No orcas present.

It has been a very quiet day. A minke and two humpbacks turned up but no sign of any orcas. There have been very few "no orca" days this season so it is a little hard to get use to the quiet. In July we had only one day without orcas but they were in the east so technically still in the "area". In August there was also one day where the whales stayed east for the entire day. So far in September there have been two totally blank days. All in all the activity level has been fairly constant. The month the I15s were here was particularly intense. We have actually recorded more this year, by this time, than last year. So far we have seen: all the A1s, A4s, A5s,Bs, Cs, Gs and Rs. We have not seen: the Ds, Hs, I1s, I2s, I17 & I18s. The Ds & Hs have been tending to use the Johnstone Strait area less frequently than they did in the 1980s. The Hs after their pod suffered several deaths hooked up with the I17s and I18s, groups which only ever came into the Johnstone Strait area once or twice a season, as have the I1s & I2s. Although the C6s, Ws and R2s showed up they hardly spent anytime in the area and that is somewhat uncharacteristic. What has been interesting this year has been the use of the lower part of the Johnstone Strait (what we call the east) by the groups especially the A4s and the A5s. The A8s (A5s) and the A11s(A4s) seemed to be "down there" forever. The season certainly isn't over yet and it will be interesting to see who comes by while the dog (chum) salmon are running.
Helena
30 Sep 2005 16:38:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A short while ago whales (Gs) arrived back in the Robson Bight area. Tjey sound like they came up from the east and are now westbound.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 07:27:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The G group sounds like it is definitely heading west. This sounds like the group which went east at 4:30am yesterday morning. We have not heard last nights groups yet this morning.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 08:37:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are still milling off the entrance to Blackney, sometimes shifting west and then back to the east. Most of the activity is in the rip just to the west of CP.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 10:22:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The Gs have moved from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 13:12:26 PDT

No orcas present.

It has been a while now ( 12:30pm) since the Gs ( the G3s & G18s) left Balckney for Blackfish Sound. Unfortunately it has been a busy "boat" day with lots of heavy traffic in transit through the area. The weather is trying to improve though.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 15:37:37 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since the G3s & G18s headed "out" from Blackfish Sound early this afternoon. We are waiting, and meanwhile, enjoying a star-filled night.
Paul
29 Sep 2005 23:40:53 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We were woken up by lots oif G clan calls on Critical Point. We also heard only briefly a few A1 calls as well. The whales sounded like they were already past Cracroft Point and closing in on Robsob Bight. The group we have been listening to now sound as if they are past Critical Point on their way to the east. Were they the last grroup?
Helena
28 Sep 2005 04:42:42 PDT

No orcas present.

We have been trying to sort out the distant A1 calls we heard at 7am. They were over before located. However, the A36s turned up not too far away near Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait later this morning. Captain Wayne on the Lukwa (Stubbs Island) phoned to let us know. The weather is unsettled today so Wayne most likely elected to go west because the Gs that went east in the Strait earlier (4:30 am) have not been seen or heard from since. Wayne lucked out with the A36s. The tide will turn to the ebb around 3pm so perhaps this will encourage the eastern whales to venture back in range.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 12:15:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just a short while ago we started hearing A36s and G clan calls on Flower Island.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 15:31:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The G clan & A1 groups we were listening to in Blackfish Sound earlier have now moved into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. We're listening to them in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
28 Sep 2005 17:21:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups have moved east to opposite the entrance of Blackney Pass in the Strait. The calls remain somewhat distant and therefore we think the whales are closer to the Vancouver Island shore. Visibility is poor due to the rain & low cloud..
Helena
28 Sep 2005 18:12:36 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s are obviously interested in Blackney Pass but they are calling so infrequently it is difficult to know if they are coming into the Pass. The wind has picked up once more and it is impossible to hear if there are blows outside. The Gs have been silent for quite a while now.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 20:29:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A12s as they make their way north through Blackney Pass, and a short while ago heard what sound like the I15s in Blackfish Sound. The A12s breached several times in Blackney Pass, making us think they might be excited at the prospect of meeting up with incoming orcas!
Paul
27 Sep 2005 06:48:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Indeed the A12s and probably the A36s as well have met up with incoming G clan whales! They are currently milling together at the top end of Blackfish Sound undecided at the moment which direction they will choose. Lovely September morning here.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 08:08:04 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We think we are hearing the G3s at the moment on Flower Island. The seems to be other G clan whales as well and we are waiting for a bit more clarity. Another boat is moving through Blackfish.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 08:54:04 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to Transients. They're in the entrance of Blackney. On Channel A
Sven
27 Sep 2005 12:33:46 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The transients who were busy a short while ago in the entrance of Blackney Pass have moved to the east of CP. From the glimpse we had as they passed CP we think they may have been the T18s.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 14:12:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The T18s slowly made their way to the Sophia's and after some milling around were last seen heading east along the shore.
Julie @ CP
27 Sep 2005 14:46:43 PDT

No orcas present.

The big group of Gs and A1s have not yet come back to this part of the area. They were last seen well west in Queen Charlotte Strait but they had turned at that time (Naiad Explorer report). We'll have to "see" what tonight brings.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 22:08:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Overnight, the A12s & A36s went some distance to the east. They are now returning to the west, & are mid-Strait opposite Robson Bight. They are moving slowly, & foraging a lot of the time.
Paul
26 Sep 2005 14:07:33 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

At least some of the A12s are heading across the Strait, towards CP. Channel A.
Paul
26 Sep 2005 16:04:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s who earlier ventured all the way through Blackney Pass to the north did a short turna around and came right back to Blackney just after entering Blackfish Sound. They have now almost gone from our view as they head towards the Strait and the A36s once more. We have heard reports of a large group of orcas in the Port Hardy area headed east this afternoon. Tugs & humpbacks have been using Blackney while the A12s have moved around.
Helena
26 Sep 2005 18:18:14 PDT

No orcas present.

