No orcas present.

Happy Christmas! and Happy Holidays to everyone, with love from Hanson Island.
Helena & Paul
25 Dec 2007 11:32:14 PST

No orcas present.

From a dark and stormy Hanson Island: Nice to know the light will get stronger, happy solstice!
Helena & Paul
21 Dec 2007 17:09:16 PST

Orcas near mics.

These G clan calls are sounding closer to the Critical Point hydrophone now, so the orcas are probably in or near Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Dec 2007 00:10:42 PST

No orcas present.

It has been both stormy and beautiful here for the last while. The "micro hydro" crew has come and gone. They were a great crew and we will soon see the benefits (reducing our emissions) of their hard work. Hats off to Brooke, Morgan and Scott and their instructor, Steve Lapp at the Technologist Program. St. Lawrence College, Ontario. Scott, Morgan and Brooke did not get to see any orcas during their stay but an obliging sea lion growled through their last night and then hauled out the next day. Eagles, seals, mergansers, harlequins were also a delight to these landlocked Ontario residents. Also,the Robson Bight investigation, as you know, ended during this time. Living Oceans has posted pictures and an update on their web site: www.livingoceans.org.
Helena
19 Dec 2007 11:37:35 PST

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear G clan resting calls in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
19 Dec 2007 17:33:47 PST

Distant calls audible.

A few more of the same calls at 6:26pm. A little louder in the persistent boat noise.
Helena
19 Dec 2007 18:56:38 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to occasional distant calls from transient orcas on the Flower Island hydrophone. Still thinking about Corky, first morning as a captive. The underwater inspection of the wreckage in Robson Bight will begin this morning.
Helena & Paul
12 Dec 2007 07:02:58 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The transients heard earlier this morning in Blackfish Sound (to 7:20am) may have circled around to Johnstone Strait. Very briefly (and faintly), we heard calls in the Strait. Bill MacKay, who was taking media to the sub dive off Robson Bight today, saw the whales (a large group of about 11) off of the Sophias. The transients, according to Jim Borrowman (who is on scene with the sub), continued east very fast past Boat Bay. A small group of Dalls porpoise had been off the Bight prior to the transient's pass. Right now we can hear the muffled conversations between the sub and the rest of the crew which is rather interesting.
Helena
12 Dec 2007 11:52:58 PST

No orcas present.

Today, December 11th, is the 38th anniversary of Corky's capture in 1969. We've lit a candle for her, to help focus our thoughts on this sad day, and invite you to do so too.
Helena & Paul
11 Dec 2007 07:06:27 PST

No orcas present.

Here is the link to our small tribute to Corky. Our candle is still burning. http://www.orcalab.org/news-archive/orcalab_general/07-12-11.html
Paul & Helena
11 Dec 2007 20:16:41 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls overnight, our first night at home in quite a while. Many thanks to Tim for keeping everything running, and Leo safe while we were away... and our best wishes to all.
Paul & Helena
07 Dec 2007 08:14:21 PST

Distant calls audible.

Short bout of calls heard in Johnstone Straight around midnight last night.
Tim
05 Dec 2007 10:46:48 PST

Performing maintenance

Our Internet problems are ongoing, but we should be streaming audio again now.
Tim
05 Dec 2007 10:47:25 PST

No orcas present.

No calls overnight or so far today. We should be streaming live audio again now.
Tim
02 Dec 2007 11:52:31 PST

No orcas present.

No calls overnight or throughout the day. Our system continues to be up and down. We will keep you posted as we are able.
Tim
30 Nov 2007 16:30:35 PST

No orcas present.

No calls overnight. Our Internet was down all day yesterday, but we should be back and streaming now.
Tim
27 Nov 2007 10:37:28 PST

No orcas present.

No call were heard overnight or today thus far.
Tim
24 Nov 2007 15:19:12 PST

Performing maintenance

Our Internet was down until just a few minutes ago. We should be streaming again now, however. And on it goes...
Tim
24 Nov 2007 15:20:05 PST

Performing maintenance

No calls were heard last night or so far today. Our internet seems to be down most every morning and then starts working again by mid-day. We should be streaming now however! On another note, my sources tell me that last nights great calls were transients. In the mean time, enjoy the boat noise. ;)
Tim
23 Nov 2007 15:43:32 PST

Superb sounds!!

We had a few brief call sessions earlier today, and a great hour long set off FI tonight from 7-8pm. Transients.
Tim
22 Nov 2007 20:41:04 PST

Performing maintenance

Our internet was down earlier today so we lost our streaming audio momentarily. We're up and running again now, but our internet problems seem to be transient and ongoing. We will do our best to keep it all going. No calls today. Hopefully the group from yesterday is still near by. Fingers crossed!
Tim
21 Nov 2007 21:24:08 PST

Performing maintenance

Our internet was down earlier today so we lost our streaming audio momentarily. We're up and running again now, but our internet problems seem to be transient and ongoing. We will do our best to keep it all going. No calls today. Hopefully the group from yesterday is still near by. Fingers crossed!
Tim
21 Nov 2007 21:24:08 PST

Orcas near mics.

We had sporadic calls this morning off of CP and PI ending at 9:50am. Uncertain of travel direction, but at least they're out there!
Tim
20 Nov 2007 11:04:00 PST

Orcas near mics.

We had sporadic calls for several hours this afternoon off Flower Island starting at 13:53. The whales could be heard briefly on the Local left hydrophone, but seemed to turn around soon after this. No calls since 16:20. Uncertain which individuals were present.
Tim
19 Nov 2007 17:42:14 PST

Orcas near mics.

Calls heard at 19:20 on CP. At 19:25 the calls were clear on PI, but soon moved back to being only on CP. Distant calls were last heard on CP at 19:51. We suspect that this was a different group than earlier, but we can't be certain of the individuals either. Whales are most likely travelling west down Johnstone Straight. We will keep you posted as always...
Tim
19 Nov 2007 20:41:09 PST

Performing maintenance

We are once again streaming live audio...enjoy!
Tim
19 Nov 2007 23:38:03 PST

No orcas present.

Once again, we've heard no calls overnight.
Helena & Paul
17 Nov 2007 13:03:45 PST

Performing maintenance

We are still working on our connection problem, but may be able to stream live audio again soon. We will let you know if we succeed.
Helena & Paul
17 Nov 2007 13:07:31 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since our last post, and have not heard any reports of orcas nearby. We are waiting.
Helena & Paul
16 Nov 2007 21:09:09 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since our last post, and have not heard any reports of orcas nearby. We are waiting.
Helena & Paul
16 Nov 2007 21:09:09 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard the A12s intermittently since early this morning, the last time late this afternoon, when they were in Blackfish Sound, possibly heading "out". We haven't heard A4s & A5s today at all. Alexandra Morton heard "A" calls near Echo Bay yesterday evening, a rare treat for her!
Helena & Paul
13 Nov 2007 23:38:45 PST

Performing maintenance

Our internet connection is still down, though it came back briefly yesterday evening. Meanwhile, we've continued to have the A4s, A5s & A12s nearby. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait, probably to the east of our hydrophone range, though we're not sure. Were enjoying a quiet night here after a huge storm last night, and hope all's well with you all.
Helena & Paul
12 Nov 2007 19:49:25 PST

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A" calls on the Flower island hydrophone a short while ago. Lovely orange & purple dawn here, looks like a stormy day ahead.
Helena
11 Nov 2007 08:02:15 PST

Performing maintenance

We lost our internet connection several hours ago & may not be able to restore it soon, so our live audio streaming has ended for the time being. Please accept our apologies. During our down time, we've had a rare treat, hearing transient and resident orcas vocalising in the same space (Blackfish Sound) at the same time. Apart from boat noise, things are quiet just now.
Helena & Paul
11 Nov 2007 15:33:47 PST

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing A1 & A4 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Helena
10 Nov 2007 03:05:53 PST

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales (A1s, A5s, A4s) are now in Johnstone Strait heading east. The boat noise is improving.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 05:30:23 PST

Boat noise

We've only been hearing boat noise for the past while. We think the orcas have headed east past Robson Bight but aren't sure. The boat noise is interfering with the Critical Point transmitter.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 07:48:24 PST

Orcas near mics.

