25 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Around 7:43am we began to hear the A30s in the distance in Johnstone Strait. The Alaska ferry was coming west through the Strait at the same time. It has since cleared into Blackfish Sound after coming through Blackney. The whales are still calling.
Helena
25 Nov 2006 08:27:24 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We now understand that the whales are west of Cracroft Point.
Helena
25 Nov 2006 09:48:50 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s continued west and around 2pm were heading toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
25 Nov 2006 14:46:10 PST

22 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Eary this morning the A30s headed east past Robson Bight. The last calls were around 3am.
Helena
22 Nov 2006 08:59:00 PST

21 November 2006, Orcalab reports

Boat noise

We began hearing the A30s in Johnstone Strait a short while ago, but now we're only hearing boat noise!
Helena
21 Nov 2006 23:30:21 PST

20 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear the A30s in Blackfish Sound. The calls are very distant.
Helena
20 Nov 2006 10:39:52 PST

Distant calls audible.

There are now distant A1 calls in Johnstone Strait along with a lot of boat noise. The A30s may have used Weynton Pass to re-enter the Strait.
Helena
20 Nov 2006 12:34:26 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are now off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
20 Nov 2006 16:39:18 PST

No orcas present.

We believe the A30s travelled past Robson Bight to the east a short while ago.
helena
20 Nov 2006 23:04:17 PST

18 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A30s have returned to Johnstone Strait with the I31s. They are presently getting close to Robson Bight & are calling frequently. Boat noise is persistent in the background of an otherwise lovely recording.
Helena
18 Nov 2006 00:54:55 PST

No orcas present.

In addition to the I31s and the A30s in Johnstone Strait early this morning, there was also a vocal humpback (maybe even two) somewhere between Cracroft Point and Robson Bight.
Helena
18 Nov 2006 17:02:29 PST

16 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, followed by the other A1s, headed north through Blackney Pass just before & just after daylight, and are presently in Blackfish Sound. We're listening to their lovely calls without boat noise, and are sorry not to be able to share them with you, as our connection is still down.
Helena
16 Nov 2006 08:54:18 PST

15 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We have re-established our connection. let us know how it sounds. The A30s were in Johnstone Strait earlier today. They were ever so briefly vocal around 10am and sounded as if they were not too far off Robson Bight. There are also dolphins around, first in Blackfish Sound last night and then into Johnstone Strait. The heavy rain & southeast winds are over. it is now blowing hard from the northwest.
Helena
15 Nov 2006 15:40:48 PST

Superb sounds!!

Hey it is an A1 day! The A30s,A12s and the A36s (vocal at the moment) have travelled south through Blackney Pass on their way to Johnstone Strait. They look like they might be excited by the prospect! We are.
Helena
15 Nov 2006 16:28:14 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, A12s, and A36s are in Johnstone Strait now.
Helena
15 Nov 2006 17:09:50 PST

Performing maintenance

Unfortunately, we lost our connection again earlier this evening, while we were enjoying listening to all the A1 matrilines being together. This time, the problem is beyond our control, but we're hoping to be "up" again tomorrow. Please excuse the inconvenience.
Paul & Helena
15 Nov 2006 23:11:00 PST

14 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

We've been listening to occasional A1 calls in western Johnstone Strait since late this afternoon, probably from the A30s. They've been silent for the past hour, so we're not sure where they are at the moment. We are waiting.
Helena
14 Nov 2006 19:57:27 PST

13 November 2006: Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s continued eastward earlier and currently are off Robson Bight in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Nov 2006 04:01:23 PST

Distant calls audible.

After commenting on the lack of consistent calls when single groups are around the A30s have done well by calling throughout the night while moving around Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Nov 2006 08:31:39 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are travelling north through Blackney Pass on their way after their chatty night to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Nov 2006 10:56:20 PST

Orcas relaxing.

The whales (probably A30s) have made it back into the Strait. We're listening to their "resting calls" on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
13 Nov 2006 21:27:05 PST

12 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are off the entrance to Blackney Pass and may be headed into Blackney from Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Nov 2006 21:51:55 PST

Boat noise

The slack tide to an ebb brought a lot of traffic past & through the entrance to Blackney Pass. The A30s are still in the Strait.
Helena
12 Nov 2006 23:02:13 PST

11 November Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have headed east past Robson Bight. When first heard this morning they were east of Cracroft Point already.
Helena
11 Nov 2006 07:48:15 PST

Distant calls audible.

Hmmm... The last comment needs revision. The A30s are still west of Robson Bight perhaps closer to Cracroft Point. The tide will ebb at 9:18 am PST and this may be influencing their direction.
Helena
11 Nov 2006 08:26:54 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have been off the entrance to Blackney Pass for the last while.
Helena
11 Nov 2006 09:58:48 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We just heard from the MacKays that there are about a dozen whales in Beaver Cove foraging. So this means that besides the A30s, who were east of Beaver Cove until recently, there are other groups in the Strait as well. Exciting!
Helena
11 Nov 2006 10:59:21 PST

Distant calls audible.

We started to record at 4:15pm soon after the first clear A30 call in Johnstone Strait. The A30s are now on both the Critical Point and Cracroft systems, perhaps heading east. We also had another two reports about other orcas. At noon, a group was seen heading west past Ledge Point near Port McNeill. Also, a lone male was seen at the top end of Blackfish Sound just before noon. Tempting to think that these whales were transients.
Helena
11 Nov 2006 17:18:20 PST

Distant calls audible.

Tracking a single group is probably harder than doing 10 because of the long gaps between bursts. Keeps us on our toes but also scratching our heads from time to time. The A30s are still being heard on Critical Point and CP. They may be east of CP now but they seemed very spread out with independent calls on both these stations.
Helena
11 Nov 2006 19:10:09 PST

10 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Boat noise

We began hearing "A1" calls a short while ago, and think at least the A30s are off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Boat noise is now dominating.
Helena
10 Nov 2006 22:06:30 PST

Distant calls audible.

The boat noise has gone & we've resumed listening to the A30s & possibly other A1s in Johnstone Strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. The calls sound loudest on the Parson Island hydrophone, but are also on the Cracroft Point & Critical Point hydrophones.
Helena
10 Nov 2006 23:41:15 PST

04 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Yesterday the A12s and the A30s came back into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass and headed east from there. Today has been uneventful.
Helena
04 Nov 2006 20:41:50 PST

03 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

We still have our broadcast problems but for the last several hours we have been listening to the A12s and the A30s at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The calls have stopped and we are not sure where the whales ended up.
Helena
03 Nov 2006 13:33:54 PST

02 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Around 8pm last night the A30s turned up in Blackfish Sound and travelled south through Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. Once through the Pass they met up with the A12s who may have returned to the Strait via Weynton Pass. It was an energetic meeting. But as if an echo of October 28th both groups just vanished off our radar. Finally, just before 3am we heard A1 calls once again in the Strait. The calls didn't last long and it has been quiet since. Stormy day today.
Helena
02 Nov 2006 08:13:42 PST

Orcas near mics.

Of course, as soon as we posted the no calls sign, the whales turned up off of Robson Bight. Both the A12s and the A30s are likely westbound in Johnstone Strait. There is also loud boat noise.
Helena
02 Nov 2006 08:28:15 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s and the A30s came west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Two hours before the slack to ebb tide they began their entrance into the Pass & into view. With the A12s in the lead the whales have slowly made their way towards Blackfish Sound. The A30s are now opposite the Lab mid channel while the A12s are most likely already in Blackfish Sound. Good calls from both groups. Very sorry we are still unable to broadcast sound.
Helena
02 Nov 2006 12:50:30 PST

28 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s and the A12s are back in Johnstone Strait heading east toward Robson Bight. We first heard their calls at 6:25 am.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 08:54:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s (A33 in the lead) and the A30s just passed through Blackney Pass again. They are now in Blackfish Sound heading west. Again they were very relaxed in the absence of any boats. The "kids" were particularly energetic doing breaches and roll overs several times. A39 seemed to pace himself at the back of the main grouping. A38 was not too far away from A55.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 11:37:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s have contiued to call throughout the day while in Blackfish Sound. All of their calls have been very distant leading us to suppose they "hung" out at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The calls are just now a bit stronger and the tide is coming this direction now although there is very little associated current with this high tide. Maybe it will be enought to encourage the whales back this way. Heavy rain & moderate wind today.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 16:31:28 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Well they did it. The A12s and the A30s are travelling through Blackney Pass. A12 and A33 were way in front. The"kids" & young mums from both groups were bunched together, still very playful. There were lots of spyhops but no breaches this time. A55 was was with A34 while A39 and A38 foraged. The progress south is quite slow with lots of stops & turns but they are more than half way through.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 17:40:53 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Its been weird and wonderful off of Cracroft Point but the whales now seem like they are settling down to a rest. A tug just entered the Strait and it is now quite noisy.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 18:58:07 PDT

Boat noise

An added note: We have had good news from the DFO. Earlier we thought G23 (G17s) was missing. She is a relatively young mother and her loss would have been very sad and unexpected. Happily, it seems she is fine and still with her group. Meanwhile: The A12s and A30s are now continuing eastward toward the Reserve. We still do not know what happened to the A36s and the Gs after we lost track of them when they headed east a few days ago.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 19:11:36 PDT

No orcas present.