It is hard to know just what the A12s and the A36s decided to do once the A12s were back in the Strait. All calls were only distant suggesting they were still some distance from Robson Bight. However, the A12s were last seen resting facing east. The tide has now turned to the flood so perhaps they have drifted along with it to the east.. Hopefully they will give us a stronger clue before morning.
Helena
26 Sep 2005 22:03:47 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (except for boat noise) and are not sure what happened to the A36s after their long foraging session in Blackfish Sound yesterday afternoon. We are waiting, and meanwhile anjoying a lovely calm morning with the prospect of a sunny day ahead.
Paul
25 Sep 2005 08:43:58 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

While we have been watching humpbacks in Blackney Pass we started to hear whales at the beaches rubbing.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 11:39:20 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The orcas at the rubbing beaches are the A36 brothers. It looks like they must have headed into Johnstone Strait at some point during the night, without us being aware of them!
Paul
25 Sep 2005 11:48:12 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s are crossing from the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, near Kaikash, towards Blackney Pass. They are visible on Channel A. Meanwhile, a large group of orcas has been sighted eastbound on the north side of Malcolm Island, so there is a good chance that at least some of the orcas that headed "out" a few days ago are now coming back "in".
Paul
25 Sep 2005 15:25:24 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A36s are moving along smartly now. They are moving to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Troy bright has meanwhile let everyone know that he heard & saw a group of whales (As) headed east from Bere Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. It may become busy again!
Helena
25 Sep 2005 15:37:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s kept going to the west after passing CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 17:30:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant calls from the A12s on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago... seems like they're heading for Johnstone Strait on the flooding tide.
Paul
25 Sep 2005 18:21:07 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A12s and the A36s have met up in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 21:14:06 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The a12s and the A36s sound as if they are moving closer to the Reserve.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 23:43:23 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! Once again, we've heard no calls overnight, so we are still waiting.
Paul
24 Sep 2005 07:42:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It would appear that the A36s who were seen earlier in Queen Charlotte Strait have made their way east enough toward Blackfish Sound for their calls to be heard on Flower Island. The tide is rising and this may encourage the three brothers to venture our way. Fingers crossed!
Helena
24 Sep 2005 15:46:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Hard to know which category to place the last calls we heard BUT they were very interesting AND we think that they probably belong to a humpback, perhaps the one that was in Blackfish Sound/Blackney today. This young juvenile spent most of the day roaming the nearby waterways. We are not sure if someone else (perhaps some dolphins) were not also contributing. If this was a humpback it will have been the most sustained bout of vocals we have heard from this species in this area. We do not know what happened to the A36s who had been vocal on Flower Island just before the cruiseship passed through. The tide has now turned to an ebb.
Helena
24 Sep 2005 21:14:43 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls overnight, & once again, are waiting.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 07:54:03 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls today. However, orcas were not very far away. The A36s were sighted by the Naiad Explorer (Mackay Whalewatching) in Goletas Channel near Port Hardy, and a group of transient orcas that included the T2s was sighted by the Gikumi (Stubbs Island Whalewatching) in eastern Baronet Passage, a little to the east of us.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 22:56:16 PD

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight, and think that the numerous groups (A12s, A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, I31s) that headed "out" yesterday afternoon, after many days of intense socialising, may have moved further to the west. We are hoping that at least some of them will return before long, but meanwhile, we are waiting.
Paul
22 Sep 2005 09:24:05 PDT

No orcas present.

Well this has been the first day all season without orcas in the area. We did receive two reports from MacKay Whale Watching that a very large group of whales were west of Port Hardy this morning: Most likely the same whales as of yesterday. After all the intensity of movement and vocals the quiet takes some adjustment. But the return will be like starting over again!
Helena
22 Sep 2005 22:13:21 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Good morning everyone! The wonderful morning chorus of "A1" and "G-I" calls we're listening to is in Robson Bight. Sounds like the groups that were in the Strait yesterday afternoon & last night (A12s, A30s, I15s, I11s. I31s) are probably still together. It's another very foggy morning here... but hopefully it will become clear later this morning.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 07:35:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The party in Robson Bight seems to be going on & on, so we've sent an acoustic alert.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 08:54:33 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the crowd have moved off to the east & are at the rubbing beaches... Channel B. Others are still in the Bight.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 09:19:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It seems that at least some of the orcas have moved off to the west & are now in the vicinity of Izumi Rock... we're starting to hear them in the distance on the CP hydrophone.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:01:04 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Some of the orcas are close to CP & are occasionally visible through the fog. Channel A.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:40:28 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A36s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. Others may follow them soon. It's too foggy to see much, but their calls have been clear on the Local Left hydrophone, now on Flower Island as they head into Blackfish Sound. The I15s are in the entrance to Blackney Pass, audible on the Parson Island hydrophone. There are still many orcas in Johnstone Strait, including the A12s & I11s/I31s. We're listening to them on the CP & CrPt hydrophones.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 11:23:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s continued to the west through Blackfish Sound this morning while the other groups (the A12s,A30s,I15s,I11s,and I31s) continued to the west in Johnstone Strait and out through Weynton Pass. They have lingered off the top end of Blackfish and the eastern regions of Queen Charlotte Strait for some time now. From time to time we can hear their distant calls.
Helena
21 Sep 2005 15:50:28 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since mid afternoon, when the various groups of orcas were headed north from Blackfish Sound. We are waiting.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 23:05:34 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning everyone! It sounds like the crowd that headed south into Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide last evening, and then turned back, has finally made it into Johnstone Strait, this time on the slack. We began hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 6:30 am, & since then have heard the A30s, A12s, I15s, & I11/31s. They are heading east, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait.
Paul
20 Sep 2005 07:10:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s left the other groups andjust passed by the lab in Blackney on their way to Blackfish Sound. Just as they entered Blackfish Sound we could hear the A36s there as well. The calls are now growing distant perhaps going with the ebbing tide. The large group in the Strait have been silent for a while and now there is boat noise.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 08:42:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We just had an interesting pass. We think the I35s along with I80 headed to Blackfish from the Strait. They were followed by the A30s and part of the I15s (including I41). It certainly was not all of the I31s nor all of the I15s. Meanwhile, the A36s and the A12s are headed toward the Foster Islands in Queen Charlotte Strait. Where are the other I31s, I15s and I11s?
Helena
20 Sep 2005 10:22:42 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Although they just became quiet. The whales have been making their way through Weynton Pass on the flood tide. The turn in Queen Charlotte Strait started just before the slack tide and by the time the lead group was nearing Weynton Pass the flood was in progress. We are now beginning to hear the first groups arrive in Johnstone Strait. Their calls are very distant. The large number of whales were so spread out that the calls on Flower Island faded at the same time the lead group reached the Strait. If everyone who was here returns (this time including the A36s) there will be near to 60 whales in the area. Acouple of humbacks have added to the spectacular day.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 14:10:19 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The whales have now reached the entrance to Blackney and are soon to cross over to CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 15:21:03 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s, I31s,I11s, A1s have moved closer to the Reserve. Thunder and lightening have given way to lovely sunshine once more.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 16:58:55 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We just had quite a few whales head east past CP. They were spread out from midstrait to the Vancouver Island shore and they stretched all the way from the Reserve to CP. Everyone seemed to be mixed up but we definitely saw I41 (I15s), I64 (I11s), I42 (I31s), and I46 (I31s), as well as the A30s, A12, and possibly the A36s.
Mary and Julie@CP
20 Sep 2005 17:20:10 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Now the whales are spread out from Critical Point to the Beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 17:51:14 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the whales left for the east after their pass of the beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 21:46:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