The boat noise has gone & we're hearing calls on the Critical Point hydrophone again. Sounds like the orcas are still in Robson Bight.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 08:13:45 PST

Distant calls audible.

We believe the orcas have travelled back to the west.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 10:24:42 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s, A8s and A11s have moved through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. There are at least two humpbacks in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 14:09:23 PST

No orcas present.

We believe that the A12s, A8s and A11s (A11, A56, A13) and A73 (Springer) carried on into Queen Charlotte Strait after 4:30pm.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 17:34:07 PST

Distant calls audible.

A4 calls in Johnstone Strait amid the boat noise.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 07:35:27 PST

Distant calls audible.

It seems as if the A4s and A5s (probably not the entire pods) have come further west in the Strait now approaching Cracroft Point. Still a lot of boat traffic.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 09:49:28 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A4 and A5 groups are now back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 13:21:26 PST

Boat noise

It would seem that the whales were just crossing the "top" end of Blackfish Sound on their way out to Queen Charlotte Strait this afternoon. It has been a windy rainy day and now a dark and stormy night.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 22:45:35 PST

No orcas present.

So far - no calls, no reports.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 17:44:23 PST

Distant calls audible.

These calls are in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
07 Nov 2007 18:52:40 PST

Orcas near mics.

These A4! calls are getting louder in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 19:02:16 PST

Distant calls audible.

Add A5s to the list as well... a little further off again.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 19:12:08 PST

Distant calls audible.

The calls are now in Johnstone Strait. The tide is just turning to flood. The whales may have gone through Weynton Pass from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 21:15:09 PST

Distant calls audible.

The whales are moving steadily eastward. They are now opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass. Lots and lots of boat noise in Johnstone Strait causing interference on some of the hydrophones.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 21:56:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

And by now, a little further eastward. It would be nice if the boats moved a little quicker.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 22:37:58 PST

Distant calls audible.

Finally, the boat noise is improving. The A4 and A5 calls continue in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 23:01:18 PST

Orcas hunting fish.

We're hearing echolocation on the Flower Island hydrophone, and a short while before that, a few "A" calls. The tide is flooding, so it's possible they will head into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
06 Nov 2007 08:53:03 PST

Distant calls audible.

Again, we are hearing calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
06 Nov 2007 10:23:21 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The A5 calls in Blackfish Sound ended a while ago. BUT, Mary Borrowman happened to see a small group off Telegraph Cove a short while afterwards. This group, however, were heading west toward Beaver Cove and as we have not heard any calls it is hard to confirm whether or not these whales might be the A5 group heard earlier on the "other" side. We are waiting.
Helena
06 Nov 2007 14:23:26 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard an A clan call about 20' ago but nothing since. We're note sure where the orcas are, and there is boat noise in the Strait, but they're (probably) not far away. There's a southeaster stirrng here this morning, asfter a lovely calm & sunny day yesterday.
Helena
05 Nov 2007 04:52:36 PST

No orcas present.

An uneventful orca day after the promising start. Nice day otherwise.
Helena
05 Nov 2007 20:40:50 PST

No orcas present.

Again no orcas that we are aware of since the A8s took off through Blackney Pass. And for the past two days we have not seen humpbacks either. The sea lions are still very busy, however, and, the weather today was great.
Helena
04 Nov 2007 18:46:17 PST

No orcas present.

Good evening. It was a quiet orca night and day. Stormy, wet, grey sea and sky throughout the day.
Helena
02 Nov 2007 17:17:01 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant A5 & A36 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 00:37:24 PST

Orcas near mics.

The whales are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 04:43:35 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A5 calls are off the entrance of Blackney Pass once again. Sounds like they have been moving around Johnstone Strait quite a bit.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 10:05:33 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A8s just went through Blackney Pass and are now making their way through Blackfish Sound.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 11:07:14 PST

Orcas near mics.

These A36 calls are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
31 Oct 2007 08:31:48 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to the A36s on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like they went "out" via Weynton Pass and are now back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
31 Oct 2007 12:05:08 PST

Superb sounds!!

Trick or treat? Happy Hallow'een!
Helena & Paul
31 Oct 2007 17:54:30 PST

Superb sounds!!

We are about to go back to monitoring. Glad you too could enjoy our noisy neighbours (about 100 now) and their constant chorus.
Helena & Paul
31 Oct 2007 18:35:34 PST

Superb sounds!!

The G17, A36 and A5 calls are in Blackfish Sound. Lovely foggy sunrise with these calls this morning.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 07:32:55 PST

No orcas present.

The whales were probably in Queen Charlotte Strait during the last calls. They are still there (now out of range) about 2 miles west of Lizard Point. (thanks to Jim and Mary Borrowman for the report).
Helena
30 Oct 2007 13:09:25 PST

Distant calls audible.

It has been rather like playing a game of acoustic tag today. Throughout the day we have heard sporadic distant calls in Blackfish Sound but nothing sustained since earlier this morning when the A36s, A5s and G17s were a lot closer. However, it has been such a lovely day.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 17:27:02 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a report from Stubbs Island Whale Watching that there are whales coming through Weynton Pass towards Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:12:56 PST

Superb sounds!!

These A36, A5 and G17 calls are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:54:29 PST

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like they are coming back. The calls are once again in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 14:08:05 PST

No orcas present.

The whales may have retreated to Queen Charlotte Strait. We have not heard them return to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 21:57:29 PST

Orcas near mics.

We're listening to A& G clan calls on the Cracroft Point, Parson Island & Critical Point hydrophones. Sounds like the A8s, A36s & G17s are off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 07:33:43 PST

Orcas near mics.

