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
Sunday, January 27, 2008
27 January 2008, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
There is a group of 8 transients around today. They were first sighted by the MacKays off Bold Head headed to Stubbs Island. They must have then gone through Weynton Pass as they were next seen in Beaver Cove by Jackie Hinderling. They are now moving off to the west toward Alert Bay.
Helena
27 Jan 2008 15:17:01 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
There is a group of 8 transients around today. They were first sighted by the MacKays off Bold Head headed to Stubbs Island. They must have then gone through Weynton Pass as they were next seen in Beaver Cove by Jackie Hinderling. They are now moving off to the west toward Alert Bay.
Helena
27 Jan 2008 15:17:01 PST
Monday, January 21, 2008
21 January 2008, Orca Network reports:
We had a frustratingly late call of [orcas] that were heading up past Maple Bay in the morning, but we did not get the report until about three o'clock. We managed to race down and get a few quick id's before dark, but that's all. It was a group of transients including T124's, T124A's and T090's, 9 in total.
Graeme Ellis, DFO, Canada
We had a frustratingly late call of [orcas] that were heading up past Maple Bay in the morning, but we did not get the report until about three o'clock. We managed to race down and get a few quick id's before dark, but that's all. It was a group of transients including T124's, T124A's and T090's, 9 in total.
Graeme Ellis, DFO, Canada
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
16 january 2008, Orca Network reports:
I work in the 3131 Western Ave building, and I just spent about 10 minutes watching a pod of Orcas playing in Elliott Bay. I was using a telescope, but I'm not a whale expert so I can't offer much more information than the fact that there were about 6 orcas, and it appeared that there were about four larger fins (adults?) and about two smaller fins (juveniles?). They are still out there (it's currently 10:01 A.M.), between the downtown waterfront and West Seattle (currently closer to the downtown side). It looks like they're playing and feeding. I'm so excited because I've been working in this building for a year and a half, and this is my first sighting! This made my day. Thanks very much for your great work,
Deb Hardy, Seattle
*
Amy Carey of Vashon Island relayed some additional reports she received of the Transient pod as they headed south this afternoon. They were observed going south past Pt. Robinson, east Maury Island, in the early afternoon; from 3:30 - 4 pm they were off Gold Beach in the Maury Island Preserve heading south, but another report soon afterward had them heading north.
*
Orca Network received a call from John Fortin at 3:25 pm, reporting a male & female orca off Double Bluff, west Whidbey Island, heading north.
*
We jumped in the car & headed over to Bush Pt. after receiving the above report, and we found the orcas at 4:07 pm off the entrance to Hood Canal. They unfortunately stayed on the other side of Admiralty Inlet so we didn't get any close looks, but we were able to shoot some video. There were 4 orcas - 2 adult males, 1 sprouter & a female. They continued NW in Admiralty Inlet, closer to the other side. We left them at 4:40 pm, just south of Ft. Flagler, swimming in a line not far offshore. The entire time we watched them, we also were watching small groups of Harbor Porpoise all across the Inlet - the orcas must have been well fed because we didn't witness any of the porpoise becoming dinner!
Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
*
Orca Network sent stills from the video we took to see if anyone could ID any of these whales (though it was from a LONG distance away!) - here's what Dave Ellifrit has to say: I will go out on a limb here and say that the one bull does indeed have all the looks of T87. Mallard had him and T88 over a week ago with the T124's and T90's so I would not doubt that that group could be bopping around (& as noted above, T124 was ID'd in Jeff Hogan's shot of the T's off Alki). I'll go out on an even bigger (smaller?) limb and say that the other big bull looks like T93. That's about the best I can do. Good catch and send them up here! Cheers,
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
*
I just wanted to let you know that I am watching orcas in Elliot Bay from my office window, 10:00am. I have never seen them this far into Elliot Bay. They are on the west side of Elliot bay, southwest of the Ferry Route, closer to the Alki side, down where there are some cargo ships moored out in the bay. It's now 10:38 am and it looks like they have moved south and west around the point at Alki. There was a helicopter very high above them for a little while so I'm guessing it might have been one of the news stations.