All the groups are making their way back past the Bight and on towards CP. Right now the A30s and the I15s are closest to the Bight but before them the I11s,I31s and A12s already made their way and we are just picking up their calls on CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 23:32:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Since 2am we have been listening to very relaxed A30s, I11s and I15s in and around the area between the Reserve and the Sophia Islands.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 05:32:26 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s,I15s,and I11s shifted back to the west. They are currently off the entrance to Blackney Pass (still in the Strait).
Helena
19 Sep 2005 06:29:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales seemed to have moved to the west of CP.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 08:27:50 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I11s, I15s and A30s swept quickly through Weynton Pass and arrived off the top end of Blackfish Sound a short while ago. Some boat noise but nice clear mix of calls.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 09:23:31 PDT

Four sea lions are hanging out just off CP. Channel A.
Mary and Julie@CP
19 Sep 2005 11:30:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It looks like all or most of the groups that headed "out" early this morning are heading back "in". Others, including the G17s, are possibly with them, or following. At the moment, we're listening to the A30s on the Flower Island hydrophone, & we've also heard the I15s. The last of this day & the night ahead could be busy!
Paul
19 Sep 2005 16:56:07 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s have just travelled south throuigh Blackney Pass & are entering Johnstone Strait. A12&33 are in front of the A34s, who are close together in a group. Channel A.
Paul
19 Sep 2005 18:37:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sometimes standing still is the perfect thing to do. This evening in front of the lab the I31s, I33s and I11s passed by mid channel ahead of the I15s and the A30s. When just past the lab in they all suddenly made a loud collective burst . Then as they re-surfaced most were pointing the opposite direction towards Blackfish Sound. After some serious milling they all headed off back to the north silently. The evening colours on the calm sea were wonderful and as the whales disappeared we could hear the A12s moving eastward in the Strait. The A12s had passed us just a short while before only they actually made it to the Strait. So CP too had its treat when the A12s passed closely by. Amazing and wonderful.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 19:53:37 PDT

No orcas present.

Sorry, it has been a busy morning but we should update everyone. There was a lot of movement during the night. The A12s came back to the Strait at the same time the other groups were east of the Reserve. Early this morning the groups "re-grouped" and came back westward in the Strait. They left the area via Weynton and we eventually picked them up in Blackfish Sound as they continued to make their way to the west. We last heard calls (the I15s and the A30s) around 7:30am.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 09:18:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

At least some of the groups that headed north early this morning have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. At the moment, we're hearing the A30s & I15s on the Critical Point hydrophone, as they head to the east. Others are probably there too.
Paul
18 Sep 2005 13:20:16 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s have reached the entrance of Blackney Pass & are CP - Channel A. Other orcas are spread out across the Strait to the Vancouver Island side.
Paul
18 Sep 2005 13:44:55 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups have moved down toward the Reserve now. The A30s held off for a while while the I15s and the other groups passed by. We think the A12s, I31s, I11s, I15s and A30s all came in together earlier.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 16:14:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Ah Ha! The I15s, A30s and the I11s have come back from the east.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 19:31:00 PDT

No orcas present.

The whales were last heard on the Critical Point hydrophone. We are not sure ,at this point, which direction they decided on. However, the tide is flooding so perhaps they elected to go east.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 22:53:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning everyone! Between bouts of boat noise, we've been listening to the A36s, A12s, A30s, I15s & I31s since around 5:30am. The A36s & A12s travelled north through Blackney Pass around 6am. We think the others are still in Johnstone Strait, though it wouldn't be surprising to see them head "out" on the swiftly ebbing tide too.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 07:24:28 PDT

Superb sounds!!

It sounds like the A30s & I31s are together in Robson Bight & are close to the Critical Point hydrophone. For the moment, there is just a little boat noise, so the calls are clear.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 08:03:39 PDT
Superb sounds!!

After hours of silence, the I15s have finally made their continued presence known... they are in Robson Bight with the A30s & I31s.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 08:54:41 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

They are still a bit distant but CP is filming the I15s approaching from the Sophia Islands. The A30s and I31s are not far away but perhaps favouring the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 10:39:39 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The orcas in the entrance of Blackney Pass, visible on Channel A, are the A30s and some of the I31s. The I15s are further to the west, as are the other I31s.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 13:27:05 PDT

Superb sounds!!

A mix of I15s, I31s & A30s is in the entrance of Blackney Pass. Some of them are visible on Channel A. Their calls are clear, and for a nice change, there is very little boat noise, so we've sent an alert.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 14:45:25 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

After a wonderful time off CP and then Critical Point the whales have shifted to the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 18:37:22 PDT


No orcas present.

As you m ay have guessed the whales continued to the east so all is "quiet" now.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 20:09:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like the A12s & possibly the A36s are returning!
Paul
17 Sep 2005 23:39:51 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

