A30s left to the north

No orcas present.

Yesterday and today (so far) have been very quiet. The last we heard from the A30s was when they faded off in the distance from Blackfish Sound two days ago.
Helena
23 Oct 2008 16:20:38 PDT

Distant A30 calls audible

We have been listening to the A30s in johnstone Strait since just before 11am.
Helena
21 Oct 2008 13:25:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
21 Oct 2008 15:56:45 PDT

A30s still moving around in the area

Distant calls audible.

It has been aa nice day so far, after the storm, wind and rain (well almost after the rain)... the A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and left via Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
20 Oct 2008 14:46:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We had just restarted recording of the A30s in Blackfish Sound when we noticed T14 mid channel, heading north, through Blackney Pass!
Helena
20 Oct 2008 16:42:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are back in Johnstone Strait once again!
Helena
20 Oct 2008 19:21:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are back in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Oct 2008 08:03:10 PDT

A30s back on track

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are once again off the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Oct 2008 08:42:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are now back in Johnstone Strait. They most likely went through Weynton Pass to get there.
Helena
18 Oct 2008 10:37:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are now hearing distant A1 calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Oct 2008 13:57:29 PDT

A30s are vocal in B;ackney Pass

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are heading north through Blackney Pas. There is loud boat noise in Blackfish Sound. Once that clears we may hear the A30s again for they have been vocal continuously since 1am! (we lost our connection again but it is back now).
Helena
17 Oct 2008 18:33:04 PDT

A30s update

Distant calls audible.

We just recently heard the Gs once again, but we were not able to locate the calls. On the 14th, we know, in the afternoon, that the A30s and G17s circled back to Johnstone Strait by 3pm. They then went east to the entrance of Blackney Pass and through to Blackfish Sound by 5:45pm. They were last heard around 6:30pm. Yesterday, the two groups were seen heading into Queen Charlotte Strait around 1:30pm by Jim Borrowman. So we will see how they fare today. It is going to be a very windy day.
Helena
16 Oct 2008 09:18:21 PDT

A30s traveling with G17s around

Distant calls audible.

We've been listening to distant calls on the Flower Island hydrophone since a little before 8am. The calls (A & G clan) are getting louder, so there's a good chance the whales will head into Blackney Pass soon. Probably, they are the A30s & G17s, who came back from a couple of days in eastern Johnstone Strait last evening.
Helena
13 Oct 2008 08:49:31 PDT

While our connection was down today: The A30s and the G17s after a long sojourn off the western end of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass to Johnstone Strait. They then travelled east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. As the tide turned to ebb, the groups moved back to Weynton Pass and then through to Blackfish Sound again, just where the day started!
Helena
13 Oct 2008 18:01:06 PDT

A30s with G17s in JS

Superb sounds!!

We ae hearing close G17s and distant As in Johnstone Strait. There are dolphins as well. The groups must be coming back from the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Oct 2008 18:38:02 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Calls are getting further away. The groups probably carried on west in Johnstone Strait and left via Weynton Passage and are now crossing the top (western) end of Blackfish Sound. Nice calls!
Helena
12 Oct 2008 21:47:46 PDT

A30s and Transients in the area

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

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing calls once again in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 19:17:13 PDT

A30s travel from the Bight to the west

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls amidst heavy boat noise on the Crritical Point hydrophone, probably from the A30s, who came back into Johnstone Strait around 9pm. (Our internet connection was down at the time).
Helena
05 Oct 2008 02:48:18 PDT

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

A30s heading towards the Bight

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing occasional calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, along with persistent boat noise. Sounds like the A30s have come back into Johnstone Strait, probably via Weynton Pass.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 01:12:01 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this morning, and don't know what happened to the A30s, who were in Johnstone Strait at the time (around 1:30am).
helena
02 Oct 2008 13:42:44 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby

Just after we posted our last note, we heard (from the Naiad Explorer) that the A30s are foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass, off CP. They are silent, so far as we know. Some dolphins (about 6) are there too.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 14:04:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are slowly making their way to the east in Johnstone Strait & are mid-strait off Kaikash pointing towards the western boundary of the Reserve. They are silent. Meanwhile, the A36 brothers have just been sighted at the "top" of Blackfish Sound & are slowly heading east towards Blackney Pass & Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 17:30:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We most likely are hearing the A36s in Blackfish Sound while the A30s continue in Johnstone Strait. Dolphins are vocal as well in the Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 19:25:50 PDT

A30s spent the day in Queen Charlotte Strait

No orcas present.

