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
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
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
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
Friday, September 26, 2008
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
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
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
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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
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
Monday, September 22, 2008
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
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
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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
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
Saturday, September 20, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 19, 2008
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
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
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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
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
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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
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.
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.
Friday, September 12, 2008
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.
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
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
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
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,
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,
Saturday, September 06, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, September 01, 2008
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
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
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