The calls are now on the Flower Island hydrophone in Blackfish Sound. Did they go through Weynton Pass from Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 10:17:24 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to distant A & G clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like the orcas who headed "out" last evening (A8s, A36s, G17s) are coming back "in". The tide is ebbing swiftly, so it may take them a while (it will be slack around 11:30am). Soon after we heard the orcas, boat noise intruded in Blackfish Sound, but hopefully it will diminish as the vessel heads into Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 08:15:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Now that the tide has begun to flood the A5s, Gs and A36s are making their way out of Queen Charlotte Strait. Their lovely calls are on the Flower Island .system
Helena
27 Oct 2007 12:39:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups have gone through Weynton Passage to reach Johnstone Strait where they presumably will head eastward.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 13:35:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The G17s and the A8s have travelled from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass. We did not see the A36s and are not sure, at this point, whether they came into the Strait earlier with the others, although, we did hear them this morning in Blackfish Sound with the others.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 17:42:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The dolphins are near Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 19:50:39 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We began hearing A & G clan calls about 30' ago, on the Critical Point hydrophone. The A clan calls were initially from the A5s and the A36s have chimed in recently. The G clan calls are "GGs", probably at least the G17s. It sounds like the A5s & A36s, who were sighted by DFO reseachers headed west past Malcolm Point late yesterday afternoon (thanks Jared & Graeme) have brought company back to the Strait. Quite possibly, they found enough fish during their visit over the last couple of days to encourage others to return to their old fall-fishing habits... let's hope so!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 07:50:44 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A5s have reached the rubbing beaches... sounds like they're having a great time!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 10:04:25 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales continued to the east after passing the rubbing beaches and are now past Eve River, travelling quickly.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 12:13:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales have moved back toward the west. They went east as far as the Eve River before turning. They are now opposite Robson Bight moving against a large flooding tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:09:49 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to A & G clan calls on the CP & PI hydrophones as the orcas continue to make their way to the west. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait off Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:59:33 PDT

Boat noise

We're surrounded by boat noise on all sides & don't know where the orcas at the moment, though we think they are probably in western Johnstone Strait. Hopefully, the boat noise will go away soon & we'll be able to hear orcas calling again.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 16:50:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

They are on their way back to the east. Currently, most are closer to Blinkhorn and the A36s further west nearer Telegraph Cove. (thanks to DFO for the details) It has been quite the day! The weather has been absolutely beautiful.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 18:24:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Possibly the A36s have drawn the others out through Weynton Pass to the western edge of Blackfish Sound on the ebbing tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 19:02:03 PDT

No orcas present.

No further clues about what happened to the A36s and A5s. We were not aware of any calls during the night.
Helena
25 Oct 2007 09:04:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The distant calls are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Oct 2007 10:25:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Yea! A36s and A5s this time. The calls are in Blackfish Sound. Steve heard the first hints calls at 2:40am and now the calls seem to be getting clearer and nearer!
Helena
24 Oct 2007 08:04:08 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry, the security update shut the encoder and we did not realise we were not broadcasting. The A5s and the A36s were vocal in Blackfish Soundl until 9:45am. They are now in Johnstone Strait after presumably travelling through Weynton Passage.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 10:29:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the A5s continue to move eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 11:14:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the A5s have been more or less of the area around the entrance of Blackney Pass since the last post. The tide is now ebbing and this may take them off to the west for a while.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 15:47:08 PDT

No orcas present.

We had a very slow tug make its way against the ebbing tide. The tide has changed and the tug has moved on and all is quiet now. We have not heard any calls since before 5pm but we had a report from the DFO research boat that the A8s (part of A5 pod) and the A36 were heading back to the east from Blinkhorn after 6pm. Here's hoping we get a few more clues before too long.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 21:58:32 PDT

Boat noise

This A5 group is making tracking their movements difficult. We did not hear them again during the night so our last known location remains Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Oct 2007 08:54:40 PDT

No orcas present.

It does seem as if the visit from the A5 group was a too brief event. There have not been any calls or reports since their "departure" early yesterday morning. The humpbacks are still foraging Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 15:04:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear A5 calls once again on Flower Island.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 18:37:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant A5 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Helena
21 Oct 2007 05:40:10 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no orca calls overnight.
Helena
20 Oct 2007 08:47:36 PDT

No orcas present.

We were not aware of any calls overnight.
Helena
19 Oct 2007 09:09:02 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry, we were unable to connect with the internet for most of the day and so have not been broadcasting. The good news is that of course, resident whales, the A5s and possibly A4s as well, turned up in Johnstone Strait at 4pm! Their calls did not last very long and we imagine they were eastbound past Robson Bight. The sea lions have been feasting all day on large salmon. Maybe a few chum have made it this far after all!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:07:22 PDT

Performing maintenance

Further to the last note - we are now broadcasting again!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:18:08 PDT

No orcas present.

Once again, we heard no orcas overnight & no reports either. We are still waiting & enjoying a windy day.
Helena
16 Oct 2007 14:14:53 PDT

No orcas present.

There were dolphins from time to time through the night. Yesterday, a small group of dolphins skipped through the bay in front of the house. Looked like they were chasing fish. Again, if you download the entire humpback file first (www.orcalab.org), the sounds will stream. Rainy day but calm seas today.
Helena
15 Oct 2007 09:58:44 PDT

No orcas present.

Once again, we heard no orcas calling overnight. This is (so far) the most unusual October we have ever experiened. Quite possibly, the absence of orcas is related to the poor salmon situation. At this time of year, orcas are usually feasting on chum salmon as they flood into Johnstone Strait, but the chum runs are either very poor or delayed this year. In the orcas' absence, we have been enjoying a wonderful humpback scene happening in Blackney Pass. There are more humpbacks here than ever before, and they are becoming vocal. A few nights ago we recorded what sounded like a humpback "song" in Blackfish Sound that lasted for half an hour. It impressed us so much that we've posted it on our OrcaLab web site for others to enjoy. It's a large file (150MB) so we suggest downloading it fully before playing.
Helena & Paul
14 Oct 2007 15:22:59 PDT

No orcas present.

No residents at home again today. In their place, the humpbacks seem to have it all - lots of feed, calm seas and blue skies. One humpback known as Houdini (BCX0022) has been in Blackney now for quite some time with her calf Arial. The calf is noisy, rambunctious & energetic performing breaches, tail & pec slaps galore. It is quite the sight! Today, there were 4 -6 humpbacks in Blackney proper along with at least two further to the west in Blackfish Sound. The sea birds are going crazy with all the feed around and they are a good alert to where & when the humpbacks nudge in for a bite. The landscape is very rich right now!
Helena
13 Oct 2007 15:10:17 PDT

No orcas present.

Still no resident orcas but lots of activity on other fronts; sea lions, humpbacks,dolphins. The seas are calm and the skies grey, Fall ticks on...
Helena
12 Oct 2007 10:05:20 PDT

Superb sounds!!

It seems that the humpback (?s) have moved on. We began recording at 3:33am which was just a short while after hearing the first sounds. The calls began to subside around 4am, after which, the whale(s) seemed to be farther away as well. Lovely to listen to on a starry, no boat noise night!
Helena
11 Oct 2007 04:43:45 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no orca calls overnight & have heard no orca reports either. We have heard dolphins in addition to the humpback(s) early this morning. It's a lovely sunny day here, with humpbacks feeding in Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Oct 2007 13:28:55 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We began hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 6:45am, and think they were probably from offshore orcas, though we aren't sure.
Helena
10 Oct 2007 07:39:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear calls in Johnstone Strait once again. Sounds like they may be an offshore group
Helena
10 Oct 2007 11:42:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The offshores continued west and are currently off the the entrance to Weynton Passage. They were foraging while generally still moving west mid strait. There are two small groups, maybe only a dozen or so.
Helena
10 Oct 2007 15:17:20 PDT

No orcas present.