Heather Hudson, Seattle
*
A pod of Orca passed Alki point heading south at app. 10:30 this morning. Don't know which pod but I would estimate 10-15 individuals, without an obvious adult male. They were travelling quickly, with long periods (and distance) underwater. I first saw them 10 minutes earlier passing SW close to Alki Beach, appearing to be coming from Eliiot Bay.
Kevin Schafer, Seattle
*
Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales in Seattle called at 11:05 am to report seeing the pod of orcas just south of Alki Pt, south of Elliott Bay, Seattle. He saw ~9 orcas, no males present, & identified them as Transient orcas. He called again at 11:30 am to report they had just disappeared - when he saw them they weren't traveling in any direction - he did get some photos so we hopefully will have some ID's on them soon.
I work in the 3131 Western Ave building, and I just spent about 10 minutes watching a pod of Orcas playing in Elliott Bay. I was using a telescope, but I'm not a whale expert so I can't offer much more information than the fact that there were about 6 orcas, and it appeared that there were about four larger fins (adults?) and about two smaller fins (juveniles?). They are still out there (it's currently 10:01 A.M.), between the downtown waterfront and West Seattle (currently closer to the downtown side). It looks like they're playing and feeding. I'm so excited because I've been working in this building for a year and a half, and this is my first sighting! This made my day. Thanks very much for your great work,
Deb Hardy, Seattle
*
Amy Carey of Vashon Island relayed some additional reports she received of the Transient pod as they headed south this afternoon. They were observed going south past Pt. Robinson, east Maury Island, in the early afternoon; from 3:30 - 4 pm they were off Gold Beach in the Maury Island Preserve heading south, but another report soon afterward had them heading north.
*
Orca Network received a call from John Fortin at 3:25 pm, reporting a male & female orca off Double Bluff, west Whidbey Island, heading north.
*
We jumped in the car & headed over to Bush Pt. after receiving the above report, and we found the orcas at 4:07 pm off the entrance to Hood Canal. They unfortunately stayed on the other side of Admiralty Inlet so we didn't get any close looks, but we were able to shoot some video. There were 4 orcas - 2 adult males, 1 sprouter & a female. They continued NW in Admiralty Inlet, closer to the other side. We left them at 4:40 pm, just south of Ft. Flagler, swimming in a line not far offshore. The entire time we watched them, we also were watching small groups of Harbor Porpoise all across the Inlet - the orcas must have been well fed because we didn't witness any of the porpoise becoming dinner!
Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
*
Orca Network sent stills from the video we took to see if anyone could ID any of these whales (though it was from a LONG distance away!) - here's what Dave Ellifrit has to say: I will go out on a limb here and say that the one bull does indeed have all the looks of T87. Mallard had him and T88 over a week ago with the T124's and T90's so I would not doubt that that group could be bopping around (& as noted above, T124 was ID'd in Jeff Hogan's shot of the T's off Alki). I'll go out on an even bigger (smaller?) limb and say that the other big bull looks like T93. That's about the best I can do. Good catch and send them up here! Cheers,
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
*
I just wanted to let you know that I am watching orcas in Elliot Bay from my office window, 10:00am. I have never seen them this far into Elliot Bay. They are on the west side of Elliot bay, southwest of the Ferry Route, closer to the Alki side, down where there are some cargo ships moored out in the bay. It's now 10:38 am and it looks like they have moved south and west around the point at Alki. There was a helicopter very high above them for a little while so I'm guessing it might have been one of the news stations.
Heather Hudson, Seattle
*
A pod of Orca passed Alki point heading south at app. 10:30 this morning. Don't know which pod but I would estimate 10-15 individuals, without an obvious adult male. They were travelling quickly, with long periods (and distance) underwater. I first saw them 10 minutes earlier passing SW close to Alki Beach, appearing to be coming from Eliiot Bay.
