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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
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
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
Monday, February 02, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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
MARK MALLESON, Victoria, BC Canada
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Transients in Weynton Pass
No calls but orcas nearby
Whales everywhere, both transients and residents! The A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and may have just come through Blackney Pass headed to Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, there were also transients in Weynton Pass. Last night, we heard distant A1 calls around 2:15am.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 16:06:16 PDT
Whales everywhere, both transients and residents! The A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and may have just come through Blackney Pass headed to Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, there were also transients in Weynton Pass. Last night, we heard distant A1 calls around 2:15am.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 16:06:16 PDT
Sunday, October 05, 2008
T55 within a group of 500 dolphins
No calls but orcas nearby
Our connection has been unstable today. However, here is a short update of the day's events so far. The A30s disappeared to the east, oast Robson Bight, around 3am. They recently have returned to the Bight (around 10am). Prior to the A30s' return, a small group of transients were in Blackney Pass in the middle of about 500 dolphins, sealions and two humpbacks. In a second, the dolphins and sealion porpoised awy to the west and the humpbacks disappeared. The transients lingered a while longer before sauntering off to the west also.
Helena
05 Oct 2008 11:38:41 PDT
No orcas present.
We heard from the A30s once again earlier this evening. They became quiet after reaching the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the transients of this morning turned out to be the T55s (thanks to Graeme Ellis for the identification and later updates) who apparently made an extensive tour of the whole area, ending up in Blackfish Sound at the same time the A30s were off Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait. They may have turned back to the west. Also, the Island Roamer found another transient group in Baronet Channel headed toward Knight Inlet. A busy and at times very wet day!
Helena
05 Oct 2008 22:33:48 PDT
Our connection has been unstable today. However, here is a short update of the day's events so far. The A30s disappeared to the east, oast Robson Bight, around 3am. They recently have returned to the Bight (around 10am). Prior to the A30s' return, a small group of transients were in Blackney Pass in the middle of about 500 dolphins, sealions and two humpbacks. In a second, the dolphins and sealion porpoised awy to the west and the humpbacks disappeared. The transients lingered a while longer before sauntering off to the west also.
Helena
05 Oct 2008 11:38:41 PDT
No orcas present.
We heard from the A30s once again earlier this evening. They became quiet after reaching the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the transients of this morning turned out to be the T55s (thanks to Graeme Ellis for the identification and later updates) who apparently made an extensive tour of the whole area, ending up in Blackfish Sound at the same time the A30s were off Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait. They may have turned back to the west. Also, the Island Roamer found another transient group in Baronet Channel headed toward Knight Inlet. A busy and at times very wet day!
Helena
05 Oct 2008 22:33:48 PDT
Monday, September 01, 2008
Transients resting
Seasmoke reports
This morning orcas were sighted out in front of Alert Bay, just ahead of passengers arriving to board and so it was with much excitement that the tour got underway. It turned out to be the same seven Transient orcas (mammal feeders, mostly marine) who were in the area two days ago, on August 30; the T34’s, T37’s and T72. When SV met up with the orcas they had just finished feeding and were resting and passengers were able to view these transient orcas in their relaxed state. Resting is rarely seen in transients , representing less than 3 % of their overall activity, as compared to 10-15% for residents. Passengers observed that the resting transients were uninterested in two Harbour Porpoises swimming nearby. After a time, the orcas began to travel to the west, passing west of Pultney Point on Malcolm Island.
This morning orcas were sighted out in front of Alert Bay, just ahead of passengers arriving to board and so it was with much excitement that the tour got underway. It turned out to be the same seven Transient orcas (mammal feeders, mostly marine) who were in the area two days ago, on August 30; the T34’s, T37’s and T72. When SV met up with the orcas they had just finished feeding and were resting and passengers were able to view these transient orcas in their relaxed state. Resting is rarely seen in transients , representing less than 3 % of their overall activity, as compared to 10-15% for residents. Passengers observed that the resting transients were uninterested in two Harbour Porpoises swimming nearby. After a time, the orcas began to travel to the west, passing west of Pultney Point on Malcolm Island.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Transients in JS
Seasmoke reports
We first sighted the A12’s off Weynton Passage as they crossed over to the VI shore in the heavy flood current. A55 was foraging steadily in the current off on his own while A34 and the rest of her offspring were foraging and at times could be seen resting, near to the VI shore; their beautiful A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone. They soon began to travel east, crossing over to Cracroft Point and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing as they foraged nearby the boat in the flood current at Blakney Passage. On our way home, when heading back to the west, 7 Transient orcas were also sighted traveling east down the VI shore. They had been identified as the T34’s, T37’s and T72. The sightings of Transient orcas this summer has been few and so it was an afternoon made even more interesting by their appearance in Johnstone Strait.