The offshores were in two groups throughout the day, one group of 7 followed by a group of 5. They continued west past Alert Bay (Home of the Killer Whale!) but by 6:45pm only the group of 5 were seen going past Ledge Point (thanks to the MacKays for the report). We have only had constant boat noise since the whales went out of range to the west.
Helena
10 Oct 2007 22:48:02 PDT

No orcas present.

Wild and windy! But still lovely humpbacks in Blackney Pass.
Helena
09 Oct 2007 16:16:15 PDT

No orcas present.

The long absence continues. Last night was "quiet" again. The humpbacks are still roaming around and there are still a good number of sea lions.
Helena
08 Oct 2007 08:31:00 PDT

No orcas present.

On this Canadian Thanksgiving day, we wish to express our hearfelt THANKS to everyone who has helped our world, helped whales, and helped us during this past year. Our very best wishes to you all... take good care, please!
Paul & Helena
08 Oct 2007 18:07:15 PDT

No orcas present.

Again, uneventful. The storm is abating but the heavy rains continue.
Helena
07 Oct 2007 08:26:17 PDT

No orcas present.

Again, only a few dolphin calls overnight. Today, a strong south-easter is beginning to mount.
Helena
06 Oct 2007 09:04:31 PDT

No orcas present.

Again, as far as we know, it was an uneventful night. There were dolphins in Johnstone throughout the evening. Yesterday, orcas were seen off Campbell River (thanks to Seasmoke for relaying the information). No idea about identity of even type - ?transients. So we are waiting for the reuturn of the residents and our ability to broadcast! Thanks for your patience.
Helena
05 Oct 2007 11:25:13 PDT

No orcas present.

We're heard no calls today & are not aware of any reports of orcas either.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 00:15:36 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

All quiet through the night. This morning T14 travelled west up Johnstone Strait and into Blackney Pass. From 10:20 - 10:50 am, he passed several humpbacks on his way to Blackfish Sound. While in Blackney he had an active "moment", stopping his travels briefly, as he jumped on top of something. We are still unable to broadcast but are hopeful the problems will be solved soon. Sorry for the delay.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 13:03:47 PDT

No orcas present.

There haven't been any orca reports this morning and that leaves us with last night's impression that the A36s continued through Blackfish Sound to the west and the A30s still in the Strait. However, the last A30 calls at 10:40pm were very distant and it may be that they were headed for Weynton Pass to follow the A36s. This morning, grey and damp, there are several humpbacks in Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound. At night the ocean is full of breaths, from humpbacks and sea lions and sometimes the orcas too. Hard to feel alone and isolated.
Helena
03 Oct 2007 09:50:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are still unfortunately not broadcasting as we are still doing some maintenance on the system. In the menatime, the A30s and the A36s went east. The A30s have returned (waiting to hear if the A36s are with them) and are westbound past the Ecological Reserve. Today, we also had a huge downpouring of rain followed by the fullest and most beautiful rainbow over Blackney Pass ever.
Helena
02 Oct 2007 20:11:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s have turned up in Blackfish Sound. Perhaps they travelled through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. The A30s have grown quiet but may still be in the Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2007 22:45:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s have made it back to Johnstone Strait after a long absence. Just now they were off Cracroft Point with a group of dolphins. Both have now become quiet. It will be interesting to find out where the A30s are and if the A36s will stay around for a bit.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 04:32:03 PDT

Boat noise

Between 6:30am and 7am we heard both the A30s and the A36s in johnstone Strait. Our impression was that they were eastbound through the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. There was a lot of boat noise in the Strait (there is a rare fishing opening today) and so the direction the whales took is still not absolute.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 09:00:34 PDT

Performing maintenance

We have made some changes to our system, and have stopped streaming for the moment. We will be back up again as soon as possible. Please excuse the inconvenience.
Paul & Helena
01 Oct 2007 17:53:53 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this morning & understand that the A30s & A36s were still headed east in Johnstone Strait in mid afternoon (past Eve River). Hopefully, they'll come back before too long.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 22:36:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago. Sounds like the A36s, though we're not sure yet.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 03:52:19 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard nothing further after a brief bout of A1 calls in Blackfish Sound that ended around 4am. Yesterday's storm is over, & a humpback is breathing in Blackney Pass. Lovely morning here.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 08:46:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We just started to hear A1 calls again in Blackfish Sound. It just may be the A36s!
Helena
30 Sep 2007 09:23:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It is the A36s!
Helena
30 Sep 2007 09:23:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s popped up suddenly in front of CP a short while ago. They then entered Blackney Pass silently and travelled north. They are now in Blackfish Sound. The A36s, earlier, around 10:40am, headed off to the west in Queen Charlotte Strait. It is not clear at the moment whether they continued westward or if they might be waiting for the A30s to catch-up.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 13:50:40 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this afternoon & have nothing new to report. Our imprression was that the A30s probably headed north into Queen Charlotte Strait, as did the A36s earlier in the day. However, we aren't sure. We are waiting.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 22:41:53 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this morning, just after midnight, when (we think) the A30s were headed east out of our hydrophone range. A report this afternoon, of a group of orcas (including 2 adult males) heading west past Brown's Bay in eastern Johnstone StraIt makes us think the A30s may be on their way back to our area. We've resumed live streaming, though there is still a persistent hum on our system, for which we apologise (we're working on the problem).
Helena & Paul
29 Sep 2007 18:07:20 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no more calls overnight & think it's possible that the last calls we heard, around 11:30pm, were from the A30s as they crossed Johnstone Strait towards Weynton Pass, heading "out" on the slack tide. However, there was terrible boat noise in both Johnstone Strait & Blackfish Sound at the time, so we aren't at all sure. It's a beuatiful morning here & the sun is just up... we are waiting.
Helena
28 Sep 2007 07:43:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have suddenly appeared off CP, lovely close calls!
Helena
28 Sep 2007 13:03:42 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry about the hum on the system - we're trying to figure of why, & hope to solve the problem soon.
Helena
28 Sep 2007 13:17:10 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, we have a problem that we can't solve just now & have stopped streeaming for the moment.
Paul & Helena
28 Sep 2007 15:59:52 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are close to Critical Point, lots of calls & continuous echolocation... sounds like a whole lottafishin' goin' on!
Helena
28 Sep 2007 17:25:53 PDT

Performing maintenance

So sorry, but we're still unable to solve the hum problem. Will try again tomorrow. Meanwhile, the A30s are headed back to the west in Johnstone Strait. They're now probably somewhere around the western boundary of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Sep 2007 20:32:32 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are still in maintenance mode but for the record the A30s are nearing Critical Point in Robson Bight. They have been moving back in this direction very slowly and may have not come furtheer west than east of Kaikash earlier.
Helena
28 Sep 2007 23:48:25 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight.
Helena
27 Sep 2007 08:39:01 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We're hearing rubbing sounds on the RB hydrophone, along with a few N3 calls... sounds like the A30s are back!
Helena
27 Sep 2007 15:50:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Up to the west - Robson Bight!
Helena
27 Sep 2007 16:19:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After passing closely to Critical Point, the A30s are carrying on to the west. Lots of unfortunate boat noise.
Helena
27 Sep 2007 17:09:04 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At the moment it is not clear what the A30s decided to do. Calls dropped off a while ago when they were still possibly west of Cracroft Point. Lovely full moon tonight opposite the Lab.
Helena
27 Sep 2007 20:00:45 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant calls from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. Sounds like they are in western Johnstone Strait, possibly heading east. Persistent boat noise is present in the Strait also.
Helena
27 Sep 2007 23:26:40 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in Robson Bight.
Helena
26 Sep 2007 02:11:05 PDT

No orcas present.