From the sounds the whales seem to be making their way back to the west past the Reserve. We have heard so far the A30s, G17s, possibly the A36s and either (or both) the I11s and I31s. The I15s will probably add themselves to the list at some point as well. Lovely morning, lovely whales even with the persistent boat noise.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 07:16:56 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Some of the westbound orcas are on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, passing CP. Channel A. Others are on the Vancouver Island side, near Kaikash. It looks like at least some of them are going to head north through Blackney Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 08:22:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing occasional distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as the orcas move to the western end of Johnstone Strait. A few minutes ago, we also heard distant calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, though we're not sure who was making them.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 09:42:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're still hearing occasional distant calls from the various groups (A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, G17s) that now spread out across Johnstone Strait at the Weynton Pass end. The sounds we heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago were probably from dolphins.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 11:04:28 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s have tuened back to the east and are now heading past CP. Channel A.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 11:43:23 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The close calls we've been hearing are from A54 & A75. The other A30s are further out in the Blackney Pass "gap". All are foraging. Meanwhile, it looks like the other groups near Weynton Pass may be turning back to the east, though we're not yet sure. Orcas have also recently been sighted near Lizard Point, westbound.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 12:38:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s moved off to the west from Blackney Pass a while ago, but have now turned back to the east again. They are visibler on Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island Hydrophone. The other groups decided to head north through Weynton Pass, against the flooding tide. Some of them are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, others are still in Weynton Pass. We're hearing G clan calls in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone. Meanwhile, a group of transients has been sighted off Bold Head... they are now heading towards the Penfolds.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 14:17:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved back towards the west from Blackney Pass, possibly to meet up with the rest of the groups they were with earlier (A12s, A36s, I11s, G17s) now re-entering Johnstone Strait at Weynton Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 15:46:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just a short while ago we started hearing the A36s and G clan calls (I11s most likely) on Flower Island. Previous reports from the whale watch boats had said that the I11s had doubled backed through Weynton Pass after just reaching the Strait. The impression then was that the other groups including the A12s nd the I15s continued east in the Strait. We have not heard any calls other than the A30s in the Strait so we are waiting to see where the various groups end up tonight. So far today we have heard the A30s, A12s, A36s, G17s, I11s and I15s. The I31s were reported east yesterday.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 18:10:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We now believe that all the groups except the A30s went back out Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait where they continued off to the west. The A30s are sleeping west of CP and the I31s are probably to the east.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 19:29:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are currently listening to the A36s and the I15s making their way back closer to Blackfish Sound after venturing into Queen Charlotte Strait with the I11s, A12s and G17s. Too early to tell whether or not the I11s and G17s were "dropped off" and have continued to the west. As far as we know the A30s remained behind in the Strait and were last seen a few hours ago resting off of Blinkhorn.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 21:08:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A12s are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, along with the A36s & I15s. We also heard the A30s in Johnstone Strait a while ago. With the moon shining on a calm ocean, this is shaping up to be a lovely night.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 22:47:31 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to the I15s, A30s, and A12s on the Critical Point hydrophone. It sounds like the whales are enjoying the relief from boat noise as much as we are.
Mary@the Lab
15 Sep 2005 00:27:58 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s and I15s just traveled North through Blackney Pass, we were hearing GI calls on Flower Island before this so perhaps they were going to meet someone. We are not sure what happened to the A30s yet.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 07:28:53 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are listening to the A30s on CP right now. The I15s and A12s and possibly some others are spread out from Bold Head to Stubbs Island. We are waiting to find out which way they are headed.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 09:13:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We've got orcas everywhere this morning. The A30s are still hanging out off CP. They are calling occasionally. Up in Blackfish Sound, the A36s, A12s, I15s, and G17s are reported to be nearing Donegal Head. The I31s are to the east, way down near Campbell River. The tide is going to reach maximum flood in about an hour, so we are waiting to see if the big group up to the north will turn and head back this way.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 11:23:53 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The large group have entered the strait through Weynton Passage, we are not sure exactly if everyone came in but if they did, the A12s, A36s, I15s and G17s should now be going east along the Vancouver Island shore. The A30s started going east shortly before they came into the strait.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 14:37:02 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

We have now all the groups in the Strait. Three groups at the Vancouver Island side near Kaikash and the A36´s and some small fins are with them midchannel at little Kaikash...they coming up to CP now...channel A
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 14:52:43 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Now the I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the East of Johnstone Strait, going still east near the Vancouver Island side. The A12´s are now in Blackney Pass after foraging in the Gap. The A36´s are still near CP. Channel A
Paul T and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:01:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the Bight now. We can here them close to the Crpt Hydrophone. The A36´s are in Blackney and the A12´s are in Blackfish Sound.
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:46:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s are calling on Flower Island again. They sound as if they may have turned back towards us. After a quick rub, all is quiet in the Strait. We will have to wait and see where the I15s, G17s, and A30s ended up.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 18:15:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We've been listening to the I31s, who have returned from the east and are in or near Robson Bight. We've been listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone for the past couple of hours. The I15s, and at least some of the "A"s are nearby, also audible on CrPt. Boat noise is dominating the underwater soundscape at present, but hopefully it will end & the orcas will resume calling soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 04:56:36 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Good morning everyone! There is instense boat noise everywhere this morning, from the fishing "opening" today, and from other traffic, so it's difficult to hear anything else. We think the I15s, I31s & A30s headed east from Robson Bight around 6am, and there is a recent radio report of orcas, not far to the east, who are westbound.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:20:49 PDT

Boat noise

As the boat noise continues, a group of orcas has been sighted heading west, mid Strait, off the Sophias. They may be visible from CP soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:57:30 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The westbound orcas turned out to be a group of transients, the T18s. They have headed into Blackney Pass & are now moving quickly north through it.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 10:51:15 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s & at least some of the "As" are at the Main rubbing beach! Channel B.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:20:33 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s have reached Robson Bight, along with some of the "As", westbound.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:45:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We believe the I15s , A30s and A12s are coming west. Just now they stalled off the western boundry in the Reserve. The I31s are apparently near Kelsey Bay and the transients have continued west toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2005 13:38:35 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