Kevin Schafer, Seattle
*
Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales in Seattle called at 11:05 am to report seeing the pod of orcas just south of Alki Pt, south of Elliott Bay, Seattle. He saw ~9 orcas, no males present, & identified them as Transient orcas. He called again at 11:30 am to report they had just disappeared - when he saw them they weren't traveling in any direction - he did get some photos so we hopefully will have some ID's on them soon.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
No calls but orcas nearby
Seven transients just travelled south through Blackney Pass headed for Johnstone Strait. Too far away for identifictation but the group included a mum and calf, two adult females, a possible juvenile and an adult male. They made no calls but moved back and forth over something when opposite us.
Helena
02 Jan 2008 13:35:14 PST
Seven transients just travelled south through Blackney Pass headed for Johnstone Strait. Too far away for identifictation but the group included a mum and calf, two adult females, a possible juvenile and an adult male. They made no calls but moved back and forth over something when opposite us.
Helena
02 Jan 2008 13:35:14 PST
Sunday, December 30, 2007
30 December 2007, Orca Network reports:
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research called with a report of seeing 10 orcas in N. Haro Strait; Dave Ellifrit & Mark Malleson got out & saw 6 Transients near Gooch Island (between N. San Juans & Sidney, BC), Identified as: T14 (Pender), T49, T49 a & b, & 2 others.
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research called with a report of seeing 10 orcas in N. Haro Strait; Dave Ellifrit & Mark Malleson got out & saw 6 Transients near Gooch Island (between N. San Juans & Sidney, BC), Identified as: T14 (Pender), T49, T49 a & b, & 2 others.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Mammal-eating orcas cruise coast CanWest News Service Published: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 NANAIMO - A group of 13 transient killer whales has paid an unexpected visit to Nanaimo harbour, possibly in search of food. Robin Abernethy, a marine mammal technician at Nanaimo's Pacific Biological Station, said the group was last week spotted swimming south at Stephenson Point. The whales were monitored as they headed toward Dodds Narrows before turning back north into Nanaimo harbour and were last seen near the Winchelsea Islands. She said the whales were identified as transients, which hunt other sea mammals such as harbour seals, porpoises and sea lions, and these particular whales usually spend their time on the west coast of Vancouver Island and off the coast of Alaska. Abernethy said transient killer whales, which number about 220 in the Vancouver Island area, are occasionally seen in areas in the Strait of Georgia where there are lots of harbour seals, and she expects the whales were in Nanaimo harbour looking for food. "They're unpredictable animals and we don't know for certain why these transients came together to travel in such a large group, but there may be social reasons or it may be just easier for them to hunt," she said. In a previous interview, marine biologist John Ford said hundreds of killer whales travel by Nanaimo at all times of the year, but most of those seen in Nanaimo waters are usually fish-eating southern resident killer whales from pods that generally stay in the Strait of Georgia year-round. Transient and resident killer whales are socially isolated from each other and never mix. ? The Vancouver Sun 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Distant calls audible.
We're listening to occasional distant calls from transient orcas on the Flower Island hydrophone. Still thinking about Corky, first morning as a captive. The underwater inspection of the wreckage in Robson Bight will begin this morning.
Helena & Paul
12 Dec 2007 07:02:58 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients heard earlier this morning in Blackfish Sound (to 7:20am) may have circled around to Johnstone Strait. Very briefly (and faintly), we heard calls in the Strait. Bill MacKay, who was taking media to the sub dive off Robson Bight today, saw the whales (a large group of about 11) off of the Sophias. The transients, according to Jim Borrowman (who is on scene with the sub), continued east very fast past Boat Bay. A small group of Dalls porpoise had been off the Bight prior to the transient's pass. Right now we can hear the muffled conversations between the sub and the rest of the crew which is rather interesting.
