No orcas present.
Sorry, the streaming is gone again for a bit while we sort out new IP addresses. Since yesterday, there is not much to report except around 5pm a group of at least 7 orcas passed CP on their way to the east. These whales were reported to have come in via Weynton Pass although there is some confusion as visual IDs were not available and the whales were not vocal. They passed on to Boat bay and then started to cross over toward the east end of the Reserve. As far as we know the I15s were eastbound on the Vancouver Island shore during this time. They also got to the beaches and from there we thinks they may have carried on to the east. But this is also not 100% clear as there were no calls to give additional clues after 8:08pm. We are waiting to see how the day unfolds. The A36s were the last vocal whales in Blackfish Sound yesterday evening (8pm) and they may still not be too far away as they seemed to not be entirely committed to leaving this area. There was a report a short while ago of 2 whales off of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Sound. Dolphins continue to tour the area and can be heard from time to time.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 09:47:37 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We've been listening to echolocation of the Critical Point hydrophone, and Marie at the Cliff reports a group of orcas in the Robson Bight estuary, heading west. A short whle ago, we heard distant G clan calls on CrPt, so it's possible the I15s (or another G clan group) are heading back from the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 13:16:56 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A4s, A5s, A12s are all heading west past Robson Bight, possibly to join up with the I15s, who have been lazing around off (& inside) Blackney Pass for the past several hours.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 17:45:50 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A lot has been happening. We think the A12s,A35s and at least some of the A5s went west in Johnstone Strait and out htrough weynton Pass. We picked them up on the "other" side, at the top of Blackfish Sound just as the A30s were moving through Blackney Pass to the north and into Blackfish Sound. We could still hear an A4 group in the Strait and then traveling through Blackney Pass too. This sounded like the A11,A56 and A13's group. We are not sure what happened to the I15s after they poked their noses into Blackney Pass this afternoon. There were just a few calls before 6pm and then we lost track. Before the evening is over hopefully we will be able to account for all the groups.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 23:18:18 PDT
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Large Crowd
Multiple pod calls audible.
The very large "crowd" that was reported being in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday, is beginning to arrive. This happens several hours after the A8s rushed out of Blackfish Sound. So far we have heard, the A30s, A4s,A5s and I15s.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 03:50:14 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Moving in... using every available route. We now are hearing Bs and possibly I31 calls already in Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass as the A4s move through Blackney on their way to the Strait as well. Getting very crowded!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 04:27:06 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches, others are in Robson Bight, others are headed east past Alert Bay, others are still coming. The movemenr is generally eastward.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 08:37:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Boy, this is busy! First a probable correction is needed. the Bs may not be there. It was a mistake of hearing the word "Bs" for "Ds" in the early morning. What is clear is that the A1s, A4s, and A5s came into Johnstone Strait along with the I15s and I31s between 4 and 5am. The Ds never seemed to come very far to the east so we are not sure where they are now. There is a sleepy group west bound between Alert Bay and Haddington Island on the Vancouver Island pointed toward Malcolm Island. This may be the C6s. There is another large group (whales everywhere today) between Cormorant Island and Malcolm Island heading toward Sointula. The Johnstone Strait whales are west bound from the beaches to Robson Bight spread out from the Cracroft Island shore to Vancouver Island. Whew! hang on to your hats!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 09:59:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We now know a bit more of today's distribution: the C6s and G25s are the westbound,sleepy group headed to haddington island; the Ds (all) and I22/39 are the sointula group;the i33s just went by the Cliff a short while ago following the A36s. It is not clear where the the rest of the As and I15s are at the moment.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 10:44:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the orca shuffle continues: westbound in the Strait are the A30s, A36s,I31s and the I15s. They are spread out from Little Kaikash (west of CP) back to Izumi Rock (the A30s,I15s and maybe part of the I31s along the Vacouver Island side, while the A36s and I33s are on the Cracroft Island side). Eastbound are most likely the A4s,A5s and A12s ,now past the Eve River
Helena
25 Aug 2009 11:12:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s just went north through Blackney Pass and are now westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 12:12:16 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Here is another correction. The A30s are probably back with their regular company heading east at Hickey Point. (A12s,A4s,A5s and A30s). the two males seen on the Vancouver Island side ahead of the I15s earlier may have been the rest of the I31s (the I33s went north through Blackney Pass). the A36s ended up going through Weynton pass and we heard them as they crossed the top end of Blackfish Sound following the I33s out to the west. The I15s are currently off the entrance to Weynton pass deciding on their next move. The I31s may be with them. Complicated day to say the least.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 14:32:32 PDT
The very large "crowd" that was reported being in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday, is beginning to arrive. This happens several hours after the A8s rushed out of Blackfish Sound. So far we have heard, the A30s, A4s,A5s and I15s.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 03:50:14 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Moving in... using every available route. We now are hearing Bs and possibly I31 calls already in Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass as the A4s move through Blackney on their way to the Strait as well. Getting very crowded!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 04:27:06 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches, others are in Robson Bight, others are headed east past Alert Bay, others are still coming. The movemenr is generally eastward.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 08:37:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Boy, this is busy! First a probable correction is needed. the Bs may not be there. It was a mistake of hearing the word "Bs" for "Ds" in the early morning. What is clear is that the A1s, A4s, and A5s came into Johnstone Strait along with the I15s and I31s between 4 and 5am. The Ds never seemed to come very far to the east so we are not sure where they are now. There is a sleepy group west bound between Alert Bay and Haddington Island on the Vancouver Island pointed toward Malcolm Island. This may be the C6s. There is another large group (whales everywhere today) between Cormorant Island and Malcolm Island heading toward Sointula. The Johnstone Strait whales are west bound from the beaches to Robson Bight spread out from the Cracroft Island shore to Vancouver Island. Whew! hang on to your hats!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 09:59:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We now know a bit more of today's distribution: the C6s and G25s are the westbound,sleepy group headed to haddington island; the Ds (all) and I22/39 are the sointula group;the i33s just went by the Cliff a short while ago following the A36s. It is not clear where the the rest of the As and I15s are at the moment.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 10:44:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the orca shuffle continues: westbound in the Strait are the A30s, A36s,I31s and the I15s. They are spread out from Little Kaikash (west of CP) back to Izumi Rock (the A30s,I15s and maybe part of the I31s along the Vacouver Island side, while the A36s and I33s are on the Cracroft Island side). Eastbound are most likely the A4s,A5s and A12s ,now past the Eve River
Helena
25 Aug 2009 11:12:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s just went north through Blackney Pass and are now westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 12:12:16 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Here is another correction. The A30s are probably back with their regular company heading east at Hickey Point. (A12s,A4s,A5s and A30s). the two males seen on the Vancouver Island side ahead of the I15s earlier may have been the rest of the I31s (the I33s went north through Blackney Pass). the A36s ended up going through Weynton pass and we heard them as they crossed the top end of Blackfish Sound following the I33s out to the west. The I15s are currently off the entrance to Weynton pass deciding on their next move. The I31s may be with them. Complicated day to say the least.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 14:32:32 PDT
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Multiple pod calls audible.
We still are not able to stream but may have located the problem BUT we can post comments. The scene pretty much leaves off from the location of the last post but a lot has happened since. Starting with now, the A4s (all of them) , the A12s (all of them) and the A5s are making their way back west opposite Robson Bight spread out between both shores, Vancouver Island and Cracroft Island. The movement west began this morning from Kelsey Bay. The A30s are to the west after separating yesterday from the larger group. They spent most of yesterday in Queen Charlotte Strait after saying good-bye to the gang who then went east slowly and silently for the rest of the day after the A30s went north via Blackney Pass and west in Blackfish Sound. Around 3:40 pm the A30s turned back east from Bere Point and eventually made their way to Blackfish Sound just after 10pm. They ventured slightly into Blackney but by 11:16pm they were on their way west through Blackfish Sound and by 11:36pm we lost track of them. By 4pm yesterday the A4s and A5s were well on their way past the Adam River on their way to meet up with the A12s who had spent their day in the far east.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 14:36:32 PDT
We still are not able to stream but may have located the problem BUT we can post comments. The scene pretty much leaves off from the location of the last post but a lot has happened since. Starting with now, the A4s (all of them) , the A12s (all of them) and the A5s are making their way back west opposite Robson Bight spread out between both shores, Vancouver Island and Cracroft Island. The movement west began this morning from Kelsey Bay. The A30s are to the west after separating yesterday from the larger group. They spent most of yesterday in Queen Charlotte Strait after saying good-bye to the gang who then went east slowly and silently for the rest of the day after the A30s went north via Blackney Pass and west in Blackfish Sound. Around 3:40 pm the A30s turned back east from Bere Point and eventually made their way to Blackfish Sound just after 10pm. They ventured slightly into Blackney but by 11:16pm they were on their way west through Blackfish Sound and by 11:36pm we lost track of them. By 4pm yesterday the A4s and A5s were well on their way past the Adam River on their way to meet up with the A12s who had spent their day in the far east.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 14:36:32 PDT
A30s left to the west leaving the A4s and A5s
Seasmoke reports
This morning when we headed out the A30”s were reported heading to the west at Lizard Point while other pods: the A23’s, 25’s, A8’s, A24’s and A11’s were heading east at Cracroft Point. We decided to head to the east, it was a beautiful day and one that was worth the waiting for as it turned out! Pacific White-sided Dolphins 100++were seen in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we arrived, as well a small group went by us heading to the west. Orcas were sighted in the estuary of the Bight heading east and we observed them as they went to the beaches at the eastern end. It was nice to simply sit back and observe them; so many at the beaches at one time and then suddenly, they all began heading to the east and out of the eastern end of the Reserve. To see these groups of orcas, the A4’s and the A5’s altogether was wonderful; the A11’s were in the lead with the A24’s right behind with A73, the A8’s, A23’s and A25’s following closer to the Vancouver Island shore and almost parallel to the A5’s. Watching the young calves playing together was a treat: the lighting was superb and the viewing was breathtaking.
This morning when we headed out the A30”s were reported heading to the west at Lizard Point while other pods: the A23’s, 25’s, A8’s, A24’s and A11’s were heading east at Cracroft Point. We decided to head to the east, it was a beautiful day and one that was worth the waiting for as it turned out! Pacific White-sided Dolphins 100++were seen in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we arrived, as well a small group went by us heading to the west. Orcas were sighted in the estuary of the Bight heading east and we observed them as they went to the beaches at the eastern end. It was nice to simply sit back and observe them; so many at the beaches at one time and then suddenly, they all began heading to the east and out of the eastern end of the Reserve. To see these groups of orcas, the A4’s and the A5’s altogether was wonderful; the A11’s were in the lead with the A24’s right behind with A73, the A8’s, A23’s and A25’s following closer to the Vancouver Island shore and almost parallel to the A5’s. Watching the young calves playing together was a treat: the lighting was superb and the viewing was breathtaking.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Orcas near mics.
We are hearing close echo location and a few "A" calls close to Critical Point as someone rounds the "corner" into Robson Bight. The whales may be spread back further to the east end of the Reserve as there has been a couple of "rub" sounds as well. This means whales are on their way west.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 07:58:07 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
This morning after starting a recording at 7:42am, the A30s came west along Vancouver Island, then crossed into Blackney Pass and north to Blackfish Sound. They were gliding with the tide all together and silent until reaching Blackfish Sound. A small boat, following to persistently ruined the lovely scene somewhat. While the A30s were going through, the A8s were also heading west and into Blackney. We heard a couple of calls that alerted us to their presence. Then the Tuan alerted us that they were coming into Blackney. They followed the Hanson Island side closely. They too were silent and remained so as they entered Blackfish Sound. A28 was not with them.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 11:34:45 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
An interesting development. We have been listening to A4 calls on the rubbing beaches for the past while. Several small groups are moving west spread from the Cracroft Island shore at the Cliff to the Vancouver Island shore from Robson Bight back to the east end. It may be that the A11s came in yesterday morning and were perhaps the A4 group we heard around 4am off Critical Point and then at the Beaches a while later. Later in the day, some of the OrcaLive group identified the A11s and reported that A73 was now with them! she certainly keeps life interesting. Also, the A30s have now turned while off Lizard Point and are headed back east through Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 15:12:40 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A30’s had been reported entering into Blackney Passage and Blackfish Sound when we sighted orcas on the Vancouver Island shore heading east, as we watched they began crossing Johnstone Strait making their way towards Blackney Passage as well. We identified them as the A8’s but A28 was not among them. 30+ Stellar Sea Lions were sighted hauled out and swimming in the water on our way back. On the afternoon tour we headed towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve where orcas had been reported entering the Reserve from the east. A Humpback Whale was sighted en route to the orcas as were Dalls Porpoises riding at the bow of the boat and more Stellar Sea Lions who were swimming. We sighted orcas near the Pig Ranch on West Cracroft Island, some of the A24’s including A73, more orcas were foraging in the Robson Bight Reserve and more were headed to the west along the Vancouver Island shoreline. The orcas were travelling and foraging, some breaching activity was also observed. The rest of the A24’s were sighted further to the east as we headed home.
We are hearing close echo location and a few "A" calls close to Critical Point as someone rounds the "corner" into Robson Bight. The whales may be spread back further to the east end of the Reserve as there has been a couple of "rub" sounds as well. This means whales are on their way west.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 07:58:07 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
This morning after starting a recording at 7:42am, the A30s came west along Vancouver Island, then crossed into Blackney Pass and north to Blackfish Sound. They were gliding with the tide all together and silent until reaching Blackfish Sound. A small boat, following to persistently ruined the lovely scene somewhat. While the A30s were going through, the A8s were also heading west and into Blackney. We heard a couple of calls that alerted us to their presence. Then the Tuan alerted us that they were coming into Blackney. They followed the Hanson Island side closely. They too were silent and remained so as they entered Blackfish Sound. A28 was not with them.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 11:34:45 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
An interesting development. We have been listening to A4 calls on the rubbing beaches for the past while. Several small groups are moving west spread from the Cracroft Island shore at the Cliff to the Vancouver Island shore from Robson Bight back to the east end. It may be that the A11s came in yesterday morning and were perhaps the A4 group we heard around 4am off Critical Point and then at the Beaches a while later. Later in the day, some of the OrcaLive group identified the A11s and reported that A73 was now with them! she certainly keeps life interesting. Also, the A30s have now turned while off Lizard Point and are headed back east through Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 15:12:40 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A30’s had been reported entering into Blackney Passage and Blackfish Sound when we sighted orcas on the Vancouver Island shore heading east, as we watched they began crossing Johnstone Strait making their way towards Blackney Passage as well. We identified them as the A8’s but A28 was not among them. 30+ Stellar Sea Lions were sighted hauled out and swimming in the water on our way back. On the afternoon tour we headed towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve where orcas had been reported entering the Reserve from the east. A Humpback Whale was sighted en route to the orcas as were Dalls Porpoises riding at the bow of the boat and more Stellar Sea Lions who were swimming. We sighted orcas near the Pig Ranch on West Cracroft Island, some of the A24’s including A73, more orcas were foraging in the Robson Bight Reserve and more were headed to the west along the Vancouver Island shoreline. The orcas were travelling and foraging, some breaching activity was also observed. The rest of the A24’s were sighted further to the east as we headed home.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
No orcas present.
A couple of events; we are still not able to stream audio; the A24s made a "quick' jaunt back to Critical Point at 4:35am and then returned to the Beaches for a rub at 6am; a large group of dolphins passed the Lab headed north at 6;30am.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 07:55:20 PDT
No orcas present.
All the regular groups plus the A12s are far to the east today but generally heading back west, with the A24s in the lead, and the A12s at the back of the parade. Also, a report of whales in the Blunden Harbour area last night.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 12:22:42 PDT
No orcas present.
Sorry, the last report said that the whales were heading west but actually they were going east with the current. Still far to the east, quiet this direction so far.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 14:36:05 PDT
A couple of events; we are still not able to stream audio; the A24s made a "quick' jaunt back to Critical Point at 4:35am and then returned to the Beaches for a rub at 6am; a large group of dolphins passed the Lab headed north at 6;30am.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 07:55:20 PDT
No orcas present.
All the regular groups plus the A12s are far to the east today but generally heading back west, with the A24s in the lead, and the A12s at the back of the parade. Also, a report of whales in the Blunden Harbour area last night.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 12:22:42 PDT
No orcas present.
Sorry, the last report said that the whales were heading west but actually they were going east with the current. Still far to the east, quiet this direction so far.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 14:36:05 PDT
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Distant calls audible.
Here is a chance to catch up. The internet service went down during the night - a problem outside of our network. Around 3am, the A30s, A24S,and A5s returned from the east. By 4am they were off Critical Point. For the next two hours, they moved around off the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay, eventually heading back to the east. Later, in the very foggy morning light, a group transients (possibly the T18s) came west in the Strait and into Blackney Pass. While they cleared north at 11:40am, the A12s headed south into Blackney Pass. They had been preceded by a group of 100 Pacific Whitesided dolphins who reached the Strait by 11:34am. except for a few generic A1 calls in Blackfish Sound, the A12s travelled to the Strait silently. They are off Robson Bight now, still quiet but the a30s,A24s and the A5s are on their way back to the east end of the Reserve. A meeting is about to happen soon.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 14:05:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
First of all: audio streaming seems to be having difficulties. We are not sure of the cause. Please be patient. Between 3 and 4pm the A23s (silent) and the A24s (vocal) and then the A25s (vocal too) passed CP headed to the west. The A30s are coming along the Vancouver Island shore headed west as well but a bit further back from the others. The A12s kept going east and the A8s haven not been accounted for yet today. The transients ended up in front of Alert Bay after passing us before noon this morning. There is also a report of a large group heading east from Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 17:09:20 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,in particular A39, were vocal for a short while as the whales negotiated a turn to the east. During the turn the A30s shifted direction mid strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. The other groups then moved eastward after getting as far as Blinkhorn. The A12s at last report kept going east from the Beaches, passing the A30s,who were headed west at the time, off Strider Beach.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 18:33:58 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Still do not know why the audio link is down. but we can tell you that some of the whales (not yet identified) are at the beaches and the A4s are offshore of Robson Bight.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 21:07:13 PDT
No orcas present.