All quiet after the tug passed the whales in the Strait.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 21:41:05 PDT

27 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Just so you know: the A12s (we think all of them were there) and the A30s passed back through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound this morning on the slack tide. They were through Blackney by 9:25am. Both groups looked very relaxed. There were several breaches, some foraging, lots of tail slaps from the kids, and everyone was rolling around as well. They stayed in Blackfish Sound for a while until presumably they caught the ebb tide and moved on.
Helena
27 Oct 2006 12:21:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just before dark and just before the slack tide,the A30s and the A12s, came into Blackney Pass and headed into Blackfish Sound where they are now. They were still very relaxed and "opened up" vocally while in the Pass.
Helena
27 Oct 2006 19:34:41 PDT

26 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

These distant A1 calls are in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Oct 2006 00:06:51 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are experiencing connection problems & are unable to stream live audio at the moment. Please excuse the inconvenience - we'll be back again as soon as possible, hopefully later today. Just now, all the "A1" groups are in Johnstone Strait, along with several G clan groups.
Paul & Helena
26 Oct 2006 09:05:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Currently we are listening to the A30s and possibly the A12s as well. Earlier today the A30s left the Strait (around 2:30am) and then returned to the Strait with the A12s,A36s and G clan groups possibly via Weynton Pass. We were experiencing a power outage around the time the whales arrived in the Strait and so can't be sure which route they actually took. Regardless, they continued east past CP and Robson Bight. The A12s and the A30s hung back for a while and the A30s came back to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Since then, and quite recently, the A12s resurfaced. Both groups continue to be vocal in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Oct 2006 17:20:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just a very short while ago we had a largish group of whales silently travel Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. We suspect that this was likely the A30s and maybe even the A12s heard earlier heading west in Johnstone Strait. Possibly these whales circled Hanson Island via Weynton & Blackney Passes. Horrible boat noise at the moment as yet another tug travels south through the Pass.
Helena
26 Oct 2006 22:11:47 PDT

25 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are clearly back in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Oct 2006 01:56:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have continued to move around Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Oct 2006 09:24:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are getting closer to the Cracroft Point hydrophone & there is no boat noise - lovely calls.
Helena
25 Oct 2006 09:38:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are making their way quickly through Blackney Pass headed for Blackfish Sound. A38 took the lead while A39 made the passage along with A30, the A50s. The A54s were slightly ahead of A39's group.
Helena
25 Oct 2006 10:13:44 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s seem to have gone out of range of the Flower Island hydrophone. Time will tell if they kept going west into Queen Charlotte Strait or turned into Weynton Passage on the floding tide.
Helena
25 Oct 2006 13:59:47 PDT

15 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

We began hearing calls on the Cracroft Point hydrophone a short while ago. Sounds like the A30s are returning from the east. Other orcas may be nearby as well.
Helena
15 Oct 2006 05:59:34 PDT

Orcas relaxing.

We're now hearing A & G clan "resting" calls on the Parson Island hydrophone & can also hear blows in Blackney Pass. Sounds like the orcas are heading north through Blackney Pass. Probably, the "A1" calls we were hearing earlier were from the A36s rather than the A30s.
Helena
15 Oct 2006 06:20:51 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

So here is what we know. Around 5:30am, we heard A1 calls off Cracroft Point. Soon after there were both A1 and G calls in the entrance to Blackney Pass. The G calls unfortunately ceased. However, we are fairly confident that the A12s entered the Strait at this time and headed east. Independent of the A12 calls was another A1 group further east. To make matters more complicated as the A12s were entering a group headed north in Blackney Pass. As this group reached Blackfish Sound we heard a few A1 N3 calls so we know one of the 3 A1 groups went that direction. Acoustic discrimination was difficult because the group only made "resting calls" .Then as if this wasn't enough activity, a small group of transients headed south through Blackney around 8am. We have since heard the A12s travel past Critical Point and continue east. Whew! and it is not yet 10am. Hopefully, we will get the chance to sort out who left & who stayed later today.
Helena
15 Oct 2006 09:33:44 PDT

14 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

It sounds like the A30s have made their way as far west as the vicinity Robson Bight - we're listening to their calls. without boat noise, on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 00:21:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are slowly making their way west from the area off the Bight & toward Cracroft Point.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 01:48:03 PDT

Superb sounds!!

How clear was that! The humpback somewhere between CP and Critical Point is calling along with the A30s!
Helena
14 Oct 2006 02:27:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s never made it all the way to Cracroft Point. Around 3am they turned around and headed back toward Robson Bight and now it seems as if they have passed Critical Point and are continuing east. The humpback was still audible not too long ago as well.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 05:36:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Jim Borrowman let us know that he thinks the I11s are between the Penfold Is. and Bold Head. They are foraging but generally headed east. The A30s,A36s and the Gs are still to the east and the humpbacks are quiet. The sun is trying after a refreshing rain.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 11:54:53 PDT

13 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Hmmm.... these whales are a difficult read. We did not hear any no calls overnight & don't know what happened to the G & A clan groups we were hearing near Robson Bight last evening.
Helena
13 Oct 2006 08:33:27 PDT

No orcas present.

Today we did hear of orcas to the east. Most of the groups were headed east except for the A30s were apparently west bound off Kelsey Bay this afternoon. Strange Fall, normally the whales favour the western reaches of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Oct 2006 16:24:43 PDT

12 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

No calls overnight lead us to believe the Gs, the A30s and the A36s kept to the eastern regions of Johnstone Strait. We now know, thanks to reports from DFO, that neither the i11s or I31s were present, only "G" groups.
Helena
12 Oct 2006 09:41:07 PDT

No orcas present.

We have still not heard the Gs and the A1s return from the east, although, we did hear a report that they were not too far from the eastern end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
12 Oct 2006 18:51:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Before the inevitable boat noise those beautiful G calls were on Critical Point. Finally, the whales are coming back to the west.
Helena
12 Oct 2006 21:36:25 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We've heard no calls for over an hour, but think the G & A clan groups we were listening to earlier (before boat noise intruded) are probably not far away. We are waiting.
Helena
12 Oct 2006 23:08:28 PDT

11 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas relaxing.

It sounds like the groups that were reported in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday afternoon have now come into Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing occasional A & G clan "resting" calls since around 5am, when the orcas were in Blackfish Sound. They were silent going through Blackney Pass but became briefly vocal when they entered Johnstone Strait.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 06:45:02 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to several G clan groups (I31s, I11s, G17s, probably others) along with the A30s and A36s, since they arrived in the vicinity of Robsn Bight about 2 hours ago. Boat noise has intruded occasionally, but there have been periods with just lovely orca calls as well. At the moment, we're hearing no calls, so it's possible the orcas have now moved to the east, past Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 09:50:03 PDT

No orcas present.

All those whales and all to the east since 10am this morning! Most likely most of G clan were with the A30s and the A36s. We didn't hear the I15s and it was unclear if both the I11s and the I31s were there. Fortunately, what goes east will come back at some point.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 21:55:41 PDT

10 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Very sorry that the connection has been down. It should be okay now. While we were down the A30s turned up again this morning. (we did not hear calls last night). The A30s were very clear (near) Critical Point in Johnstone Strait. Since about 11:30am they have been either silent or out of range. The fog has now cleared and it is a beautiful Fall day here.
Helena
10 Oct 2006 12:55:21 PDT

No orcas present.

Sorry it seems we had a further problem BUT this is now fixed and hopefully we are back on track. Still no calls since 11:30am and we are not sure where the A30s ended up.
Helena
10 Oct 2006 17:15:42 PDT

No orcas present.