The A30s spent the day in Queen Charlotte Strait after their morning session in Blackfish Sound. They apparently were very spread out the entire time, mostly north west of Lizard Point. After 4pm they were last seen heading west from Bere Point. Thanks to Stubbs Island for the update. No sign of the A36s who we last heard around 10pm in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
03 Oct 2008 17:52:10 PDT

A30s travel north trough Blackney Pass

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to close calls & echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone. After intense boat noise for the past while, there is almost none now, so the A30 calls are clear!
Helena
01 Oct 2008 08:14:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s just went north through Blackney Pass. They were altogether mid channel as they went into Blackfish Sound.
Helena
01 Oct 2008 12:09:22 PDT

A30s moved form Blackfish Sound to the Robson Bight

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have been in Blackfish Sound all morning, moving back and forth. Lots of boat noise and a few calls.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 13:49:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone. They have finally made it into Johnstone Strait, traveling south through Blackney Pass, all together, in a great rush, silently, and are now heading east towards Robson Bight, calling occasionally.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 16:30:35 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s sound as if they might be nearing the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 22:15:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are in Robson Bight & Pacific whitesided dolphins are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 23:00:59 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s were sighted in Queen Charlotte Strait earlier today, though we didn't hear them passing through from Johnstone Strait. We don't know where they are at the moment.
Helena
29 Sep 2008 17:39:31 PDT

No orcas present.

We have a somewhat connection so I thought to catch everyone up. Yesterday, was our first day in quite a while that there were no resident orcas around this area. We think the A30s went out to Queen Charlotte Strait the day before. Today, they were located there. Also, some transient groups and pacific whiteside dolphins have been around.
Helena
28 Sep 2008 19:36:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back and in the Bight already!
Helena
28 Sep 2008 22:11:57 PDT

A30s left to the east

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since yesterday afternoon, when we think the A30s were headed east from Robson Bight. No reports that we're aware of either. We are waiting.
Helena
26 Sep 2008 17:45:23 PDT

A30s left to the east

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since yesterday afternoon, when we think the A30s were headed east from Robson Bight. No reports that we're aware of either. We are waiting.
Helena
26 Sep 2008 17:45:23 PDT

A30s resting and traveling to Blackfish Sound

No calls but orcas nearby

We began hearing the A30s calling on the CP hydrophone a little before 5:45am. Since then we've heard occasional "resting" (N3) calls. We think the A30s came from the east & are probably heading west in Johnstone Strait, though we're not sure. An orangey dawn is beginning here & a southeast wind is starting to blow.
Helena
23 Sep 2008 06:31:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are still in the vicinity of the entrance to Blackney Pass. They have been there most of the morning.
Helena
23 Sep 2008 11:05:17 PDT

Boat noise

The A30s have made their way north through Blackney Pass & are now in Blackfish Sound. A fuel barge is also heading north, making lots of noise.
Helena
23 Sep 2008 13:31:15 PDT

A30s still alone in the area

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are in Robson Bight, very vocal, water noise is from a strong northwest wind.
Helena
22 Sep 2008 00:49:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have been fairly active throughout the night. Between 4 and 5am they were off the Bight and now they may be heading back west along the Vancouver Island side near Kaikash Creek.
Helena
22 Sep 2008 09:00:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Once again we are listening to the A30s near the Ecological Reserve. Earlier, the A30s went out via Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Sep 2008 21:45:13 PDT

A30s navigating in the area

No orcas present.