The A12s turned up at the beaches . It is not 100% clear if the A12s approached the Beaches from the east or the west. They had been seen continuing east past the A30s but it was possible that this was just so they could follow the parade to the west. CP was convinced that they got at least as far as Kaikash before being noticed as an unidentified group heading east. The numbers just seemed right. Regardless, all the groups have moved east beyond the Reserve now and this little corner of the ocean is quiet for the moment.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:22:58 PDT
No orcas present.
I forgot to mention that the A12s were at the Beaches until around 9:28pm and the last distant multi-group calls were at 10:54pm when we believe the whales continued eastward.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:31:19 PDT
Here is a chance to catch up. The internet service went down during the night - a problem outside of our network. Around 3am, the A30s, A24S,and A5s returned from the east. By 4am they were off Critical Point. For the next two hours, they moved around off the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay, eventually heading back to the east. Later, in the very foggy morning light, a group transients (possibly the T18s) came west in the Strait and into Blackney Pass. While they cleared north at 11:40am, the A12s headed south into Blackney Pass. They had been preceded by a group of 100 Pacific Whitesided dolphins who reached the Strait by 11:34am. except for a few generic A1 calls in Blackfish Sound, the A12s travelled to the Strait silently. They are off Robson Bight now, still quiet but the a30s,A24s and the A5s are on their way back to the east end of the Reserve. A meeting is about to happen soon.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 14:05:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
First of all: audio streaming seems to be having difficulties. We are not sure of the cause. Please be patient. Between 3 and 4pm the A23s (silent) and the A24s (vocal) and then the A25s (vocal too) passed CP headed to the west. The A30s are coming along the Vancouver Island shore headed west as well but a bit further back from the others. The A12s kept going east and the A8s haven not been accounted for yet today. The transients ended up in front of Alert Bay after passing us before noon this morning. There is also a report of a large group heading east from Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 17:09:20 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,in particular A39, were vocal for a short while as the whales negotiated a turn to the east. During the turn the A30s shifted direction mid strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. The other groups then moved eastward after getting as far as Blinkhorn. The A12s at last report kept going east from the Beaches, passing the A30s,who were headed west at the time, off Strider Beach.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 18:33:58 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Still do not know why the audio link is down. but we can tell you that some of the whales (not yet identified) are at the beaches and the A4s are offshore of Robson Bight.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 21:07:13 PDT
No orcas present.
The A12s turned up at the beaches . It is not 100% clear if the A12s approached the Beaches from the east or the west. They had been seen continuing east past the A30s but it was possible that this was just so they could follow the parade to the west. CP was convinced that they got at least as far as Kaikash before being noticed as an unidentified group heading east. The numbers just seemed right. Regardless, all the groups have moved east beyond the Reserve now and this little corner of the ocean is quiet for the moment.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:22:58 PDT
No orcas present.
I forgot to mention that the A12s were at the Beaches until around 9:28pm and the last distant multi-group calls were at 10:54pm when we believe the whales continued eastward.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:31:19 PDT
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A30s, A4s and A5s travel together
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the A5s have brought themselves back to the area near the Reserve and closer to the A24s. interesting calls even if a bit faint at times.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:18:44 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After the rendezvous, the A30s have come west into Blackney Pass and are headed to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:35:24 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s reach into Blackfish Sound, the A5s are following them through Blackney Pass. So far, it is not apparent that the A24s have done likewise.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:56:40 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
It has been an interesting morning as the A30s,A5s and the A24s made their way all the way back from Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage. The entered the Strait at 2:27pm. They have been quiet. No mention of the A8s yet.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 14:49:23 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,A5s and the A24s continued east toward the Ecological Reserve after spending quite a lot of time west of CP after arriving in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 19:59:16 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales have moved further east to the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 20:27:15 PDT
Boat noise
We lost track of the whales around 9pm and for now, presume they continued eastward from the Reserve.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 23:25:37 PDT
Seasmoke reports
As we entered Weynton Passage orcas were sighted in the distance and as we drew closer they were seen heading in the direction of Blackfish Sound yet turning towards Lulu Island Pass while the A30’s who suddenly appeared off the NW corner of the Plumper Islands, turned also into the less turbulent waters of the Plumper Island Passage. The flood current was maximum and surging in Weynton Passage! We cruised through another beautiful waterway and waited for the orcas entry into Johnstone Strait and what an entry it was. Our entire time spent with the orcas from here-on during the tour was spent sailing using our main sail. It was absolutely exhilarating to move quietly while observing the orcas and their movements. The pods looked to be the same groups that we have encountered the last few weeks but it was not possible to fully identify each family due to keeping a distance away and the glare from sunlight. We did get a good look at the A30’s and the A23’s, the A24’s we believe were there as well as the A25’s. The A8’s were likely there also but we did not get a positive ID on them.
The A30s and the A5s have brought themselves back to the area near the Reserve and closer to the A24s. interesting calls even if a bit faint at times.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:18:44 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After the rendezvous, the A30s have come west into Blackney Pass and are headed to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:35:24 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s reach into Blackfish Sound, the A5s are following them through Blackney Pass. So far, it is not apparent that the A24s have done likewise.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:56:40 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
It has been an interesting morning as the A30s,A5s and the A24s made their way all the way back from Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage. The entered the Strait at 2:27pm. They have been quiet. No mention of the A8s yet.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 14:49:23 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,A5s and the A24s continued east toward the Ecological Reserve after spending quite a lot of time west of CP after arriving in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 19:59:16 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales have moved further east to the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 20:27:15 PDT
Boat noise
We lost track of the whales around 9pm and for now, presume they continued eastward from the Reserve.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 23:25:37 PDT
Seasmoke reports
As we entered Weynton Passage orcas were sighted in the distance and as we drew closer they were seen heading in the direction of Blackfish Sound yet turning towards Lulu Island Pass while the A30’s who suddenly appeared off the NW corner of the Plumper Islands, turned also into the less turbulent waters of the Plumper Island Passage. The flood current was maximum and surging in Weynton Passage! We cruised through another beautiful waterway and waited for the orcas entry into Johnstone Strait and what an entry it was. Our entire time spent with the orcas from here-on during the tour was spent sailing using our main sail. It was absolutely exhilarating to move quietly while observing the orcas and their movements. The pods looked to be the same groups that we have encountered the last few weeks but it was not possible to fully identify each family due to keeping a distance away and the glare from sunlight. We did get a good look at the A30’s and the A23’s, the A24’s we believe were there as well as the A25’s. The A8’s were likely there also but we did not get a positive ID on them.
Monday, August 17, 2009
A30s A4s and A5s travel together
No orcas present.
All quiet now, but the night was a mixture of continued A5 rubs (8;39 to 8:48pm and (9:26 to 9:36pm) and not too distant and distant, A30 and A24 calls, west of the beaches. Then, only incredibly distant calls from 9pm till just before midnight when the very distant frequent calls became slightly stronger. It sounded as if the whales must have been on the Cracroft Island shore heading west and possibly eastward (perhaps a split in the larger group?). Around 3am, there were also frequent Pacific Whitesided dolphin calls, some very close to Critical Point. After 4am, the A30s could be heard in Blackfish Sound. Possibly, they went north through Blackney Pass (mostly silently) as a few of their calls were echoing back to the Local Left hydrophone. A24 and A5 calls were not heard during this time suggesting that they may well have (at least the A5s) stayed east of the Ecological Reserve. But we will see what the morning brings. 10 whales have already been spotted heading east in Queen Charlotte Strait this morning. This may well turn out to be the A30s returning.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 07:52:02 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
sorry, our internet connection has been very erratic for the past while. i'm taking this 'connected' opportunity to post the following summary of the day: the large group did not apparently split during the night. But the A24s and A5s were the silent partners to the A30s, who we know, went out to Blackfish Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait as we heard them at 4am. This morning, whales came out of Queen Charlotte Strait, through Weynton Pass and then east in Johnstone Strait. Most of this latter part was silent. Eventually, the A30s (travelling with the A23s), the A24s and the rest of the A5s arrived at the Ecological Reserve, displacing the dolphins who were hanging out deep in the Bight. The groups then found their way to the beaches where they have been for the last while. The dolphins right now are heading east under the Cliff toward Boat Bay after heading west to the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier. There are transients at the very far eastern end of Johnstone Strait. also, jared Towers thinks A69 (Midsummer) has a new calf. Paul believes he had taken a picture of the calf earlier in the summer. This will be Midummer's first!
Helena
17 Aug 2009 13:14:22 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Just before 2pm the A30s with the A23s filed back into Robson Bight after the beaches. The others are now following their lead.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 14:43:21 PDT
Distant calls audible.
I need to correct the impression that the A24s were with the A30s and the A5s when they came into Weynton Pass before 9am. Right now, the A30s and the A5s are far to the west again, close to where they were this moning when they came in. They started west after the beaches and passed Critical Point at 2:15pm. By 3:25pm, they were west of Kaikash Creek. From there they continued west past Blinkhorn and beyond.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 19:17:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
These A24 calls are both close and further away from Critical Point. But it seems as if they have rounded Critical Point from the east so perhaps our original idea that the larger group split up last night was correct based on what we know from the visual reports for the day and the scanty acoustic clues we had. Now it seems probable that it was the A24s who stayed east while the A30s and the A5s did the circuit around Hanson Island and Johnstone Strait last night and today. It is so nice when there are solid acoustic clues. Just now, CP reports that the A30s and A5s have turned and are eastbound (still west of CP) from Blinkhorn.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 19:49:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the A5s have brought themselves back to the area near the Reserve and closer to the A24s. interesting calls even if a bit faint at times.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 22:30:45 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was not long after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this morning that orcas were sighted in the distance travelling towards Johnstone Strait in Weynton Passage. As we neared Weynton Island passengers watched as the groups of orcas entered the Strait and began making their way slowly to the east. The A30’s stalled initially on their entry and the young calves were observed spyhopping and three had their tails high in the air making head stands. A38 and A39 had separated from their family and had commenced foraging a distance away. The A23’s were travelling close to the A30’s while the other pods: the A25’s, A8’s and ?A24’s headed over towards the Vancouver Island shore. All were eastbound in the flood current that was pushing them along.
All quiet now, but the night was a mixture of continued A5 rubs (8;39 to 8:48pm and (9:26 to 9:36pm) and not too distant and distant, A30 and A24 calls, west of the beaches. Then, only incredibly distant calls from 9pm till just before midnight when the very distant frequent calls became slightly stronger. It sounded as if the whales must have been on the Cracroft Island shore heading west and possibly eastward (perhaps a split in the larger group?). Around 3am, there were also frequent Pacific Whitesided dolphin calls, some very close to Critical Point. After 4am, the A30s could be heard in Blackfish Sound. Possibly, they went north through Blackney Pass (mostly silently) as a few of their calls were echoing back to the Local Left hydrophone. A24 and A5 calls were not heard during this time suggesting that they may well have (at least the A5s) stayed east of the Ecological Reserve. But we will see what the morning brings. 10 whales have already been spotted heading east in Queen Charlotte Strait this morning. This may well turn out to be the A30s returning.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 07:52:02 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
sorry, our internet connection has been very erratic for the past while. i'm taking this 'connected' opportunity to post the following summary of the day: the large group did not apparently split during the night. But the A24s and A5s were the silent partners to the A30s, who we know, went out to Blackfish Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait as we heard them at 4am. This morning, whales came out of Queen Charlotte Strait, through Weynton Pass and then east in Johnstone Strait. Most of this latter part was silent. Eventually, the A30s (travelling with the A23s), the A24s and the rest of the A5s arrived at the Ecological Reserve, displacing the dolphins who were hanging out deep in the Bight. The groups then found their way to the beaches where they have been for the last while. The dolphins right now are heading east under the Cliff toward Boat Bay after heading west to the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier. There are transients at the very far eastern end of Johnstone Strait. also, jared Towers thinks A69 (Midsummer) has a new calf. Paul believes he had taken a picture of the calf earlier in the summer. This will be Midummer's first!
Helena
17 Aug 2009 13:14:22 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Just before 2pm the A30s with the A23s filed back into Robson Bight after the beaches. The others are now following their lead.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 14:43:21 PDT
Distant calls audible.
I need to correct the impression that the A24s were with the A30s and the A5s when they came into Weynton Pass before 9am. Right now, the A30s and the A5s are far to the west again, close to where they were this moning when they came in. They started west after the beaches and passed Critical Point at 2:15pm. By 3:25pm, they were west of Kaikash Creek. From there they continued west past Blinkhorn and beyond.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 19:17:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
These A24 calls are both close and further away from Critical Point. But it seems as if they have rounded Critical Point from the east so perhaps our original idea that the larger group split up last night was correct based on what we know from the visual reports for the day and the scanty acoustic clues we had. Now it seems probable that it was the A24s who stayed east while the A30s and the A5s did the circuit around Hanson Island and Johnstone Strait last night and today. It is so nice when there are solid acoustic clues. Just now, CP reports that the A30s and A5s have turned and are eastbound (still west of CP) from Blinkhorn.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 19:49:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the A5s have brought themselves back to the area near the Reserve and closer to the A24s. interesting calls even if a bit faint at times.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 22:30:45 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was not long after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this morning that orcas were sighted in the distance travelling towards Johnstone Strait in Weynton Passage. As we neared Weynton Island passengers watched as the groups of orcas entered the Strait and began making their way slowly to the east. The A30’s stalled initially on their entry and the young calves were observed spyhopping and three had their tails high in the air making head stands. A38 and A39 had separated from their family and had commenced foraging a distance away. The A23’s were travelling close to the A30’s while the other pods: the A25’s, A8’s and ?A24’s headed over towards the Vancouver Island shore. All were eastbound in the flood current that was pushing them along.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A30s, A4s and A5s travel together
No calls but orcas nearby
And it was,back to beaches (briefly) for the A30s and A5s: Did not hear the A24s at this time
Helena
16 Aug 2009 01:08:19 PDT
Superb sounds!!
These lovely calls are from the A30s as they pass north through Blackney Pass towards Blackfish sound. The A5s are just getting louder as well.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 04:08:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to the A8s, A23s & A24s on the Parson Island hydrophone, as they head towards Johnstone Strait. The A30s & A25s are behind, just entering Blackney Pass.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 11:03:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A8s,A23s,A24s,A30s and A25s did not go east for long. The leads, (the A23s) got almost to Izumi Rock (west of the Western Boundary of the Reserve) before all turned back to the west and past CP. Perhaps running into a large group of dolphins influeneced this decision. The groups are all spread out from Blinkhorn to the Hanson side still going west.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 14:12:22 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After turning around at 2:48pm when they were to the west spread from the Wastells to Beaver Cove,Turn Point and Weynton Passage entrance, the A30s, A24s and A5s, moved past CP, Kaikash creek and into the Reserve where they are now.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 18:17:12 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
First in, the A5s and now the A24s.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 19:50:29 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales are spread out from the beaches (A5) back to Robson Bight (A30,A24).
Helena
16 Aug 2009 20:01:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
these very, very distant (almost inaudible) calls are on the Beach system so the whales are still east of Robson Bight for now.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 23:34:01 PDT
Seasmoke reports
As the orcas drew near they were identified as the A25’s, A24’s, and the A8’s, they were moving steadily with the flood tide and some breaching and tail slapping behaviour was observed. The A30’s with the A25’s followed next and they too gained speed as they neared Blackney Passage, prior to this they had been in a travelling/resting line. Another Humpback Whale was sighted in the distance and 8 Stellar Sea Lions hauled out were also seen. On the afternoon tour the orcas were encountered nearing the Wastell Islets, the A24’s were in the lead, the other pods were spread across Johnstone Strait, the A23’s, A8’s, A25’s and the A30’s were all seen.
And it was,back to beaches (briefly) for the A30s and A5s: Did not hear the A24s at this time
Helena
16 Aug 2009 01:08:19 PDT
Superb sounds!!
These lovely calls are from the A30s as they pass north through Blackney Pass towards Blackfish sound. The A5s are just getting louder as well.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 04:08:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to the A8s, A23s & A24s on the Parson Island hydrophone, as they head towards Johnstone Strait. The A30s & A25s are behind, just entering Blackney Pass.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 11:03:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A8s,A23s,A24s,A30s and A25s did not go east for long. The leads, (the A23s) got almost to Izumi Rock (west of the Western Boundary of the Reserve) before all turned back to the west and past CP. Perhaps running into a large group of dolphins influeneced this decision. The groups are all spread out from Blinkhorn to the Hanson side still going west.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 14:12:22 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After turning around at 2:48pm when they were to the west spread from the Wastells to Beaver Cove,Turn Point and Weynton Passage entrance, the A30s, A24s and A5s, moved past CP, Kaikash creek and into the Reserve where they are now.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 18:17:12 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
First in, the A5s and now the A24s.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 19:50:29 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales are spread out from the beaches (A5) back to Robson Bight (A30,A24).