We found out tonight that the A30s went off to Queen Charlotte Strait today. They were last seen heading out to Numas Island. Thanks to the Naiad Explorer (MacKay Whale Watching) for the report. While out on Queen Charlotte Strait the MacKays heard other As and Gs in the distance so possibly new groups are returning to the area and the A30s are off to meet up with them. Exciting news! The tide will be flooding again early in the morning.
Helena
10 Oct 2006 21:27:53 PDT

09 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

All quiet after the A30s moved on to the east after their beautiful session in Robson Bight around midnight last night. The wind is calm once again and the sun is trying.
Helena
09 Oct 2006 09:53:28 PDT

08 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Ah Ha! There be whales off Cracroft Point. The A30s?
Helena
08 Oct 2006 14:32:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

From Cracroft Point the A30s moved eastward to Rpbson Bight.
Helena
08 Oct 2006 16:50:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are again closing in on the Bight. Beautiful almost full moon.
Helena
08 Oct 2006 20:33:11 PDT

06 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight & think the A30s are probably still somewhere to the east of us in Johnstone Strait. We are waiting.
Helena
06 Oct 2006 11:00:03 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Just a short while ago we heard transient calls at the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
06 Oct 2006 15:22:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There be A30s too. In addition to the transients the A30s were located on the opposite side of the Strait heading west, close to the Cracroft Island side. Interesting the transients were vocal, the residents silent.
Helena
06 Oct 2006 16:42:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those transients are still vocal! And still moving west in Johnstone Strait. Where are the A30s now?
Helena
06 Oct 2006 18:24:30 PDT

05 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The Naiad Explorer found the A30s this morning in Queen Charlotte Strait just north of Swanson Island. They are apparently in a pllayful mood with the "boys" off doing the serious fishing. The map will indicate the area they are closest to but the whales are still west of the range of our Flower Island/Blackfish Sound hydrophone
Helena
05 Oct 2006 12:39:37 PDT

Distant calls audible.

And the A30s are now in range and headed into Blackfish Sound.
Helena
05 Oct 2006 13:05:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s after being fairly quiet as they travelled through Blackfish Sound "opened up" as they entered Blackney Pass. Perhaps this was important to them as they were quite spread out as they travelled and they needed to stay in "touch". A39 and A30 made a pair and travelled well ahead of the others. Then came the A54s followed by the A50s and A38. As they rounded the corner their calls intensified as they negotiated their way around the turn into Johnstone Strait - always an important acoustic space for them. Disappointing that boat noise accompanied their movement through Blackney and into Johnstone Strait. Until the one boat following them, Blackney Pass had been peaceful. A moment lost... and now they are once agin in the busy, noisy Strait and on toward the Reserve.
Helena
05 Oct 2006 15:47:30 PDT

04 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We were not aware of any movement overnight within the area covered by the network. We last heard the A30s as they were moving east past the Reserve and Robson Bight.
Helena
04 Oct 2006 09:22:01 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Ever since 10:30am the A30s have been moving steadily to the west from the eastern end of Cracoft Island. They are now off CP.
Helena
04 Oct 2006 14:54:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The very silent A30s have just travelled Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
04 Oct 2006 16:01:30 PDT

03 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

Not orcas but dolphins. The large group of Pacific Whitesided dolphins came from the east and are now off Robson Bight. Amazing sounds!. The A30s went the other direction past Critical Point just before midnight.
Helena
03 Oct 2006 02:39:32 PDT

No orcas present.

Thought it might be an idea to catch up with today's news. The orcas have not showed up but a large group of dolphins were recently off the Plumper Islands (western end of Hanson Island). They were swimming around a couple of Humpback whales.
Helena
03 Oct 2006 14:13:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just after posting the last comment I put the earphones on and realised that there are distant dolphin calls in Blackfish Sound and both rubbing and odd sounds within the Reserve.
Helena
03 Oct 2006 14:17:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are travelling west past the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Oct 2006 15:07:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Well, maybe, just maybe the A30s have turned east again.
Helena
03 Oct 2006 17:57:33 PDT

02 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

For almost the past two hours we have been listening to the A30s as they travel through Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2006 02:19:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30's passed the rubbing beaches few minutes ago only offshore. It sounds like they continiue to the east.
melanie@OL
02 Oct 2006 03:08:47 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Wild and wonderful. The a30s are back off Critical Point and despite the boat noise this is amazing. They are headed west.
Helena
02 Oct 2006 11:00:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30's came this morning up to CRPT from the east and went up to Cp where they built a resting line and turned again to the east. 25min ago we had ecolocation on CRPT. We are waiting for them to coming up to the Rubbing Beaches.
melanie
02 Oct 2006 18:13:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Around 7:20pm the A30s came back from east of Critical Point and travelled west. A short while ago their distant calls are still audible in johnstone Strait. It is not clear how far to the west they have currently come. On the last run to the west they only got as far as Cracroft Point before they turned back to the east. No word on the A12s so far today.
Helena
02 Oct 2006 20:41:37 PDT

Distant calls audible.

This helps: the A30s are still east of Cracroft Point perhaps already moving back toward the Bight.
Helena
02 Oct 2006 20:51:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Hmmm... not going east but west to CP! The A30s sound as if they are spread out but now approaching Cracroft Point. Calls are quite infrequent.
Helena
02 Oct 2006 21:27:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After CP back to the Bight.
Helena
02 Oct 2006 22:24:51 PDT

01 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins and orcas both in Johnstone Strait. The A1s ssound like they have returned via Weynton Pass. The dolphin group, may be the 400+ strong group which went east yesterday and may be taking up a goodly stretch of the Strait.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 05:54:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s came up from the east briefly and then turned back quickly off of Critical Point. The Naiad Explorer reports that the A12s are in Browning Pass (western Queen Charlotte Strait). The dolphins we heard earlier this morning were later reported off the Eve River still travelling eastward.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 11:36:03 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are spending a little bit of time at the beaches right now.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 12:10:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are heading back west past Robson Bight. The boat noise is mostly the fish boats moving about in advance of the fishing opening later.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 13:21:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s continued west past CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass. Around 3:30pm they were off the Big Bay/Little Kaiakash area. Unfortunately, they were being harassed while moving westward. Sad... when people do not respect the whales.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 16:44:41 PDT

No orcas present.

All "quiet" after the A30s faded off into the distance. The big question is which way. We are betting they went west into Weynton Pass and out but there were no real definite signs so we will wait and listen and see.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 21:59:17 PDT

30 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Just after writing the last report the A30s started calling in Johnstone Strait. The A12s are still making their way to Blackfish Sound. It sounded from the blows as if A12 and A33 were out in front with the A34s following.
Helena
30 Sep 2006 06:31:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have now followed the path of the A12s up to CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass. A large tug heading south through Blackney Pass will soon drown out the nice calls for a while. The A12s seem to have continued west from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
30 Sep 2006 08:54:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just a short while ago there were fairly close dolphin vocals on Critical Point. Apparently, 400+ dolphins came into Johnstone Strait last night. Some went through Weynton Pass and just before midnight a small group wer in Blackney Pass. The A30s have left the Strait. They travelled through Blackney Pass to the north. They breached 15 times in a row and then a few more times before leaving our view to the north. They have just started calling. The A12s are further west in Queen Charlotte Strait foraging and milling.
Helena
30 Sep 2006 11:44:14 PDT

29 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Calls ended around 1:30am when the A30s passed offshore of the rubbing beaches and continued east. We lost track of the A12s when they were passing the entrance to Blackney Pass around 8:30pm. It is possible they continued along with the A30s or did something completely different. It will be interesting today to see what happens.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 08:41:52 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are on their way back to the west via the rubbing beaches. They don't sound too, too energetic yet.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 09:09:27 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Westward to Robson Bight! It was the A30s who touched in for a nice rub before continuing west. The day is trying to be foggy but still patchy.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 09:57:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s continued "up" the Strait and are now mid strait between Kaikash Creek and Blinkhorn. The A12s are following and have reached the "Pig Ranch" (near the Sophia Island east of CP). They are also mid strait.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 13:08:58 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s followed the A12s into Blackney Pass. The calls are wonderful! The whales are very excited, breaching as they go. Company coming?
Helena
29 Sep 2006 14:33:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s and the A30s are now in Blackfish Sound. A tug is heading south now through Blackney.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 14:45:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sorrry, around 5:20pm the A12s and the A30s were seen travelling toward Johnstone Strai via Weynton Passage (thanks to the MapleLeaf). They have arrived in the Strait and have been calling since entering and travelling east.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 18:52:31 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Moving on, the A30s and the A12s have steadily moved closer to Robson Bight on their journey eastward.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 20:49:35 PDT