The a30s sure have been interesting lately. Yesterday, we had the feeling that they went east of Robson Bight. In the morning, they turned up in Blackney Pass. After a circle around hanson Island they ended up traveling back to the east once again. But tracking their movements has proven to be a wee bit of a challenge as they are travelling, for the most part, silently. Today, was no exception and except for a brief burst of calls upon entering Johnstone Strait in the afternoon and after another even shorter bout when they were near the Bight, there has been very long and silent gaps. This often happens when a single group is by themselves and they are travelling closely together but it keeps us on our toes and we are not surprised to find them in any location.So far tonight, the last known location was near the Bight.
Helena
21 Sep 2008 22:45:07 PDT

A30s foraging

Orcas near mics.

The A30s came back to Johnstone Strait this morning and went east past Robson Bight. They are just now returning to the Bight headed west. We have heard close echo location.
Helena
20 Sep 2008 10:47:35 PDT


Seasmoke reports

The A30 matriline were reported in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, they were at the east end, headed east but turned and began making their way back to the west. While most of the blows could be seen at Critical Point inside the Reserve, two orcas were sighted on the Cracroft side, they were identified as A30 and A38. They were foraging steadily to the west, as were the rest of the family, parallel on the VI shore inside the Reserve. Two pacific white-sided dolphins were observed swimming nearby which resulted in A30 and A38 taking long dives. A38 surprised everyone when he suddenly appeared alongside the boat, he had traveled a distance from his last dive sighting, near his mother, who was still traveling close to the Cracroft shore. The orcas were obviously searching for food, they were focussed, intent on feeding. A30 and A38 made their way over to the VI shore, all of the orcas remained spread out, intent on foraging along the VI shore.

Orcas near mics.

We have been listening to the A30s once again close to Critical Point.
Helena
19 Sep 2008 03:06:49 PDT

Seasmoke reports
While a heavy fog was present for most of the tour, resident orcas, the A30 matriline (9 orcas in total) were sighted. It is always exciting finding orcas in the fog when they have been reported in the area. Blows were heard and then finally black fins appeared looming through the water. It was a great viewing with all of the 9 individual orcas being seen even though they were well spread out and heading west from Blackfish Sound to Donegal Head.

Hi Paul & Helena, Kate and I spent 5 hours watching the A30,s foraging and resting off Bere & Malcolm Points. We last saw them headed east passing Bere Point at 19:00hrs, aprox 1mile offshore. Inbound. Take Care & hope they make it back down your way.
Troy@Malcolm Island
19 Sep 2008 21:23:09 PDT

A30s with I31s in Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight

Distant calls audible.

Our up and down internet is difficult to work around and today was no exception. For your information: In short, the A12s went out via Blackney Pass just before 1 am. That left the A30s and the I31s still in johnstone Strait. This afternoon these two groups came back into range from the east. It was a pretty low keyed day with the I31s doing most of the vocals, and most of the time, just resting calls. We are not sure where the A36s ended up. Now, the fog has closed in.
Helena
14 Sep 2008 18:40:32 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely sounds from the A30s and the I31s in the Bight!
Helena
14 Sep 2008 19:41:36 PDT

A30s arrived from the east with A36s

Multiple pod calls audible.

Right now we are listening to the A30s, A36s, A12s and the I31s. Earlier today the A12s went west into Queen Charlotte Strait and picked up the I31s while the A30s hooked up with the A36s who possibly arrived back from the east. Before the A12s returned with the I31s via Weynton Pass this afternoon, the A30s and the A36s paced Johnstone Strait. As they all got togethereast of the entrance to Weynton Pass a small group of transients decided the Strait was too crowded and they turned back east just shy of Cracroft Point. The resident groups are now east bound as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2008 17:28:51 PDT

A30s and A12s at Blinkhorn early this morning

Seasmoke reports

We encountered the A30’s and the A36 boys at Blinkhorn on our tour early this morning. They were well spread out foraging, working their way to the west with the ebb current, the A36’s going the furtherest west. At one point the A30’s stopped to rest, as did A37 and A46. A-Clan vocals were heard via the hydrophone, resting calls and then calls where we observed A30 (the matriarch) to begin moving further west and soon the A30 pod had formed a resting line, moving slowly west in the ebb current.