Helena
16 Aug 2009 20:01:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
these very, very distant (almost inaudible) calls are on the Beach system so the whales are still east of Robson Bight for now.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 23:34:01 PDT
Seasmoke reports
As the orcas drew near they were identified as the A25’s, A24’s, and the A8’s, they were moving steadily with the flood tide and some breaching and tail slapping behaviour was observed. The A30’s with the A25’s followed next and they too gained speed as they neared Blackney Passage, prior to this they had been in a travelling/resting line. Another Humpback Whale was sighted in the distance and 8 Stellar Sea Lions hauled out were also seen. On the afternoon tour the orcas were encountered nearing the Wastell Islets, the A24’s were in the lead, the other pods were spread across Johnstone Strait, the A23’s, A8’s, A25’s and the A30’s were all seen.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A30s A4s and A5s travel together
Distant calls audible.
Yet another circle! Back eastward past Robson Bight once again.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 01:22:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're hearing distant "A1" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 08:10:12 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Off to the beach!
Helena
15 Aug 2009 09:29:59 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Despite the boat noise (it is busy out there), the sounds are great as the whales (A30 and A5 close and A4s distant) round the "corner" once again from the east!
Helena
15 Aug 2009 10:59:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
This morning, at a fairly good clip, the A30s along with the A24s and the A5s, travelled quickly west. Except for the A8s, who had remained mid strait on the "run" to the beaches, the A30s, the rest of the A5s and the A24s were together. Then when off the Tsitika River Estuary, the A8s joined the others for the travel "up" (west) the Vancouver Island side. When the groups reached Kaikash Creek they crossed over toward CP. This was about 1:20pm. Frome there, the groups continued west along the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 14:48:16 PDT
Orcas near mics.
This time the close A5 and A30 calls are close to CP as the groups move eastward. For most of the afternoon, the whales were west of CP but by 4:30pm they made their way back toward Blinkhorn and points east.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 17:45:25 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is quite remarkable that each night, for so long now, has followed such a similar pattern. A long swing to the west throughout the day, a long silent move toward the Bight in the afternoon and then a loud wake up in front of the Bight, a collective decision to go to the Beaches for a rub, then a shift back to the west afterward, only to return to the Beaches sometime during the night once again. This happened again today and the A30s, A24s and the A5s are now currently back west of Robson Bight again after an energetic rub. If the pattern holds tonight, this won't be the end of their east-west shuffle and the night might be long.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 23:34:06 PDT
Seasmoke reports
This morning the orcas were heading to the east inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but as we travelled in their direction they turned back to the west. Our early sightings of them were from the Reserve Boundary but as they moved further to the west and were outside of the Reserve, we were able to view them more closely and identify them. They were travelling close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, the A23’s appeared in the lead close with the A25’s, the A24’s were behind them followed by the A30’s and back a distance behind them were the A8’s. Some foraging was observed when the pods slowed at Kaikash to feed, they had been travelling at a fast pace prior to this.
Yet another circle! Back eastward past Robson Bight once again.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 01:22:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're hearing distant "A1" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 08:10:12 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Off to the beach!
Helena
15 Aug 2009 09:29:59 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Despite the boat noise (it is busy out there), the sounds are great as the whales (A30 and A5 close and A4s distant) round the "corner" once again from the east!
Helena
15 Aug 2009 10:59:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
This morning, at a fairly good clip, the A30s along with the A24s and the A5s, travelled quickly west. Except for the A8s, who had remained mid strait on the "run" to the beaches, the A30s, the rest of the A5s and the A24s were together. Then when off the Tsitika River Estuary, the A8s joined the others for the travel "up" (west) the Vancouver Island side. When the groups reached Kaikash Creek they crossed over toward CP. This was about 1:20pm. Frome there, the groups continued west along the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 14:48:16 PDT
Orcas near mics.
This time the close A5 and A30 calls are close to CP as the groups move eastward. For most of the afternoon, the whales were west of CP but by 4:30pm they made their way back toward Blinkhorn and points east.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 17:45:25 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is quite remarkable that each night, for so long now, has followed such a similar pattern. A long swing to the west throughout the day, a long silent move toward the Bight in the afternoon and then a loud wake up in front of the Bight, a collective decision to go to the Beaches for a rub, then a shift back to the west afterward, only to return to the Beaches sometime during the night once again. This happened again today and the A30s, A24s and the A5s are now currently back west of Robson Bight again after an energetic rub. If the pattern holds tonight, this won't be the end of their east-west shuffle and the night might be long.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 23:34:06 PDT
Seasmoke reports
This morning the orcas were heading to the east inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but as we travelled in their direction they turned back to the west. Our early sightings of them were from the Reserve Boundary but as they moved further to the west and were outside of the Reserve, we were able to view them more closely and identify them. They were travelling close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, the A23’s appeared in the lead close with the A25’s, the A24’s were behind them followed by the A30’s and back a distance behind them were the A8’s. Some foraging was observed when the pods slowed at Kaikash to feed, they had been travelling at a fast pace prior to this.
Friday, August 14, 2009
A30s A24s and A5s
No orcas present.
It was pretty "quiet" last night after the A12s and A36s went north through Blackney Pass. Then at 3am, the A5s came back from the east to the Rubbing Beaches. Their rub began at 3:20 and lasted until 3:31am. The A24s and the A30s were heard too but they were further off shore. Everything then shifted to the west and by 3:48am they were opposite Robson Bight. At the change of tide (to the flood) the calls from all three groups became more frequent. Occasionally, there was faint echo location. Just after 6am, the calls were very distant and ended soon afterward.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 08:08:53 PDT
No orcas present.
The A30s have arrived back to the Ecological Reserve area. They are spread out with some of the A5s on the Cracroft Island shore opposite Boat Bay. The A24s were angling from that side towards the Vancouver Island side earlier.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 13:12:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So... the A30s continue on the Vancouver Island side but the A24s are still with the A23s on the Cracroft Island side and they are in the lead off the Sophia Islands now. The A25s, a short while ago, were trailing opposite Boat Bay Island. No mention yet of the A8s.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 13:47:12 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s,A24s and A5s (the usual suspects) went past CP and on to the area opposite Telegraph Cove and Weynton Pass. The last report mentioned that they were now headed to Blinkhorn so perhaps there is an eastward trend now. The A8s were found, travelling with the A30s as they went along the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 16:46:22 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Indeed they did turn at the time of the last report. They all "ran" down the Vancouver Island shore,past Critical Point and on to the Beaches where they are now.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 20:45:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sounds like they have bounced back to Robson Bight from the Beaches/
Helena
14 Aug 2009 22:11:33 PDT
It was pretty "quiet" last night after the A12s and A36s went north through Blackney Pass. Then at 3am, the A5s came back from the east to the Rubbing Beaches. Their rub began at 3:20 and lasted until 3:31am. The A24s and the A30s were heard too but they were further off shore. Everything then shifted to the west and by 3:48am they were opposite Robson Bight. At the change of tide (to the flood) the calls from all three groups became more frequent. Occasionally, there was faint echo location. Just after 6am, the calls were very distant and ended soon afterward.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 08:08:53 PDT
No orcas present.
The A30s have arrived back to the Ecological Reserve area. They are spread out with some of the A5s on the Cracroft Island shore opposite Boat Bay. The A24s were angling from that side towards the Vancouver Island side earlier.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 13:12:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So... the A30s continue on the Vancouver Island side but the A24s are still with the A23s on the Cracroft Island side and they are in the lead off the Sophia Islands now. The A25s, a short while ago, were trailing opposite Boat Bay Island. No mention yet of the A8s.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 13:47:12 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s,A24s and A5s (the usual suspects) went past CP and on to the area opposite Telegraph Cove and Weynton Pass. The last report mentioned that they were now headed to Blinkhorn so perhaps there is an eastward trend now. The A8s were found, travelling with the A30s as they went along the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 16:46:22 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Indeed they did turn at the time of the last report. They all "ran" down the Vancouver Island shore,past Critical Point and on to the Beaches where they are now.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 20:45:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sounds like they have bounced back to Robson Bight from the Beaches/
Helena
14 Aug 2009 22:11:33 PDT
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A30s A4s and A5s travel together
Distant calls audible.
Sorry, the internet on the North Island was down yesterday afternoon & evening, so lets start with what is happening now. We are hearing distant resting calls in Johnstone Strait and despite the fog there was a report at 7:30am from Norm on the Western Moon that there were 2 groups heading west from Blinkhorn. At the same time, the Tyee reported a large group of whales spread out off Lizard Point & heading east. Possibly, these are newcomers! During the night: from 7pm to 8pm we listened as the A30s, A24s and A5s approached and passed Critical Point on their way to the Beaches. From 8:11pm to 8:42, the A5s, A30s and A24s stayed off the east end of the Reserve, enjoying a rub from 8:16pm to 8:26pm. By 10:18pm these groups, led by the A5s and A30s, were passing Robson Bight to the west. After midnight, they turned and once again passed the Bight, just before 2am. It was then back to the beaches for a rub starting at 2:37am. The close calls there ended around 3am, and then it was off to the Bight once again. The A30s arrived there first by 4:10am, with the A24s and A5s lingering further east till 5:04am. After that, there was a general movement west with the A30s remaining close to Robson Bight until 5:30am. The distant westbound calls dropped off by 6:14am and picked up again at 7:50am. By this time the groups were off Blinkhorn as reported. Very foggy out there this morning! Helena
Helena
13 Aug 2009 08:49:42 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
These A1 calls and echo location are on Flower island in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 10:30:23 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We had the nice surprise of seeing the A34s come through Blackney Pass. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier with the A36s. The A36s have not yet come "down". As the A34s entered Johnstone Strait, the resting A30s,A24s and A5s turned quickly next to the Pig Ranch on Cracroft Island (east of the Sophia Islands) and started west to meet the incoming whales. A34 and A12 were a pair, well ahead, of the rest of their group as they came through Blackney Pass. This was a touching picture,for sure.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 12:18:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
This has been a great multi-group (lots of A12/34 calls especially) rub!
Helena
13 Aug 2009 16:02:00 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the A30s,A24s and the A5s are going east, now past Boat Bay, all in their respective groups, resting. The A12s are headed west toward Cracroft Point. When the whales went past Boat Bay, Marie, said that A39,A71,A28 and the A54s formed an interesting line but then turned back to Swaine Point to meet up and fold into their own groups and then carried on travelling east.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 19:46:35 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon the orcas who were west in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day had turned back and were heading east which is very typical of the pattern that they had been displaying in their movement in the Strait all week long. The pods included the incoming A34’s (A12’s daughter and her family, as well A12 was travelling with them), A30’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and the A24’s. Meanwhile, the A36’s (brothers three) who had been in Blackfish Sound earlier in the morning had disappeared to the west with no sighting of them reported after this. With this in mind we headed to the east as well, hoping that the orcas would turn back as we travelled. They had been moving at a steady pace but then they stalled and as we neared the Ecological Reserve we saw them as they made their way, cutting across the Strait to the rubbing beaches. Keeping outside of the Reserve boundary passengers could only watch from the distance, A39 was foraging intensely, already making his way back to the west and was seen foraging inside the estuary of the Reserve.
Sorry, the internet on the North Island was down yesterday afternoon & evening, so lets start with what is happening now. We are hearing distant resting calls in Johnstone Strait and despite the fog there was a report at 7:30am from Norm on the Western Moon that there were 2 groups heading west from Blinkhorn. At the same time, the Tyee reported a large group of whales spread out off Lizard Point & heading east. Possibly, these are newcomers! During the night: from 7pm to 8pm we listened as the A30s, A24s and A5s approached and passed Critical Point on their way to the Beaches. From 8:11pm to 8:42, the A5s, A30s and A24s stayed off the east end of the Reserve, enjoying a rub from 8:16pm to 8:26pm. By 10:18pm these groups, led by the A5s and A30s, were passing Robson Bight to the west. After midnight, they turned and once again passed the Bight, just before 2am. It was then back to the beaches for a rub starting at 2:37am. The close calls there ended around 3am, and then it was off to the Bight once again. The A30s arrived there first by 4:10am, with the A24s and A5s lingering further east till 5:04am. After that, there was a general movement west with the A30s remaining close to Robson Bight until 5:30am. The distant westbound calls dropped off by 6:14am and picked up again at 7:50am. By this time the groups were off Blinkhorn as reported. Very foggy out there this morning! Helena
Helena
13 Aug 2009 08:49:42 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
These A1 calls and echo location are on Flower island in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 10:30:23 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We had the nice surprise of seeing the A34s come through Blackney Pass. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier with the A36s. The A36s have not yet come "down". As the A34s entered Johnstone Strait, the resting A30s,A24s and A5s turned quickly next to the Pig Ranch on Cracroft Island (east of the Sophia Islands) and started west to meet the incoming whales. A34 and A12 were a pair, well ahead, of the rest of their group as they came through Blackney Pass. This was a touching picture,for sure.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 12:18:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
This has been a great multi-group (lots of A12/34 calls especially) rub!
Helena
13 Aug 2009 16:02:00 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the A30s,A24s and the A5s are going east, now past Boat Bay, all in their respective groups, resting. The A12s are headed west toward Cracroft Point. When the whales went past Boat Bay, Marie, said that A39,A71,A28 and the A54s formed an interesting line but then turned back to Swaine Point to meet up and fold into their own groups and then carried on travelling east.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 19:46:35 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon the orcas who were west in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day had turned back and were heading east which is very typical of the pattern that they had been displaying in their movement in the Strait all week long. The pods included the incoming A34’s (A12’s daughter and her family, as well A12 was travelling with them), A30’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and the A24’s. Meanwhile, the A36’s (brothers three) who had been in Blackfish Sound earlier in the morning had disappeared to the west with no sighting of them reported after this. With this in mind we headed to the east as well, hoping that the orcas would turn back as we travelled. They had been moving at a steady pace but then they stalled and as we neared the Ecological Reserve we saw them as they made their way, cutting across the Strait to the rubbing beaches. Keeping outside of the Reserve boundary passengers could only watch from the distance, A39 was foraging intensely, already making his way back to the west and was seen foraging inside the estuary of the Reserve.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A4s, A5s and A30s travel together
Distant calls audible.
After moving eastward:The A30s with the A24s have returned to the area off the east end of the Ecological Reserve, followed by the A5s.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 04:20:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are moving along westward toward the CP area. Lovely quiet, foggy morning.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 08:47:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A24s, A5s and A30s went west this morning. They past CP around 8:50am and carried on a bit further. By 9:05am groups were opposite Big bay spread out across the Strait. A bit further west and then the turn began between 9:20 and 9:42am. The A23s and a25s were off Turn Point by then and the A24s on the Vancouver Island shore. The A24s (all together this morning) continued to Blinkhorn and turned east at 10:45. By 11:15am the groups had travelled back slowly to theArea off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A24s were by then opposite the "bottom" (east) end of Hanson Island while the rest were mid strait to the Vancouver Island side. The whales are very quiet out there.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 11:35:27 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After travelling eastward to the western boundary of the Ecological Reserve, the groups turned north-west toward the Sophia Islands. The A23s and the A25s were furthest east with A39. The A30s were with the A8s and the A24s with A73 were following and further offshore of the others who were closer to Vancouver Islandbefore the turn. Afte the turn some of the groups went west on the inside of the Sophias. The whales are now opposite Cracroft Point.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 14:17:38 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The orcas that we have seen for the past several days were again in Johnstone Strait today. Our first sighting was of the A23’s followed by the A25’s and they were on the Hanson Island side of the Strait further ahead of the A8’s and A30’s who were on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. We watched as the A23’s and A25’s turned near Turn Point and commenced travelling back to the east; the A30’s and the A8’s also turned forming resting lines. A38 and A39 had been observed foraging ahead of their family (the A30’s) and when the turn was made, A38 was seen to quickly join in the resting line beside his mother A30, while A39 travelled back to the east, he was separate yet parallel to his family and foraging. Resting, foraging, tail and pectoral slapping behaviour was observed. The A24’s again had travelled up to Beaver Cove and were the last ones to turn back to the east.
After moving eastward:The A30s with the A24s have returned to the area off the east end of the Ecological Reserve, followed by the A5s.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 04:20:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are moving along westward toward the CP area. Lovely quiet, foggy morning.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 08:47:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A24s, A5s and A30s went west this morning. They past CP around 8:50am and carried on a bit further. By 9:05am groups were opposite Big bay spread out across the Strait. A bit further west and then the turn began between 9:20 and 9:42am. The A23s and a25s were off Turn Point by then and the A24s on the Vancouver Island shore. The A24s (all together this morning) continued to Blinkhorn and turned east at 10:45. By 11:15am the groups had travelled back slowly to theArea off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A24s were by then opposite the "bottom" (east) end of Hanson Island while the rest were mid strait to the Vancouver Island side. The whales are very quiet out there.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 11:35:27 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After travelling eastward to the western boundary of the Ecological Reserve, the groups turned north-west toward the Sophia Islands. The A23s and the A25s were furthest east with A39. The A30s were with the A8s and the A24s with A73 were following and further offshore of the others who were closer to Vancouver Islandbefore the turn. Afte the turn some of the groups went west on the inside of the Sophias. The whales are now opposite Cracroft Point.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 14:17:38 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The orcas that we have seen for the past several days were again in Johnstone Strait today. Our first sighting was of the A23’s followed by the A25’s and they were on the Hanson Island side of the Strait further ahead of the A8’s and A30’s who were on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. We watched as the A23’s and A25’s turned near Turn Point and commenced travelling back to the east; the A30’s and the A8’s also turned forming resting lines. A38 and A39 had been observed foraging ahead of their family (the A30’s) and when the turn was made, A38 was seen to quickly join in the resting line beside his mother A30, while A39 travelled back to the east, he was separate yet parallel to his family and foraging. Resting, foraging, tail and pectoral slapping behaviour was observed. The A24’s again had travelled up to Beaver Cove and were the last ones to turn back to the east.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A30s A4s and A5s travel together
Distant calls audible.