28 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

Back to the Bight. The A30s have moved eastward once more and are back within the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 02:22:55 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s after reaching Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass continued east and passed Robson Bight by 5am. The A30s had passed Robson Bight earlier around 2:30am.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 08:35:25 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Swinging back to the west with a stop over at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 10:11:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

And now up to Robson Bight and the west beyond.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 10:46:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s are continuing westward past the entrance to Blackney Pass. They are favouring the Hanson Island side of the Strait.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 12:47:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are now in Blackfish Sound after travelling north together through Blackney Pass. The A12s followed and are now 1/2 the distance through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. Like the A30s they are silent and travelling close to each other. Sunny clear afternoon.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 16:09:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At least the A12s came back to the Strait via Weynton Pass. They are silent now but most likely continuing eastward past CP etc.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 21:18:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are there as well!
Helena
28 Sep 2006 21:37:00 PDT

27 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are once again headed back toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
27 Sep 2006 04:31:46 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And now at the beaches!
Helena
27 Sep 2006 06:31:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Bouncing back, the A30s are off the Ecological Reserve heading west.
Helena
27 Sep 2006 10:05:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Actually the A30s are further along & probably past the Reserve.
Helena
27 Sep 2006 10:15:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have been spread out while they travelled west. They got just shy of Blinkhorn before they turned back to the east. Very foggy this morning so thanks to Stubbs Island for this report.
Helena
27 Sep 2006 11:28:23 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are at the Beaches.
Helena
27 Sep 2006 15:08:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After a satisfying rub the A30s turned back to the west and have just passed Critical Point. The fog lifted for 1/2 hour, glorious blue sky & sea, now a sunny grey day again.
Helena
27 Sep 2006 15:41:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s finally wrenched themselves from the area around Robson Bight and moved on to the west. They are past CP & the entrance of Blackney Pass and continuing westward.
Helena
27 Sep 2006 19:07:20 PDT

26 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas relaxing.

Very infrequent resting calls from the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 11:02:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s, who spent the morning off the western end of Blackfish Sound, finally moved on to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. The A12s have not showed up but last night we had the impression that they may have slipped back to the east past robson Bight. The tide is just turning to the flood.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 13:29:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are calling as they travel eastward.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 14:08:36 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s continued east to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 17:17:11 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Starting at 6:40 the A30s moved past Critical Point to the west. They came up as far as the entrance to Blackney Pass before they turned back again.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 20:02:27 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s have been hanging out not too far from Robson Bight. The boat noise (this boat is taking forever) has now become quite loud as the boat nears Critical Point. The A30s may have gone around Critical Point to the east.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 22:27:54 PDT

25 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s may have company. The A12s are entering Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 00:38:47 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s sound as if they were closer to Critical Point as the a12s went around Cracroft Point. There is quite the exchange going on at the moment as the groups meet up in the Strait.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 00:45:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

What a long conversattion! The A12s and the A30s remained in Johnstone Strait for the night, moving mostly back and forth within the area east of CP.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 07:57:51 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s are approaching the entrance of Blackney Pass from the east. The A30s may still be further east of them.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 09:14:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s headed into Blackney Pass from the Strait and are now on their way to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 09:43:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s did not go very far into Queen Charlotte Strait this morning. They have been shifting around the area off of Stubbs Island, Donegal Head and Bold Head. Together for part of the time they have split into their respective groups crossing the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 14:10:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We believe the A12s decided for Weynton Pass as a route to the Strait. The A30s are still at the western end of Blackfish Sound, undecided.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 14:39:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are now off CP. Still wondering what the A30s will do.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 15:42:29 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s moved off of CP and headed to the Ecological Reserve and possibly kept going east from there. The A30s may have headed off to Queen Charlotte Strait and the west. All has been quiet since the A12s neared Critical Point.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 20:13:12 PDT

24 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

It was quiet over night. The A30s are fairlyelusive. We were last aware of them off of CP just after the A12s went through Blackney Pass around 6pm.
Helena
24 Sep 2006 08:59:52 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

After the briefest of rubs the A30s have rounded the "corner" at Critical Point on their way west.
Helena
24 Sep 2006 16:30:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are very hard to track these days because of the infrequency of their calls. The last calls we are certain about were on Parson Island. Which direction did they choose?
Helena
24 Sep 2006 20:22:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

This is better! The A30s are still in Johnstone Strait, probably now headed eastward. The calls are frequent and getting stronger.
Helena
24 Sep 2006 21:21:02 PDT

23 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Starting around 10:30pm last night we heard A1 calls up until 3am in Johnstone Strait. Possibly the A30s moved back to the east. They were off CP around 12:40am but afterwards the picture of their movements is less clear as the calls remained distant for the rest of the time.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 08:38:42 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30 were located a short while ago. They have been leading another group west. The whales have just arrived in range of our hydrophone as they entered the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 11:33:57 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

A possible correction. We have been hearing the A12s first so perhaps the A30s are further down the line. The rub has just started.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 11:44:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

While the A12s and the A30s neared CP a fairly large group of Transients (including the T18s) circled around Hanson Island and entered Blackney Pass. They are now well on their way to Blackfish Sound while the A12s and the A30s forage off of Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. The transients are silent, the residents very vocal.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 15:12:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s have gone through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. The A30s stayed in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 17:16:15 PDT

22 September Orcalab reports:

Orcas hunting fish.

We began hearing echolocation on the Critic Point hydrophone a short while ago. The A30s have been reported heading west in Johnstone Strait and were near Naka Creek an hour or so ago, so they are probably now in Robson Bight, fishing.
Helena
22 Sep 2006 15:40:36 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s carried on west "up" Johnstone Strait past Kaikash Creek.
Helena
22 Sep 2006 18:53:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A1 calls again in the Strait.
Helena
22 Sep 2006 22:02:09 PDT

21 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have met up with the I31s and or the I11s. The groups are heading east now in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 07:10:13 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Both the A12s and the I11s are now in Johnstone Strait. The A12s travelled ahead of the I11s and after a brief vocal exchange the I11s followed the A12s through Blackney Pass. We had a report from Spirit of the West that two groups went east past their camp at Boat Bay this morning soon after we lost track of the A30s and the I31 calls in Johnstone Strait so this may have been these two groups.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 12:15:04 PDT

No orcas present.

We have not heard any calls since just before 3pm. We believe the I11s and the A12s moved off of CP to the east, following the A30s and the I31s.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 17:49:50 PDT

20 September Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s spent most of the morning of the western tip of Bold Head. They have just travelled south through Blackney Pass and are about to enter Johnstone Strait. They have been silent so far but were travelling at a nice moderate pace all together.
Helena
20 Sep 2006 11:46:54 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s went in for a rub. Meanwhile, a small group of transients travelled through Cllio Channel, out of Baronet Passage and into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
20 Sep 2006 15:21:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The transients turned out to be the rest of T2B's family. The Gikumi folowed T2, T2C and her calves into the Strait and left them heading east just east of CP. The A30s are continuing east from the Reserve.
Helena
20 Sep 2006 15:41:03 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s were not very vocal all of today and so we do not have a lot of confidence in which direction they have ended up in at the moment. It is possible they kept to the east but we will wait and see. Perhaps their low keyed day was a reaction to all the intensity of being in such a large crowd for so long. Time to kick back, relax and take it easy!
Helena
20 Sep 2006 22:45:17 PDT

19 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Just now we have been listening to A1 calls (the A30s) in Johnstone Strait near Robson Bight. Last night was a bit of a puzzle. Groups (the A30s, I15s, G and I31s definitely came out of the east and headed for Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. For a time it sounded like some of the whales entered Blackney Pass. This is when it became confusing. It was not clear if whales went all the way through Blackney Passor returned to the Strait. The A30s and the I15s stayed in the Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 07:21:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The plot thickens. The A12s are in Blackfish Sound! The A30s are in the Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 07:53:05 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s headed east to the rubbing beaches where they are right now. The A12s are still in Blackfish Sound but seem to be steadily getting more distant. Where is everyone else?
Helena
19 Sep 2006 08:56:07 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Just recently: very close echo location in the Bight. Is this the A30s coming back west again after their brief rub? We have not heard the A12s in Blackfish Sound for a while.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 09:42:19 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are slowly making their way west from Robson Bight and toward CP. Meanwhile, most of last night's mystery has been solved. It appears that the G clan "Crowd" did move out to the west last night. We suspect now that some took Blackney Pass while others Weynton Pass to reach Blackfish Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait beyond. They are currently spread out from Lizard Point back to Malcolm Point. They have been joined by the A36s. Did the A36s have anyone new with them? The map right now is not entirely accurate but it helps show the locations that the whales are near.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 12:24:03 PDT

No orcas present.

