFSC, onboard the McArthur II

Transietn CA79

April 5
I got some great looks at a few transients today in Monterey Bay while onboard the Monterey Bay Whale Watch/Sea Wolf II (my first transient sighting, which is ironic considering I've seen the southern residents here, and on my birthday nonetheless!). I believe there was a male, two females and a calf, although I was not able to get a good photo of the calf- less female. Do these look familiar at all? (see photo above) Thanks,
Jessica Riggin, California State University Monterey Bay

Reply/ID from Alisa Schulman-Janiger:
I recognize the big well-marked male in your photo (above). This is CA79, a large adult transient male that was first seen off Pt. Reyes in 1989. He is primarily sighted in Monterey Bay; I saw him there in 2000. I cannot ID the female as of yet.
Alisa Schulman-Janiger, California Killer Whale Project, ACS/LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project, Director

In memory of T44

We have received more great photos and links to slide shows and photos of Transient orca T44, who was found dead on Monday. A necropsy has been performed by Dr. John Ford, Dr. Stephen Raverty and others, though no obvious cause of death was immediately apparent. It will be several weeks before results from tests of samples taken during the necropsy are available - we will update you on any further information as it comes in. We have also posted several news stories about T44 on our News Page, which we will continue to update as well.
Thanks to Chantelle and Rachael for sharing these great tributes (see below) in memory of T44 -
Susan & Howard, Orca Network

Upon second glance through my sets it turns out i have hundreds of t44 images (Ok well just short of 200 :) I am putting together a slide show (click here to view). I didn't realize till now that he is probably my most photographed whale other than J1.
here is one for trial island (pictured here).
Chantelle Tucker

Hi Susan, Here is a photo set - of T44 on flickr. he will be missed.
Rachael M. Griffin, Aquagreen Marine Research, Victoria BC

Orcanetwork report

April 4
Bob Whitney of Port Townsend called to report 2 female orcas off Pt. Wilson heading NW at 8:30 am. He only saw them surface once - possible Transients?

Transient calls near Race Rocks

April 1
High winds on the outer coast sent us back in to the Strait of Juan de Fuca late Tuesday. While patrolling the Straits of Juan de Fuca yesterday (April 1) we did hear hear some transient calls for a short while when we were west of Race Rocks - array bearings indicated they were to the east but we were not able to locate the whales visually - hope to head back out tomorrow night.
Brad Hanson, NWFSC, onboard the McArthur II

T44 found dead, floating near Port Hardy

Orcalab reports

A couple of days ago, the MacKays were told of a sighting of a dead orca floating near Hope Island (near Port Hardy). The DFO was alerted and with the help of a Coast Guard boat, that was in the vicinity, the whale was secured. DFO was able to identify the 31 year old transient male as T44. A necropsy will be performed in the next day or so. Finding a whale, soon after death, is a very rare occurrence and presents an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge.
Helena
01 Apr 2009 08:24:18 PST

T30s and T49A's near Victoria

March 29
Just in from a great trip on the water with Mark Malleson. So nice to be in the sunshine for a change! We encountered 9, possibly 10 Transients between 2-3pm. Certainly the T49A's and the T 30's were ID by Mark, and were seen frolicking around together. We came across them 5 miles south of Trail Island and they certainly were very happy Orcas. We saw lots of happy behaviours , including fluke lobs, breaching, cartwheels and spyhops. They even motored over to us at one point and some of the animals disappeared beneath us giving out international visitors a great thrill.
Marie, Orca-Magic POW, Victoria B.C.

March 29
Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales called at 2:15 pm to report the Transients were 5 miles south of Trial Island near Victoria, heading north slowly. There are 9 of them, identified as the T30's and T49A's

March 29
Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales called to report hearing faint Transient calls on the hydrophones, and sighting a pod of Transients from shore about 5 miles south of Trial Island at 10:30 am - there appear to be 6 or 8 of them.