Distant now but great sounds from the whales when they once again went back to the beaches. Starting at 1:43am, after they had passed Critical Point, were the first distant calls heard on the rubbing beach system. Ten minutes later, they were rubbing and they stayed there for over half an hour. Their calls are once again distant after moving off and away.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 02:44:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After departing (to the east) around 3am we are once again hearing distant A5 calls off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 08:09:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A23s with the A50s, A30 and A38, with the A8s following, went past the Cliff to the west. When they arrived at the Pig Ranch (east of the Sophias on Cracroft Island), they turned and "bee lined" straight over to the Ecological Reserve. All the groups are in the Reserve now. Thanks to Marie on the Cliff for the update.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 11:54:53 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Whales (A5s) just now entering the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 12:21:01 PDT
Orcas near mics.
At 12;40pm the whales turned west while near the Rubbing Beaches. From there, they travelled west past Critical Point and by 2:30pm they were off Kaikash Creek. The A24s with A73 had been spotted earlier along vancouver Island. They have been very quiet for the last day or so and we thought we might have lost track of them completely. It was good to get the report from the Naiad Explorer. The A24s ended up going the furthest west (again), this time right to Beaver Cove. They were also the last to turn back east. The main turn happened at 3:43pm but the A24s didn't start back until around 4:35pm. Right now, the A30s and A5s are spread out off CP foraging, perhaps by shifting eastward.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 18:04:45 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and A5s have shifted their scene over to Vancouver Island where they are continuing eastward. The A24s were reported on that side earlier.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 19:09:01 PDT
Superb sounds!!
What can one say? A30s, A24s and A5s have found the Bight once again.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:21:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and A5s have shifted their scene over to Vancouver Island where they are continuing eastward. The A24s were reported on that side earlier.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:46:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Still calls on the Critical system but now A5 calls also on the Rubbing Beach system getting louder as the whales shift to the east.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:48:04 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was at the Pig Ranch that the orcas were sighted, the same pods as yesterday and they were travelling slowly towards the west when they turned suddenly and began moving towards the Vancouver Island shore and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Within minutes, most of the orcas were inside the boundary, some were foraging, others were making their way directly to the rubbing beaches. On our afternoon tour we found the leading pod of orcas, the A24’s west of Kaikash Beach, they were travelling fast along the Vancouver Island shoreline but turning back often to forage. Meanwhile, the other pods, the A30’s and the A5’s (A8’s, A25’s and A23’s) had crossed over to the Hanson Island shore and had made it as far west as Big Bay before turning back; they were observed to be foraging and resting. When they turned back they were in resting lines and began heading across the Strait towards the VI shore. It was beautiful viewing and mesmerizing to watch. At this point we turned back and it was up near Bauza Islets that we again sighted the A24’s, they had been foraging in Beaver Cove and had made their turn back to the east some 40 + minutes after the other pods had turned.
Distant now but great sounds from the whales when they once again went back to the beaches. Starting at 1:43am, after they had passed Critical Point, were the first distant calls heard on the rubbing beach system. Ten minutes later, they were rubbing and they stayed there for over half an hour. Their calls are once again distant after moving off and away.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 02:44:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After departing (to the east) around 3am we are once again hearing distant A5 calls off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 08:09:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A23s with the A50s, A30 and A38, with the A8s following, went past the Cliff to the west. When they arrived at the Pig Ranch (east of the Sophias on Cracroft Island), they turned and "bee lined" straight over to the Ecological Reserve. All the groups are in the Reserve now. Thanks to Marie on the Cliff for the update.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 11:54:53 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Whales (A5s) just now entering the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 12:21:01 PDT
Orcas near mics.
At 12;40pm the whales turned west while near the Rubbing Beaches. From there, they travelled west past Critical Point and by 2:30pm they were off Kaikash Creek. The A24s with A73 had been spotted earlier along vancouver Island. They have been very quiet for the last day or so and we thought we might have lost track of them completely. It was good to get the report from the Naiad Explorer. The A24s ended up going the furthest west (again), this time right to Beaver Cove. They were also the last to turn back east. The main turn happened at 3:43pm but the A24s didn't start back until around 4:35pm. Right now, the A30s and A5s are spread out off CP foraging, perhaps by shifting eastward.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 18:04:45 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and A5s have shifted their scene over to Vancouver Island where they are continuing eastward. The A24s were reported on that side earlier.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 19:09:01 PDT
Superb sounds!!
What can one say? A30s, A24s and A5s have found the Bight once again.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:21:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and A5s have shifted their scene over to Vancouver Island where they are continuing eastward. The A24s were reported on that side earlier.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:46:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Still calls on the Critical system but now A5 calls also on the Rubbing Beach system getting louder as the whales shift to the east.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:48:04 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was at the Pig Ranch that the orcas were sighted, the same pods as yesterday and they were travelling slowly towards the west when they turned suddenly and began moving towards the Vancouver Island shore and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Within minutes, most of the orcas were inside the boundary, some were foraging, others were making their way directly to the rubbing beaches. On our afternoon tour we found the leading pod of orcas, the A24’s west of Kaikash Beach, they were travelling fast along the Vancouver Island shoreline but turning back often to forage. Meanwhile, the other pods, the A30’s and the A5’s (A8’s, A25’s and A23’s) had crossed over to the Hanson Island shore and had made it as far west as Big Bay before turning back; they were observed to be foraging and resting. When they turned back they were in resting lines and began heading across the Strait towards the VI shore. It was beautiful viewing and mesmerizing to watch. At this point we turned back and it was up near Bauza Islets that we again sighted the A24’s, they had been foraging in Beaver Cove and had made their turn back to the east some 40 + minutes after the other pods had turned.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A30s A4s and A5s travel together
No calls but orcas nearby
A fairly busy night until 3am. The last calls of the A30s and A5s were at 2:55am. At that point they were still fairly close to Robson Bight. Then at 5:34am 3 blows were heard going south in Blackney Pass and after a short bout of echolocation which was not sourced. The cruise ships (a parade) will have to clear before we are able to hear clearly.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 06:04:35 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just talked with Marie, the A30s, A5s and possibly the A24s are grouped together mid strait off hte Western Boundary of the Ecological Reserve heading east. We have not heard them since 3am, a long snooze. Perhaps the A36s and A12 didn't want to wake so they tip-toed out again via Blackney pass !
Helena
10 Aug 2009 09:21:26 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,A24s,and A5s have been asleep for the entire time, slowly drifting eastward together mid strait until they wee opposite the east end of the Reserve. They are now reported heading west. No sign of the A36s and A12.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 12:36:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s,a24s and A5s are moving quickly after their deep slumber, now between Izumi Rock and Kaikash Creek.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 13:22:49 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Around 3pm the A30s began to go east when west of Blinkhorn. They stalled there and waited for the rest to catch up. The A24s had gone west to Telegraph Cove, the A5s were opposite Weynton Passage. The whales all gathered together close to Vancouver Island shore. except one of the A30 males, perhaps A39, who elected to remain mid strait. They are now east of Blinkhorn approaching Little Kaikash and travelling fairly quickly.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 16:07:21 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
These crazy good (even if somewhat distorted) calls from the A30s,A5s and A24s are now on the Rubbing beaches. The sad news is that a small sailboat called the "Heron", ignoring all the calls from the Cliff observation post, has been travelling through the Reserve and the whales. A party crasher for sure.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 18:32:58 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and A5s spent some time at the Beaches and we could hear them on that system from 8:30pm to 10:04pm. Very soon after Critical Point picked up the whales as they moved away from the Beaches back to the west. The whales rounded the corner at 10:33pm. It seems as if they are quite spread out. We are still hearing fairly strong A30 calls but calls are now being heard further west as the whales continue to move in that direction.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 23:33:14 PDT
Seasmoke reports
In the afternoon, the orcas who had been further east in the morning had returned rapidly to the west: the A30’s, A5’s and the A24’s. Our first sighting was along the Vancouver Island shoreline west of Kaikash. The pods were spread out, travelling west at a steady rate, foraging as they went. Some pods were also on the Hanson Island side of the Strait just as they had been yesterday afternoon. The A24’s and A23’s foraged near to the Bauza Islets while the A30’s crossed back towards Vancouver Island and with the A8’s and A25’s they stalled west of Blinkhorn waiting for the others to catch up. It was wonderful viewing with multiple spyhopping, tail and pectoral slapping, breaching, porpoising and resting behaviour all being observed. When all of the orcas were close together, they began proceeding rapidly to the east. Heading for home the lighting was beautiful and looking back down Johnstone Strait to the east a Rainbow could be seen.
A fairly busy night until 3am. The last calls of the A30s and A5s were at 2:55am. At that point they were still fairly close to Robson Bight. Then at 5:34am 3 blows were heard going south in Blackney Pass and after a short bout of echolocation which was not sourced. The cruise ships (a parade) will have to clear before we are able to hear clearly.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 06:04:35 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just talked with Marie, the A30s, A5s and possibly the A24s are grouped together mid strait off hte Western Boundary of the Ecological Reserve heading east. We have not heard them since 3am, a long snooze. Perhaps the A36s and A12 didn't want to wake so they tip-toed out again via Blackney pass !
Helena
10 Aug 2009 09:21:26 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,A24s,and A5s have been asleep for the entire time, slowly drifting eastward together mid strait until they wee opposite the east end of the Reserve. They are now reported heading west. No sign of the A36s and A12.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 12:36:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s,a24s and A5s are moving quickly after their deep slumber, now between Izumi Rock and Kaikash Creek.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 13:22:49 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Around 3pm the A30s began to go east when west of Blinkhorn. They stalled there and waited for the rest to catch up. The A24s had gone west to Telegraph Cove, the A5s were opposite Weynton Passage. The whales all gathered together close to Vancouver Island shore. except one of the A30 males, perhaps A39, who elected to remain mid strait. They are now east of Blinkhorn approaching Little Kaikash and travelling fairly quickly.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 16:07:21 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
These crazy good (even if somewhat distorted) calls from the A30s,A5s and A24s are now on the Rubbing beaches. The sad news is that a small sailboat called the "Heron", ignoring all the calls from the Cliff observation post, has been travelling through the Reserve and the whales. A party crasher for sure.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 18:32:58 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and A5s spent some time at the Beaches and we could hear them on that system from 8:30pm to 10:04pm. Very soon after Critical Point picked up the whales as they moved away from the Beaches back to the west. The whales rounded the corner at 10:33pm. It seems as if they are quite spread out. We are still hearing fairly strong A30 calls but calls are now being heard further west as the whales continue to move in that direction.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 23:33:14 PDT
Seasmoke reports
In the afternoon, the orcas who had been further east in the morning had returned rapidly to the west: the A30’s, A5’s and the A24’s. Our first sighting was along the Vancouver Island shoreline west of Kaikash. The pods were spread out, travelling west at a steady rate, foraging as they went. Some pods were also on the Hanson Island side of the Strait just as they had been yesterday afternoon. The A24’s and A23’s foraged near to the Bauza Islets while the A30’s crossed back towards Vancouver Island and with the A8’s and A25’s they stalled west of Blinkhorn waiting for the others to catch up. It was wonderful viewing with multiple spyhopping, tail and pectoral slapping, breaching, porpoising and resting behaviour all being observed. When all of the orcas were close together, they began proceeding rapidly to the east. Heading for home the lighting was beautiful and looking back down Johnstone Strait to the east a Rainbow could be seen.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to wonderful calls from A1s, A4s, A5s, on the Critical Point hydrophone. Boat noise is coming now.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 00:18:21 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Right now, lovely A30 calls off Critical Point continue.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 02:37:34 PDT
No orcas present.
There are whales heading back west from the Broken Islands. Earliier this morning, after the last post when the A30s were sitting on top of Critical Point, the A5s came soon after and the scene shifted to the Rubbing Beach system. The rub began at 3am and carried on for a while, then the A4,A30 calls grew increasing distant. It was not absolutely clear what the A5s did after being so close to Critical Point but these groups have enjoyed each other's company so we believe they also went east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 10:56:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After zooming past the Beaches the whales, (the A30s, A24s and A5s) have moved into the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 12:18:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A8s were first to go by (under) the Cliff at 1pm. A28, from that group, was swimming back with the A23s (just like last year). The A30s were closer to the Vancouver Island shore with the A24s following. A39 was in the middle. Now, just past Kaikash Creek the A24s are angling out toward the Hanson Island side as the other groups continue westward.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 13:49:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whale groups are stretched from Blinkhorn back to the CP area. The A30s and the A24s travelled up the Vancouver island side. The A24s angled out once they reached Kaiakash Creek. Meanwhil, on the the A8s and A23s progressed past CP and up the Hanson island side. The A25s are the last group passing CP.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 14:44:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A few of the whales turned back to the east and one of the A30 males made it all the way to Izumi Rock (just west of Robson Bight) before turning around to the Northwest. Other groups were still off the Blinkhorn, Telegraph Cove area while this happeened.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 16:06:58 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are really eastbound now. At 4:45pm, the Lukwas reported that as they headed into Telegraph Cove, there were whales spread from deep inside Beaver Coe (to the west of Telegraph Cove) to the Stephenson Islands in the entrance of Weynton Passage. They were beginning to turn then. An hour later, the whales were off Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) and still east bound.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 17:59:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Very slow progress to the east so far. But they are vocal.The whales are passing Kaikash Creek,opposite CP, close to the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 19:51:22 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s,A24s and the A5s have made it back to the Reserve and are continuing east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 20:31:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are debating whether we can still hear calls through the noise of the distorted,lapping water on the rubbing beach system. What we do know is that the last calls on the Critical Point system were at 10:05pm. About twenty minutes later the A30s,A24s and A5s were off the beaches. There was some rubbing activity between 10:57pm and 11:05pm. After that the calls grew steadily more distant as the whales moved even further away.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:24:35 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales can be heard once again on Critical Point.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:51:33 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s have arrived in Robson Bight from the east. There are still faint calls on the rubbing beach system.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:56:48 PDT
Seasmoke reports
On the afternoon tour the pods of orcas who had been travelling back from the far east all morning in Johnstone Strait were sighted, they were well spread out across the Strait: the A30’s, A24’s and A5’s (A8’s, A23’s and A25’s). We encountered the A30’s near Kaikash, A39 was foraging well ahead of the others. There was a lot of interaction between family members with multiple spyhopping, pectoral and tail slapping, porpoising and resting behaviour being observed. At the Bauza Islets we observed several orcas foraging, some were resting while others moved further west. Where ever one looked, orcas could be seen in the distance and it was nice to sit quietly and listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls.
We've been listening to wonderful calls from A1s, A4s, A5s, on the Critical Point hydrophone. Boat noise is coming now.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 00:18:21 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Right now, lovely A30 calls off Critical Point continue.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 02:37:34 PDT
No orcas present.
There are whales heading back west from the Broken Islands. Earliier this morning, after the last post when the A30s were sitting on top of Critical Point, the A5s came soon after and the scene shifted to the Rubbing Beach system. The rub began at 3am and carried on for a while, then the A4,A30 calls grew increasing distant. It was not absolutely clear what the A5s did after being so close to Critical Point but these groups have enjoyed each other's company so we believe they also went east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 10:56:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After zooming past the Beaches the whales, (the A30s, A24s and A5s) have moved into the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 12:18:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A8s were first to go by (under) the Cliff at 1pm. A28, from that group, was swimming back with the A23s (just like last year). The A30s were closer to the Vancouver Island shore with the A24s following. A39 was in the middle. Now, just past Kaikash Creek the A24s are angling out toward the Hanson Island side as the other groups continue westward.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 13:49:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whale groups are stretched from Blinkhorn back to the CP area. The A30s and the A24s travelled up the Vancouver island side. The A24s angled out once they reached Kaiakash Creek. Meanwhil, on the the A8s and A23s progressed past CP and up the Hanson island side. The A25s are the last group passing CP.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 14:44:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A few of the whales turned back to the east and one of the A30 males made it all the way to Izumi Rock (just west of Robson Bight) before turning around to the Northwest. Other groups were still off the Blinkhorn, Telegraph Cove area while this happeened.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 16:06:58 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are really eastbound now. At 4:45pm, the Lukwas reported that as they headed into Telegraph Cove, there were whales spread from deep inside Beaver Coe (to the west of Telegraph Cove) to the Stephenson Islands in the entrance of Weynton Passage. They were beginning to turn then. An hour later, the whales were off Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) and still east bound.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 17:59:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Very slow progress to the east so far. But they are vocal.The whales are passing Kaikash Creek,opposite CP, close to the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 19:51:22 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s,A24s and the A5s have made it back to the Reserve and are continuing east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 20:31:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are debating whether we can still hear calls through the noise of the distorted,lapping water on the rubbing beach system. What we do know is that the last calls on the Critical Point system were at 10:05pm. About twenty minutes later the A30s,A24s and A5s were off the beaches. There was some rubbing activity between 10:57pm and 11:05pm. After that the calls grew steadily more distant as the whales moved even further away.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:24:35 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales can be heard once again on Critical Point.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:51:33 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s have arrived in Robson Bight from the east. There are still faint calls on the rubbing beach system.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:56:48 PDT
Seasmoke reports
On the afternoon tour the pods of orcas who had been travelling back from the far east all morning in Johnstone Strait were sighted, they were well spread out across the Strait: the A30’s, A24’s and A5’s (A8’s, A23’s and A25’s). We encountered the A30’s near Kaikash, A39 was foraging well ahead of the others. There was a lot of interaction between family members with multiple spyhopping, pectoral and tail slapping, porpoising and resting behaviour being observed. At the Bauza Islets we observed several orcas foraging, some were resting while others moved further west. Where ever one looked, orcas could be seen in the distance and it was nice to sit quietly and listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
No calls but orcas nearby
Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT
Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT
Friday, August 07, 2009
A30s with A24s A5s and presumably A12 in JS
No orcas present.