Hi, power was down in Alert Bay so it was difficult to post coments. A lot happened today. The "Crowd" (the A12s and G clan) moved off to the west this afternoon. As they did so two other events occured. The A30s moved to the west, got just past Big Bay and then turned around and went back to the east past Critical Point and a group of 6 transients moved into Blackfish Sound and east to the Strait. These were ( thanks to Jared Towers for the IDs) the T60s, T124C and T2B. T2B has a new calf and Jared informs us that the calf is less than 20 days old because he saw T2B without a calf that long ago. This is rather exciting! Right now all is quiet, whales dispersing in all sorts of different directions.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 19:49:42 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We think the A30s may have gone north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 20:55:12 PDT

18 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Nick Templeton relayed that the "Crowd" was westbound from Camp Point at around 2pm. The A30s, A12, G2s,G3,G12s,G18s,G17,G29s, I11s,I15s,I31s have been in the east for the last two days. The A36s were sighted (thanks to Discovery)quite far west in Queen Charlotte Strait today. They were foraging for most of the time observed.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 17:32:28 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

They are back! The groups are parading west past the Ecological Reseerve.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 22:18:56 PDT

16 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s, who spent most of the morning off of Donegal Head, moved to the west to join up with the larger group heading east at Lizard Point. All these whales are nearing Donegal Head and closer to being in range of the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 13:48:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are at the moment fixing the Flower Island hydrophone but we can still hear the I15s as they and the others head east from Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 15:11:18 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Today is the first time for this area that all of G clan has been together. The G17s arrived to complete the list! We just had a lovely pass of all the groups through Blackney Pass. The groups are all past CP now and continuing eastward toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 19:15:47 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As you have already guessed the whalesare at the rubbing beaches,
Helena
16 Sep 2006 21:06:22 PDT

No orcas present.

After the beaches the whales most likely continued east.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 22:23:03 PDT

15 September 2006, Orcalab reports:


No orcas present.

Time to review: We now thinl that only the A12s, I15s,I11s, part of the I31s came in last night and met up with the A30s off of Ecological Reserve before continuing eastward out of range. Possibly the G2s were there as well but that is still unclear. This morning the rest of the "crowd" arrived going through Blackney Pass. These were the G12s, part of the I31s, the G3s,G18s,G29s and, of course, the A36s.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 13:46:27 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Thasnks to Discovery we know that the BIG CROWD has neared the Ecological Reserve on their way to the west. Might be exciting!
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:27:09 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

They are just coming into range now.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:29:17 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups are moving westward,already past CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 17:54:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s are the last group to come back from the east. They are approaching CP at the moment. The other groups are still to the west of CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 18:42:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The "crowd" went through Weynton Pass and are now at the top end (western) end of Blackfish Sound. The tide has just turned to the flood.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 19:54:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

If you are wondering? The A12s rushed through Blackney, no one else followed. They are now closing in on Robson Bight after heading east in the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 21:45:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We are hearing whales move through Blackney Pass heading south. There are no calls yet so we cannot be sure who is following the A12s into the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 23:10:48 PDT

14 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The "crowd" came up to CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass and headed out to Blackfish Sound and beyond very quickly on the ebbing tide.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 00:43:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are listening to distant A1 calls from the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 07:39:19 PDT

No orcas present.

The whales have stayed pretty much in Queen Charlotte Strait all day but we got a report around 3pm from Stubbs Island Whale Watch that the A12s,A36s, I11s,I31s and the several other G clan groups are now moving eastward from Malcolm Point. The A30s spent the day very slowly moving toward that group and in Queen Charlotte Strait as well.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 16:03:42 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Welcome to OrcaLive! The A30s came through Blackney Pass this evening, travelling closely together and are now spread out foraging off of CP.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 19:19:04 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s have moved off the CP area and are now bound for the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 20:13:28 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Beautiful resting calls from the Gclan and A1s coming through Blackney Pass. They are travelling south toward Johnstone Strait. The A30s are quiet at the momnet but were recently in Robson Bight.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 21:43:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The "crowd" (described earlier by Stubbs Island: A12s,A36s,I11s,I31s,I33s,G02s, G12s, G18s G29s. G03s, I15s) are now past CP, following the A30s eastward.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 22:28:51 PDT

13 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

For us it was a quiet night and we suppose the I31s,A30s and the A12s went back to the east around midnight although the tide was still ebbing for a couple more hours. If they did move west, they did so pretty quietly. The map indicates where we last heard calls.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 07:50:41 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Just after 8:30am we heard the whales from the east arrive at the rubbing beaches. So far we have heard only A1 calls. Sounds like they are on their way west.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 08:49:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1s have moved from the beaches and are now passing Robson Bight.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 09:15:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Possibly all the groups from the past few days are here, travelling west, together. We have heard all three A1 groups, I31s, possibly I11s and various other G groups as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 11:20:06 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales too two different routes to Blackfish Sound, some via Weynton Pass and others through Blackney Pass. All ended up at the top end of Blackfish Sound where they foraged and waited for the tide to turn. An hour before the slack they made their move and all came through Blackney Pass and on to Johnstone Strait. Now with the tide and the wind at their backs they are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve. A wonderfully blustery day, sunny, high waves and fluffy clouds!
Helena
13 Sep 2006 16:57:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the A12s,A30s,A36s, I15s,I11s,I31s and the G3s,G29s, G18s, G12s, G2s got into Johnstone Strait thy headed soon off to the east. The A30s seemed rather restless but stayed as part of the crowd. They were rather quickly out of our range after a few good rubs.Just now, we started to hear distant A30 calls returning from the east.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:22:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A30s are pulling the whole crowd to the west.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:32:12 PDT

12 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Not sure when it happened but all the groups are back in the Strait and already heading back to the west. CP can see groups on the Vancouver Island spread from Kaikash Creek and almost Blinkhorn! There must have been a alot of movement last night from the time after we heard the A12s pass through Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 07:25:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Around 8:30am these very interesting whales turned around a little shy of Blinkhorn. The I15s were first get get to the beaches and we suspect the A36s followed. There are whales spread out back to Critical Point and across the Strait - all moving eastward despite the ebbing tide (the tide turned at 8:30am as well). The Gikumi has found the A12s stalled off of Donegal Head. We believe the A30s,A36s,I15s,I11s,I31s,G2s,G3s,G29,G18s and G12s should be the groups in the Strait.
Helena

Distant calls audible.

We are now hearing distant A12s (not a lot of calls) in Blackfish Sound. They apparently dropped into the western end of Blackfish for a bite to eat. The other groups are still eastbound past Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 13:12:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s went through Weynton Pass. They are now eastbound in Johnstone Strait. The other groups (the A30s,A36s, Gs, I11s, I15s and I31s) have continued eastward from Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 14:31:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After a lovely long foraging pause off of the entrance ot Blackney Pass and CP the A12s have finally moved off towards the east. We got a report that the G18s left all the other easbound groups off the Adams River earlier and are on their way back to the west.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 18:10:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A30s have returned from the east as well as the I31s (this was the group who joined the A12s at the beaches earlier).
Helena
12 Sep 2006 21:42:26 PDT

11 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Life began again around 3am when we heard the A30s heading east back in Johnstone Strait. After an hour we began to hear distant G clan calls coming up from the east. Since then there has been steady movement. The I11s just went through Blackney Pass and are now in Blackfish Sound while the rest,the A30s,I15s,I31s,A36s and the other G groups, are spread out foraging from CP to the area off of Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 07:27:48 PDT

No orcas present.