March 29
I am hearing Transients on the Lime Kiln hydrophone's right now.....12:50pm PST
Barbara Ellingsen

March 29
1220 pm - hearing same faint calls again on Lime Kiln Hydrophones, just like earlier today. it was reported to me by Jim Maya that there were Transients about 3 to 4 miles south of Trial Island.
and an update:
That previous alert was from a sighting of the Ts at about 11:30, so sounds like they have moved back up a bit. I had heard them at 8:40/9:15/9:39/9:59/10:20/10:50/12:20
Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island

March 29
10:03 am: faint calls on Lime Kiln hydro - just tuned in...
10:21 am: Transients? Calls are still faint - uh oh, I think a boat is coming.
Annika@Shoreline

March 29
0955: Unusual transient(?) KW(?) calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone now. (from Jeanne via Jeff) Recording up soon at OrcaSound.net .
Scott Veirs/Jeanne Hyde

March 29
Orca Vocalizations on Lime Kiln hydrophones right now (8:55 am). Thanks to Jeanne for letting me know! Sounded perhaps like Transients.
John Boyd, San Juan Island

March 28
I picked up the T49A's (Transient orcas) this afternoon westbound in Race Passage (Race Rocks) swimming against a big flood tide.
Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales, Victoria B.C.

March 29
Just thought I'd let you know that after we saw the T30s and T49s this afternoon we decided to check out the seals and birds in the Chain Islands in Oak Bay and ended up seeing T14 heading past the islands on the west side of Chatham Island and then N up Haro Strait from Baynes Channel. We watched him from about 1500 to 1530. Cheers -
Kyla Graham-Kordich, Victoria B.C.

Ts in the Pt Grenville area

March 28
We went back in the Strait of Juan de Fuca last night (3/28) to get out of high winds on outer coast that came up in afternoon. Although we were able to stay with Ls acoustically into early morning hours their calls were only intermittent and then we started to also pick up calls from transients. Shortly thereafter all we had were transient calls and visually located a large group Ts - about 30 - in the Pt Grenville area. We stayed with them for a couple of hours. Preliminary IDs from Dave and Candi include T74, T36s, T36b (with a new calf), T50, T63, T65, T65b, T68s, T73, T73c,d,CA195, T99with 3 kids.
Brad Hanson, NOAA NWFSC, aboard the McArthur II

T's off Trial Island BC

March 26
Lucky to be out once again with Mark Malleson, to encounter 6 Transients south of Trial Island on the way toward Discovery Island, between 3- 4pm, The T10's were ID by Mark . The bull was travelling with three 'exotics '...not sure who they were at this time, but I am sure Mark, Ken Balcomb or David Ellifrit, will soon have an identity for them. Possibly, T10 and T10C were seen farther off by themselves. Marie, Orca-Magic, POW

T10b

March 26
5:45-6:30 - 2 miles southeast of Kelp Reef, Haro Strait.
It was one of those days! We got news of Orcas right at the end of our first trip so I rushed in for my second group. We zoomed out but couldn't find them, so we went down to Whale Rocks to see the Steller Sea Lions. They are always amazing. My passengers were disappointed, but they understood that it's not Sea World out there.
On the way home, while we were right in front of Lime Kiln Lighthouse, I saw a splash way in the distance over toward Kelp Reef. Sure enough it was the wayward Transients. They had made a kill and were very active. See pictures... We left them at 6:00 two miles southeast of Kelp.
My folks were so happy, which always makes me happy.
Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Charters, San Juan Island

March 26
I had the T26's and the T10's south of Discovery this afternoon heading north for Haro Strait.
Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales, Victoria B.C.

Orcalab reports more Transient calls

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. Sounds like there are transient orcas in Johnstone Strait. The calls are getting louder, so the orcas may be headed east, or possibly towards Blackney Pass.
Helena & Paul
20 Mar 2009 04:34:32 PST

T30s en T172 at Race Rocks

March 19
Mark Malleson of Victoria called to report Transient orcas T30, T30A,B & C, & T172 east of Race Rocks heading west at 1530. Observed one seal kill.

Orcalab reports Transients in JS

Distant calls audible.

There are vocal transients in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Mar 2009 17:15:40 PST

T100s, T101s and T102 off Discovery Island

Transient spy-hop,Discovery Island, Victoria BC Canada March 13, 2009
Photo by Marie O'Shaughnessy

March 13
I was lucky to be out on this special day, Friday 13th March, for it was an awesome day with a group of transients. These animals were spotted north east of Ten Mile Point by Mark 'Mallard' of Prince of Whales, who was on shore earlier at 10.30 am. They appeared to be hunting a sea lion. We later found them again on the 1pm Zodiac trip south of Sea Bird lighthouse. They were very active and appeared to be cleaning up a kill as were the gulls all around us. The transient identity by Mark and Ken Balcomb who was also out on the water, were the T100, B, C + D. T101, A + B, and T102. A fantastic show of whale watching.
Marie, Orca-Magic, POW

March 13
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research called to report a group of about a dozen Transient orcas off Discovery Island, B.C. Canada at 11 am - at 3:45 pm they were still in the area. Initial ID's were the T101s & T102.