The A30s, A24s,A5s continued to move closer and eventually past Critical Point and Robson Bight just before midnight. They seemingly carried on east, briefly rubbing at 12:30am. The very last distant calls from the rubbing beach system (which hears fairly far to the east this year) was at 2:10am. After that the night was "quiet". The last calls in Blackfish Sound (the other direction) were at 11:08pm.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 06:53:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
They are on their way back from the east!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 08:55:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The same groups as last night (the A30s, A24s/A73, and A5s) are headed west very quickly along the Vancouver Island approaching Kaikash Creek. At 9:55am, we had a chance to talk with Marie who is stationed on the "Cliff" opposite Robson Bight. Around 9:30am, she had the groups file past her close to the Cracroft shore. The whales were in a playful mood, in mixed groups. A60,A61 and A39 were in the lead, followed by the rest of the A30s in company with A28, the A5s were next, at 9:35am, about 200 meters offshore of the Cliff, the A24s with Springer were midstrait. When the whales were almost to Pizza Point (just east of the Sophias) a boat rounded the "corner" at speed. The whales turned abruptly and headed to the far shore towards the Western Boundary". From there, they moved along the Vancouver Island shore at top speed.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 10:51:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are still going west approaching Blinkhorn and the top end of Hanson Island. Around 11am, the groups going along Vancouver Island split with some heading to Hanson Island, east of Big Bay while the rest carried west along Vancouver Island. A39 and A38 foraged off the top end of Hanson Island for a while and then A38 branched off to angle toward Blinkhorn. The surprise of the day is that A12 turned up off Swaine Point (Boat Bay) as she too headed west. At 11:45 she was past the Cliff and heading towards the Sophias. We last heard her in Blackfish Sound just after 11pm. She must have back tracked after this time.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 12:16:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
At 3:15pm the whales turned back to the west. By 4pm they were approaching the Sophia islands. A23s,A8s,A25s and A30s were on the Cracroft Island side as they moved west. Another half hour of travel brought the A23s and A25s 300 meters off CP with the A30s and A8s more mid strait. The A24s followed mid strait. By 5pm they were opposite Blinkhorn and still going west.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:29:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A few calls and a turn to the east. Now on their way from Blinkhorn.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:48:06 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A30s, A24s,A5s and presumably A12 too have made it back to the Bight and once again they are calling as evening comes along.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 20:05:59 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
From Critical to their next favourite spot - the Beaches!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 21:09:32 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was another beautiful day to be out on the water enjoying the beauty and majesty of the area. We were again fortunate to have the same pods of orcas as yesterday in Johnstone Strait. They were the A30’s, all of the A5’s and the A24’s. On the morning tour when we headed out the orcas were all travelling to the west and we encountered them at Kaikash Beach. Deploying our hydrophone as soon as we arrived it was wonderful for everyone on board to listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls. The orcas continued to the west, some pods were sighted over on the Hanson Island shoreline. A38 who had been seen earlier travelling with his mother A30 close to the Vancouver Island Shore was seen crossing over towards the Hanson Shore as he foraged, his brother A39 was further to the west also foraging. We headed back via Island waterways viewing hauled out Harbour Seals and numerous seabirds. On the afternoon tour the orcas had turned back to the east, some pods had entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. The A24’s were still outside of the Reserve during our time with them and passengers were delighted, the viewing was superb in the late afternoon sunlight. Travelling, resting breaching and spyhopping behaviour was observed today.
The A30s, A24s,A5s continued to move closer and eventually past Critical Point and Robson Bight just before midnight. They seemingly carried on east, briefly rubbing at 12:30am. The very last distant calls from the rubbing beach system (which hears fairly far to the east this year) was at 2:10am. After that the night was "quiet". The last calls in Blackfish Sound (the other direction) were at 11:08pm.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 06:53:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
They are on their way back from the east!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 08:55:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The same groups as last night (the A30s, A24s/A73, and A5s) are headed west very quickly along the Vancouver Island approaching Kaikash Creek. At 9:55am, we had a chance to talk with Marie who is stationed on the "Cliff" opposite Robson Bight. Around 9:30am, she had the groups file past her close to the Cracroft shore. The whales were in a playful mood, in mixed groups. A60,A61 and A39 were in the lead, followed by the rest of the A30s in company with A28, the A5s were next, at 9:35am, about 200 meters offshore of the Cliff, the A24s with Springer were midstrait. When the whales were almost to Pizza Point (just east of the Sophias) a boat rounded the "corner" at speed. The whales turned abruptly and headed to the far shore towards the Western Boundary". From there, they moved along the Vancouver Island shore at top speed.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 10:51:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are still going west approaching Blinkhorn and the top end of Hanson Island. Around 11am, the groups going along Vancouver Island split with some heading to Hanson Island, east of Big Bay while the rest carried west along Vancouver Island. A39 and A38 foraged off the top end of Hanson Island for a while and then A38 branched off to angle toward Blinkhorn. The surprise of the day is that A12 turned up off Swaine Point (Boat Bay) as she too headed west. At 11:45 she was past the Cliff and heading towards the Sophias. We last heard her in Blackfish Sound just after 11pm. She must have back tracked after this time.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 12:16:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
At 3:15pm the whales turned back to the west. By 4pm they were approaching the Sophia islands. A23s,A8s,A25s and A30s were on the Cracroft Island side as they moved west. Another half hour of travel brought the A23s and A25s 300 meters off CP with the A30s and A8s more mid strait. The A24s followed mid strait. By 5pm they were opposite Blinkhorn and still going west.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:29:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A few calls and a turn to the east. Now on their way from Blinkhorn.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:48:06 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A30s, A24s,A5s and presumably A12 too have made it back to the Bight and once again they are calling as evening comes along.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 20:05:59 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
From Critical to their next favourite spot - the Beaches!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 21:09:32 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was another beautiful day to be out on the water enjoying the beauty and majesty of the area. We were again fortunate to have the same pods of orcas as yesterday in Johnstone Strait. They were the A30’s, all of the A5’s and the A24’s. On the morning tour when we headed out the orcas were all travelling to the west and we encountered them at Kaikash Beach. Deploying our hydrophone as soon as we arrived it was wonderful for everyone on board to listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls. The orcas continued to the west, some pods were sighted over on the Hanson Island shoreline. A38 who had been seen earlier travelling with his mother A30 close to the Vancouver Island Shore was seen crossing over towards the Hanson Shore as he foraged, his brother A39 was further to the west also foraging. We headed back via Island waterways viewing hauled out Harbour Seals and numerous seabirds. On the afternoon tour the orcas had turned back to the east, some pods had entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. The A24’s were still outside of the Reserve during our time with them and passengers were delighted, the viewing was superb in the late afternoon sunlight. Travelling, resting breaching and spyhopping behaviour was observed today.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
A30s with A4s and A5s
Multiple pod calls audible.
Maybe this is a real push to the west and the previous one a dress rehearsal. However, the tide has turned to the flood and one would think the whales would like the easy road. This has not been their rule all day and most of their travel has been against the tide. So we will see but so far we have heard the A5s,A4s and A30s on the Critical Point system.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 00:01:35 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After a period of heavy boat noise (cruise ships) we're hearing frequent distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone. Sounds like the groups are still energetic, & have moved to the east a bit.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 04:13:39 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A30s are within Robson Bight now after stalling off the east end with the A4s and A5s for quite some time.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 05:26:21 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Since the last note, all the groups made it back to Robson Bight, following the A30s lead. Except for the A36s and A12, who made it all the way to the entrance of Blackney Pass by 7:19am, the majority shifted back and forth from Critical Point to a little further west. After great some great excitment when perhaps finding fish, the whales finally decided collectively to rest and move west with the help of the tide. They are slowly moving that direction now opposite the "Cliff".
Helena
06 Aug 2009 09:48:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Believe it or not, there are orcas out there in Johnstone Strait. After the party there is a whole lot of resting going on!. The A30s made it to Blinkhorn and the A24s crossed over towards them, then everyone turned eastward again. The A30s moved away from Vancouver Island on the turn and are mid strait slowly,silently moving east with the A5s. The A24s are past the Baron Reefs. Earlier today, the A36s with A12 were slipped into Blackney Pass around 7:19am. There have been no further reports about their whereabouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 15:44:07 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are eastbound moving slowly from midstrait towards Vancouver Island. A39 is lingering off CP doing a bit of foraging. The A36s have been found off of Lizard Point without A12. CP thinks she went by them earlier today.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 16:06:45 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Suddenly we heard A12/A36 on Flower Island and we are waiting to see what happens next. After A12 rushed through to the north earlier, the other (the A30s,A4s and A5s) made a move toward Blackney Pass (they had come back quietly to the west) but they decided to turn tail and go back to the Strait. We never saw them but CP was able to keep track of their in and out of Blackney movement. apparently, they were either all tight together or in a long resting line as they moved about. Long resting lines used to be quite common so it is good to see this tradition once again. These groups went west briefly once back in the Strait but then turned east. They are now approaching Robson Bight and have found their voices once again! lovely, like last night.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:12:16 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Lovely, lovely,lovely A30s, A5s and A24s!!!!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:50:42 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The day was a truly amazing one with wonderful viewing of orcas in Johnstone Strait. Today we were able to clearly view and enjoy all of the pods in Johnstone Strait, they were the A30’s, the A24’s and the A5’s. Our first encounter began with sighting the A24’s traveling very close along the shoreline of West Cracroft Island and close to the Baron Reefs near Cracroft Point.
They crossed Blackney Passage and continued to travel west but as we watched from a distance they turned back towards Cracroft Point. Crossing Johnstone Strait we sighted two more groups of orcas moving to the west slowly, the A5’s were altogether in the lead followed by the A30’s. They were at a distance from the Vancouver Island shore and it was beautiful to observe the resting lines of orcas. One male orca, A39 separated from his pod and foraged further west beyond Blinkhorn and while the hydrophone was deployed we heard their A-Clan calls, at this point both groups of orcas turned back to the east and A39 was observed turning back as well, moving quickly to catch up with his pod. The orcas had been relaxed and resting and some spyhops were seen amongst the A24’s that included A73.
Maybe this is a real push to the west and the previous one a dress rehearsal. However, the tide has turned to the flood and one would think the whales would like the easy road. This has not been their rule all day and most of their travel has been against the tide. So we will see but so far we have heard the A5s,A4s and A30s on the Critical Point system.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 00:01:35 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After a period of heavy boat noise (cruise ships) we're hearing frequent distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone. Sounds like the groups are still energetic, & have moved to the east a bit.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 04:13:39 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A30s are within Robson Bight now after stalling off the east end with the A4s and A5s for quite some time.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 05:26:21 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Since the last note, all the groups made it back to Robson Bight, following the A30s lead. Except for the A36s and A12, who made it all the way to the entrance of Blackney Pass by 7:19am, the majority shifted back and forth from Critical Point to a little further west. After great some great excitment when perhaps finding fish, the whales finally decided collectively to rest and move west with the help of the tide. They are slowly moving that direction now opposite the "Cliff".
Helena
06 Aug 2009 09:48:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Believe it or not, there are orcas out there in Johnstone Strait. After the party there is a whole lot of resting going on!. The A30s made it to Blinkhorn and the A24s crossed over towards them, then everyone turned eastward again. The A30s moved away from Vancouver Island on the turn and are mid strait slowly,silently moving east with the A5s. The A24s are past the Baron Reefs. Earlier today, the A36s with A12 were slipped into Blackney Pass around 7:19am. There have been no further reports about their whereabouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 15:44:07 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are eastbound moving slowly from midstrait towards Vancouver Island. A39 is lingering off CP doing a bit of foraging. The A36s have been found off of Lizard Point without A12. CP thinks she went by them earlier today.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 16:06:45 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Suddenly we heard A12/A36 on Flower Island and we are waiting to see what happens next. After A12 rushed through to the north earlier, the other (the A30s,A4s and A5s) made a move toward Blackney Pass (they had come back quietly to the west) but they decided to turn tail and go back to the Strait. We never saw them but CP was able to keep track of their in and out of Blackney movement. apparently, they were either all tight together or in a long resting line as they moved about. Long resting lines used to be quite common so it is good to see this tradition once again. These groups went west briefly once back in the Strait but then turned east. They are now approaching Robson Bight and have found their voices once again! lovely, like last night.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:12:16 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Lovely, lovely,lovely A30s, A5s and A24s!!!!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:50:42 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The day was a truly amazing one with wonderful viewing of orcas in Johnstone Strait. Today we were able to clearly view and enjoy all of the pods in Johnstone Strait, they were the A30’s, the A24’s and the A5’s. Our first encounter began with sighting the A24’s traveling very close along the shoreline of West Cracroft Island and close to the Baron Reefs near Cracroft Point.
They crossed Blackney Passage and continued to travel west but as we watched from a distance they turned back towards Cracroft Point. Crossing Johnstone Strait we sighted two more groups of orcas moving to the west slowly, the A5’s were altogether in the lead followed by the A30’s. They were at a distance from the Vancouver Island shore and it was beautiful to observe the resting lines of orcas. One male orca, A39 separated from his pod and foraged further west beyond Blinkhorn and while the hydrophone was deployed we heard their A-Clan calls, at this point both groups of orcas turned back to the east and A39 was observed turning back as well, moving quickly to catch up with his pod. The orcas had been relaxed and resting and some spyhops were seen amongst the A24’s that included A73.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
A30s with A24s, A36s and A5s
Orcas near mics.
The A36s, who came into Johnstone Strait at 4am, are off Critical Point after travelling eastward in Johnstone Strait. The others, the A30s,A24s,and A5s with A12 following them continued east last night.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 08:33:00 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A little bit of rubbing and a lot of distant calls as the A30s, A24s, A5s head west. Some groups are going through the Ecologial Reserve while others travelling opposite to the Cracroft shore. The A36s probably turned west in advance of the arriving groups and were first back to Robson Bight. After which it was one of the A5 group's turn.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 13:09:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups (the A36s, A24s,A5s and the A30s) continued west past CP. A32 and A37 came back to forage off of CP. The mood out there is still very social;spyhops, rolling around, breaches, tail slaps and very mixed groups. Lots of boat noise is the only thing which spoils the fun.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 16:42:52 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like there's a party in the Bight tonight!
Helena
05 Aug 2009 19:53:45 PDT
Superb sounds!!
After the briefest of rubs, the groups have begun a westward trek again, rounding Critical Point with amazing sounds
Helena
05 Aug 2009 21:55:41 PDT
Seasmoke reports
On the afternoon tour the orcas who had been to the east were returning back to the west at a very rapid rate. It was near Kaikash Beach that we suddenly saw a pod of orcas approaching, moving quickly and very close along the Vancouver Island shore, mothers and their calves. Stopping to deploy the hydrophone it was exciting to hear their A-Clan calls. Scanning across the Strait numerous orcas could be seen in all directions, it was an amazing sight, they were so spread out. The pods were the same as yesterday: A30’s, A5’s, A24’s and A36’s. As the lead groups neared the Bauza Islets they slowed, some were observed resting and foraging while others socialized. The viewing was superb as was the lighting. Just when passengers thought that it could not get any better it did. We had been observing A39 who was foraging alone mid Strait well ahead of us and we had stopped to watch his foraging tactics when suddenly he turned back and then towards us, circling around the entire boat. It was breathtaking and beautiful to see this orca under the water, so large and floating free! It was like magic, over in a moment yet somewhere in all of our minds eye, that powerful image remains vivid. Looking back we could see that the orcas had turned back east and we ourselves were headed home.
The A36s, who came into Johnstone Strait at 4am, are off Critical Point after travelling eastward in Johnstone Strait. The others, the A30s,A24s,and A5s with A12 following them continued east last night.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 08:33:00 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A little bit of rubbing and a lot of distant calls as the A30s, A24s, A5s head west. Some groups are going through the Ecologial Reserve while others travelling opposite to the Cracroft shore. The A36s probably turned west in advance of the arriving groups and were first back to Robson Bight. After which it was one of the A5 group's turn.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 13:09:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups (the A36s, A24s,A5s and the A30s) continued west past CP. A32 and A37 came back to forage off of CP. The mood out there is still very social;spyhops, rolling around, breaches, tail slaps and very mixed groups. Lots of boat noise is the only thing which spoils the fun.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 16:42:52 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like there's a party in the Bight tonight!