After the I11s went through Blackney Pass the other groups( the A30s,I15s,I31s,G2s,G3s,G18s,G29s,G12s and the A36s) all went through Weynton Pass on the ebb tide and then stalled for quite a while in Queen Charlotte Strait. They still seem determined to remain there and are even heading west off Lizard Point, despite the strong flooding tide which should be encouraging them to come back. There was a report of a group of 8 heading west at Stimpson Reefs quite a while ago but we have not heard anything turn up near the Ecological Reserve yet. So it is a very in between day today.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 15:59:25 PDT

10 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The Lukwa followed up on reports of whales near Forward Bay and Naka Creek and headed down the Strait in that direction this morning. They have since located the lead groups just east of the Ecological Reserve and like yesterday the whales are coming west for the morning. Cool damp (not wet) weather this morning.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 10:19:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s,I15s, and I31s are past CP now and making their way west while stopping to forage intensely off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Our first of the season southeaster is stirring.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 13:22:13 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s, I15s and I31s left their foraging spot off the entrance to Weynton Pass in Johnstone Strait to head east to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they are now.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 16:42:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After staying off the entrance to Blackney Pass for quite a while, where to go was finally resolved with the A30s taking off and heading into Blackney Pass. The I15s stayed with them until the decision was made and then they followed the I11s and I31s to Robson Bight. Just recently, we thought we might have heard the A36s in the big group off of the Bight - did they come up from the east? The A30s have not had a lot to say. Reports from the east said the A12s spent the day in Discovery Channel. No word on the other G clan groups who should be still to the east - somewhere.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 20:32:01 PDT

09 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Except for a few additional distant calls east of Critical Point around midnight, it has been a pretty quiet night. So we think the whales kept going east.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 08:49:23 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear super faint G and A calls east of the eastern end of the Reserve. Whales coming west!
Helena
09 Sep 2006 10:50:33 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

What a busy place - Johnstone Strait. So far the A30s, A36s, G18s, I11s, I15s, G02s have been identified. There are probably more, if not most of the groups from yesterday. They all went up west to the entrance of Weynton and then pushed their way partly through the Pass against the strongly ebbing tide before they turned around. They are now moving with the current back into Johnstone Strait. Hard at this point to tell if they have met up with new incoming groups.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 15:30:34 PDT

No orcas present.

This feels very similar to last night with the whales continuing to the east past the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve despite the ebbing tide. After midnight they will have the tide with them which will certainly make it easier for them to go further east. In the area we believe are: all the A1s, the I11s,I15s,I31s, G2s,G3s, G18s,G12s, G29s.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 21:47:08 PDT

08 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s just rushed past us on the ebbing tide. They are now heading west in Blackfish Sound. We have not seen or heard of the I15s so we are not sure if they are still in the Strait or if they too have gone out. It is trying to rain! Yea!
Helena
08 Sep 2006 07:49:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s showed up at the top end of Blackfish Sound after apparently coming through Weynton Pass earlier. (Thanks to Jim Borrowman for the sighting)They have met up with the A30s who went north through Blackney Pass earlier to arrive at the same location as the I15s. Both groups are spread out, vocal, milling. We have heard of an "Incoming" group further west in Queen Charlotte Strait. This might be an interesting afternoon.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 09:55:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I15s eventually made it into Blackney Pass just as the tide was changing from slack to flood. They are now in Johnstone Strait. They were excited,breaching, spyhopping, porpoising when travelling through the Pass. We have heard (thanks to DFO) that at least the Gs,A36s,A12s and some of the I31s are the incoming group reported earlier. It is raining harder! Yea! Yea!
Helena
08 Sep 2006 12:02:29 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The map will not show it but all the groups who were in Queen Charlotte Strait earlier went through Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass to get into Johnstone Strait. These groups are now eastbound following the I15s and the A30s who disappeared that direction quite a while ago. As reported: the A12s, I35s (including I46 and I80), the G2s, G3s,G18s,G12s, I112s and A36s all arrived today.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 17:45:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After quite the jamboree (?sp) in Robson Bight, it seems as if the whales have kept going to the east. The tide is now ebbing but whether that will change their momentum is hard to say. Anyway, we figure around 80 whales are "in" today. Nice to have all the A1s back. Just about the whole of G clan is here as well.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 21:18:29 PDT

07 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A30s were heard on the rubbing beaches just before 2am. Not long afterwards both the I15s and the A30s came to the Robson Bight area where they stayed for quite a long time before heading west to CP and north into Blackney. Both groups are now on their way to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Sep 2006 05:58:34 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After spending all of the morning and part of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait the I15s and the A30s decided to follow the flood into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. They have just recently entered the Strait and are eastbound. No calls so far from these relaxed whales.
Helena
07 Sep 2006 14:53:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s (leading) and the I15s have passed CP midstrait and are now continuing east.
Helena
07 Sep 2006 16:28:33 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s went in for a brief rub.
Helena
07 Sep 2006 19:03:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s and the I15s are moving back to the west. The made a nice pass the Bight.
Helena
07 Sep 2006 21:49:52 PDT

No orcas present.

We lost track of the A30s and the I15s about an hour ago somewhere off Robson Bight. It seemed for a while they might come west but it has not been clear if that has happened. The tide is now flooding and we suspect that they went back to the east, perhaps on the Cracroft Island side. We will have to wait.
Helena
07 Sep 2006 23:30:36 PDT

06 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

It has been a busy night for the A30s and the I15s. After their time at the beaches they moved, eventually back to the west, comng as far as the entrance to Blackney pass. The A30s shifted back to the Strait first and then silent while the I15s lingered a while longer and then followed. The I15s remained vocal as they moved back eastward. As the neared the Robson Bight area the A30s became vocal briefly. The two groups may be taking advantage of the last of the flood (it turns soon to an ebb) to carry on to the east.
Helena
06 Sep 2006 03:11:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s and the I15s turned east of Boat ay around 9am. They are quietly making their way to the west spread out from shore to shore opposite and "in" the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
06 Sep 2006 10:38:04 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Very slowly the I15s and the A30s are moving west -sleepy day.
Helena
06 Sep 2006 12:05:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are now right off CP foraging. The A30s further out.
Helena
06 Sep 2006 13:17:47 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After making the turn at the western end of Hanson Island at 2:35pm, the I15s crossed to the Vancouver Island side and continued east to the Bight. The A30s stalled off of CP and foraged for a while off the entrance to Blackney Pass before heading east and joining the I15s in the Reserve. Nice afternoon calls.
Helena
06 Sep 2006 17:50:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The 15s seemed to disappear around Critical Point around 6:30pm. The A30s have not been quite as decisive. For the last two hours they have shifted about, never coming west enough to be heard on CP, never far enough east to be heard on the rubbing beach system. Perhaps they have been moving back and forth across the Strait.
Helena
06 Sep 2006 22:11:08 PDT

No orcas present.

It seems the A30s may have followed the I15s to the east.
Helena
06 Sep 2006 22:51:27 PDT

05 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have rushed into Johnstone Strait (via Blackney Pass?) and are now eastbound toward the Reserve.
Helena
05 Sep 2006 00:14:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, after heading east, are now returning. They are currently not far from Robson Bight westbound.
Helena
05 Sep 2006 08:05:46 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s turned back to the east after grabbing a bite to eat off of Critical Point. They have since met up with the I15s. Both are now really westbound.
Helena
05 Sep 2006 10:05:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I15s carried on west past CP to the top end of Hanson Island. They have turned (15:50pm) and are now eastbound once again.
Helena
05 Sep 2006 13:18:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

On the eastern turn and trek the I15s slipped into Blackney Pass silently. They got only half way before they turned and went back to the Strait. There have been no calls during all of this movemnt. The A30s continued toward the Ecological Reserve. Except for a couple of calls they have been quiet as well.
Helena
05 Sep 2006 15:54:54 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The boat noise is now beginning (a cruiseship) but just before the A30s and the I15s moved through Robson Bight with wonderful clear calls. Lovely. They are,we believe, continuing through the rest of the Reserve to the east. Next stop the beaches?
Helena
05 Sep 2006 18:51:55 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As the A3os and the I15s enjoyed a long, long rub at the beaches the almost full moon rose over the mountains of Vancouver Island. A lovely velvet soft evening.
Helena
05 Sep 2006 20:35:38 PDT

04 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Just after 7am we began to hear A calls in Blackfish Sound. The calls were extremely distant. Earlier the A30s,A4s and A5s went through Blackney Pass after coming west in the Strait. Their calls ended around 3:40am and so perhaps these groups are the very distant As we heard most recently. Going Weynton?
Helena
04 Sep 2006 07:57:13 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We just started to hear the A12s at the rubbing beaches. They have come from the east. The Tuan also reported the A30s left the out going group and one hour ago they were at Lizard Point headed back into the area.
Helena
04 Sep 2006 16:21:38 PDT

02 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Always interesting. As the A12s moved toward Robson Bight, the A30s and the I15s were heard once more on the Rubbing Beach system. They were not rubbing, just chatting. After a while the I15s slipped away to the east and the A30s continued. The A12s continued calling as well. Then finally the A30s slipped away to the east too, leaving the A12s calling on their own. Finally the A12s rounded Critical Point and headed to the beaches where they are now. A few quiet rubs have followed a few energetic ones and we wonder if the A12s won't follow everyone east.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 00:26:31 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s, I31s,I11s have gone for a rub. It may be a quick one. While they were off robson Bight we also heard distant A1 calls - perhaps the A30s calling them eastward!
Helena
02 Sep 2006 18:21:24 PDT