A group of orcas is currently travelling east opposite the Eve River (east of the Ecological Reserve).
Helena
26 Sep 2007 09:33:26 PDT

No orcas present.

The group east of the Reserve was indeed the A30s At 12:30pm, they were continuing east from Hickey Point. Also today, there is a moderate sized group of Pacific Whitesided dolphins in Johnstone Strait and a lone elephat seal was spotted off Donegal Head this morning by the Gikumi (Stubbs Island).
Helena
26 Sep 2007 14:14:03 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s turned back to the west around 1pm (Naiad Explorer report) but we have yet to hear them come back into our area. It's possible they turned back to the east again, or have just been making their way slowly to the west. As is often the case, we are waiting.
Helena
26 Sep 2007 22:49:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are again calling in the area between Robson Bight and Cracroft Point.
Helena
25 Sep 2007 00:48:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It seems likely that the A30s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the beginning of the ebbing tide, and are now in Blackfish Sound. They are silent for the moment.
Helena
25 Sep 2007 04:20:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are travelling back south through Blackney Pass. They are silent so far.
Helena
25 Sep 2007 11:14:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s seem to be moving on towards Robson Bight now.
Helena
25 Sep 2007 12:08:47 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s have reached Robson Bight & are now approaching Critical Point. Lovely calls, & echolocation too... sounds like at least some of them are having a bite in the Bight!
Helena
25 Sep 2007 13:48:58 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are in the midst of what sounds like a great rub.
Helena
25 Sep 2007 14:26:36 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a30s are on their way back to the west opposite the Ecological Reserve. Earlier, they had gone east from the rubbing beaches.
Helena
25 Sep 2007 18:52:36 PDT

Performing maintenance

Our live stream has been down for a few hours, owing to a power failure. Please accept our apologies.
Helena & Paul
25 Sep 2007 19:49:54 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The latest theory is that the A30s continued to the west. They hesitated when they got to Little Kaikash and could be heard turning first, back to the east, and then soon after back to the west. This movement coincided with their burst of calls. Since then only their fading blows were heard to the west. The tide will continue to ebb until 1:30am.
Helena
25 Sep 2007 22:25:22 PDT

No orcas present.

Once again, we heard no calls overnight & have heard no reports about orcas nearby. We are waiting.
Helena
24 Sep 2007 07:02:28 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Good News! The A30s are on their way back into the area. Currently they are north of Donegal Head in Queen Charlotte Strait but they are eastbound.
Helena
24 Sep 2007 13:18:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are still in the same area north of Bold head and still just out of range of our system. They are calling (according to the whale watch boats with them ) as they are go back and forth. So perhaps soon...
Helena
24 Sep 2007 15:49:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just a few calls so far, in Blackfish Sound, but the A30s finally came into range, if only briefly.
Helena
24 Sep 2007 18:21:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A30s still chatty in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
24 Sep 2007 19:56:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

These lovely A30 calls are from the Parson Island station. The A30s must have travelled through behind the 2nd tug to travel Blackney to Johnstone Strait. Sounds like the whales are on their way to the Strait.
Helena
24 Sep 2007 21:47:25 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s have made it to Johnstone Strait and are moving toward Cracroft Point.
Helena
24 Sep 2007 21:56:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s continue into Johnstone Strait. There is still a lot of boat noise from the tugs unfortunately.
Helena
24 Sep 2007 22:08:21 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight.
Helena
23 Sep 2007 09:40:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Recently there has been a fairly vocal group of dolphins close to Robson Bight. To the west the A30s were offfshore of Malcolm Island travelling toward the Mainland. The A36s were off Pine Island and another group of whales were westbound toward Goletas Channel.
Helena
23 Sep 2007 21:54:19 PDT

Boat noise

We did not hear anything again through the night. Unfortunately, the Critical Point system had problems and was producing a noisy signal so listening was difficult at times. It is a quiet morning, the rain has eased and the winds calm.
Helena
22 Sep 2007 07:42:02 PDT

No orcas present.

Ah hah! The A30s are not to the east. We heard from the Naiad Explorer that the A30s are with the A36s off Doyle Island (near Port Hardy) foraging. Nice to know.
Helena
22 Sep 2007 12:00:41 PDT

No orcas present.

So far we are not aware of any news about the A30s. We did not hear any calls overnight - not even dolphins. Very rainy and wet this morning.
Helena
21 Sep 2007 09:07:07 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls at all today - sounds like the A30s have had a day off!
Helena
21 Sep 2007 22:31:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just after 7am we began to hear echo locarion and calls on the Critical Point system. It sounds like the A30s may have arrived back from the east.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 07:14:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are moving up the middle of the Strait toward the CP area.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 09:09:07 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s have travelled through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. They were altogether until White Beach Pas. From then on, they were spread out as they continued north. Just a few calls and now some echo location.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 13:12:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have travelled through Weynton Pass toward Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile T14 was seen heading east from the Nimpkish River toward Johnstone Strait. This possible "confict" of interests was solved by T14 ducking into Weynton Pass as the A30s entered the Strait. He loks like he might head to Blackfish Sound. This was all done without any calls.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 17:07:58 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

T14 gave us a bit of a surprise. Despite being seen moving through Weynton Pass earlier after passing the A30s on their way to Johnstone Strait through the same passage, he must have doubled back. Tim at CP saw first saw him off the western tip of Hanson Island. From there he moved east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. He then went north into Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the resting A30s, contiued east against the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 19:48:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s sounded like they were fairly close to Robson Bight and may have alreay passed to the east.
Helena
20 Sep 2007 21:25:35 PDT

No orcas present.

A lovely quiet morning - even the wind has dropped. No reports and we only heard dolphins during the night. The Critical Point system has been fussy and noisy. Hopefully, this can be corrected. No reports about the A30s or the G25s.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 09:32:56 PDT

No orcas present.

More transient activity today. Earlier this morning, two groups were spotted travelling toward each other in the Retreat Pass area (off of Queen Charlotte Strait). One group of three came into Arrow Pass and met up with the group of four near the Fox islands. The whales then turned and have headed back through Arrow Pass. They are currently just at the mouth of Arrow. The group of dolphins we heard earlier west of Critical Point continued west and out Weynton Pass. They moved toward Mitchell Bay where they have stalled in company with a minke whale whose feeding has excited lots of birds. The A30s were again reported in Nodales Channel. No word on the G25s - have they left the area? Also, jim Borrowman saw 45 Sandhill Cranes fly overhead on his way to watch the transients.
Helena
19 Sep 2007 13:58:35 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just after 6am this morning we heard clear echo location followed by some crunching sounds. Unfortunatel, we were not able to source the sounds. A short while later, at 7:49am, we spotted a small group of transients opposite the Lab in Blackney Pass. They were going very slowly and changing directions but generally heading north. We lost track of them at 8:35am just as they crossed paths with a humpback going the opposite direction. The transients (later Id'd as the T55s) carried on into Blackfish Sound where the Gikumi continued the observations. No sign of the residents and these transients were a different group identified yesterday. Last night was remarkable for the humpback calls mixed in with the transient calls in Johnstone Strait around 9:50pm.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 10:17:39 PDT

No orcas present.