Helena
05 Aug 2009 19:53:45 PDT
Superb sounds!!
After the briefest of rubs, the groups have begun a westward trek again, rounding Critical Point with amazing sounds
Helena
05 Aug 2009 21:55:41 PDT
Seasmoke reports
On the afternoon tour the orcas who had been to the east were returning back to the west at a very rapid rate. It was near Kaikash Beach that we suddenly saw a pod of orcas approaching, moving quickly and very close along the Vancouver Island shore, mothers and their calves. Stopping to deploy the hydrophone it was exciting to hear their A-Clan calls. Scanning across the Strait numerous orcas could be seen in all directions, it was an amazing sight, they were so spread out. The pods were the same as yesterday: A30’s, A5’s, A24’s and A36’s. As the lead groups neared the Bauza Islets they slowed, some were observed resting and foraging while others socialized. The viewing was superb as was the lighting. Just when passengers thought that it could not get any better it did. We had been observing A39 who was foraging alone mid Strait well ahead of us and we had stopped to watch his foraging tactics when suddenly he turned back and then towards us, circling around the entire boat. It was breathtaking and beautiful to see this orca under the water, so large and floating free! It was like magic, over in a moment yet somewhere in all of our minds eye, that powerful image remains vivid. Looking back we could see that the orcas had turned back east and we ourselves were headed home.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
A30s had A24s, A5s, A36 and A12 on tow to the east
Distant calls audible.
A very,very busy night: the A4s,A1s stayed in the Rubbing Beach/Robson Bight area throughout the early morning hours, taking turns at the Beaches then drifting back to Critical Point. We are still working out the details of the movements, but the A5s did come up from the east and joined the others so it was quite the party. Later, the A36s and A12 broke away to come north through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to the west. The A30s followed (just recently) up to the Sophia Islands but then turned back toward the Reserve. The A4s are not too far away but the A5s may have possibly turned back eastward.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:03:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s probably had everyone in tow when they travelled up to the Sophias. The report is of about 30 orcas.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:08:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
And back again to the Beaches!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 10:13:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales got as far as Naka Creek then turned back to the west. The are back in the Ecological Reserve and on the Boat Bay side.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 12:41:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The day so far has been about a progression to the west. The A30s, A5s and A24s moved slowly at first to the west and then when opposite CP (Kaikash Creek area) they began to pick up some speed. They were spread acrosss the Strait in mixed groups. they are now east bound and some even back to the Kaikash Creek area. Meanwhile, the A36s made it back to Blackfish Sound and we were just visited by A12 alone in Blackney Pass. We lost track of her during a long dive when she was directly out front.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 18:08:02 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Lovely calls as the A30s & Co close in on Robson Bight. A12 got herself into Johnstone Strait.The A36s were getting further away but ,at this point, not sure what they might be up to. An interesting note for yesterday: the Sea Otter came upon the W3s off of Donegal Head. And from a later report from Rob and Erin, the Ws went through Pearse Pass at 9:30pm. We never heard them in Johnstone Strait and no evidence today of their presence. So this is a bit of mystery. It was only 2 of the Ws as it looks like W5 might be gone.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 19:43:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
That was lovely,lovely,lovely!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:42:57 PDT
Seasmoke reports
As we headed out on tour, passengers and crew alike could not imagine the remarkable orca viewing that lay ahead. Nearing the Sophia Islands we could see orca fins and blows stretched before us across Johnstone Strait, heading west in our direction. It was very exciting to see them speeding by and that was literally what they were doing. Because they were traveling at such a rapid rate and being so spread out, the mothers and their calves close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, it was very difficult to identify the individual orcas and their pods. The orcas that were in the Strait most of the day and this afternoon were the A30’s, A24’s, and the A5’s. The orcas that we were closer to and better able to identify were the A30’s who were also spread out (A54 and her calves and A38), the A25’s and also the A24’s including A73 with her open saddle patch. Stopping at times to deploy the hydrophone, it was wonderful listening to their beautiful A-Clan calls as well, ecolocations as some orcas foraged nearby. Breaching, spyhopping, foraging, pectoral slapping and resting behaviour was observed. Heading back home care was taken to steer clear of numerous orcas who were still heading west behind those who had slowed down and were foraging off the Bauza Islets. It was indeed a very remarkable day for viewing orcas in Johnstone Strait.
A very,very busy night: the A4s,A1s stayed in the Rubbing Beach/Robson Bight area throughout the early morning hours, taking turns at the Beaches then drifting back to Critical Point. We are still working out the details of the movements, but the A5s did come up from the east and joined the others so it was quite the party. Later, the A36s and A12 broke away to come north through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to the west. The A30s followed (just recently) up to the Sophia Islands but then turned back toward the Reserve. The A4s are not too far away but the A5s may have possibly turned back eastward.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:03:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s probably had everyone in tow when they travelled up to the Sophias. The report is of about 30 orcas.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:08:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
And back again to the Beaches!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 10:13:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales got as far as Naka Creek then turned back to the west. The are back in the Ecological Reserve and on the Boat Bay side.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 12:41:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The day so far has been about a progression to the west. The A30s, A5s and A24s moved slowly at first to the west and then when opposite CP (Kaikash Creek area) they began to pick up some speed. They were spread acrosss the Strait in mixed groups. they are now east bound and some even back to the Kaikash Creek area. Meanwhile, the A36s made it back to Blackfish Sound and we were just visited by A12 alone in Blackney Pass. We lost track of her during a long dive when she was directly out front.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 18:08:02 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Lovely calls as the A30s & Co close in on Robson Bight. A12 got herself into Johnstone Strait.The A36s were getting further away but ,at this point, not sure what they might be up to. An interesting note for yesterday: the Sea Otter came upon the W3s off of Donegal Head. And from a later report from Rob and Erin, the Ws went through Pearse Pass at 9:30pm. We never heard them in Johnstone Strait and no evidence today of their presence. So this is a bit of mystery. It was only 2 of the Ws as it looks like W5 might be gone.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 19:43:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
That was lovely,lovely,lovely!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:42:57 PDT
Seasmoke reports
As we headed out on tour, passengers and crew alike could not imagine the remarkable orca viewing that lay ahead. Nearing the Sophia Islands we could see orca fins and blows stretched before us across Johnstone Strait, heading west in our direction. It was very exciting to see them speeding by and that was literally what they were doing. Because they were traveling at such a rapid rate and being so spread out, the mothers and their calves close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, it was very difficult to identify the individual orcas and their pods. The orcas that were in the Strait most of the day and this afternoon were the A30’s, A24’s, and the A5’s. The orcas that we were closer to and better able to identify were the A30’s who were also spread out (A54 and her calves and A38), the A25’s and also the A24’s including A73 with her open saddle patch. Stopping at times to deploy the hydrophone, it was wonderful listening to their beautiful A-Clan calls as well, ecolocations as some orcas foraged nearby. Breaching, spyhopping, foraging, pectoral slapping and resting behaviour was observed. Heading back home care was taken to steer clear of numerous orcas who were still heading west behind those who had slowed down and were foraging off the Bauza Islets. It was indeed a very remarkable day for viewing orcas in Johnstone Strait.
Monday, August 03, 2009
A30s gathering with A36s
No orcas present.
All is pretty quiet. CP last reported that there were whales going west. We could hear A30 calls getting more distant but the A36s seemed to be getting louder so we wondered if they went east beyond the Reserve. The A24s were reported eastbound off Naka Creek at around 8pm. There were two whales, a male and a female reported off Donegal Head but we never heard any calls and so can't shed any light on who that may have been.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 00:46:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s have turned up as well in Blackfish Sound and look like they are headed to Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:20:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s with A12 scooted through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to Johnstone Strait. They were all together. A12 looked lovely in the middle of the big boys. A39 followed a while after and he was followed by all the rest of the A30s who cleared our view at 12:13pm. They are now approaching the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 13:04:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
With A12 in the lead, the whales are westbound and just abpout the exit the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 15:02:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A24s are arriving back from the east, now off Robson Bight. The A30s & Co went off to the top end of hanson island and beyond but headed back east. At 7:18pm they were east of Kaikash Creek opposite CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:48:36 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s are off Telegraph Cove while the A30s enter the reserve and Robson Bight. A gathering!
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:53:55 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A24s are at the rubbing beaches. The A30s are not far away and the A36s are moving east too, now past CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 21:11:57 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to.
All is pretty quiet. CP last reported that there were whales going west. We could hear A30 calls getting more distant but the A36s seemed to be getting louder so we wondered if they went east beyond the Reserve. The A24s were reported eastbound off Naka Creek at around 8pm. There were two whales, a male and a female reported off Donegal Head but we never heard any calls and so can't shed any light on who that may have been.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 00:46:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s have turned up as well in Blackfish Sound and look like they are headed to Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:20:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s with A12 scooted through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to Johnstone Strait. They were all together. A12 looked lovely in the middle of the big boys. A39 followed a while after and he was followed by all the rest of the A30s who cleared our view at 12:13pm. They are now approaching the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 13:04:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
With A12 in the lead, the whales are westbound and just abpout the exit the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 15:02:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A24s are arriving back from the east, now off Robson Bight. The A30s & Co went off to the top end of hanson island and beyond but headed back east. At 7:18pm they were east of Kaikash Creek opposite CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:48:36 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s are off Telegraph Cove while the A30s enter the reserve and Robson Bight. A gathering!
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:53:55 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A24s are at the rubbing beaches. The A30s are not far away and the A36s are moving east too, now past CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 21:11:57 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
A30s went to the rubbing beaches after their stay in Blackfish Sound
Orcas near mics.
Interesting night: First of all the A36s actually made it to Johnstone Strait just before 1am. After which there was a fair amount of movement. Right now, the A30s and A24s (after being a short distance east for a while) are not far from Critical Point and Robson Bight. The A5s,however, have not come back from further east yet.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 05:33:30 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The groups are spread out: off the entrance of Blackney Pass;crossing from Vancouver Island to the entrance and close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 08:22:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s with the A24s just passed through Blacknery Pass headed for blackfish Sound. The exciting news!!! is that Springer was with the A24s!!!! This was our first look at the A24s since they came down with the A34s and the A5s in July. When we saw the a24s when they first came in this season, Springer was not with them. This is a bit of a first!!!! We have not heard from the A36s/A12 for quite a while.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 09:32:50 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
To catch up: the A30s and the A24s (with A73) stayed at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while after travelling north through Blackney Pass. At 3pm, they travelled on through Weynton Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. Frome there they went east along the Vancouver Island shore and past Critical Point. They are now at the east end of the Reserve and beginning their rub. the A36s, meanwhile, have remained basically off the CP area for most of the day but they have not been very vocal. A 12 has not been with them since about 11:30am. She was last seen heading eastward. The A5s yesterday went "down" Johnstone Strait in the afternoon to Nodales Channel. This morning at 6am they were out of nodales and near Chatham Point. From there they went west to Camp Point. At 10:47am, they turned sleepily east and began to head toward Amour de Cosmos/Bear Bight. (Nick Templeman report). No word on the morning incoming group from Goletas reported via the Mackays.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 18:00:33 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Leaving Weynton Passage, two orca pods, the A30’s and A24’s including A73 were sighted foraging off Bold Head. As passengers watched they slowly made their way across Blackfish Sound and then proceeded to pass through the ‘Blowhole’, a narrow waterway that separates Hanson Island from the Plumper Island group. The A30’s were in the lead this afternoon followed by the A24’s, passing through the Blowhole and then the small waterway that separates Little Weynton Island from Hanson Island, entering then into Johnstone Strait. Visually it was a powerfully rich and memorable experience for all onboard to witness. The A30’s navigated this same route in the afternoon on July 31.
Interesting night: First of all the A36s actually made it to Johnstone Strait just before 1am. After which there was a fair amount of movement. Right now, the A30s and A24s (after being a short distance east for a while) are not far from Critical Point and Robson Bight. The A5s,however, have not come back from further east yet.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 05:33:30 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The groups are spread out: off the entrance of Blackney Pass;crossing from Vancouver Island to the entrance and close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 08:22:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s with the A24s just passed through Blacknery Pass headed for blackfish Sound. The exciting news!!! is that Springer was with the A24s!!!! This was our first look at the A24s since they came down with the A34s and the A5s in July. When we saw the a24s when they first came in this season, Springer was not with them. This is a bit of a first!!!! We have not heard from the A36s/A12 for quite a while.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 09:32:50 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
To catch up: the A30s and the A24s (with A73) stayed at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while after travelling north through Blackney Pass. At 3pm, they travelled on through Weynton Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. Frome there they went east along the Vancouver Island shore and past Critical Point. They are now at the east end of the Reserve and beginning their rub. the A36s, meanwhile, have remained basically off the CP area for most of the day but they have not been very vocal. A 12 has not been with them since about 11:30am. She was last seen heading eastward. The A5s yesterday went "down" Johnstone Strait in the afternoon to Nodales Channel. This morning at 6am they were out of nodales and near Chatham Point. From there they went west to Camp Point. At 10:47am, they turned sleepily east and began to head toward Amour de Cosmos/Bear Bight. (Nick Templeman report). No word on the morning incoming group from Goletas reported via the Mackays.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 18:00:33 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Leaving Weynton Passage, two orca pods, the A30’s and A24’s including A73 were sighted foraging off Bold Head. As passengers watched they slowly made their way across Blackfish Sound and then proceeded to pass through the ‘Blowhole’, a narrow waterway that separates Hanson Island from the Plumper Island group. The A30’s were in the lead this afternoon followed by the A24’s, passing through the Blowhole and then the small waterway that separates Little Weynton Island from Hanson Island, entering then into Johnstone Strait. Visually it was a powerfully rich and memorable experience for all onboard to witness. The A30’s navigated this same route in the afternoon on July 31.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
A30s held A24s company until A24s left to the east
Multiple pod calls audible.
We have heard a steady progression of whales pass through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. We think the A36s might have been in the lead, followed by a large group that included the A30s and spme of the A5s. It was not clear if the A24s were tucked in with this group. The A51s seemed to be the last group into Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 01:08:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Around 6:30am we began to hear distant A1,A5 and A4 calls off the western end of Blackfish Sound. Perhaps the groups who went out after midnight are on their way back"in". Very foggy again this morning.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 07:18:31 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There are whales going south through the fog in Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 08:35:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales that went through Blackney Pass earlier are now approaching Critical Point after entering Johnstone Strait after 8am.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 10:24:25 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales are either at the beaches or just offshore.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 11:00:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups are moving west toward Cracroft Point now.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 13:45:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are stretched out with one of the males already nearing Blinkhorn. It is the A24s keeping them company. There was report of a group in Queen Charlotte Strait coming east earlier.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 14:20:49 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 entered Johnstone Strait around 3:15pm. They are now eastbound. The A30s and the A24s are closer to the Vancouver Island shore off the Telegragh Cove area.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 15:48:38 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s (+A12) went rushing through Blackney Pass around 6pm. The A30s have just followed. We are not sure where the A24s have gone but they may have stayed in the Strait. Earlier the A5s went east past the Reserve.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 18:47:23 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Echo location close to Critical Point.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 19:23:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are heading back south through Blackney Pass very slowly. The A24s sounded like they went east past Critical Point earlier. No sign of the A36s since they were last reported off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound foraging.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 20:07:05 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s re-entered Johnstone Strait they began calling exactly as the A24s, now at the rubbing beaches began their calling.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 21:32:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s finally made it fully into Johnstone Strait and passed CP (Cracroft Point). There were also a few distant calls on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound, perhaps the A36 group.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 22:30:26 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon it was not long before passengers on both vessels were in sight of orcas east of Blinkhorn. There were two Matrilines and their offspring: the A30’s and the A24’s. The mothers and calves were traveling along Vancouver Island and very close to shore, foraging as they went while A38 and A39 were well spread out, A39 being the greatest distance across the Strait from the others. With the hydrophones deployed it was a treat to sit and listen to their A-Clan calls. The viewing had already been wonderful when we learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were entering Johnstone Strait through Weynton Passage. It was very moving to watch as the four orcas entered the Strait altogether as a family group. As they surfaced together it was wonderful seeing A12 in this manner, surrounded by the boys, her being in the middle and all of them very much at ease. They commenced to travel east down the Strait while the A30’s and the A24’s who had been foraging and resting at the top end of the Strait around the Bauza Islets, also turned and commenced to travel back east.