Boat noise

The I11s may not have listened to the siren call after all. We believe they headed back to the west where they were earlier today. We are waiting to find out if they head out or turn back once again. We still believe the I15s and i35s+ continued to the east. The A30s, A4s,A5s and the three G groups are still east as well.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 21:08:52 PDT

01 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Nice surprise. The I15s turned up close to CP and then they and the A30s moved in together into Blackney Pass. We may have lost track of the I11/I31 group. Their calls were growing distant just as the I15s drew closer to CP. Then they went quiet. BUT perhaps they followed the others into Blackney. Regardless, all three groups are westbound and moving out of the area on the ebb tide.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 00:27:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Shortly after 6am we began to hear calls in Blackfish Sound. These were followed by the A30s, and then the I15s, coming into Blackney Pass. The I15s were closer to the Lab, the A30s closer to the other side. They are now headed to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 07:11:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

As the A30s and the I15s moved on eastward, the I11s appeared opposite CP from the west. Interesting that each group retread their path from last night, coming back through the same waters they used last night. All three groups are eastbound together headed toward the Robson Bight area.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 07:55:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The day keeps developing along positve lines. The Gs have joined the A30s, I15s and I11s off the Robson Bight area after a brief rub at the beaches. The A4s,A5s and A12s are not far off as well.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 09:17:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups, numbering near to 90 whales, are going west. The majority have already passed CP. The list includes: the A5s,I11s,A30s,I15s,G3s,G18s, G29s,A4s,A12s,and possibly the I31s.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 11:16:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Now there a lot of whales everywhere! The A12s and the I31s came through Blackney pass a short while ago and they are now on their way west through Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, all the others have turned, some got as far as the entrance to Weynton Passage, and they are now silently eastbound. The A30s are in the lead and must be near Izumi Rock and the Reserve beyond. A12, herself, led the charge into Blackney.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 13:45:38 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales have been back at the beaches for hours. The A30s and the I15s had a fisrt rub and then as they other groups (the A4s,A5s, Gs,I11s) slowly made their way past Critical Point another long rub began. Eventually, someone from each call group joined in and the rub continued forever. They may have finally decided to move on. meanwhile ,we have not heard the I31 and A12s. We had heard they were trying to come back via Weynton against the ebb tide but no "word" yet as to how far they have come.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 19:20:21 PDT

31 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Boat noise

just a short while ago we started to hear groups coming west past Robson Bight. So far we have heard I31 type calls along with an A1 group. We will be more specific after the boat noise settles down.
Helena
31 Aug 2006 21:20:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1 group has turned out to be the A30s.
Helena
31 Aug 2006 21:31:43 PDT

30 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

A large group of orcas, including A1s, A4s, A5s & several G & R clan groups has just headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 04:58:44 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Oh boy, still a lot of movement. The A30s,I15s and the R group have come back from the top of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass and headed east in Johnstone Strait. Other groups, the A12s, A5s, I31s and possibly others are following but look like they might come through Blackney Pass. We are waiting. Earlier this morning: the A30s,A11s, I15s, Gs, Rs and I11/I31s passed through Blackney on their way north and west. They were "sort of" following the A36s, Hs and Is who had ventured in as far as Blackney pass before returning to Blackfish Sound and heading out. The A12s, A5s and the rest of the A4s may have stayed Strait side, going to the west and out via Weynton Pass. After sorting themselves out they groups have split and begun travelling as described above.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 12:35:05 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s,A30s,R2s and R7s have moved on from Robson Bight. The I15s have gone into the beaches. The I31s,A12s, A4s,A5s, G3s,G18s,probably the G29s, and I11s went through Blackney Pass, past CP and are now crossing towards the Reserve from the Cracroft Island side.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 14:34:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We last heard I31 calls on Flower Isalnd just before 10pm. We have the impression that at least some of the groups may have exited via Weynton Pass after traveling west in the Strait soon after their rub. The boat noise tonight is dreadful. Just a little while ago we began hearing the As (A4s+) still in the Strait. They may be heading back eastward, toward the Reserve, despite the tide that will be ebbing until 4am.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 23:07:57 PDT

28 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT

Boat noise

After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT

Boat noise

Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT

No orcas present.

The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT

27 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

A great start to the morning. At 5:40am we began to hear groups coming into Blackfish Sound. They did go out through Weynton Pass last night. Jim Borrowman saw them heading into Weynton around 7:50pm. Then 12 hours later here they were, in Blackfish Sound. The first calls were Gs so we thought we might see a lot more groups. When they came around the corner into Blackney, close to the Lab, we only identified the G29s! But they were with the A11s, all the A5s, A30s, I15s, A35s, maybe the A24s. Missing from yesterday were the I31s. We also could not clearly say that the A12s were there as well. It was lovely and as the tide turned to the slack the whales picked up speed and rushed (breaching) into Johnstone Strait. They are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 07:25:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Great! A second wave. This time the A12s led the I11s,G2s and others into Blackney from Blackfish Sound. They went into Johnstone Strait against the ebb tide and then headed eastward only to "shut down" and become still just west of the Sophia Islands. The "first wave" is to the east of them still.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 11:18:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups are on their way back to western johnstone Strait. The A12s seem to be in the lead but the A30s are not far behind. They are spread across from shore to shore.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 19:18:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It looked like they wanted to go west, some were up to Big Bay but the A24s had other ideas... they wanted to go out Blackney Pass so they called and called and pretty soon all the groups followed them through to Blackfish Sound. The calls are now distant as they continue to move west.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 22:04:41 PDT

26 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT

No orcas present.

While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT

14 August 2006, Orcalab reports:


Multiple pod calls audible.

Good Morning! The A12s,A4s,A5s and the Bs continued to wait off Robson Bight/Boat Bay until around 2am and then finally shifted east. This was very close to when we started to first hear the I15s and the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They were joined by the A36s and several Gs groups, who then proceded ahead to Blackney Pass. After passing through Blackney Pass in a BIG rush all these groups entered the Strait and continued east. They are currently still passing Robson Bight. The tide is in full flood.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 05:36:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales who went east early this morning are returning and the lead groups are already up to Boat Bay. Meanwhile, the Naiad has been reporting a very large group (included are Ws,Ds,Rs and more) off the Port Hardy area. They are not yet committed to fully coming down to the east.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 13:56:15 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s are once again leading the several G groups westward in the Strait. We are also hearing A4s,A5s,A12s & Bs but i don't think we have heard the a30s and the I15s yet. It is,however, a BIG crowd.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 16:18:51 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

My goodness what a day. The OLers were here after their encounter with the Rs, Ws,Ds,C6s,C10s mid Queen Charlotte Strait off Pine Island on the Naiad Explorer. Meanwhile, the A30s,A36s, I15s, A12s, A35s,A24s,A51s, A43s, Bs and the several G groups came out of the east and travelled toward WeyntonPassage. There the Gs probably took off through Weynton Passage and the others returned to the entrance of Blackney Pass where after sorting themselves out they headed into Blackney Pass and past the Lab. The A24s and the Bs were the last through. CP saw the A12s continue to the west in the Strait and it is still unclear what they are going to do.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 20:48:52 PDT

13 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Last night the Gs and A36s, accompanied by the A30s and the I15s, travelled through Blackney Pass between 7:16 and 8pm. We continued to hear all their calls until 9:15pm. After a short break, the A30s and the I15s were vocal again in Blackfish Sound, returned and came back through Blackney Pass between 12:20 and 1am. These two groups then travelled east and disappeared around Critical Point/Robson Bight around 3am. We have heard a report this morning from the MacKays that there is a large group east bound from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
13 Aug 2006 09:13:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s along with A38 went north through Blackney Pass after coming back from the east and passing Cracroft Point. The rest of the A30s followed after crossing Johnstone Strait from the Kaikash area.
Helena
13 Aug 2006 12:38:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just after the I5s and the A30s headed through Blackfish Sound, the A12s, A11s,A35s,A24s, A51s 7 possibly the A43s came up from the east with the B7s and travelled west on both shores to the Weynton Pass area. They have since turned and are now making their way back. So far we have heard A1 and A4 calls. Lots of boat noise as the seine boats prepare for the 8:30am opening tomorrow.
Helena
13 Aug 2006 18:31:15 PDT

12 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Hmmm.... definitely the I15s and the A30s came through Blackney Pass. The blows blows were spread out across the Pass. We lost track of the Cs and the Ds around 11:20pm when they were opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass & still in Johnstone Strait. The tide turns to flood at 1am.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 00:34:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