A30s off the Sophia Islands

Seasmoke reports

The A30’s were sighted off the Sophia Islands this morning heading to the west, their blows could be seen a distance away. They were well spread out and began foraging intensely in the heavy flood current at Blakney Passage, at one point they were seen heading to the west along the Hanson Island Shore and as suddenly they turned back and in a traveling line, passed nearby the boat on their way back to forage again in Blackney Passage.

A30s in Johnstone Strait travelling east

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are spread out off the Sophias, heading west, should be within range of the CP hydrophone soon.
Helena
12 Sep 2008 09:30:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Nice day, the A12s came back in via Weynton Pass while the A30s stalled off of Cracroft Point. TheA12s made an initial attempt to come through Blackney Pass after they arrived off the entrance of Blackney Pass. They retreated briefly but then traelled all the way through to Blackfish Sound. They moved slowly and stayed together in mid channel. The A30s finally moved on themselves but they stayed in Johnstone Strait. However, they were like the A12s and travelled mid strait as they went east. Just a few calls and then silence.
Helena
12 Sep 2008 17:16:01 PDT

A30s foraging, heading east

Seasmoke reports

The orcas that were sighted were east of the east end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and they were identified as the A30’s. They were well spread out and also heading east, foraging as they went; several pacific white-sided dolphins were intermingling among them, the orcas were consequently taking long dives. A39 was the first orca we sighted, he was heading to the west foraging steadily at the time of our first excited sighting. A72 (Bend) was also sighted foraging near to A50 (mother) and A84 (sibling), they were foraging very close to the Cracroft Island shoreline; A38 and A30 were also seen, as were A54 and her two calves. Just prior to our leaving the area, A39, traveling back to the east to catch up with his family,

A30s in Blackfish Sound

Seasmoke reports

With reports of orcas heading east in Johnstone Strait towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve we headed in that direction briefly, sighting a Black Bear that was foraging on the beach at low tide. When orcas were reported in Blackfish Sound we veered north, passing through the Blowhole into Blackfish Sound where we encountered the A30’s who were traveling west, foraging along the Swanson Island shore. It was wonderful viewing them as they foraged back and forth steadily, heading west off Bold Head and towards Donegal Head; they were well spread out.
The A30’s who were quiet earlier began to vocalize and passengers enjoyed listening to their A-Clan calls. It was exciting when A54 and her two calves who had been foraging 200 meters distance away, suddenly turned towards the boat as it sat idle and drifting and swam alongside of and under the boat, much to the delight and wonder of all on board.

A30s and A24s near Malcolm Island

Ellen reports

Down at the backside of Malcolm Island we meet up with the A30s, and a whole bunch of their friends, I id A60 and A66 in there, also A24s, so it seems the same bunch we saw last week. They were in resting mode, but we had a few spyhops and lots of tailslaps, so lots to see.
The whales went off toward Fife Sound as we watched just off Lizard Point and the A36s were reported up north near Pile Island, so we are wondering if they escorted the I11s out and are bringing new ones back with them.
Ellen@Port McNeill
01 Sep 2008 17:12:49 PDT

A30s foraging west of Blinkhorn

Seasmoke reports
The A30’s were foraging west of Blinkhorn on the VI shore, they were well spread out and close to the shore, their foraging was intense and it was wonderful listening to their A-Clan calls via the hydrophone as they foraged.

A30s traveling with the A5s

Seasmoke reports

Today proved to be a day of wonderful viewing despite the heavy rain! On the morning tour passengers had the experience of sailing with the whales: the A8’s, A23’s and the A30’s and while under sail, by trailing the hydrophone, passengers were able to listen to their wonderful A-Clan vocals as they foraged. On the afternoon sail time was spent with the I12’s, they were also foraging and I47 surprised everyone when surfacing near to the boat, allowing a wonderful and unforgettable sight!