After the excitment of the transients in Blackney Pass (the T55s) early this morning we had to be content to follow their progress (or lack of it) for the rest of the day. For several hours this group moved back and forth off Stubbs Island in Weynton Passage. The A30s, meanwhile, were found in Nodales Channel (eastern Johnstone Strait). 100 dolphins, Dalls porpoise, sea lions, seals, myriad birds and humpbacks filled up the rest of the day.
Helena
18 Sep 2007 23:41:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These distant G clan resting calls are in Blackfish Sound. There is echo location as well so the whales may be headed toward Blackney Pass. Loud boat has made listening difficult for the time being.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 06:01:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A small group of whales (at least we saw only 4-5 in the dim morning light) have cleared Blackney Pass for Johnstone Strait. A few G calls as they rounded the corner and now noise from the tug going the same direction.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 07:21:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The calls have stopped for the moment. The group (part of the G17s?) have most likely moved away from Cracroft Point.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 07:31:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It did turn out to be part of the G17s - the G25s - they stalled mid strait off of CP and then came into Blackney Pass (part way) and then turned back toward Johnstone Strait. A group has also been seen further east off the Broken Islands. It may be the A30s although we last saw them heading into Blackfish Sound around 8pm. Recently, nothing would surprise us about the A30s travelling quietly around the area.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 11:09:15 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have arrived back at the east end of the Reserve (from the east). Meanwhile, we had a group of transients which included T68 & T68A - thanks to Jackie & Stubbs Island for the IDs) - head south through Blackney Pass to Cracroft Point. Just as the rub started the transients turned and began to head west.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 16:54:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have come west from the beaches. Meanwhile, the G25s turned up unexpectedly and briefly off CP. They must have come through Blackney Pass. They have been quite scattered and elusive all day but hopefully they now have connected with the A30s. They did seem to be "searching" ealier. No further word on the transients who were recently in Johnstone Strait as well.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 18:59:01 PDT

No orcas present.

If you are wondering what happened...you are not alone. The A30s and the G25s disappeared and we imagine that they went off to the east. However, there were no calls to support this or any other theory. The transients may have turned up once again off the entrance to Blackney, after a trip to the west, around 7:30pm. At least, there was a group of 6 that showed up there. From there, this group, went east along Cracroft Island. By 8pm, they were off the Sophia Islands.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 20:56:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We ave been listening to (mostly distant) transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 22:17:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The transients are still in Johnstone Strait calling in sporadic bouts. They came up toward the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier and then after a period of silence their calls seemed louder once again on the Critical Point system.
Helena
17 Sep 2007 23:58:53 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight.
Helena
16 Sep 2007 07:23:35 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s were found off of Stimpson Reef (opposite the Adam River) earlier this morning. They have been milling and resting. No word yet on any groups further west. A lovely humpback surprised us this morning. Swimming with sealions the whale came very close into shore in front of our bay. Quite dramatic. On another note: Sadly we said good-bye to Tomoko, Yumi and Momoko this morning. We would like to thank them for all their hard work, willing hands and cheerful friendship. Safe journey back home!
Helena & Paul
16 Sep 2007 11:38:41 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s, just a short while ago, have returned to the rubbing beaches from the east.
Helena
16 Sep 2007 14:16:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Brief rub on their way west.
Helena
16 Sep 2007 14:28:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have rounded Critical Point and into Robson Bight on what sounds like a fishing expedition.
Helena
16 Sep 2007 14:47:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s ARE moving westward but very slowly. They are resting off Izumi Rock (west of the western boundary).
Helena
16 Sep 2007 16:32:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s crossed the Strait with some enthusiasm toward Cracroft Point.
Helena
16 Sep 2007 17:44:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s, just after 7pm, entered Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They travelled north through to Blackfish Sound with one foraging stop along the way.
Helena
16 Sep 2007 20:38:25 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls overnight, and don't know what happened to the A30s after we last heard them west of Cracroft Point. We are waiting.
Helena
15 Sep 2007 09:48:53 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We just began to hear calls and rubs. The A30s must have returned to the east last night and are now making their way back to the west.
Helena
15 Sep 2007 10:05:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have passed through Robson Bight and are about half way from the wstern boundary of the Ecological Reserve to Izumi rock, heading west. For the moment, they are silent.
Helena
15 Sep 2007 12:03:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s once again got a s far as Little Kaiakash on the Vancouver Island side and then turned back to the east at 1:30pm. A38 had ventured toward CP as his group was moving west but soon crossed over to them just ahead of the turn.
Helena
15 Sep 2007 13:36:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back close to Critical Point. Maybe they are thinking about an afternoon rub? Also, we have heard that the A36s have been seen closer to Pine Island in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2007 15:43:35 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Some serious fishing first!
Helena
15 Sep 2007 15:52:53 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sounds like the A30s are having a nice afternoon rub!
Helena
15 Sep 2007 16:19:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Back and forth! The A30s are oposite Robson Bight once again. Rumours have it that there is now a large group of whales near Pine Island. hmmmmmmm......
Helena
15 Sep 2007 18:01:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We have been listening to the A30s arrive back in Johnstone Strait sfter their trip to the inlets.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 05:57:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Slowly.... moving on toward the Reserve.We first heard A30 calls just after 4am. The morning is again foggy.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 06:57:21 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have reached the rubbung beaches.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 08:48:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back to the area off Robson Bight heading west. Meanwhile, a small group of transients have come out of Queen Charlotte Strait and are headed toward the Plumpers at the western end of Hanson Island.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 10:12:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have turned back to the east again & are just inside the western boundary of the Ecological Reserve. For the moment, they are silent.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 13:37:03 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are in Robson Bight. close to Critical Point.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 14:23:12 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are back at the rubing beaches. It's their 2nd session today.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 14:55:45 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Back to the Bight!
Helena
14 Sep 2007 15:37:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We've been hearing occasional distant calls from the A30s, on the Critical Point hydrophone, as they made their way to the west from Robson Bight on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, foraging along the way. They were last sighted just before dark (from CP) off Blinhorn, spread out off Vancouver Island. It's possible they will turn around soon & head back east, or they could head "out" on the swiftly ebbing tide.
Helena
14 Sep 2007 20:27:34 PDT

Boat noise

The night was quiet after the A30s crossed Blackfish Sound toward Queen Charlotte Strait. Very foggy again this morning.
Helena
13 Sep 2007 07:41:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

So far there have not been any visual sightings ,although, calls were heard, in the fog, in Queen Charlotte Strait. Blackney andJohnstone Strait are both clear now.
Helena
13 Sep 2007 12:11:40 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s did a surprise move today by heading into Fife Sound and on to Tribune Channel (part of the knight Inlet system). They dod not go this route very often but it was a lovely day and maybe the inlets seemed like a good choice!
Helena
13 Sep 2007 19:17:04 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight & don't know what happened to the A30s after we lost track of them early yesterday evening.
Helena
12 Sep 2007 08:14:47 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s, who had headed east in Johnstone Strait last night, are returning to the west. They are now on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, past Naka Creek, and approaching the eastern boundary of the Reserve. One of the males, A38 or A39, is mid-strait. It's possible that the A30s will head into the rubbing beaches soon. (Report from Naiad Explorer).
Helena
12 Sep 2007 14:38:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing close calls & echolocation from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone. Some of them (just a few) had a brief rub on their way west. Boat noise is persistent in the background.
Helena
12 Sep 2007 15:45:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s, all together, are off Kaikash Creek heading west.
Helena
12 Sep 2007 17:37:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have turned back to he east but whether or not they come all the way is still uncertain. They are calling quite frequently.
Helena
12 Sep 2007 21:01:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s went out via Weynton Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Sep 2007 21:32:01 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Humpback in Blackfish Sound!
Helena & Tomoko
11 Sep 2007 00:46:50 PDT

No orcas present.