Helena
12 Dec 2007 11:52:58 PST
We're listening to occasional distant calls from transient orcas on the Flower Island hydrophone. Still thinking about Corky, first morning as a captive. The underwater inspection of the wreckage in Robson Bight will begin this morning.
Helena & Paul
12 Dec 2007 07:02:58 PST
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients heard earlier this morning in Blackfish Sound (to 7:20am) may have circled around to Johnstone Strait. Very briefly (and faintly), we heard calls in the Strait. Bill MacKay, who was taking media to the sub dive off Robson Bight today, saw the whales (a large group of about 11) off of the Sophias. The transients, according to Jim Borrowman (who is on scene with the sub), continued east very fast past Boat Bay. A small group of Dalls porpoise had been off the Bight prior to the transient's pass. Right now we can hear the muffled conversations between the sub and the rest of the crew which is rather interesting.
Helena
12 Dec 2007 11:52:58 PST
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Superb sounds!!
We had a few brief call sessions earlier today, and a great hour long set off FI tonight from 7-8pm. Transients.
Tim
22 Nov 2007 20:41:04 PST
Listen to their calls from november 22
We had a few brief call sessions earlier today, and a great hour long set off FI tonight from 7-8pm. Transients.
Tim
22 Nov 2007 20:41:04 PST
Listen to their calls from november 22
Thursday, October 04, 2007
04 October 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
All quiet through the night. This morning T14 travelled west up Johnstone Strait and into Blackney Pass. From 10:20 - 10:50 am, he passed several humpbacks on his way to Blackfish Sound. While in Blackney he had an active "moment", stopping his travels briefly, as he jumped on top of something. We are still unable to broadcast but are hopeful the problems will be solved soon. Sorry for the delay.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 13:03:47 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
All quiet through the night. This morning T14 travelled west up Johnstone Strait and into Blackney Pass. From 10:20 - 10:50 am, he passed several humpbacks on his way to Blackfish Sound. While in Blackney he had an active "moment", stopping his travels briefly, as he jumped on top of something. We are still unable to broadcast but are hopeful the problems will be solved soon. Sorry for the delay.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 13:03:47 PDT
Thursday, September 20, 2007
20 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have travelled through Weynton Pass toward Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile T14 was seen heading east from the Nimpkish River toward Johnstone Strait. This possible "confict" of interests was solved by T14 ducking into Weynton Pass as the A30s entered the Strait. He loks like he might head to Blackfish Sound. This was all done without any calls.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 17:07:58 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
T14 gave us a bit of a surprise. Despite being seen moving through Weynton Pass earlier after passing the A30s on their way to Johnstone Strait through the same passage, he must have doubled back. Tim at CP saw first saw him off the western tip of Hanson Island. From there he moved east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. He then went north into Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the resting A30s, contiued east against the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 19:48:10 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have travelled through Weynton Pass toward Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile T14 was seen heading east from the Nimpkish River toward Johnstone Strait. This possible "confict" of interests was solved by T14 ducking into Weynton Pass as the A30s entered the Strait. He loks like he might head to Blackfish Sound. This was all done without any calls.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 17:07:58 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
T14 gave us a bit of a surprise. Despite being seen moving through Weynton Pass earlier after passing the A30s on their way to Johnstone Strait through the same passage, he must have doubled back. Tim at CP saw first saw him off the western tip of Hanson Island. From there he moved east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. He then went north into Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the resting A30s, contiued east against the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 19:48:10 PDT
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
19 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
A lovely quiet morning - even the wind has dropped. No reports and we only heard dolphins during the night. The Critical Point system has been fussy and noisy. Hopefully, this can be corrected. No reports about the A30s or the G25s.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 09:32:56 PDT
No orcas present.