A30s near Malcom Island

Ellen reports:
We rounded Malcolm Point we saw the first Orcas. I was able to id I64 right away and there was an awful lot of familiar tall dorsal fins in there... I had a feeling we had the A36s there. The whales were heading for the beaches at Bere Pt and we witnessed a short rub there, amazing! Lots of socialization, amazing vocals, spyhops, breaches, everything in the orca manual book :) All in all I was positively able to id the A30s, A24s, A23's, A8s, A36s, I11s I hope I didn't miss anyone.
Ellen@Port McNeill
27 Aug 2008 17:20:02 PDT

A30s sighted near Donegal Head, moving east

SEasmoke reports
On the way home, passengers on MV Cetacea enjoyed viewing the A30’s as they made their way east towards Donegal Head on Malcolm Island.

A30s calls audible above the waterline

Seasmoke reports

There were several pods spread out across the strait traveling to the west, foraging along the way: the A30’s, A23’s, A8’s and A25’s. Quality time was spent with the A30’s and the A23’s as they foraged back and forth, their A-Clan calls were clearly audible both above and below the waterline. Hearing their vocals above the water added to the magic of the viewing and delighted everyone on board. When the orcas turned and headed back to the east towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve some social behaviour was observed and included spyhopping, tail slapping and pectoral slapping which was intriguing to watch.

A30s traveling west in JS and went east in the afternoon

Seasmoke reports

There were several pods spread out across the strait traveling to the west, foraging along the way: the A30’s, A23’s, A8’s and A25’s. Quality time was spent with the A30’s and the A23’s as they foraged back and forth, their A-Clan calls were clearly audible both above and below the waterline.
When the orcas turned and headed back to the east towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve some social behaviour was observed and included spyhopping, tail slapping and pectoral slapping which was intriguing to watch.

A30s with A8s and A24s on transit

Seasmoke reports

There were many orcas to be seen in Johnstone Strait this morning, several pods were in transit, the A12’s, A30’s, A8’s and A24’s.

A30s foraging at Beaver Cove

Seasmoke reports

On the afternoon tour, it was surprising to find the A30’s foraging at Beaver Cove shortly after departing from Alder Bay. Even though rain was falling gently, the sightings of the 9 orcas and the sounds of their A-Clan vocalizations as they foraged were superb! Passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing, especially of A38 and A30 as they passed nearby the boat as it sat idle and drifting; foraging and traveling behaviour was observed when the pod made their turn back to the east and we left them at Blinkhorn.

A30s with I31s in Blackfish Sound

We are so sorry that the live audio is still not working.But the internet is still on and off. A short update. The A12´s, all A5´s and the A24´s are in the bight, close to the hydrophone we can hear A12calls. A55, A62, A67 and A83 were a bit far off the others. All going east. We had a report of the A36´s coming up from the east. So maybe they join the others soon. This morning we had the A30´s with the I31´s in Blackfish Sound, after the A30´s went out last night they brought the I31´s back in. But they went already out again to the west.
Melanie
15 Aug 2008 15:42:25 PDT

A30s with A12s, A5s and A4s heading east

Orcalab reports:

Just try to give you an update. Our connection is still on and off. We had the A30s, A36s, A12s and A11s yesterday joining the A5s and A24s in Johnstone Strait. The A36s and A12s went far to the east. Today we have the A12s, A30s, A5s and A24s in the strait, going back and forth. The A11s went out yesterday evening. We saw the new calf of A35 and A64. They looking great. It's so good to see new babys. Now somebody is rubbing without calling. The rest is still in the bight. We had a report that all groups going slowly to the east. Maybe they will pick up the A36s, which were on the way back to the west. Lets see.
Melanie
14 Aug 2008 18:40:25 PDT

A30s with A24s in Weynton Passage

Seasmoke reports:

Today has to be one of the best days of the season with many pods of orcas being present in Johnstone Strait. Because the pods were so spread out it was not possible to see them all. Time was spent viewing the A30’s and A24’s and on the way home, up in Weynton Passage, the A11’s were sighted. The lighting was glorious with the sun shining on them as they lay resting on the surface of the water, as well, there were multiple spy-hops observed which delighted everyone on board.Stubbs whale watching reports:
This morning the fog added to the magic when the sun finally came through. We found the killer whales mostly by listening with the hydrophone and their blows. The orcas would appear and then disappear in the mist It was amazing! The whales led us out of the fog and we observe interaction between the orca's and Dall's porpoise. we even observed behaviour that may have been nursing under water with A54 and her youngest calf.