After A30´s, A12´s and the I15´s passed CP one hour ago to the west, the A12´s back at CP going east again...Channel A
Paul and Melanie@CP
14 Sep 2005 17:33:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Although the whales aren't very vocal, we are hearing a couple of A1 calls (probably the A30s) on the Flower Island hydrophone and some very distant calls on Cracroft Point from the A12s and I15s.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 18:43:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We actually have the A30s in the Strait with the I15s and A12s. The A36s are calling on Flower Island and we are hoping they will come past the lab before it gets dark.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 19:28:03 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Good morning everyone! The A30s are back at thr rubbing beaches! They were the first of the groups to come back from the east, around midnight, followed by the A12s, I15s & I31s. By around 4am all the groups had gone back to the east (we think). It now seems that at least some of them are heading west again.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 07:27:21 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s headed west after their brief rub, and are now back in Ronson Bight, fishing... we're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:01:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Correction to my earlier note - the A12s headed north through Blackney Pass around 2:30am. We've been hearing the A30s in Robson Bight for the past while.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:34:00 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The I15s have surprised us by suddenly appearing close to CP, heading west, foraging as they go. Channel A. other orcas are on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, also westbound, possibly the A30s, though we're not yet sure.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 10:10:25 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s and the I15s moved past CP to the west earlier. The A30s had moved up to the Big Bay as part of their stall off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The I15s went a little further west but both groups might now be heading back to the entrance & the area off CP.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 12:33:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and A30s have tuned back to the east at the top of Johnstone Strait. The A12s are also reported to be heading this way from the top of Blackfish Sound. If any of the groups are vocal, we should start to hear them soon.
Mary @ the Lab
13 Sep 2005 16:25:53 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The Johnstone Strait groups (the A30s and the I15s) are passing CP at the moment. only a few calls from the A12s up in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 16:57:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are making their way down Blackfish Sound, towards Blackney Pass & Johnstone Strait. We're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 18:02:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We believe the a12s are on their way toward Blackney but we are not sure what happened to the I15s. We had a report that they had turned at the same time as the A30s but CP only saw the A30s. We are also waiting to determine if the A36s are with the A12s. So lots still to figure out!
Helena
13 Sep 2005 18:15:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have had quite a few calls. The I15s let us know that they did get down to the Reserve from the west not long ago. There they joined the A30s. While they were chatting it up the A12s came into Blackney Pass and our view. They are still making their way slowly to the south & Johnstone Strait. They are very spread out content so far to take their time.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 19:50:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a12s took a long time getting to the Strait but once they did they did not take long to pass Cracroft Point and head east. We heard the A36s briefly and are not sure if they went "in" or went back out. Perhaps we will know in a while.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 21:30:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We re still hearing faint calls in the Strait. generally the whales seemed to be headed east, perhaps taking the Cracroft side instead of going through the Reserve.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 23:07:13 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the I15s & A30s in Johnstone Strait for the past several hours, sometimes in Robson Bight & sometimes more distant. At the moment, they are westbound, with the A30s close to CP. Channel A. We think the A12s may have headed north through Blackney Pass around 3am. We don't know where the A36s are, or what happened to the "incoming" orcas sighted heading east from Port Hardy yesterday afternoon. It's a foggy morning here, and the ocean is calm... looks like another fine day ahead.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 07:50:58 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

At least some of the orcas that were near CP a short while ago are heading north into Blackney Pass. The list of groups present in Johnstone Strait this foggy morning is the same as yesterday - A30s, A36s, A12s, I15s. We think the A12s must have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass silently. The calls we're listening to are on the Parson Island hydrophone.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 08:51:29 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

This morning is so foggy, it's hard to see what's happening. However, we are fairly sure that the I15s & all the "A1" groups (A30s, A12s, A36s) are in or near the entrance of Blackney Pass. Occasionally, from glimpses in fog, some of them look like they want to head north through Blackney, & others seem to be heading west.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 10:09:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The world's greatest pingers, the I31s, have arrived on the scene! Quite possibly, they were part of the large group of orcas sighted heading west from Port Hardy yesterday, though we're not sure. They are presently heading east in Blackfish Sound, so we hope to see them soon. It looks like the I15s, who travelled north through Blackney Pass about an hour ago, may have joined them. Meanwhile, the A12s & A36s are foraging at the "top" of Blackfish, & the A30s are slowly headed east from CP, angling towards Robson Bight.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 12:37:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

we had a visit from some of the I31s, others remained in Blackfish Sound. The small group included I46, I80 and I62 spread out in Blackney, lingered, foraged and milled before turning back to the west to join the rest of their family & the I15s. The A12 s and the A36s moved on to Queen Charlotte Strait. The I15s moved over toward the Hanson Island side of Blackfish Sound putting them between the I31s and the A12s. The A30s as far as we know remaind in the Strait.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 14:39:57 PDT