We first sighted the A12’s off Weynton Passage as they crossed over to the VI shore in the heavy flood current. A55 was foraging steadily in the current off on his own while A34 and the rest of her offspring were foraging and at times could be seen resting, near to the VI shore; their beautiful A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone. They soon began to travel east, crossing over to Cracroft Point and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing as they foraged nearby the boat in the flood current at Blakney Passage. On our way home, when heading back to the west, 7 Transient orcas were also sighted traveling east down the VI shore. They had been identified as the T34’s, T37’s and T72. The sightings of Transient orcas this summer has been few and so it was an afternoon made even more interesting by their appearance in Johnstone Strait.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008
5 August, 2008
Begin Encounter: 4:18 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 34.45 N
Start Long: 123° 02.20 W
End Encounter: 6:18 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 31.67 N
End Long: 123° 56.20 W
Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Erin Heydenreich, Courtney Smith and Mackenzie Consoier
Center for Whale Research staff responded to a report of transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008. The T124's, T20, T21 and T90 were encountered traveling south in a tight group mid channel north of Friday Harbor. The Center followed the whales past Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island, where the encounter ended at 6:18 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 4:18 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 34.45 N
Start Long: 123° 02.20 W
End Encounter: 6:18 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 31.67 N
End Long: 123° 56.20 W
Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Erin Heydenreich, Courtney Smith and Mackenzie Consoier
Center for Whale Research staff responded to a report of transients in San Juan Channel, August 5, 2008. The T124's, T20, T21 and T90 were encountered traveling south in a tight group mid channel north of Friday Harbor. The Center followed the whales past Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island, where the encounter ended at 6:18 p.m.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Orcas near mics.
We have been listening to T14 who followed the rest of the transients through Blackney Pass. He continued into Johnstone Strait where, once off Cracroft Point, he became vocal. The others had already moved into Baronet Pass (the north side of Cracroft Island adjacent to Blackney Pass). T14 moved back into the entrance of Blackney Pass, still in Johnstone Strait, and continued to call. He is still westbound while the others continued east up Baronet. The residents are continuing eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 16:17:19 PDT
Helena
21 Jul 2008 16:17:19 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,A8s and A23s are moving west again opposite the Sophia islands. Meanwhile, yesterday's transient group (T124, T124D, T124E, T90s, T21s) are eastbound in Blackfish Sound not far from Blackney Pass. They took a dalls porpoise a short while ago.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 14:51:17 PDT
Helena
21 Jul 2008 14:51:17 PDT
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Orcalab reports:
Last night, the Boat Bay camp heard 5-6 blows in the Reserve. Just now a small group of transients are headed into Knights Inlet quickly.
Helena
20 Jul 2008 12:37:13 PDT
Helena
20 Jul 2008 12:37:13 PDT
Friday, July 18, 2008
Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The excitment this afternoon was the reports of T14 making progress eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait. We waited and waited but we never saw him.
Helena
18 Jul 2008 19:21:56 PDT
The excitment this afternoon was the reports of T14 making progress eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait. We waited and waited but we never saw him.
Helena
18 Jul 2008 19:21:56 PDT
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
T20, T21, T69A, and T69A1
No calls but orcas nearby
Apparently, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) has found a small group of transients in the vicinity of Blackfish Sound. We also just saw a humpback moving slowly south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 14:48:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The small group of transients reported earlier have made their way through Blackney Pass headed toward Johnstone Strait. The male remained offshore while the 2 females and calf followed the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:07:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned and went back to Blackfish Sound!
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:50:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Stubbs Island identified the whales as T20, T21, T69A, T69A1.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 17:20:32 PDT
Apparently, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) has found a small group of transients in the vicinity of Blackfish Sound. We also just saw a humpback moving slowly south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 14:48:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The small group of transients reported earlier have made their way through Blackney Pass headed toward Johnstone Strait. The male remained offshore while the 2 females and calf followed the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:07:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned and went back to Blackfish Sound!
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:50:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Stubbs Island identified the whales as T20, T21, T69A, T69A1.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 17:20:32 PDT
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Transients in Blackfish sound
Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
A small group of transients travelled through Blackney Pass this morning headed toward Blackfish Sound. There were no calls. The whales looked relaxed as they travelled along. The sea is calm and the sky sunny, lovely. We will resume audio streamig tomorrow.
Helena
31 May 2008 09:25:48 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A small group of transients travelled through Blackney Pass this morning headed toward Blackfish Sound. There were no calls. The whales looked relaxed as they travelled along. The sea is calm and the sky sunny, lovely. We will resume audio streamig tomorrow.
Helena
31 May 2008 09:25:48 PDT
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
27 May 2008, The Centre for Whale research reports:
May 27, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 5:00 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 5:36 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 31.43 N
Start Long: 123° 13.37 W
End Encounter: 6:35 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 35.93 N
End Long: 123° 14.40 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:35 p.m.
Observers: Ken Balcomb, John Durban, Erin Heydenreich
T102 and T20 were traveling at a medium pace nothbound through Haro Straight about 200 meters from T21,T101,T101A and T101C.
**
T40 off Victoria.
T40 inbound from Race Rocks headed for Victoria
**
May 27, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 5:00 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 5:36 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 31.43 N
Start Long: 123° 13.37 W
End Encounter: 6:35 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 35.93 N
End Long: 123° 14.40 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:35 p.m.
Observers: Ken Balcomb, John Durban, Erin Heydenreich
T102 and T20 were traveling at a medium pace nothbound through Haro Straight about 200 meters from T21,T101,T101A and T101C.
**
T40 off Victoria.
T40 inbound from Race Rocks headed for Victoria
**
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
18 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
We headed out from Victoria across to the Haro Strait and approx. a couple of miles SE of Kelp Reef, at 1345, we just happen to come acrosss 2 lone Transients, one identified as T20 (and the other T21?). We proceeded to observe them as they headed north, and left them with other WW boats off the east side of Sidney Island at around 1445.
Tim Hunt
Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student
We headed out from Victoria across to the Haro Strait and approx. a couple of miles SE of Kelp Reef, at 1345, we just happen to come acrosss 2 lone Transients, one identified as T20 (and the other T21?). We proceeded to observe them as they headed north, and left them with other WW boats off the east side of Sidney Island at around 1445.
Tim Hunt
Orca Spirit/former Beam Reach student
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