We have heard a steady progression of whales pass through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. We think the A36s might have been in the lead, followed by a large group that included the A30s and spme of the A5s. It was not clear if the A24s were tucked in with this group. The A51s seemed to be the last group into Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 01:08:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Around 6:30am we began to hear distant A1,A5 and A4 calls off the western end of Blackfish Sound. Perhaps the groups who went out after midnight are on their way back"in". Very foggy again this morning.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 07:18:31 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There are whales going south through the fog in Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 08:35:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales that went through Blackney Pass earlier are now approaching Critical Point after entering Johnstone Strait after 8am.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 10:24:25 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales are either at the beaches or just offshore.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 11:00:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups are moving west toward Cracroft Point now.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 13:45:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are stretched out with one of the males already nearing Blinkhorn. It is the A24s keeping them company. There was report of a group in Queen Charlotte Strait coming east earlier.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 14:20:49 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 entered Johnstone Strait around 3:15pm. They are now eastbound. The A30s and the A24s are closer to the Vancouver Island shore off the Telegragh Cove area.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 15:48:38 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s (+A12) went rushing through Blackney Pass around 6pm. The A30s have just followed. We are not sure where the A24s have gone but they may have stayed in the Strait. Earlier the A5s went east past the Reserve.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 18:47:23 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Echo location close to Critical Point.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 19:23:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are heading back south through Blackney Pass very slowly. The A24s sounded like they went east past Critical Point earlier. No sign of the A36s since they were last reported off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound foraging.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 20:07:05 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s re-entered Johnstone Strait they began calling exactly as the A24s, now at the rubbing beaches began their calling.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 21:32:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s finally made it fully into Johnstone Strait and passed CP (Cracroft Point). There were also a few distant calls on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound, perhaps the A36 group.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 22:30:26 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon it was not long before passengers on both vessels were in sight of orcas east of Blinkhorn. There were two Matrilines and their offspring: the A30’s and the A24’s. The mothers and calves were traveling along Vancouver Island and very close to shore, foraging as they went while A38 and A39 were well spread out, A39 being the greatest distance across the Strait from the others. With the hydrophones deployed it was a treat to sit and listen to their A-Clan calls. The viewing had already been wonderful when we learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were entering Johnstone Strait through Weynton Passage. It was very moving to watch as the four orcas entered the Strait altogether as a family group. As they surfaced together it was wonderful seeing A12 in this manner, surrounded by the boys, her being in the middle and all of them very much at ease. They commenced to travel east down the Strait while the A30’s and the A24’s who had been foraging and resting at the top end of the Strait around the Bauza Islets, also turned and commenced to travel back east.
Friday, July 31, 2009
A30s went west Malcolm Island. Then returned in JS
Orcas hunting fish.
Last night: As the A36s with A12 shifted east of Cracroft Point, the A30s, made a try for Blackney Pass. By 10:16pm they were nearing Blackney Pass but then retreated. At 10:56pm they made Blackney again but again only made it partially through the Pass before returning to Blackfish Sound. Their calls grew increasingly distant as they moved westward by 11:30pm. After midnight (12:40am), there were just a few distant calls in the Strait so it is unclear if that was the A30s or the A36s. The rest of the night was quiet except for boat noise, of course. At 8:12am ,we began to hear faint calls followed by (just now) closer echo location in Robson Bight. This will most likely be a returning group from the east.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 09:01:15 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are headed east off of Lizard Point.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 11:47:37 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are headed east and are off of Donigal Head
Katie
31 Jul 2009 12:02:44 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is the A30's who have just entered Johnstone Straight through Weyton.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 15:31:44 PDT
We have whales on the Rubbing Beaches... most likely the A30's... they were last heard heading east in johnstone straight. The A36's and A12 are hanging around the entrance of Blackney Pass and CP. They have been moving around in this area for a few hours.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 18:31:11 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is A30's on Critical Point... the A36's are still hovering around CP and the entrance of Blackney
Katie
31 Jul 2009 19:19:04 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A30’s, who had traveled east from Lizard Point this morning were observed entering Johnstone Strait from Blackfish Sound via a narrow waterway that separates the Plumper Island group from Hanson Island and is known locally as the ‘Blowhole’. It is always a special treat to see orcas navigating through the narrow island waterways in this manner and on this occasion, the A30’s (10 orcas in total), was a powerfully moving sight to see.
Last night: As the A36s with A12 shifted east of Cracroft Point, the A30s, made a try for Blackney Pass. By 10:16pm they were nearing Blackney Pass but then retreated. At 10:56pm they made Blackney again but again only made it partially through the Pass before returning to Blackfish Sound. Their calls grew increasingly distant as they moved westward by 11:30pm. After midnight (12:40am), there were just a few distant calls in the Strait so it is unclear if that was the A30s or the A36s. The rest of the night was quiet except for boat noise, of course. At 8:12am ,we began to hear faint calls followed by (just now) closer echo location in Robson Bight. This will most likely be a returning group from the east.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 09:01:15 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are headed east off of Lizard Point.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 11:47:37 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are headed east and are off of Donigal Head
Katie
31 Jul 2009 12:02:44 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is the A30's who have just entered Johnstone Straight through Weyton.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 15:31:44 PDT
We have whales on the Rubbing Beaches... most likely the A30's... they were last heard heading east in johnstone straight. The A36's and A12 are hanging around the entrance of Blackney Pass and CP. They have been moving around in this area for a few hours.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 18:31:11 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is A30's on Critical Point... the A36's are still hovering around CP and the entrance of Blackney
Katie
31 Jul 2009 19:19:04 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A30’s, who had traveled east from Lizard Point this morning were observed entering Johnstone Strait from Blackfish Sound via a narrow waterway that separates the Plumper Island group from Hanson Island and is known locally as the ‘Blowhole’. It is always a special treat to see orcas navigating through the narrow island waterways in this manner and on this occasion, the A30’s (10 orcas in total), was a powerfully moving sight to see.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A30s left A4s and A5s and spend the day in Queen Charlotte Strait
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like at least some of the A1s & A5s are returning from the east & are now in, or passing, Robson Bight. We're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone. Lots of echolocation, so they must be finding fish!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 04:56:24 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Quite a bit going on. The A30s,A4s and the A5s came west from the Ecological Reserve to around the entrance of Blackney Pass. They may have turned back east. We are also hearing the A36s opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 07:14:04 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s, A5s,A4s and A36s (A12) are nearing Robson Bight as they head back eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 08:14:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Nothing like having the fog clear to make everything a bit clearer. We had assumed that the A30s had stayed with the A4s and the A5s (with whom they had come west around 4:30am this morning) as those two groups turned and went back eastward. Instead, the A30s carried on to the west and left Johnstone Strait at around 8:10am via Weynton Passage. Kingfisher, camped near the entrance of Weynton Pass saw them disappear to the west through Weynton. They have since been located (10 am) very close to Donegal Head still moving slowly out west. Meanwhile, the A36s have parked themselves in front of Cracroft Point (CP) foraging and taking deep dives. An A5 group went past the Rubbing Beaches as the A24s moved into Robson Bight. For now, that is it!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 10:34:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Here is a catch-up: the A36s (even A46) finally moved on to the west. A46 returned to the Cracroft Point area with A12. A12's movements were somewhat obscure today as CP lost track of her for a time. Right now, A32 and A37 are on the edge of Blackfish Sound after going through Weynton Pass without A46 or A12. They may have been waiting for the A30s to return. The A30s spent most of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait but are now off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. A32 and A37 have turned back toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 18:50:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A32 and A37 have arrived (from the west) off Cracroft Point. A12 and A46 ,who were there before, have moved to the east of CP. We do not know where the A30s are but we believe the A24s and the A5s contiued east from the Ecological Reserve earlier today.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 20:56:57 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are finally hearing the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They are moving our direction!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 21:59:29 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are picking ity up again as they near Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. Next stop - OL? The A36s are vocal every so often in the Strait. CP's last report was that they and A12 were all headed east . Unfortunately, a tug just went south into Johnstone Stait.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 22:39:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Following up on a report that orcas were seen earlier heading out through Weynton Passage in the fog, we had gone in that direction and once out into the Queen Charlotte Strait the visibility was clear yet there were no orcas initially in sight and the flood current was strong. It was quite by chance the orcas were sighted, they were tucked in very close to Donegal Head on the south side and traveling close to the shore. Once around the corner of Donegal Head the A30’s spread out and were foraging extensively, A30 and A38 were foraging together as they had been yesterday and foraged closest to the Malcolm Island shoreline. There was a lot of activity observed from both A50’s and A54’s calves including breaching, pectoral and tail slapping, all seen at a distance. It was wonderful to see their exuberant and free-style fun in a wide and almost empty ocean (of boats), having it to themselves for awhile. Their A-Clan calls and ecolocations were superb to listen to and enjoyed by all passengers on both of our vessels.
Sounds like at least some of the A1s & A5s are returning from the east & are now in, or passing, Robson Bight. We're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone. Lots of echolocation, so they must be finding fish!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 04:56:24 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Quite a bit going on. The A30s,A4s and the A5s came west from the Ecological Reserve to around the entrance of Blackney Pass. They may have turned back east. We are also hearing the A36s opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 07:14:04 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s, A5s,A4s and A36s (A12) are nearing Robson Bight as they head back eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 08:14:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Nothing like having the fog clear to make everything a bit clearer. We had assumed that the A30s had stayed with the A4s and the A5s (with whom they had come west around 4:30am this morning) as those two groups turned and went back eastward. Instead, the A30s carried on to the west and left Johnstone Strait at around 8:10am via Weynton Passage. Kingfisher, camped near the entrance of Weynton Pass saw them disappear to the west through Weynton. They have since been located (10 am) very close to Donegal Head still moving slowly out west. Meanwhile, the A36s have parked themselves in front of Cracroft Point (CP) foraging and taking deep dives. An A5 group went past the Rubbing Beaches as the A24s moved into Robson Bight. For now, that is it!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 10:34:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Here is a catch-up: the A36s (even A46) finally moved on to the west. A46 returned to the Cracroft Point area with A12. A12's movements were somewhat obscure today as CP lost track of her for a time. Right now, A32 and A37 are on the edge of Blackfish Sound after going through Weynton Pass without A46 or A12. They may have been waiting for the A30s to return. The A30s spent most of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait but are now off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. A32 and A37 have turned back toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 18:50:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A32 and A37 have arrived (from the west) off Cracroft Point. A12 and A46 ,who were there before, have moved to the east of CP. We do not know where the A30s are but we believe the A24s and the A5s contiued east from the Ecological Reserve earlier today.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 20:56:57 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are finally hearing the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They are moving our direction!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 21:59:29 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are picking ity up again as they near Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. Next stop - OL? The A36s are vocal every so often in the Strait. CP's last report was that they and A12 were all headed east . Unfortunately, a tug just went south into Johnstone Stait.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 22:39:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Following up on a report that orcas were seen earlier heading out through Weynton Passage in the fog, we had gone in that direction and once out into the Queen Charlotte Strait the visibility was clear yet there were no orcas initially in sight and the flood current was strong. It was quite by chance the orcas were sighted, they were tucked in very close to Donegal Head on the south side and traveling close to the shore. Once around the corner of Donegal Head the A30’s spread out and were foraging extensively, A30 and A38 were foraging together as they had been yesterday and foraged closest to the Malcolm Island shoreline. There was a lot of activity observed from both A50’s and A54’s calves including breaching, pectoral and tail slapping, all seen at a distance. It was wonderful to see their exuberant and free-style fun in a wide and almost empty ocean (of boats), having it to themselves for awhile. Their A-Clan calls and ecolocations were superb to listen to and enjoyed by all passengers on both of our vessels.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A30s foraging and rubbing
No calls but orcas nearby
Actually there are whales everywhere: the A30s are currently heading south in Blackney Pass following A12's lead (she cleared earlier). The A36s were off of CP (they came west after their bout at critical point at 8am) and the a4 group with the A5s are westbound from boat bay (after their rub earlier). Whew! and an humpback in Blackfish as well!
Helena
29 Jul 2009 11:05:04 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have gone in for a rub while the A36s and A12 are foraging off of Blinkhorn, east of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 14:43:13 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like the A30s are having a bite in the Bight... lots of echolocation (& calls) close the the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:00:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Beautiful A30 calls on Critical Point! The A30s (and A5s) finally did come a bit further west to around the Kaikash Creek area before turning back to the east. They are in front of Critical Point.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:15:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
CP reports that A46 is foraging in front of Cracroft Point. We have been listening to the A4s,A5s and the A30s at the rubbing beaches. Their calls are getting more distant now.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 20:59:18 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Not really that close yet, but we are hearing clear A36 calls once again in Johnstone Strait. CP reported an hour ago that the A36s with A12 were moving eastward midstrait. We believe, for now, that the A30s,A4s and A5s kept going eastward from their time at the Beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 23:01:58 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today was an exceptional day for viewing marine mammals in the area and it had to be again one of the warmest days of the summer. The fog was clearing as we neared the Stephenson Islands and Johnstone Strait stretched ahead of us looking like a mill pond.It was so beautiful and already blows could be seen down at Cracroft Point. Two of the A36 brothers: A37 and A38 were foraging back and forth, lunge feeding at times, their A-Clan calls were wonderful to listen to as well their ecolocations via the hydrophone. A12 was reported further back in Blackfish Sound but ahead of the A30’s who were also en route. We traveled a little further east where we could see numerous blows and orcas heading to the west, the A23’s passed by, close to the West Cracroft Island shoreline, the other groups of A5’s (and possible A24’s) were seen at a distance, they were resting and then they turned and headed back east. Meanwhile the A30’s, with A30 and A38 in the lead had entered the Strait at Blakney Passage and were headed to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve; A50 and her calves followed next and then A54 and her calves with a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins interacting with them as they did yesterday. Dalls Porpoise were also active, feeding nearby. The A36’s were still foraging at Cracroft Point when we headed into Blackfish Sound.
Actually there are whales everywhere: the A30s are currently heading south in Blackney Pass following A12's lead (she cleared earlier). The A36s were off of CP (they came west after their bout at critical point at 8am) and the a4 group with the A5s are westbound from boat bay (after their rub earlier). Whew! and an humpback in Blackfish as well!
Helena
29 Jul 2009 11:05:04 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have gone in for a rub while the A36s and A12 are foraging off of Blinkhorn, east of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 14:43:13 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like the A30s are having a bite in the Bight... lots of echolocation (& calls) close the the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:00:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Beautiful A30 calls on Critical Point! The A30s (and A5s) finally did come a bit further west to around the Kaikash Creek area before turning back to the east. They are in front of Critical Point.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:15:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
CP reports that A46 is foraging in front of Cracroft Point. We have been listening to the A4s,A5s and the A30s at the rubbing beaches. Their calls are getting more distant now.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 20:59:18 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Not really that close yet, but we are hearing clear A36 calls once again in Johnstone Strait. CP reported an hour ago that the A36s with A12 were moving eastward midstrait. We believe, for now, that the A30s,A4s and A5s kept going eastward from their time at the Beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 23:01:58 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today was an exceptional day for viewing marine mammals in the area and it had to be again one of the warmest days of the summer. The fog was clearing as we neared the Stephenson Islands and Johnstone Strait stretched ahead of us looking like a mill pond.It was so beautiful and already blows could be seen down at Cracroft Point. Two of the A36 brothers: A37 and A38 were foraging back and forth, lunge feeding at times, their A-Clan calls were wonderful to listen to as well their ecolocations via the hydrophone. A12 was reported further back in Blackfish Sound but ahead of the A30’s who were also en route. We traveled a little further east where we could see numerous blows and orcas heading to the west, the A23’s passed by, close to the West Cracroft Island shoreline, the other groups of A5’s (and possible A24’s) were seen at a distance, they were resting and then they turned and headed back east. Meanwhile the A30’s, with A30 and A38 in the lead had entered the Strait at Blakney Passage and were headed to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve; A50 and her calves followed next and then A54 and her calves with a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins interacting with them as they did yesterday. Dalls Porpoise were also active, feeding nearby. The A36’s were still foraging at Cracroft Point when we headed into Blackfish Sound.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A30s arrived from the east, spending the day in the area
Distant calls audible.
We're starting to hear distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone, sounds like some of the orcas from the east are getting close to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 10:31:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s came west this morning, past the Reserve, Kaikash Creek and now approaching the area opposite Weynton Pass entrance. The A36s were quite far west off Malcolm Point this morning and are apparently continuing west. The A5s and most likely the A24s are still east of Kelsey Bay.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 13:34:13 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s made a turn to the east off the Wastell Island (just east of Telegraph Cove) and made a wide turn over to the Hanson Island side. From there they continued east past the entrance to Blackney pas. They are now off the Cracroft Point area continuing eastward.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:03:39 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So .... just after posting the last note, there were calls on Flower Island,maybe the A36s.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:09:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Recently, both A38 and A39 were spending time foraging off of CP. The other A30 members are closer to Vancouver Island moving westward. We got a great report from the Mackays that A12 was just seen off of Black Bluff heading east by herself. This report came in after Stubbs island reported that the A36s (at least A32 and A37) turned west quickly away from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 20:33:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP called in to say that A39 had disappeared into Blackney Pass at about 9:38pm. The rest of the A30s followed but not until the A36s made their presence known after arriving in Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. A group of dolphins became vocal in Blackney Pass just as the A30s disappeared up into Blackfish Sound. The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 22:28:16 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was a beautiful afternoon when we set out on tour and one of the hottest days that we have encountered so far this summer. We headed east in Johnstone Strait and soon the orcas were in sight, the A30’s traveling to the west nearing Blinkhorn. A38 and A30 were in the lead, A39 was far over on the Hanson Island shore while A50 and A54, each traveling with their off-spring were close to the Vancouver Island shoreline. All were foraging and while our hydrophone was deployed, there were no vocals to be heard. Suddenly, A30 with A38 had made their turn and began traveling east together, A54 and calves turned next and then A50 and calves while A39 continued to forage a little longer to the west before turning back. A54 and calves made their way east crossing more towards the Hanson Island side of the Strait and closest to A39. A small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were present throughout our viewing of the orcas, darting back and forth and A54 ‘s calves at one point were seen interacting with them.