In the afternoon the sun shone and it was fabulous, it was the first time this season our naturalists were able to go without their jackets. On the way down Johnstone Strait we had the most incredible bow-riding Pacific white-sided dolphins. They were porpoising and riding in the wake of the boat. We then encountered the A30's; A23's; and possibly the A8's. On our way back up Blackfish Sound we found the A11's in Weynton Pass.

A1s all together at Malcolm Island

Seasmoke reports:

The A36’s were sighted at the top end of Malcolm Island, they were foraging and then turned east with other incoming pods who were also sighted close-by, the A30’s and the A12’s. All pods were moving steadily eastbound.
Spy-hopping, tail slapping and breaching was observed. On the afternoon tour, passengers aboard the SV Tuan were delighted to view the same incoming pods as they headed east from Lizard Point, foraging and resting behavior was observed, some resting calls were heard via the hydrophone.

A30s near Robson Bight

Seasmoke reports

Orcas were reported east bound in the fog bank on the VI shore, passing into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and hidden in the fog. Crossing Blakney Passage and nearing Cracroft Point on the other shore, a curtain of fog lifted revealing a very large dorsal fin and other smaller fins in the distance. What a surprise for the excited guests on board catching their first glimpse of orcas! A38 was foraging suddenly nearby, followed by A39, both of them proceeding a little further west foraging. The rest of the A30’s who had been foraging formed a resting line and began making their way very slowly, crossing the strait towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. A39 who had made his way more centre strait turned, as did A38 and both began moving east in the direction of their family.

Seasmoke reports:

The pods seen today were the same as yesterday, all of the A5’s and the A30’s. It is reassuring to see that their travel to the far east (traveling great distances) in search of food has changed in recent days and they are spending more time in the western part of Johnstone Strait, foraging in the area from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve up to Turn Point or further west to the Stephenson Islands and Beaver Cove, then turning back to the east. On our tours today they were observed to be foraging most of the time, in their family groups, well spread out across the strait. Some half breaches, resting, a spyhop and some playful interaction between siblings were also observed.

A30s in Blackfish Sound

Seasmoke reports

The A30’s were sighted heading in from Bold Head. It was exciting viewing. A39 was sighted followed by the A54’s and a single Pacific White-sided Dolphin who was swimming with them. The A50’s foraged near to the boat delighting passengers; the two calves played on the surface for a time and it was interesting to hear a single call on the hydrophone and watch as the two calves raced after their mother. A 38 was also seen at a distance where the small nick near the top of his dorsal fin could be seen by binoculars.

A30s heading west from the Ecological Reserve

When the SV Tuan headed out on tour this afternoon there were reports of orcas heading east at the east end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve (A30’s, A23’s, A8’s) and orcas heading west, west of Lizard Point (A12’s). We began by heading west but when a report came in that some of the pods had turned back to the west at the east end of the reserve, we headed in that direction. The heavy flood current had us make our way swiftly down Blackfish Sound and we were soon in Johnstone Strait where blows and the dorsal fins of the orcas could be seen heading in our direction. A large dorsal fin was sighted nearby, identified as A38 (oldest surviving son of A30 from the A30 pod). He was separate from his family who were much further east in Johnstone Strait, he was observed foraging intensely, moving back and forth. The A8’s were also foraging steadily along the Cracroft shore, turning back at times to forage then moving west against the flood current, taking long dives. One lucky passenger managed to snap a wonderful photo when one of the orcas spy-hopped, delighting everyone. A few dall’s porpoises were observed to be traveling with the A8’s as they crossed Blakney Passage in the heavy flood current.