Transient fluke, Discovery Island, Victoria BC March 13, 2009
Photo by Marie O'Shaughnessy

T100s, T101s and T124s attacking a sealion

March 13
Mark Malleson spotted splashing and fins offshore of Ten Mile Point, Vancouver Island at 1015 AM and notified me that it looked like Transient killer whales beating up on something in Haro Strait. I cast off from Oak Bay in "Orca" at 1043, and found the whales near Fulford Reef at 1058 still beating up an animal that was an adult male Steller Sea Lion weighing approximately one ton. The T100's, T101's and T124's were explosively ramming and tossing the sea lion into the air, while adult male T102 and sub-adult male T97 circled in the background. The whales were being very careful to avoid being bitten or slashed by the canine teeth of the sea lion, and were mostly hitting it from behind or below. At 1140 it was all over for the sea lion and the young whales began breaching while the adult females submerged for minutes at a time. The males appeared to be involved in sex play, and the gulls swirled and dove for sea lion scraps. I left them south of Discovery Island at 48 degrees 23.42 minutes N by 123 degrees 12.2 minutes W in a sloppy ebbing tide.
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research

T41s spotted Strait of Juan de Fuca

Transient orca T44 Strait of Juan de Fuca
March 8
Photo by Paul Blake


March 8
One mile west of Sekiu River, 4 (orca) individuals seen from shore heading west. Male and juvenile (?) together swimming west. About 200 yards behind and further out, female and juvenile (?) surfacing and diving in one place 6 times and then moving west. Photos from shore 500mm.
Paul Blake

ID's on photos from this report from Center for Whale Research:
Looks like the T41's plus someone else. The bull is T44 and T41A is in there too.
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research

T59s waiting for stranded dolphin

Cetacealab reports

It was just passed 7am this morning when I started to hear calls from pacific white-sided dolphins on our hydrophone right here in Taylor Bight. It sounded like a lot of dolphins and they seemed to be getting closer and closer. The sun was not about to rise for another hour but because of the clear sky there was already enough daylight to perhaps see them. It is rather unusual for the dolphins to come close into our bay especially in large numbers, so I was pretty excited to go and see them. Just as I was about to open the door to go outside I heard what I thought were faint transient Orca calls among the now close dolphin chatter. Intuitive I grabbed the video camera instead of binoculars not knowing that I was about to witness something extremely extraordinary.

As I walked towards our viewing platform I saw a group of dolphins deep in the east corner of Taylor Bight. They were swimming very fast either hunting fish or running away from potential danger. A few moments later I reached the platform and immediately heard an Orca blow to the west. There were the transients, four of them, two females and two juveniles travelling very slowly and staying close to shore. They were not following the big group of dolphins instead they stayed in the same area going in big circles remaining so very close to the rocky shoreline. It took me a few minutes to understand what was going on as the whales disappeared behind exposed rocks due to the low tide. They were pacing, waiting. But what was it that they were waiting for? In order to find out I had to go back towards the house as the whales were right close to the beach on the west side. Of course Neekas, our dog, was with me, and in anticipation on what I was to see I locked her in the house. Then I slowly walked to the beach on the west side. The four transients were swimming right close to edge of the rocky beach in only about 10feet of water and just a few meters away from them barely above the tideline on the rocks was the reason why they were there. A young juvenile dolphin. The poor thing most likely beached itself while it was chased by the whales. It was still alive, its tail still touching the waters edge. I did not go close instead I stayed in the forest and filmed the event from a distance. The last thing I wanted to do is interfere. My emotions were divided, on the one hand there were these beautiful transient Orcas close to my house and on the hand there was this small dolphin scared to the bone and facing death. The tide was still ebbing so it would be at least another two hours before the water would be high enough for the whales to perhaps grab the dolphin. They continued to stay close to the beach, taking turns on who would patrol close by the dolphin. They were clearly excited, especially the juveniles as they spy-hopped and rolled over each other numerous times. I did not get the feeling that my presence disturbed them, after all they continued to patrol the beach for another hour. At least one of the whales was always in eye contact with the beached dolphin and sometimes they would create waves with their tail flukes hoping the waves would pull the dolphin off the beach. To witness their strategic patrol was just amazing!