We're starting to hear distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone, sounds like some of the orcas from the east are getting close to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 10:31:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s came west this morning, past the Reserve, Kaikash Creek and now approaching the area opposite Weynton Pass entrance. The A36s were quite far west off Malcolm Point this morning and are apparently continuing west. The A5s and most likely the A24s are still east of Kelsey Bay.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 13:34:13 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s made a turn to the east off the Wastell Island (just east of Telegraph Cove) and made a wide turn over to the Hanson Island side. From there they continued east past the entrance to Blackney pas. They are now off the Cracroft Point area continuing eastward.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:03:39 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So .... just after posting the last note, there were calls on Flower Island,maybe the A36s.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:09:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Recently, both A38 and A39 were spending time foraging off of CP. The other A30 members are closer to Vancouver Island moving westward. We got a great report from the Mackays that A12 was just seen off of Black Bluff heading east by herself. This report came in after Stubbs island reported that the A36s (at least A32 and A37) turned west quickly away from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 20:33:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP called in to say that A39 had disappeared into Blackney Pass at about 9:38pm. The rest of the A30s followed but not until the A36s made their presence known after arriving in Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. A group of dolphins became vocal in Blackney Pass just as the A30s disappeared up into Blackfish Sound. The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 22:28:16 PDT
Seasmoke reports
It was a beautiful afternoon when we set out on tour and one of the hottest days that we have encountered so far this summer. We headed east in Johnstone Strait and soon the orcas were in sight, the A30’s traveling to the west nearing Blinkhorn. A38 and A30 were in the lead, A39 was far over on the Hanson Island shore while A50 and A54, each traveling with their off-spring were close to the Vancouver Island shoreline. All were foraging and while our hydrophone was deployed, there were no vocals to be heard. Suddenly, A30 with A38 had made their turn and began traveling east together, A54 and calves turned next and then A50 and calves while A39 continued to forage a little longer to the west before turning back. A54 and calves made their way east crossing more towards the Hanson Island side of the Strait and closest to A39. A small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were present throughout our viewing of the orcas, darting back and forth and A54 ‘s calves at one point were seen interacting with them.
Monday, July 27, 2009
A30s left with A4s and A5s east to Kelsey Bay
Orcas near mics.
How lovely, the A5s are back! Calls are on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. The whales are travelling into Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 01:43:44 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Add A12 and A4 calls to that mix in Blackney Pass!
Helena
27 Jul 2009 02:00:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A5,A4 and A1 groups have moved into Johnstone Strait and are headed east.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 02:34:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
While the A34s (without A12) continue westward, we talked with Nick Templeman and they think they have the A5s,A30s and others near to Kelsey Bay.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 11:07:25 PDT
How lovely, the A5s are back! Calls are on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. The whales are travelling into Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 01:43:44 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Add A12 and A4 calls to that mix in Blackney Pass!
Helena
27 Jul 2009 02:00:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A5,A4 and A1 groups have moved into Johnstone Strait and are headed east.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 02:34:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
While the A34s (without A12) continue westward, we talked with Nick Templeman and they think they have the A5s,A30s and others near to Kelsey Bay.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 11:07:25 PDT
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A30s joined A36s and A12 and moved to the west
No orcas present.
Not sure we can broaden our impression of what happened overnight. Except for a small power interuption around 3am the night was mostly uneventful. We lost track of the A36s around 11:30pm. Blows were heard about an hour later in Blackney Pass but the conclusion was that it was a humpback. Dolphins were fairly active in Johnstone Strait around the same time.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 08:04:52 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Close echolocation near Robson Bight following a report that the A36s and A12 are heading west from the Boat Bay area. Dolphins were reported in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 12:05:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Not only are the A36s with A12 near Robson Bight but we are now picking up calls and echolocation in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:18:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are headed south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:57:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s when they entered Johnstone Strait went to the east,Robson Bight. The A36s and A12 seemed to hang back more to the west and now sound quite distant. The A30s, meanwhile, are on their way back west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:01:26 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Actually, it sounds like all the groups are converging off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:19:29 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Now the whales have gone off to the west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 21:10:24 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Distant A-Clan orca calls had been reported as being heard out in the Queen Charlotte Strait near the White Cliff Islands and while several boats were looking and listening at various locations, the orcas could not been seen or their blows heard through the heavy fog. With a report that the A36 (three) brothers and A12 were heading west at Boat Bay, we headed in their direction through Blackfish Sound. The fog was still heavy behind us as we travelled and it was not until we neared Burnt Point that it began to disperse. We entered Johnstone Strait and into a beautiful clear and sunny day and headed in the direction of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We sighted two orcas outside of the Reserve and watched as they made their way further west, A12 was in the lead. It was at Izumi Rock that we encountered and enjoyed the company of A12 and A37 foraging steadily together back and forth; A46 and A32 were further back inside the Reserve boundary. The viewing of A12 and A37 was simply beautiful, the light that was shining upon them at Izumi Rock and the trailing kelp forest was exquisite. A12 and A37 looked very much at home in the company of each other at the time of our viewing. It was reported that the A30’s, the pod that had been obscured from sight all morning by the heavy fog were at last sighted in Blackfish Sound approaching Flower Island.
Not sure we can broaden our impression of what happened overnight. Except for a small power interuption around 3am the night was mostly uneventful. We lost track of the A36s around 11:30pm. Blows were heard about an hour later in Blackney Pass but the conclusion was that it was a humpback. Dolphins were fairly active in Johnstone Strait around the same time.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 08:04:52 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Close echolocation near Robson Bight following a report that the A36s and A12 are heading west from the Boat Bay area. Dolphins were reported in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 12:05:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Not only are the A36s with A12 near Robson Bight but we are now picking up calls and echolocation in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:18:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are headed south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:57:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s when they entered Johnstone Strait went to the east,Robson Bight. The A36s and A12 seemed to hang back more to the west and now sound quite distant. The A30s, meanwhile, are on their way back west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:01:26 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Actually, it sounds like all the groups are converging off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:19:29 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Now the whales have gone off to the west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 21:10:24 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Distant A-Clan orca calls had been reported as being heard out in the Queen Charlotte Strait near the White Cliff Islands and while several boats were looking and listening at various locations, the orcas could not been seen or their blows heard through the heavy fog. With a report that the A36 (three) brothers and A12 were heading west at Boat Bay, we headed in their direction through Blackfish Sound. The fog was still heavy behind us as we travelled and it was not until we neared Burnt Point that it began to disperse. We entered Johnstone Strait and into a beautiful clear and sunny day and headed in the direction of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We sighted two orcas outside of the Reserve and watched as they made their way further west, A12 was in the lead. It was at Izumi Rock that we encountered and enjoyed the company of A12 and A37 foraging steadily together back and forth; A46 and A32 were further back inside the Reserve boundary. The viewing of A12 and A37 was simply beautiful, the light that was shining upon them at Izumi Rock and the trailing kelp forest was exquisite. A12 and A37 looked very much at home in the company of each other at the time of our viewing. It was reported that the A30’s, the pod that had been obscured from sight all morning by the heavy fog were at last sighted in Blackfish Sound approaching Flower Island.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A30s returned from Nodales Channel in record time
Distant calls audible.
The A30s must be huffing and puffing. they have returned to the Ecological Reserve in record time! The A36s with A12 are waiting in Blackfish Sound after leaving Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass earlier.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 16:12:42 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are continuing west from the Beaches,meanwhile,the A36s were just calling off Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 17:03:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A very interesting turn of events. A12 left the A36s in Blackfish Sound and travelled to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass by herself where the the A30s were travelling west past the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 19:48:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So this is what we think may have happened. A12 went south through Blackney Pass as the A30s travelled west up the Strait. They continued west and perhaps went out through Weynton Pass, exchanging places with the A36s who came back to Johnstone strait via Weynton. We have only heard the A36s as they moved east toward the entrance of Blackney Pass. What A12 has decided to do is uncertain at this point but perhaps she is still with the A36s. We never did hear the A30s on the "other" side (Blackfish Sound) so we will keep their whereabouts open for now. Interesting possibilities regardless.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 23:51:08 PDT
The A30s must be huffing and puffing. they have returned to the Ecological Reserve in record time! The A36s with A12 are waiting in Blackfish Sound after leaving Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass earlier.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 16:12:42 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are continuing west from the Beaches,meanwhile,the A36s were just calling off Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 17:03:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A very interesting turn of events. A12 left the A36s in Blackfish Sound and travelled to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass by herself where the the A30s were travelling west past the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 19:48:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So this is what we think may have happened. A12 went south through Blackney Pass as the A30s travelled west up the Strait. They continued west and perhaps went out through Weynton Pass, exchanging places with the A36s who came back to Johnstone strait via Weynton. We have only heard the A36s as they moved east toward the entrance of Blackney Pass. What A12 has decided to do is uncertain at this point but perhaps she is still with the A36s. We never did hear the A30s on the "other" side (Blackfish Sound) so we will keep their whereabouts open for now. Interesting possibilities regardless.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 23:51:08 PDT
A30s in Nodales Channel
Hi Helena. Just a late update that the A-30s spent the day doing the Nodales Channel Shuffle from Sonora Pt. to Howe Island. Looks like they were getting some fish as we were watching and lots of celebrating. See if they head up tonight..Cheers
Haywire@c.r. bc
25 Jul 2009 00:39:41 PDT
Haywire@c.r. bc
25 Jul 2009 00:39:41 PDT
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A30s vocal in Johstone Strait
Orcas near mics.
A lot of calling and some movement have brought the A30s back eastward to the Ecological Reserve. The tide is in a strong flood
Helena
23 Jul 2009 03:38:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
New visitors! being brought in by an A1 group.
Helena
23 Jul 2009 05:46:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
I forgot to mention that it sounds like the Cs.
Helena
23 Jul 2009 05:51:05 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today we encountered two groups of resident orcas heading east of Burnt Point in Blackfish Sound, they were the A30’s who were in the lead followed by the C10’s; both pods were favoring the Hanson Island shore and traveling slowly against a strong ebb current. As the groups neared the bottom of Hanson Island the A30’s stalled, were milling about and resting against the current while the C10’s moved ahead milling just at Cracroft Point allowing the A30’s to enter Johnstone Strait first. This is the first time for seeing the C10’s this summer so it was very exciting indeed. It has been confirmed by DFO that both C23 and C10 each have new calves. With both the pods in Johnstone Strait, they began heading to the east. The viewing was beautiful throughout and it was wonderful observing the dynamics between the two pods. There was a lot of interaction between family members with pectoral and tail slapping and spy-hopping being observed.
A lot of calling and some movement have brought the A30s back eastward to the Ecological Reserve. The tide is in a strong flood
Helena
23 Jul 2009 03:38:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
New visitors! being brought in by an A1 group.
Helena
23 Jul 2009 05:46:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
I forgot to mention that it sounds like the Cs.
Helena
23 Jul 2009 05:51:05 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today we encountered two groups of resident orcas heading east of Burnt Point in Blackfish Sound, they were the A30’s who were in the lead followed by the C10’s; both pods were favoring the Hanson Island shore and traveling slowly against a strong ebb current. As the groups neared the bottom of Hanson Island the A30’s stalled, were milling about and resting against the current while the C10’s moved ahead milling just at Cracroft Point allowing the A30’s to enter Johnstone Strait first. This is the first time for seeing the C10’s this summer so it was very exciting indeed. It has been confirmed by DFO that both C23 and C10 each have new calves. With both the pods in Johnstone Strait, they began heading to the east. The viewing was beautiful throughout and it was wonderful observing the dynamics between the two pods. There was a lot of interaction between family members with pectoral and tail slapping and spy-hopping being observed.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Distant calls audible.
We think the A36s turned west toward Cracroft Point to "meet" up with the incoming whales. After "greeting" the groups have turned east back toward the Bight. They are past Critical point.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:01:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We're hearing rubbing sounds & calls on the rubbing beach hydrophone.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:43:24 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So...the meet and greet must have resulted in the A36s heading west and the A30s heading east to the beaches and beyond. The question for the day is where are the A34s who were definitely seen earlier off Donegal Head. There was a report that the "Rs" were in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 13:33:48 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like the A30s have made it back to Robson Bight!
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:24:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sorry the last note was a bit confusing. The A36s and A12 were in Blackfish Sound when they first called but then the A30s quickly approached Critical Point in Robson Bight from the east.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:38:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Orcas were reported traveling in from Donegal Head and were sighted off Bold Head, but ahead of this a large Minke Whale was sighted. The orcas were identified as being the A30’s and they were east bound in Blackfish Sound. A39 was traveling closest to the Hanson Island shore while the A54’s were ahead of him; A30 and A38 were seen together over on the Swanson Island shore and the A50’s parallel to them. While stopping to hoist our main sail and with the engine off, we listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone. Upon entering Johnstone Strait some of the A30’s foraged briefly but all were seen moving swiftly to the east.
We think the A36s turned west toward Cracroft Point to "meet" up with the incoming whales. After "greeting" the groups have turned east back toward the Bight. They are past Critical point.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:01:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We're hearing rubbing sounds & calls on the rubbing beach hydrophone.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:43:24 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So...the meet and greet must have resulted in the A36s heading west and the A30s heading east to the beaches and beyond. The question for the day is where are the A34s who were definitely seen earlier off Donegal Head. There was a report that the "Rs" were in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 13:33:48 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like the A30s have made it back to Robson Bight!
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:24:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sorry the last note was a bit confusing. The A36s and A12 were in Blackfish Sound when they first called but then the A30s quickly approached Critical Point in Robson Bight from the east.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:38:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Orcas were reported traveling in from Donegal Head and were sighted off Bold Head, but ahead of this a large Minke Whale was sighted. The orcas were identified as being the A30’s and they were east bound in Blackfish Sound. A39 was traveling closest to the Hanson Island shore while the A54’s were ahead of him; A30 and A38 were seen together over on the Swanson Island shore and the A50’s parallel to them. While stopping to hoist our main sail and with the engine off, we listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone. Upon entering Johnstone Strait some of the A30’s foraged briefly but all were seen moving swiftly to the east.
Friday, July 17, 2009
A30s met the A36s
No orcas present.
We did hear "something" in Blackfish Sound starting after 6am. Boat noise and distance have made it difficult to say just what is out there. No morning reports on the A30s yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 08:59:19 PDT
No orcas present.
We have heard that the A36s have been seen off the western end of Malcolm Island recently. They are not yet committed to travelling into this area. Also, the Columbia III reports seeing T20/T21 just west of us. This may have been who we were hearing earlier.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 09:25:27 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are still moving through Queen Charlotte Strait toward Blackfish Sound as the A30s and A12 move west toward the Ecological Reserve Johnstone Strait from the Eve River. None of the groups are quite "in" yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 12:25:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like A12 and the A30s are now passing the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 14:25:06 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36 brothers are just entering Johnstone Strait, after coming through Blackfish Sound & Blackney Pass. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. They were silent as they traveled slowly, together, through Blackney, so beautiiful to see in the late afternoon sunlight.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 18:55:09 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s "met" up with the A30s and A12 in Johnstone Strait. They are now nearing Robson Bight. Beautiful!
Helena
17 Jul 2009 20:25:42 PDT
Seasmoke reports
This afternoon we headed in the direction of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Strait as the A30’s and A12 were headed back from their journey to the east. Our first sighting showed an orca at Critical Point, soon after others were sighted further back and traveling very close along the VI shoreline. They were all moving at a steady pace foraging as they went. We identified A38 and then A12 who was close behind him a distance out from the shoreline yet closer to the VI shore while A39 was headed more towards the Cracroft Island shoreline. A50 and A54, each with their off-spring including A54’s new calf A94 were also later seen.
We did hear "something" in Blackfish Sound starting after 6am. Boat noise and distance have made it difficult to say just what is out there. No morning reports on the A30s yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 08:59:19 PDT
No orcas present.
We have heard that the A36s have been seen off the western end of Malcolm Island recently. They are not yet committed to travelling into this area. Also, the Columbia III reports seeing T20/T21 just west of us. This may have been who we were hearing earlier.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 09:25:27 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are still moving through Queen Charlotte Strait toward Blackfish Sound as the A30s and A12 move west toward the Ecological Reserve Johnstone Strait from the Eve River. None of the groups are quite "in" yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 12:25:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like A12 and the A30s are now passing the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 14:25:06 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36 brothers are just entering Johnstone Strait, after coming through Blackfish Sound & Blackney Pass. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. They were silent as they traveled slowly, together, through Blackney, so beautiiful to see in the late afternoon sunlight.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 18:55:09 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s "met" up with the A30s and A12 in Johnstone Strait. They are now nearing Robson Bight. Beautiful!
Helena
17 Jul 2009 20:25:42 PDT
Seasmoke reports
This afternoon we headed in the direction of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Strait as the A30’s and A12 were headed back from their journey to the east. Our first sighting showed an orca at Critical Point, soon after others were sighted further back and traveling very close along the VI shoreline. They were all moving at a steady pace foraging as they went. We identified A38 and then A12 who was close behind him a distance out from the shoreline yet closer to the VI shore while A39 was headed more towards the Cracroft Island shoreline. A50 and A54, each with their off-spring including A54’s new calf A94 were also later seen.
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