More transient activity today. Earlier this morning, two groups were spotted travelling toward each other in the Retreat Pass area (off of Queen Charlotte Strait). One group of three came into Arrow Pass and met up with the group of four near the Fox islands. The whales then turned and have headed back through Arrow Pass. They are currently just at the mouth of Arrow. The group of dolphins we heard earlier west of Critical Point continued west and out Weynton Pass. They moved toward Mitchell Bay where they have stalled in company with a minke whale whose feeding has excited lots of birds. The A30s were again reported in Nodales Channel. No word on the G25s - have they left the area? Also, jim Borrowman saw 45 Sandhill Cranes fly overhead on his way to watch the transients.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 13:58:35 PDT
No orcas present.
A lovely quiet morning - even the wind has dropped. No reports and we only heard dolphins during the night. The Critical Point system has been fussy and noisy. Hopefully, this can be corrected. No reports about the A30s or the G25s.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 09:32:56 PDT
No orcas present.
More transient activity today. Earlier this morning, two groups were spotted travelling toward each other in the Retreat Pass area (off of Queen Charlotte Strait). One group of three came into Arrow Pass and met up with the group of four near the Fox islands. The whales then turned and have headed back through Arrow Pass. They are currently just at the mouth of Arrow. The group of dolphins we heard earlier west of Critical Point continued west and out Weynton Pass. They moved toward Mitchell Bay where they have stalled in company with a minke whale whose feeding has excited lots of birds. The A30s were again reported in Nodales Channel. No word on the G25s - have they left the area? Also, jim Borrowman saw 45 Sandhill Cranes fly overhead on his way to watch the transients.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 13:58:35 PDT
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
18 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Just after 6am this morning we heard clear echo location followed by some crunching sounds. Unfortunatel, we were not able to source the sounds. A short while later, at 7:49am, we spotted a small group of transients opposite the Lab in Blackney Pass. They were going very slowly and changing directions but generally heading north. We lost track of them at 8:35am just as they crossed paths with a humpback going the opposite direction. The transients (later Id'd as the T55s) carried on into Blackfish Sound where the Gikumi continued the observations. No sign of the residents and these transients were a different group identified yesterday. Last night was remarkable for the humpback calls mixed in with the transient calls in Johnstone Strait around 9:50pm.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 10:17:39 PDT
No orcas present.
After the excitment of the transients in Blackney Pass (the T55s) early this morning we had to be content to follow their progress (or lack of it) for the rest of the day. For several hours this group moved back and forth off Stubbs Island in Weynton Passage. The A30s, meanwhile, were found in Nodales Channel (eastern Johnstone Strait). 100 dolphins, Dalls porpoise, sea lions, seals, myriad birds and humpbacks filled up the rest of the day.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 23:41:35 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just after 6am this morning we heard clear echo location followed by some crunching sounds. Unfortunatel, we were not able to source the sounds. A short while later, at 7:49am, we spotted a small group of transients opposite the Lab in Blackney Pass. They were going very slowly and changing directions but generally heading north. We lost track of them at 8:35am just as they crossed paths with a humpback going the opposite direction. The transients (later Id'd as the T55s) carried on into Blackfish Sound where the Gikumi continued the observations. No sign of the residents and these transients were a different group identified yesterday. Last night was remarkable for the humpback calls mixed in with the transient calls in Johnstone Strait around 9:50pm.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 10:17:39 PDT
No orcas present.
After the excitment of the transients in Blackney Pass (the T55s) early this morning we had to be content to follow their progress (or lack of it) for the rest of the day. For several hours this group moved back and forth off Stubbs Island in Weynton Passage. The A30s, meanwhile, were found in Nodales Channel (eastern Johnstone Strait). 100 dolphins, Dalls porpoise, sea lions, seals, myriad birds and humpbacks filled up the rest of the day.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 23:41:35 PDT
Monday, September 17, 2007
17 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have arrived back at the east end of the Reserve (from the east). Meanwhile, we had a group of transients which included T68 & T68A - thanks to Jackie & Stubbs Island for the IDs) - head south through Blackney Pass to Cracroft Point. Just as the rub started the transients turned and began to head west.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 16:54:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have come west from the beaches. Meanwhile, the G25s turned up unexpectedly and briefly off CP. They must have come through Blackney Pass. They have been quite scattered and elusive all day but hopefully they now have connected with the A30s. They did seem to be "searching" ealier. No further word on the transients who were recently in Johnstone Strait as well.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 18:59:01 PDT
No orcas present.