Boat noise

The I15s went back to the Strait via a small passage adjacent to Weynton Pass. The AS30s gave a brief but intense burst of calls just prior to this move. We do not, at this moment, know what happened to the A12s, A36s and the I31s. The A12s were vocal for a time in Blackfish just before the I15s made their move.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 16:13:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We think the a30s have arrived at the beaches while the others make their way east along the Vancouver Island shore from Kaiakash to east of Blinkhorn.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 17:17:11 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have finished their rub abd headed off to the west. The I31s are passing CP to the east. Others are following.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 17:44:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have returned to the Bight while the I31s, I15s and A12s continue east toward them.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 18:06:37 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales have arrived at the beaches again. (?As first)
Helena
12 Sep 2005 19:49:05 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several hours & think A30s, A12s, I15s, & I31s have headed to the east in Johnstone Strait. The A36s are probably somewhere to the north/west of us. We are waiting.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 22:53:11 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Good morning everyone! It's another lovely September morning here, after a very interesting night, not the least of which was a spectacular display of Northern Lights. The A12s headed north through Blackney Pass a little before 11pm, leaving the A30s, A36s & I15s in Johnstone Strait. We heard these groups off & on during the night, sometimes close to the hydrophone in Robson Bight. There were a couple of rubs. At dawn we were listening to the A36s close to the Critical Point hydrophone, and another "A1" group at the beaches. The A1s are now also in Robson Bight. It's possible they are the A30s, though the A12s could have come back into the Strait silently. We think the I15s may be a little to the east, though we're not sure. Altogether, this is shaping up to be another fine day.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 06:53:31 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the I15s are back in the Bight, as are the A30s & A36s.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 07:10:08 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s, A30s & A36s are heading west past CP. Channel A.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 09:11:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s turned up at the top end (western end) of Blackfish Sound. They are headed east. The Johnstone Strait groups (the I15s, A30s and A36s are east bound with some angling straight for CP. CP is filming.
Helena
11 Sep 2005 12:29:50 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A12s are heading south through Blackney Pass, swimming quietly in a group, amidst intense boat noise from 2 tugs and other vessels. Meanwhile, the A30s are hanging about at the entrance of Blackney Pass. Channel A.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 13:15:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Afte exchanging places with the A12s the A30s travelled north through Blackney Pass and stalled at the western edge of Blackfish Sound. The A12s carried on to the Bight area & the I15s. The A36s followed after pausing at CP. The A30s have since turned and are making their way back toward Blackney Pass. We heard reports today of a large group (including the G17s & the I11s).
Helena
11 Sep 2005 16:18:28 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A30s turned around in Blackfish Sound & are heading back south through Blackney Pass. They will probably be within sight of CP soon. Meanwhile, a group of orcas is hurrying westward along the Vancouver Island shoreline, presently off Kaikash. Possibly, these are the I15s. Further to the west, a large group of orcas, possibly including the I11s & G17s is heading to the east from Port Hardy, & should be approaching Malcolm Point around now.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 16:47:45 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A1s are making thei way toward Cracroft Point.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 22:11:41 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We think all the A1s (A30s, A36s, A12s) are in western Johnstone Strait. At the moment, we're listening to the I15s & A30s, on the Critical Point hydrophone, but the other groups are probably not far away.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 23:05:31 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since around 3:30am, when the A36s & a "G" group of orcas were in Robson Bight. We're not sure what happened to them after that, or what happened to the A30s & A12s after we lost track of them late yesterday afternoon. We are waiting, & enjoying a lovely September morning.
Paul
10 Sep 2005 08:25:36 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard a report this morning that the I15s were off Cedarstedt Creek (east of the Reserve) in Johnstone Strait. Just recently, Robson Bight Charters spotted blows not far from Naka Creek which is a bit further to the west of cedarstedt creek. It looks like they may be heading west. Also Discovery Expeditions found a large group of whales near Wells Passage in Queen Charlotte Strait. There has been mention of the A11s. A73, A8s, A12s and possibly I11s as well. This sounds like the group which went west two days ago. We have not had any reports of the A36s, A30s & G17s this morning. There are also lots of humpbacks in the area this morning and 3 harlequin ducks arrived back from their summer haunts.
Helena
10 Sep 2005 11:54:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales have entered the rubbing beaches.
Helena
10 Sep 2005 12:22:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We can hear the A30s and the I15s at the beaches.
Helena
10 Sep 2005 12:28:09 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales did a hurried but intense rub and then quickly left for the west. They are spread out and besides the A30s & I15s we now think the A12s and the A36s are there as well.
Helena
10 Sep 2005 13:08:43 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s, I15s, A12s, & A36s are continuing to the west after passing CP.
Helena
10 Sep 2005 14:43:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales got as far as the wastell Islands just shy of telegraph Cove and turned back to the east. We began hearing the A36s (probably furthest east) first and then the I15s who turned out into mid strait from the Hanson shore. (Stubbs Island report)
Helena
10 Sep 2005 16:26:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s and the A1s must be in the Bight now. Next stop the beaches?
Helena
10 Sep 2005 19:08:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It really doesn't sound like any of the whales went to the beaches afterall. We are now mostly hearing the A30s and the I15s. The tide is ebbing and that may be enough to bring them back to the west.
Helena
10 Sep 2005 20:42:58 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since the A12s headed up into Blackfish Sound last evening. We are waiting.
Paul
09 Sep 2005 08:03:51 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Almost as soon as I posted the last comment, orcas were sighted approaching CP from the east. They are probably the A12s. Channel A.
Paul
09 Sep 2005 08:31:46 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
09 Sep 2005 09:46:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass & are making their way to the east again, now approaching Big Bay on the Hanson island side. We're hearing their calls in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
09 Sep 2005 13:25:58 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s are now off CP generally headed still to the east.
Helena
09 Sep 2005 14:05:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s continued east toward the Reserve. The blustery NW winds have begun to lessen.
Helena
09 Sep 2005 16:18:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

CP reports that the A30s turned up offshore of Cracroft Point. It is still pretty blowy in the Strait but right now there are dolphins? porpoises? in the waves. Also we briefly heard G clan calls off Critical Point.
Helena
09 Sep 2005 18:02:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We had a bit of a surprise when a large group od whales suddenly went past CP to the west. They were silent. Our guess is that the Gclan calls we heard briefly earlier were from part of these whales coming west from the Bight area. Perhaps when the very large group of 60 whales that were around two days split into two groups, some going east and others out to the west. Unfortunately they did not leave a clear acoustic trail and we don't know who went where exactly. From the few calls this afternoon we think that maybe the G17s stayed & went east and wonder if the I15s were with them because they had been so friendly that previous morning. Oh well, perhaps the picture will get clearer eventually. Lovely moon tonight - glad to have it back!
Helena
09 Sep 2005 20:58:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s and someone from the G clan are travelling south through Blackney Pass!
Helena
09 Sep 2005 23:15:15 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since around 4am, when the A30s were audible in the diatance on the Critical Point hydrophone. We're not sure what direction they were going in, or where they are now. We are waiting.
Paul
08 Sep 2005 08:24:10 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We began hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone a few minutes ago... sounds like someone is having a bite in the Bight!
Paul
08 Sep 2005 08:50:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The DFO research vessel, the Roller Bay, confirmed that both the A12s and A30s are in the Strait together. They are spread out and west bound mid strait opposite the Sophia Islands. The Roller Bay will be continuing their prey reseach throughout today.
Helena
08 Sep 2005 10:19:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP reports that they now can see the A30s all together midstrait opposite the Sophias. They look, at this point, like they are headed toward CP.
Helena
08 Sep 2005 10:32:31 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A12s (in the lead) are about to come into Blackney Pass. Hopefully, the A30s will follow.
Helena
08 Sep 2005 11:04:51 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

After a brief rub, the A30s are continuing to the east. Meanwhile, the A12s are heading into Blackfish Sound, travelling quickly on the ebbing tide.
Paul
08 Sep 2005 11:39:45 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

It looks like the A30s have turned back to the west again - they may be going in for another rub!
Paul
08 Sep 2005 11:43:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We've been hearing occasional distant calls from the A12s after over last while, on the Folower island hydrophone. They are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, and look like they may head back to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass soon. We don't know where the A30s are at the moment.
Paul
08 Sep 2005 13:46:50 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