A30s foraging in JS

Seasmoke reports
As we neared the approaching orcas on the VI shore, the engine was cut and the hydrophone deployed. Several small groups were observed foraging close to the shore but in the shaded waters it was not easy to identify them. The A30’s were present and some other pods, possibly G-Clan pod(s), G-Clan calls were heard, as well as A-Clan calls. The A30’s were superb! Foraging further out from the shore they were clearly visible and passengers had some memorable moments when they turned to travel back to the east passing nearby. A few more delightful moments were spent watching A73 (Bend) stopping near-by to nudge up to and against a log as though in play. The orcas were seen to be foraging intensively, and passengers watched as A30 foraged back and forth, A38 also foraged nearby with his mother.

A30s joined I31s in Blackfish Sound

Multiple pod calls audible.

It seems we're connected again, after being down most of the night. Sorry about that, as it has been very exciting vocally & socially. There has been a lot of movement since yesterday. The groups that were in the east came quickly back to the west in the afternoon & met up with the I15s/I31s, who had spent hours resting in western Johnstone Strait yesterday afternoon before heading into the beaches for an excited rub just before the A11s & co met them around 7pm. The A12s & A36s came back into the Strait via Weynton Pass & headed east just before dark. Most of the groups headed north via Blackney Pass around midnight & then headed back into the Strait around 3am. At the moment, the A30s & I31s are in Blackfish Sound. We think the A12s headed east from Robson Bight around 3am.
Helena
29 Jul 2008 06:18:23 PDT

The A30s joining the A5s and A24s in lower JS

Multiple pod calls audible.

A lot has been happening while we were "down". First of all, this morning we have heard the I15s and possibly other G clan members arrive into Johnstone Strait. We are also hearing A1 calls and hopefully soon will sort out who. Yesterday, the A30s continued west toward the A24s and A5s who spent the day in the Lower Johnstone Strait (Nick Templeman report). Then yesterday evening, A12 and A33 travelled through Blackfish Sound,Blackney Pass and into Johnstone Strait. They were first seen by Troy Bright at Berre Point. They looked well and energetic, foraging as they travelled past us. A small minke kept company briefly. Again this morning, we had a group of dolphins who added to the mix.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 08:00:39 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

After passing the Beaches, the I15s, I31s and the A36s turned back to the west. They have now passed CP and are on their way west. The A11s, who were seen earlier have not been yet identified as part of this western run. Meanwhile, the A30s,A5s, A12s and A24s were in the Lower Johnstone Strait where at least some, if not all, went southeast of Nodales Channel.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 17:15:14 PDT

The A30s are back!

Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

There are distant calls on Critical Point, perhaps the whales coming back from the east.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 09:22:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

No, No, No.... the calls are not from the groups coming from the east but newly arriving A30s via Weynton Pass! Yes! Yes! Yes! Helena
Helena
26 Jul 2008 10:03:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s continued east. They are now just about to enter the Ecological Reserve. Meanwhile, the A5s and A24s were reported off Camp Point (east Johnstone Strait) this morning.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 11:04:08 PDT
Distant calls audible.

The A30s are actually calling now.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 11:06:29 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are at the Rubbing Beaches now.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 11:58:59 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A23s and the A8s went up to the western end of Hanson Island by 6pm. From there they turned back to the east and just a short while ago we heard them off of Cracroft Point. Perhaps they will continue eastward. The tide is dropping but they have been swimming against the tide all day. Interesting note: CetaceaLab has seen the A30s and A4s and heard A5 calls as well. Seeming the A51s have not been seen here we have to conclude they are still north.
Helena
07 Jul 2008 19:41:29 PDT

No orcas present.

A note from CetaceaLab (http://www.whaleresearch.ca/) that they saw the A30s on June 30th.
Helena
02 Jul 2008 10:46:22 PDT

25 June 2008, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A30s headed north through Blackney Pass around 8pm yesterday & have not yet returned. We are waiting.
Helena & Paul
25 Jun 2008 11:43:45 PDT

24 June 2008, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have arrived! They came "in" via Blackney Pass at around 3pm today, and were spread out as they headed into Johnstone Strait. Unfortunately, our internet connection is still down, so we are unable to stream live audio & enable you to hear their their calls. But just the same, this is an exciting day, and we hope there will be many more to come this summer!
Paul & Helena
24 Jun 2008 20:31:35 PDT