If you are wondering what happened...you are not alone. The A30s and the G25s disappeared and we imagine that they went off to the east. However, there were no calls to support this or any other theory. The transients may have turned up once again off the entrance to Blackney, after a trip to the west, around 7:30pm. At least, there was a group of 6 that showed up there. From there, this group, went east along Cracroft Island. By 8pm, they were off the Sophia Islands.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 20:56:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We ave been listening to (mostly distant) transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 22:17:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The transients are still in Johnstone Strait calling in sporadic bouts. They came up toward the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier and then after a period of silence their calls seemed louder once again on the Critical Point system.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 23:58:53 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have arrived back at the east end of the Reserve (from the east). Meanwhile, we had a group of transients which included T68 & T68A - thanks to Jackie & Stubbs Island for the IDs) - head south through Blackney Pass to Cracroft Point. Just as the rub started the transients turned and began to head west.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 16:54:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s have come west from the beaches. Meanwhile, the G25s turned up unexpectedly and briefly off CP. They must have come through Blackney Pass. They have been quite scattered and elusive all day but hopefully they now have connected with the A30s. They did seem to be "searching" ealier. No further word on the transients who were recently in Johnstone Strait as well.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 18:59:01 PDT
No orcas present.
If you are wondering what happened...you are not alone. The A30s and the G25s disappeared and we imagine that they went off to the east. However, there were no calls to support this or any other theory. The transients may have turned up once again off the entrance to Blackney, after a trip to the west, around 7:30pm. At least, there was a group of 6 that showed up there. From there, this group, went east along Cracroft Island. By 8pm, they were off the Sophia Islands.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 20:56:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We ave been listening to (mostly distant) transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 22:17:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The transients are still in Johnstone Strait calling in sporadic bouts. They came up toward the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier and then after a period of silence their calls seemed louder once again on the Critical Point system.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 23:58:53 PDT
Sunday, September 09, 2007
09 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of transients (yet to be identified) are off Izumi Rock (west of the Reserve). A group of dolphins is not too far away, off of the Sophias. The A30s are most likely off the Broken Island.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 10:53:26 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients turned out to be the T46 group once again. They went up to Weynton Pass and had a bite to eat (seal) and carried on. The A30s at 3pm were back off the Broken Island group. Meanwhile, sealions, humpbacks and myriad birds have kept us busy for the afternoon.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 17:09:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A group of transients (yet to be identified) are off Izumi Rock (west of the Reserve). A group of dolphins is not too far away, off of the Sophias. The A30s are most likely off the Broken Island.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 10:53:26 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients turned out to be the T46 group once again. They went up to Weynton Pass and had a bite to eat (seal) and carried on. The A30s at 3pm were back off the Broken Island group. Meanwhile, sealions, humpbacks and myriad birds have kept us busy for the afternoon.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 17:09:17 PDT
Thursday, September 06, 2007
06 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
A little bit handicapped last night with Critical Point down. However, there was movement. Just after midnight we had close A5 calls in the entrance of Blackney Pass. After a gap of 20 minutes we then began to hear A4s approach the entrance from the Johnstone Strait side. A group (the A4s?) travelled through Blackney to the north. Much later there was a brief but intense rub at the beaches. This morning, a male transient (T14) has been sighted off Weynton Island. Other blows have been sighted towards Blinkhorn, and T14 has turned toward this vocal group. Just now we are hearing distant transient calls continue in Johnstone Strait.(Critical is working again).