More rubbing! Channel B.
Paul

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s are heading east past CP. Channel A.
Paul
08 Sep 2005 15:50:15 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A12s may be heading into Blackney Pass.
Helena
08 Sep 2005 17:53:49 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s remained in the Strait.
Helena
08 Sep 2005 18:13:02 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s finally decided to come through Blackney Pass. They have entered Blackfish Sound now.
Helena
08 Sep 2005 19:28:39 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several hours & think the A12s probably continued to the north from Blackfish Sound, & the A30s probably headed east in Johnstone Strait. However, we aren't sure. We are waiting.
Paul
08 Sep 2005 23:07:00 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Good morning everyone! After a night during which the A30s shuffled back & forth between Robson Bight & Blackney Pass, they've finally decided to head east, and are now at the Main rubbing beach. Channel B.
Paul
07 Sep 2005 08:37:53 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Earlier this morning the A30s came out of the east and went west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. After travelling a bit further the west (by the sounds) they may have crossed over closer to the Vancouver Island side and then back past the entrance of Blackney and into the Reserve. We heard them again briefly at the beaches and believe now they turned back to the wesy yet again and are currently somewhere in the Reserve. Yesterday, was an intyeresting day, especially after the A12s and the I11s entered the Strait. In total there were about 60 whales. Although it was difficult to track all their movements we think the A30s, I15s and G17s formed one large group that kept to the same general movements. The A12s and the I11s m,ay have picked up the A11s and the A8s after they came out of the east. And perhaps the A12s.I11s etc went off back to the west while the I15s, G17s and A30s went east. Hopefully today will sort out and confusion or whether this was a reasonable guess as to what happened. Time will tell but we won't be surprised by diffeent realities. Stand by!
Helena
07 Sep 2005 10:25:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The overall picture is a bit clearer thanks to two reports;Robson Bight Charters reported that the A12s were off Camp Point in the lower Johnstone Strait earlier this morning and Troy Bright reported hearing both Gs and As pass Black Bluff around 4:30am headed to the west. We still don't know if all the Gclan groups left the area. We certainly did not pick up any sounds off the top end of Blackfish during the night. Meanwhile, the A30s turned between Little Kaikash and Blinkhorn around 1pm and are now headed east past CP. Very nice calls regardless of the boat noise.
Helena
07 Sep 2005 13:33:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It looks like A39 is very hungry.
Helena
07 Sep 2005 13:36:14 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s turned back to the east off Big Bay on Hanson Island around 3pm. They are now back in the Blackney Pass "gap", foraging, and are visible on Channel A.
Paul
07 Sep 2005 15:54:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The a30s moved toward the Reserve a while ago after returning to the Cracroft Point area for another bout of fishing. We had quite a bit of boat noise (still do) but now we can at least clearly hear their calls once more. They sound closer to Critical Point so perhaps they have moved into the Bight.
Helena
07 Sep 2005 18:55:49 PDT

Boat noise

Good morning everyone... it's another lovely morning here! At the moment, we're only hearing boat noise, but around 7am we began to hear distant I15 & "A" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. We've heard occasional calls since then, but boat noise has been persistent too. We're not sure where the orcas are at the moment, but they're probably not far from Robson Bight.
Paul
06 Sep 2005 09:01:54 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Ok! So this is exciting. At some point in the night the G17s moved into the Strait. They found the I15s and the A30s and all three groups are off Kaikash Creek at the moment perhaps waiting for the A12s and the I11s who are off Donegal Head slowly coming into the area. Not sure if the A12s and the I11s will take Weynton Pass or come down by the Lab. The A30s, I15s and G17s are being very quiet and we have only heard a few I11 calls on the Flower Island system. The A36s are further west in Queen Charlotte Strait also headed east.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 11:03:35 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Adding to today's mix, the A11s & A8s, are heading west past Adams River, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, and could be approaching the Ecological Reserve in an hour or so. Meanwhile, the I15s, A30s & G17s have turnnd back to the east & are heading for Robson Bight, also close to Vancouver Island.
Paul
06 Sep 2005 11:30:00 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s & I11s have suddenly become vocal as they make their way through Blackney Pass... we're listening to the on the Parson Island hydrophone.
Paul
06 Sep 2005 13:03:44 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s & I11s are heading east past CP. Channel A.
Paul
06 Sep 2005 13:27:36 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Despite the boat noise the day continues to be exciting. There about 60 orcas in the Strait at the moment. They are converging. The I11s and the A12s came in via Blackney (past the Lab). They were all mixed up together, playful and in a hurry. They passed CP (some close) and rushed off to the east and the rest of the waiting groups (the A11s, A8s, A30s, I15s and the G17s). The get together will probably happen offf of the Cliff and Robson Bight. It will be interesting to see how they pull it off.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 13:58:41 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Whales have reached the Beaches.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 15:17:37 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

It sounds like the G17s got there first.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 15:21:28 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s are now at the beaches taking a turn.
Helena

Superb sounds!!

The a11s have gone into the Main beach as well. The A30s were heard on Critical Point just before this.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 16:53:37 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We're mostly back to boat noise, but among the many groups in Johnstone Strait today, the A30s are near the Critical Point hydrophone, so we can hear them!
Paul
06 Sep 2005 17:15:49 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Thje I11s must be passing Critical Point.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 17:48:09 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The westward moving groups are passing CP now.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 18:30:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are listening to dolphins spread out in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
06 Sep 2005 22:41:04 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to transient calls for the past several hours. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier, but are now in Johnstone Strait. The calls are audible on the CP & Critical Point hydrophones.
Paul
05 Sep 2005 07:09:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The transients are still calling in Johnstone strait. Overnight: the resident orcas (the A11s, I15s, A8s and the A30s - in that order) headed east past the reserve. We last heard the A30s around 3:30am. We first heard the transients at 2:43am when they were in Blackfish Sound. They quickly moved to the Strait while the A30s enjoyed a rub before moving on to the east after the other resident groups.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 08:08:09 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The ever vocal transients are again moving west past the entrance to Blackney Pass. Channel A
Helena
05 Sep 2005 09:53:40 PDT

No orcas present.

It turned out that there may have been 3 transients in total. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) located them this morning off of the Sophia Islands. There was a male and two smaller fins. The male and one of the female fins disappeared quickly and then the other "female" headed off to the west apparently by itself. This whale went to Weynton Passage and passed into Cormorant Channel. As of a half hour ago the Tuan (Seasmoke Whale Watching) saw this whale passing Leonard Point on Cormorant Isand still doing 9 kn. meanwhile, the resident whales (specifically the I15s) were seen heading east at 10 am well past the eastern end of the Reserve on the Cracroft side. Recent reports place whales off the Broken Islands. (Naiad Explorer)
Helena
05 Sep 2005 12:01:16 PDT

No orcas present.

