No calls but orcas nearby

Yesterday, we had a group of 7 transients head south through Blackney Pass. They were too far away for a proper ID. They bucked the tide all the way into Johnstone Strait where Jim on the Gikumi tried to get the necessary photos for later identification. They were silent but this may have been the same group we heard in the Strait three days ago. A group of seven were seen the day after in one of the close by waterways by the Island Odyssey. There were no males but there were two young calves and the group seemed to be interested in something in the water. stopping, changing direstion several times. When they were in Blackney Pass they passed the Parson Island Light and the seals sunning themselves on the rocks nearby. The seals stayed glued to the rocks. The other day we had a very beautiful Harbour seal haul out on the rocks across from the house and sun itself for several hours. This seal was a lovely light colour and we loved watching (from a distance) the stretches, yawns and scratchings. No word on any resident orcas, however, the humpbacks are around and OrcaNetwork has been reporting that all of J Clan (the Js, Ks, and Ls) have returned to the San Juan area in Washington. The Southern residents normally turn up ahead of the northern community by at least a month.
Helena & Paul
31 May 2006 09:52:25 PDT

No orcas present.

This is just an added note. We finished listening to the tapes from May 5 & 8 and decided that the A12s were in Blackfish Sound on May 5 and then in Johnstone Strait with some of the A5s on May 8. It has been lovely weather here on the coast for the last several days - quite summer like - so we have been enjoying the long, hot days and cooler nights. The warm weather brought out the BIG ants which in turn has encouraged the insect eating woodpeckers, robins etc.
Helena
17 May 2006 10:45:54 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are very sorry that server maintenance was delayed. You can put comments again from today!
staff
11 May 2006 05:49:36 PDT

No orcas present.

Hi everyone, This is a bit of a catch-up as we have been away. Apparently the A12s made a visit to the area for a couple of days, starting May 5! I'm reviewing the tapes as I write. Jim & Mary Borrowman of Stubbs Island Whale Watching also reported seeing them in Johnstone Strait. It is very unusual for resident groups to visit in May so this was very exciting for everyone.
Helena (& Paul)
11 May 2006 13:58:35 PDT

No orcas present.

Just an added note: There were, in addition to the A12 vocals, A5 calls as well on the tapes from May 8th. The A4s (the A11s) may have also been present - stand by, we are still reviewing the very chatty tapes.
Helena & Paul
11 May 2006 22:43:36 PDT