But then, just after the tide turned towards a flood the whales suddenly disappeared. I thought they just a took long dive and would continue their patrol but minutes later I saw the whole group heading out of Taylor Bight. To be sure I waited another 10minutes but they never came back. I saw them one more time as they surfaced close to the east end of Taylor Bight, following the big group of dolphins perhaps. Now I was left with a young dolphin on the beach that so urgently needed to be back in its element in order to have a second chance. I put on my drysuit and slowly approached the dolphin. I could see a few deep scratches it was bleeding from, most likely from barnacles on the rocks. The water was rising fast now, the rear end of the dolphin already submerged. So I gently lifted its body to get it back in the water. I turned its head towards the open water and held it. I waited for the dolphin to start swimming out of my hands and after a its breathing calmed down from the stress it did just that. A few shallow dives and then a long one and off it went. I heard myself screaming “You go girl!” I saw it a few more times surfacing before it was out of my sight. Of course it is hard to say what its survival chances are, the sooner it finds its pod again the higher the chances will be...

This was truly an experience of a lifetime and one that I (Hermann) will never forget in my life!

I later figured out that the transients where the T59s.

Transients near San Juan Island

23 februari

A late breaking report of "very strange sounds on OrcaSound's Lime Kiln and Orca Sound Hydropones at 1837 - are they Ts?? follow up at 1850: faint calls on Lime Kiln then switched to Orca Sound Hps. and the same call was repeated over and over - really loud. y the time I sent the prior post they had stopped. I learned that the Ts were coming back south a while ago and so that might very well have been them.
Jeanne Hyde, the Whale Museum, San Juan Island
*
I got a call from Captain Ivan this morning that there were whales inbound at Victoria, and then it was confirmed as a very large group of Transients! I got another call that the whales were still around, actually just across Haro Strait near Gooch Island. So off we went to see if we would be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the whales. Suddenly about 800 yards ahead of us the water fairly burst with froth as 9 orcas came to the surface simultaneously! This group of Transients were heading north at a fairly fast 9-10 knot pace as they continued north. We didn't know where the other whales that had been sighted had gone off to, so finally around 4pm we turned south to head home. Suddenly another group of orcas appeared ahead of us. Fortunately for us, this group (T102 is the only one I can give an ID for) was south bound and led us down Sydney Island. We left the whales at the southern tip of Sydney still heading south.
John Boyd (JB) & Mrs. JB Marine Naturalist & His Wonderfully Patient wife! Friday Harbor
*
Orca Network received reports from The Center for Whale Research & Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales, who were out with the whales, which turned out to be a very large group of Transient orcas. Mark said after they got the report from the Victoria Clipper, they found the whales off the south end of Trial Island near Victoria, & tentatively ID'd them as the T87's, T100's, T101's, and the T124's.
*
They fanned out into 3 groups and headed up Haro Strait moving fast. More IDs & info: Mallard and I figured out that we had a total of 19 whales around today from the T87's, T90's, T100's, T101's, T124's, and T124A's. We got on them near Beaumont Shoals around 1235 and left them just north of Kelp Reef at about 1350.
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island

Watched the T30's (transient orcas) kill a harbour seal 5 miles south of Trial Island in afternoon. They were last seen westbound.
Mark Malleson, Victoria, BC Canada

Transients near Victoria

HAD A GROUP OF APPROX 12 -14 TRANSIENTS ON THURSDAY JAN 29 OFF OF VICTORIA HEADING WEST WHICH INCLUDED THE T124'S AND T87'S. NO SIGN OF ANY ON FRIDAY AFTER THOROUGH SEARCH FROM VICTORIA TO SOOKE.
MARK MALLESON, Victoria, BC Canada

Jan. 18
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research reported approx. 8 - 9 Transient orcas near Victoria on Sunday, Jan. 18th at 2:30 pm. The group included T30, T30A and friends - zig zagging elusively

T55s in Johnstone Strait

No orcas present.