The I15s turned back to the west just before 1pm east of the Reserve. They are just now entering the Reserve at the east end. The A30s were found in the eastern reaches of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 13:58:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After a fabulous rub, the I15s are headed west again... they will probably be heard on the Critical Point hydrophone soon.
Paul
05 Sep 2005 15:06:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The i15s are moving westward along the Vancouver island shore in the area near Izumi Rock.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 16:50:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s turned off of Blinkhorn 10 minutes ago. They are coming back east.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 18:46:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have joined the I15s after spending the day in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 21:20:55 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Very cool A30s and I15s off of the Reserve.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 22:19:39 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! It's another very foggy morning here & we've heard no calls since around 2:30am, when the I15s & A30s were near Robson Bight. We're not sure what direction they headed in. We are waiting.
Paul
04 Sep 2005 09:03:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We didn't have to wait long! The calls we're listening to are on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds ike at least the A30s are back in the Bight!
Paul
04 Sep 2005 09:17:23 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Things have moved along since the last report: the A30s continued to the west and the I15s have come up along the Cracroft Island shore towards CP.
Helena
04 Sep 2005 12:06:06 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Another group of orcas, probably the A11s and A8s, is heading west in Johnstone Strait, some are approaching CP. Channel A. Meanwhile, the I15s are headed west from Blackney Pass, & the A30s are headed east from Blinkhorn.
Paul
04 Sep 2005 13:50:55 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s are in the entrance of Blackney Pass, & the A8s are off CP. Channel A.
Paul
04 Sep 2005 14:18:32 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

it has been a very full afternoon with the A11s/A73 7 a8s coming up from "below" to join the I15s and the A30s. The A30s have blended with the A11s and the a8s west of CP and are now on their way over to join the I15s who are closer now to the Vancouver Island shore. The I15s had been close to CP before their move west and they were followed by the A11s & A8s soon after. The small humpback just went past CP.
Helena
04 Sep 2005 16:18:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales continue to be in the far western section of the Strait and so we are still hearing distant calls.
Helena
04 Sep 2005 19:30:19 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After moving west slowly in Johnstone Strait for most of the day, the whales turned to the east at about 7pm. The A11s are probably ahead and have passed CP with the A8s, A30s and I15s making their way to the east behind them under a beautiful star filled sky.
Julie @ OL
04 Sep 2005 22:16:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Good morning everyone! We listened to the I15s hanging out in or near Robson Bight throughout the night, but lost track of them a little after 6am. We think they may have headed east, but we're not sure. A short while ago, we began hearing "A" "resting" calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone, so it seems likely that at least some of the orcas in the Strait yesterday are still nearby. It's another very foggy morning here, so visibility is poor.
Paul
03 Sep 2005 08:05:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I15s are both in the Strait perhaps moving westward toward the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 08:55:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s turned near Blinkhorn around 10:10 am and have been making their way back to the east ever since. They are now mid strait just about opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass. I41 is travelling with them. Other I15s are closer to the Vancouver Island side not far from the Reserve's western boundary. The fog is lifting.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 11:01:58 PDT


Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The whales are approaching CP along the Cracroft Island side from the east.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 12:46:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls of the I15s and the A30s are getting stronger on Critical Point despite the constant boat noise. Both groups are now moving toward & into the Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 16:17:26 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s and the I15s are in the Bight. Lovely!
Helena
03 Sep 2005 16:35:18 PDT

Boat noise

It seems that the A30s and the I15s have moved off of Critical Point. The tide is at slack and will turn to an ebb pretty soon so we will have to see where these two groups turn up next. They certainly sounded like they are still enjoying each other's company! Meanwhile we will have to wait out the boat noise of what ever is going past the Bight right now.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 17:52:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A few hours after the last calls the I15s have returned to the Bight. Most likely they had gone off to the east with the A30s earlier.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 22:07:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s passed CP to the east.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
02 Sep 2005 00:23:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A11s & A8s have come back from the east again & are with the A30s & I15s in Robson Bight again... we are listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 05:18:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! We're hearing distant calls from the I15s & A30s as they make their way to the west in Johnstone Strait. We're not sure what happened to the A4s & A5s after their brief appearance earlier this morning.
Paul
02 Sep 2005 09:55:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales have turnedand are headed back to the east. Some are already in the entrance of Blackney while others are moving along the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 11:10:29 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are in front of CP.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 11:32:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have now been listening to A4 & I15 calls as well as the A30s.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 12:17:23 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Time again to catch up: The A30s stayed forever off of CP while the I15s went off to the Rerserve with the A11s and the A8s. After their rub we heard the I15s,A4s and the A5s return to tthe Robson Bight area. The A30s left to the east and were last seen angling over towards Izumi.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 16:16:11 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups are moving up the Vancouver Island shore to the west, the lead group is approaching Little Kaikash just past the Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 18:22:55 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As we suspected the whales have turned. Straitwatch confirmed this for us and apparently they turned just shy of Blinkhorn and began to angle towards CP.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 19:10:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

it sounds like everyone (A11s,A8s,A73,A30s & I15s) have returned to the area off the Bight. There has already been one cruiseship pass through and perhaps another is on its way through Blackfish. In between is nice.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 21:17:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! After a concert that went on for hours in Robson Bight, the I15s & A30s have finally moved off to the west. They are presently off Kaikash, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. We're hearing them on the CP & Parson Island hydrophones.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 08:44:40 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The I15s & A30s have turned back to the east, and are now coming within range of the surface camera at CP. Channel A.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 09:54:55 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Cp is still filming. The A30s are in the entrance to Blackney Pass. The I15s are sort of heading west along the Hanson shore from Big Bay.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 10:50:46 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have made it to the Main rubbing beach! Channel B.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 13:30:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have finished at the beaches and are headed back to the west.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 13:53:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We've been listening to some of the I15s close to the Critical Point hydrophone. If they continue to the east, they could visit the rubbing beaches soon.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 14:15:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Time to catch up: The a30s left the beaches at 1:48pm and came back to the Reserve. Both the I15s and the A30s have since continued moving to the west. however, the whales are spread out and there has been a fair amount of stop & go.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 15:32:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a30s and the I15s continued to the west. The I15s were favouring the Cracroft and Hanson side while the A30s kept closer to the Vancouver island shore.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 17:07:28 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are getting louder on Parsons Island, we haven't heard the I15s for a while. Maybe they are headed to the east we will have to wait and see.
Julie @ OL
01 Sep 2005 19:26:49 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe the a30s went east. We lost track of the I15s after they went to the west with the A30s earlier and wonder if they went out Weynton?
Helena
01 Sep 2005 21:56:51 PDT