At 3:15am this morning the A30s were back at the rubbing beaches and then later near Critical Point. It seemed like the A30s did not go any further. The last we heard was at 5am. Our last impression was that they had turned around and moved back eastward.
Helena
11 Sep 2007 08:21:42 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a few distant calls from the A30s about half an hour ago, when they were in the fog at the "top" of Blackfish Sound. It seems they headed "out" on the ebbing tide early this morning, though we're not sure of their route, & are now headed back into the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
11 Sep 2007 11:45:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're now hearing distant calls from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone. Sounds like they have made it into the Strait (via Weynton Pass) and are headed east.
Helena
11 Sep 2007 12:00:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Moving on - the A30s have travelled east along Vancouver Island toward the Ecological Reserve. Back off Kaikash and the entrance of Blackney Pass A39 looked like he would travel over to CP. Instead he crossedto the others who were approaching Kaikash. It was from there that the group continued east together.
Helena
11 Sep 2007 14:35:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have reached the rubbing beaches!
Helena
11 Sep 2007 15:34:32 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

a little rub and now a bite to eat in the Bight!
Helena
11 Sep 2007 16:22:47 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Again the A30s are proving a bit elusive. They have grown very quiet and visually CP lost track of them near Kaikash.
Helena
11 Sep 2007 19:37:59 PDT

No orcas present.

We did not hear any calls overnight. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
10 Sep 2007 07:06:15 PDT

No orcas present.

The fog is lifting in very pretty patterns. The a30s have been located near the Broken Islands (east of West cracroft Island) heading west.
Helena
10 Sep 2007 11:06:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing close calls & echolocation from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone. Over the past few hours, they made their way to the west, mostly on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, then they crossed over to the Vancouver Island side & are now in Robson Bight, headed back east again.
Helena
10 Sep 2007 17:58:38 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are rubbing!
Helena
10 Sep 2007 18:34:54 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s finished their evening rub and headed off to the east.
Helena
10 Sep 2007 19:18:58 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A few more calls and then some major Blackney Pass distractions. Three humpbacks surrounded by dolphins and a few sealions are headed north "together".
Helena
10 Sep 2007 19:59:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Back from the beaches!
Helena
10 Sep 2007 20:21:26 PDT

No orcas present.

It was an uneventful orca night but the dolphins continued from time to time in Johnstone Strait and in Blackney, we had three humpbacks fill the air with their breaths. The night was clear and starry, this morning grey and calm.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 08:26:36 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of transients (yet to be identified) are off Izumi Rock (west of the Reserve). A group of dolphins is not too far away, off of the Sophias. The A30s are most likely off the Broken Island.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 10:53:26 PDT

No orcas present.

The transients turned out to be the T46 group once again. They went up to Weynton Pass and had a bite to eat (seal) and carried on. The A30s at 3pm were back off the Broken Island group. Meanwhile, sealions, humpbacks and myriad birds have kept us busy for the afternoon.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 17:09:17 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

? the A30s rubbing.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 17:53:39 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are off Critical Point after the beaches. Very nice echo location!
Helena
09 Sep 2007 18:16:33 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Not really sure what happened to the A30s. They were laast seen east of Kaikash around 6:45pm. They were still westbound on the ebb tide.
Helena
09 Sep 2007 21:00:31 PDT

No orcas present.

We did not hear anything overnight.
Helena
08 Sep 2007 07:18:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Not orca..... but dolphins close to Critical Point. Kinda nice!
Helena
08 Sep 2007 21:22:37 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no orca calls overnight, though Pacific whitesided doplhins were often vocal within range of our hydrophones.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 07:40:12 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Someone has come back from the east and has just rounded Critical Point!
Helena
07 Sep 2007 08:10:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It is A1s and dolphins too.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 08:24:59 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It is the A30s. Yesterday evening they were westbound off Chatham Point (the most eastern corner of Johnstone Strait) at 6pm. That is quite a hike!
Helena
07 Sep 2007 09:14:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s moved up to Cracroft Point, where after a short rest, they have begun to vocalise.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 10:46:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After turning to the east off of Hanson Island's Turn Point at 1:18pm, the A30s went back to the Cracroft Point area to continue their forage.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 15:09:48 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Just when you feel the day is slow and easy... just one group in the area, busy feeding,relaxed.... when, surprise! Offshores coming from the west. The A30s are getting closer to Critical Point.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 16:21:53 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The Offshores are in Blackney Pass but moving very slowly south against the tide.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 18:27:48 PDT

No orcas present.

The Offshores retreated to the northwest after a long attempt to come through Blackney Pass. They have been quiet for some time now.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 20:35:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The offshores are calling once again in Blackfish Sound. Still trying for Blackney?
Helena
07 Sep 2007 20:44:47 PDT

No orcas present.

Again the offfshore calls disappeared after becoming very distant on Flower Island.
Helena
07 Sep 2007 22:54:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A little bit handicapped last night with Critical Point down. However, there was movement. Just after midnight we had close A5 calls in the entrance of Blackney Pass. After a gap of 20 minutes we then began to hear A4s approach the entrance from the Johnstone Strait side. A group (the A4s?) travelled through Blackney to the north. Much later there was a brief but intense rub at the beaches. This morning, a male transient (T14) has been sighted off Weynton Island. Other blows have been sighted towards Blinkhorn, and T14 has turned toward this vocal group. Just now we are hearing distant transient calls continue in Johnstone Strait.(Critical is working again).
Helena
06 Sep 2007 09:22:32 PDT

No orcas present.

The transients were identified by Jared Towers as T14, T41, T44, and the T37s (who have not been seen very many times before). This group is past Port McNeill now andstill headed west. A wealth of humpbacks in the area. There is a steady count of 5 in the immediate area and probably others in Queen Charlotte Strait etc.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 13:45:58 PDT

No orcas present.