A bit late, but yesterday (Oct.11), just before noon, a group of transients (the T55s) turned up in Blackney Pass once again. They cruised a group of sea lions and probably made a kill. Jared Towers later identified the group in Johnstone Strait. The whales were vocal for quite a while. None of the calls were very loud on our system. Quiet day here, all the best to everyone this Canadian Thanksgiving.
Helena & Paul
12 Oct 2008 11:42:24 PDT

Transients in Weynton Pass

No calls but orcas nearby

Whales everywhere, both transients and residents! The A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and may have just come through Blackney Pass headed to Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, there were also transients in Weynton Pass. Last night, we heard distant A1 calls around 2:15am.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 16:06:16 PDT

T55 within a group of 500 dolphins

No calls but orcas nearby

Our connection has been unstable today. However, here is a short update of the day's events so far. The A30s disappeared to the east, oast Robson Bight, around 3am. They recently have returned to the Bight (around 10am). Prior to the A30s' return, a small group of transients were in Blackney Pass in the middle of about 500 dolphins, sealions and two humpbacks. In a second, the dolphins and sealion porpoised awy to the west and the humpbacks disappeared. The transients lingered a while longer before sauntering off to the west also.
Helena
05 Oct 2008 11:38:41 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard from the A30s once again earlier this evening. They became quiet after reaching the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the transients of this morning turned out to be the T55s (thanks to Graeme Ellis for the identification and later updates) who apparently made an extensive tour of the whole area, ending up in Blackfish Sound at the same time the A30s were off Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait. They may have turned back to the west. Also, the Island Roamer found another transient group in Baronet Channel headed toward Knight Inlet. A busy and at times very wet day!
Helena
05 Oct 2008 22:33:48 PDT

Transients resting

Seasmoke reports

This morning orcas were sighted out in front of Alert Bay, just ahead of passengers arriving to board and so it was with much excitement that the tour got underway. It turned out to be the same seven Transient orcas (mammal feeders, mostly marine) who were in the area two days ago, on August 30; the T34’s, T37’s and T72. When SV met up with the orcas they had just finished feeding and were resting and passengers were able to view these transient orcas in their relaxed state. Resting is rarely seen in transients , representing less than 3 % of their overall activity, as compared to 10-15% for residents. Passengers observed that the resting transients were uninterested in two Harbour Porpoises swimming nearby. After a time, the orcas began to travel to the west, passing west of Pultney Point on Malcolm Island.

Transients in JS

Seasmoke reports
We first sighted the A12’s off Weynton Passage as they crossed over to the VI shore in the heavy flood current. A55 was foraging steadily in the current off on his own while A34 and the rest of her offspring were foraging and at times could be seen resting, near to the VI shore; their beautiful A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone. They soon began to travel east, crossing over to Cracroft Point and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing as they foraged nearby the boat in the flood current at Blakney Passage. On our way home, when heading back to the west, 7 Transient orcas were also sighted traveling east down the VI shore. They had been identified as the T34’s, T37’s and T72. The sightings of Transient orcas this summer has been few and so it was an afternoon made even more interesting by their appearance in Johnstone Strait.

Transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008

5 August, 2008
Begin Encounter: 4:18 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 34.45 N
Start Long: 123° 02.20 W
End Encounter: 6:18 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 31.67 N
End Long: 123° 56.20 W
Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Erin Heydenreich, Courtney Smith and Mackenzie Consoier

Center for Whale Research staff responded to a report of transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008. The T124's, T20, T21 and T90 were encountered traveling south in a tight group mid channel north of Friday Harbor. The Center followed the whales past Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island, where the encounter ended at 6:18 p.m.

Orcas near mics.

We have been listening to T14 who followed the rest of the transients through Blackney Pass. He continued into Johnstone Strait where, once off Cracroft Point, he became vocal. The others had already moved into Baronet Pass (the north side of Cracroft Island adjacent to Blackney Pass). T14 moved back into the entrance of Blackney Pass, still in Johnstone Strait, and continued to call. He is still westbound while the others continued east up Baronet. The residents are continuing eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 16:17:19 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A8s and A23s are moving west again opposite the Sophia islands. Meanwhile, yesterday's transient group (T124, T124D, T124E, T90s, T21s) are eastbound in Blackfish Sound not far from Blackney Pass. They took a dalls porpoise a short while ago.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 14:51:17 PDT

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