An early morning radio report of a large group of orcas "milling around" of Donegal Head suggests the A30s & I15s haven't gone very far. We've lost track of the Cs & Ds, so they could be there too. We're not hearing any calls at the moment.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 07:19:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s just passed by the Lab very close in on their way to Johnstone Strait. A little further out, the A30s also made their way south. They were bucking the tide the whole way but managed to make steady progress. The I15s were particularly slow, spyhopping and rolling, and resting on the surface.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 12:40:47 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s and the A30s crossed the Strait to Vancouver Island and are now in the Ecological Reserve rounding Critical Point. The A12s,A4s, A5s, Gs and A36s are still to the east. There is a report of a group near Port Neville westbound. Sadly, it looks like I15 and I41 are missing. Graeme Ellis had a chance to look at the group this morning. We had already guessed that I41 was gone but did not know about I15. I16 has most likely lost her youngest calf.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 14:43:49 PDT

Boat noise

The A30s and the I15s are westbound past Critical Point after their very,very long rub on the Main Beach. There have been several reports of other whales westbound on the Cracroft side as well.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 17:56:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are just beginning to hear G calls along with the I15s and the A30s.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 17:58:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The G3s, G29s and probably other Gs as well came through Blackney with the A36s, A30s and the I15s. It was a lovely mixed up bunch of travelling whales catching the glow of the evening sunset. They are all now at the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 20:57:02 PDT

11 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the A30s and the I15s disappeared to the east in Johnstone Strait all was quiet until 11pm. Then... calls in Blackfish Sound. In came the Cs, Ds, Gs, and A36s through Blackney Pass. They reached Johnstone Strait on the slack tide andthen made their way east. Just as the last of these groups were approaching Robson Bight the A12s,A4s,A5s,A30s and Bs came up from the east. By 2:30am everyone had turned and moved in the same direction together, We last heard calls at 3:15 as the groups passed the eastern boundary of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 07:17:59 PDT

No orcas present.

The resident orcas who came during the night have remained east all day. A fairly large group of transients (the T100s) turned up off Donegal Head this morning. The went west toward Alet Bay and Port McNeill and then turned around and headed for Alder Bay and Beaver Cove. They were identified by DFO. The fishing opening will close at 6pm so we anticipate the area to be a little less busy tonight.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 16:40:01 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Ds, Cs & A30s have returned from the east and are now off Robson Bight. Nick Templeton of Painter's Lodge reported tonight that the I15s were on their way through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River) on the slack tide while the A12s, A24s & A11s had been in Frederick Arm (also very far east). The Bs were in Nodales (also very far east) The A36s and the Gs were also seen in the east today. The T100s continued to tour the area. After nearing the Reserve they turned and headed back west. They were last seen by the Blue Fjord around 8:30pm off the Nimpkish River opposite Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 22:00:21 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

Hmmm.... We are actually hearing the I15s off of CP at the moment and it looks like they and the Cs,Ds and A30s are turning into Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 23:25:06 PDT

10 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning! The A12s & A5s kept us busy for most of the night while they stalled off Robson Bight. The A24s & Bs were further east but eventually made their way back to the A12s and A5s. Finally, just as these groups moved off to the east, the A30s and the I15s entered the Strait via Weynton Pass. The A30s, ahead of the I15s, went past CP mid strait around 6am. As they crossed over to the Ecological Reserve the I15s followed. The I15s have just rounded Critical Point. Very low tide this morning and it will be ebbing until around noon. This means the I15s and A30s worked the whole time against the tide in order to reach the Strait & the Reserve.
Helena
10 Aug 2006 07:52:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the A30s and the I15s are making their way back. We are now hearing their cals once again off Critical Point/ Robson Bight
Helena
10 Aug 2006 09:51:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A11s turned up unexpectedly in Johnstone Strait. We probably missed them going through Blackney Pass. They went west briefly and then turned and headed over to the Vancouver Island shore and down to the Reserve. They are now past Critical Point. While westbound and before their turn they were vocal briefly. This may have influenced the other groups (the A30s,A12s and I15s to finally turn around at the entrance to Weynton Passage. These groups are now slowly moving east but still west of CP. Lovely day ... strong northwesterly breeze but very sunny. There was a large group reported off Camp Point. This may be the Bs, A24s and maybe all of the A5s and the A35s. Hopefully, we find out for sure.
Helena
10 Aug 2006 15:48:09 PDT

No orcas present.

It has turned into a sleepy afternoon. On the turn the whales moved very slowly. The A30s were ahead and further off shore of the I15s. When they got to CP the foraged for a short while as the I15s poked their noses into the entrance of Blackney Pass. By this time it was apparent that the A12s were not around. Perhaps they slipped back east. Meanwhile, the A30s and the I15s are still headed east.
Helena
10 Aug 2006 18:49:11 PDT

09 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The B7s led the parade back to the west starting at 2:50am. All the groups (the A4s,A5s,A30s,A12s,Gs,I31s,Rs etc) followed. With the exception of the small A11 group, who went through Blackney Pass, all the rest continued west in Johnstone Strat. We are just now hearing the first groups arrive at the top end of Blackfish Sound after exiting the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 06:39:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s came back from Queen Charlotte Strait ahead of the B7s, A24s,A51s and A43s. They all came through Blackney Pass. The A12s are now entering the Ecological Reserve while the others are slowly resting west of the Sophias. The rest of the groups (the A36s, A11s, I15s, Rs, Ds, I31s & Gs) are still headed west in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 14:22:15 PDT

08 August Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s & A36s are with the i31s,Bs and some of the Gs passing CP. They came out of the east about 4:45am and have been moving west ever since.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 06:23:11 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, the A30s, I31s, Gs and I15s have continued west in Johnstone Strait. We believve the Bs may have turned around and headed back towards the Reserve after making it as far as Cracroft Point. We have heard a few A4 calls as well. There should still be a a fairly large group to the east, the A5s, possibly the A12s, some more of the A4s and the C6s and D7s. It is very, very foggy today.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 08:26:27 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

There are groups of whales everywhere! In the Strait: the B7s did turn back with the A11s but they are making there way past Critical Point. The A35s just finished at the Beaches and there may be others behind them (the rest of the A4s and A5s). The C6s (at least part of the pod) have gone past Alert Bay to the west. The A30s, I15s, I31s, A36s abd Gs (at least some of the G groups) are out in Queen Charlotte meeting up with incoming Rs and other groups. We don't know where the D7s got to as yet. Very, very busy!
Helena
08 Aug 2006 12:14:29 PDT

No orcas present.

Another superpod day! Several of the groups (the A30s,I31s,Gs, A12s ,A36s and Ds) this morning circled around Hanson Island and met up with the incoming Rs. The C6s headed off by themselves past Alert Bay. The A12s then led all the groups in via Blackney Pass just as the fog was clearing. The groups headed east in Johnstone Strait. After a jump into the beaches together they carried on to the east by 4:30pm. It has been quiet since. Our count was well over 100 whales.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 22:26:02 PDT

07 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A30s held firm and we believe that none of the other groups came back to the west afterall. The A30s remained near the Robson Bight area until around 2am. Around that time we may have heard the A12s pass Cracroft Point and follow the A30s to the east. All calls ended soon after 4am.
Helena
07 Aug 2006 08:33:32 PDT

06 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

This is becoming quite the day! The I15s and the A36s have already gone through Blackney Pass and east in Johnstone Strait. Bothe groups went in for a rub but the A36s have since come back to the west. The whalewatch boats have been keeping an eye on the Bs in Queen Charlotte Strait. They have company. R clan & possibly G clan calls have also been heard. The good news for us is that these groups are moving towards Blackfish Sound. Are the A36s coming west to meet up? Meanwhile the A30s,A4s,A5s are still quite far east. They were reported in Sunderland Channel earlier. They too were headed west.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 12:38:19 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Each of the groups is taking a turn at the Beaches. So far the I15s, A36s went in soon after their arrival as the first group. The Bs and the I31s were next (the 2nd group through) and now the I15s and the A30s (up from the east) have moved in too. Off Critcial Point the G group (the 3rd group through) are moving eastward towards the Beaches. Jim Borrowman reports that the R5s,R7s, and Ws turned back in Queen Charlotte and headed out to the west without "coming" in. And now, Dall's porpoise have come right into the bay out front ogf the house - Amazing!
Helena
06 Aug 2006 17:39:06 PDT

No orcas present.

The rubs are finally over (7:30pm) and the whales off to the east once again.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 21:58:13 PDT