Helena
06 Sep 2007 09:22:32 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients were identified by Jared Towers as T14, T41, T44, and the T37s (who have not been seen very many times before). This group is past Port McNeill now andstill headed west. A wealth of humpbacks in the area. There is a steady count of 5 in the immediate area and probably others in Queen Charlotte Strait etc.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 13:45:58 PDT
No orcas present.
An amazingly uneventful rest of the day! There are whales still to the east although we had no updates today about what happened below. And no word about any resident activity to the west. The morning transients kept going west and the humpbacks kept going in circles. This day is almost done.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 23:11:21 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A little bit handicapped last night with Critical Point down. However, there was movement. Just after midnight we had close A5 calls in the entrance of Blackney Pass. After a gap of 20 minutes we then began to hear A4s approach the entrance from the Johnstone Strait side. A group (the A4s?) travelled through Blackney to the north. Much later there was a brief but intense rub at the beaches. This morning, a male transient (T14) has been sighted off Weynton Island. Other blows have been sighted towards Blinkhorn, and T14 has turned toward this vocal group. Just now we are hearing distant transient calls continue in Johnstone Strait.(Critical is working again).
Helena
06 Sep 2007 09:22:32 PDT
No orcas present.
The transients were identified by Jared Towers as T14, T41, T44, and the T37s (who have not been seen very many times before). This group is past Port McNeill now andstill headed west. A wealth of humpbacks in the area. There is a steady count of 5 in the immediate area and probably others in Queen Charlotte Strait etc.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 13:45:58 PDT
No orcas present.
An amazingly uneventful rest of the day! There are whales still to the east although we had no updates today about what happened below. And no word about any resident activity to the west. The morning transients kept going west and the humpbacks kept going in circles. This day is almost done.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 23:11:21 PDT
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
04 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Sorry, ity has been a while since we have posted a comment. This morning a small group of transients (the T101s) travelled west in Johnstone Strait from Robson Bight to points west. They were travelling quite fast. Meanwhile, the humpbacks, Chunky and Stripe returned to the area for the first time this year, coming out of Queen Charlotte Strait to Blackfish Sound. There they found 100+ dolphins and at least 80 sealions. A busy day despite the fact that the large 100+ residents remained in the east for the day. The good news from below is that since 1:45pm they are westbound from Ripple Point - Tonight sometime?
Helena
04 Sep 2007 15:15:40 PDT
No orcas present.
Sorry, ity has been a while since we have posted a comment. This morning a small group of transients (the T101s) travelled west in Johnstone Strait from Robson Bight to points west. They were travelling quite fast. Meanwhile, the humpbacks, Chunky and Stripe returned to the area for the first time this year, coming out of Queen Charlotte Strait to Blackfish Sound. There they found 100+ dolphins and at least 80 sealions. A busy day despite the fact that the large 100+ residents remained in the east for the day. The good news from below is that since 1:45pm they are westbound from Ripple Point - Tonight sometime?
Helena
04 Sep 2007 15:15:40 PDT
Monday, September 03, 2007
03 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT
Friday, August 24, 2007
24 August, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
The day just gets busier. A group of transient (T46s +) who were first seen about an hour ago in Weynton Pass have turned up off cracroft Point heading east. Meanwhile, it appears that the A30s have picked up the rest of the I31s and are headed back east in Queen Charlotte Strait. The A36s never went as far as the A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait have been in range from time to time. And finally (?) the A12s who must have gone east and not followed the big group out to the west two nights ago, are on their way west in Johnstone Strait and have past the Eve River.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 13:39:19 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The day just gets busier. A group of transient (T46s +) who were first seen about an hour ago in Weynton Pass have turned up off cracroft Point heading east. Meanwhile, it appears that the A30s have picked up the rest of the I31s and are headed back east in Queen Charlotte Strait. The A36s never went as far as the A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait have been in range from time to time. And finally (?) the A12s who must have gone east and not followed the big group out to the west two nights ago, are on their way west in Johnstone Strait and have past the Eve River.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 13:39:19 PDT
Saturday, August 11, 2007
11 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
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