An amazingly uneventful rest of the day! There are whales still to the east although we had no updates today about what happened below. And no word about any resident activity to the west. The morning transients kept going west and the humpbacks kept going in circles. This day is almost done.
Helena
06 Sep 2007 23:11:21 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Groups are streaming off to the west: First the Rs (they stayed on the Johnstone Strait side going west) and then the A36s with the I15s (who just went north in Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound). An I31 and/ or I11 group is currently approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Johnstone Strait side. All this and a touch of northeern lights too. We have not heard any A4,A5, A12 or A30 calls yet.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 02:39:11 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several hours, though our Critical Point hydrophone is down & we're deaf in Robson Bight.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 08:18:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I33s are headed west, on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, opposite Robson Bight. They are silent, for the moment (CrPt is working again).
Helena
05 Sep 2007 09:48:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear A4 and A5 calls close to Critical Point. Thse are groups coming up from the east and westbound. Unfortunately, the Critical Point hydrophone has developed a problem and it is hard to listen. Fortunately, the groups are beginning to be heard on the CP system.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 17:30:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We think the A4 group followed the A5 group to the west.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 18:55:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Nope, the A4s did not go far. They are back on CP and not far from the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 19:06:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Interesting, on the last post I accidently clicked on Flower Island. A little bit early but the A35s made it true. They have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, a different A4 group is heading west in the Strait. We have not heard A5s for a while.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 20:51:34 PDT

Hi Paul & Helena, We saw the A36's and the I15's pass Bere Point close to shore, all mostly resting at 17:15. When we left camp they had'nt made it to Black Bluff yet at 18:00. They were eastbound, still real slow as Bill had reported earlier. Take Care Troy & Kate
Troy@Bere Point
05 Sep 2007 21:47:17 PDT

No orcas present.

Sorry, ity has been a while since we have posted a comment. This morning a small group of transients (the T101s) travelled west in Johnstone Strait from Robson Bight to points west. They were travelling quite fast. Meanwhile, the humpbacks, Chunky and Stripe returned to the area for the first time this year, coming out of Queen Charlotte Strait to Blackfish Sound. There they found 100+ dolphins and at least 80 sealions. A busy day despite the fact that the large 100+ residents remained in the east for the day. The good news from below is that since 1:45pm they are westbound from Ripple Point - Tonight sometime?
Helena
04 Sep 2007 15:15:40 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We have "new" visitors! Just now other members of G clan, including the G17s, are vocal on the Critical Point system. We are still working out how they might have come in.
Helena
04 Sep 2007 21:46:02 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The timing is lovely! The Rs are back from the east, just in time, to intersect with the new arrivals.
Helena
04 Sep 2007 21:57:06 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are scratching our heads a bit. All the calls, including those of the G17s, sound like they are east of CP and closer to Critical Point. How and when did they actually come in? And what direction are they going? The Rs took over the conversation once they rounded Critical Point and after a short period of quieter calls, they have both got going once again.
Helena
04 Sep 2007 22:22:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the exchange between the Rs and the Gs near the Reserve, the Rs have moved west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. They are a bit spread out. We are not sure just what happened to the Gs. They are a bit of a mystery still.
Helena
04 Sep 2007 23:53:24 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, A4s, A5s and the I15s met up the A30s when they entered the strait. All the whales headed east to the Bight, sounds like having nice time in there.
Tomoko
03 Sep 2007 00:46:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We began hearing calls about 5am, & since then have heard the I15s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone, so they're in or near Robson Bight . As well, we're hearing the A12s, who are in Blackfish Sound & seem to be heading towards Johnstone Strait. The I15s, A36s & others (A4s, A5s) were headed east in Johnstone Strait by 1am, so it sounds like at least some of these groups are returning to the west now.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 05:59:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s ventured into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass between 5:45 and 6:15am. There they were greeted by the I15s and the A36s who had come west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. They are still not far from this area and still closer to the Vancouver Island side rather than Cracroft.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 08:13:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're beginning to hear distant "R" clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, as they head quickly towards Johnstone Strait from Queen Charlotte Strait. Begind them are some of the I31s. & meeting them are the A36s, I15s & A12s, who turned back to the west in mid Blackfish a short while ago. This is shaping up to be quite a social day!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 12:47:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It looks like all of R clan has arrived, along with the I11s, so there are now well over 100 orcas heading towards Johnstone Strait. They are stalled at the north end of Weynton Pass, between Stubbs Island & the Plumpers, probably waiting for the ebbing tide to slow or reverse before they head on into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 14:09:41 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Many but not all of the groups are now in Johnstone Strait, heading east. We're listening to very excited "A" & "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It's possible some of the Rs are already in the Strait, but a lot of orcas are still in Weynton Pass, so they probably include most of the Rs. Whichever way you stir it, it's getting to be orca soup in the Strait!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 15:21:48 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the Rs came into the Strait the groups who had preceded became vocal and began to move eastward. We are now listening to the A12s, I11s, A36s, I15s, I31s and Rs. Quite the gang. To the east should still be the A30s, A4sand A5s.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 16:49:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

And they keep on moving. The Rs and some of the A12s are following the others past CP and on toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 17:46:15 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The R clan calls are now louder on Critical Point and, with the calls of the G and A clan groups, a lovely mix is happening.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:35:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And rubbing too!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:40:30 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The Rs have joined the I15s and othersat the beaches.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 19:01:59 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the various groups kept heading to the east in Johnstone Strait after their great session(s) at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 22:15:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

a little while ago we started hearing resting calls on FI hydrophone.
Tomoko
02 Sep 2007 04:38:55 PDT

No orcas present.

At 4:18am faint A1 calls (the A30s) were heard on Flower Island. An hour later there were blows in Blackney Pass but they were heading north on the farside. The weather and a procession of cruiseships made further tracking impossible. At 7:30am two faint A1 calls were heard again but we did not get a chance to locate the source. Just a few minutes ago we started hearing a lot of calls (A4s/5) distant on Critical Point. The whales are westbound in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Sep 2007 08:39:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These whales are determined. An A5 group is already up to the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A4s are more distant.
Helena
02 Sep 2007 08:43:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Adding to the list of whales coming up from below are the I15s and the A36s. All groups are westbound.
Helena
02 Sep 2007 09:06:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales are not very vocal at the moment BUT there has been a lot of movement. The A36s, A11s, the A25s , A23s and I15s returned to the CP area (and were vocal about it) while the A30s slowly continued their way through Blackfish Sound favouring the hanson Island side. Then in front of the Lab the groups passed by each other. Led by the A36s, the I15s, A23s and A25s and finally the A11s (small group including Springer) came into Blackney Pass as seperate close knit groups. The a30s were tight together and as the others neared they spy hopped and slowed down but continued on their way back to Johnstone Strait. The others continued in the opposite direction and into Blackfish Sound where the I15s managed a few calls. Very windy today.
Helena
02 Sep 2007 14:29:39 PDT

Orcas near mics.

one loud call alerted us that the a30s were not far from Critical Point. It sounds like they may be on their way west. At the other end of the area, the A36s and others are having an exciting time of it in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
02 Sep 2007 19:49:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing A4 & I15 calls on our Local Left hydrophone. Sounds like at least these groups are returning to the Strait via Blackney Pass.
Helena
02 Sep 2007 21:14:00 PDT

Superb sounds!!

And the A36s for company. The whales are just coming into Blackney Pass. The full moon is hiding behind the clouds but still casting light on the misty calm ocean.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 00:11:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the I15s are moving quickly to the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 01:19:09 PDT

No orcas present.

Good Morning! The A36s and the I15s continued east to the Reserve. They rubbed from 3:02am to 4:16am. They last calls we heard were at 5:02am. Thank you Yumi for staying with that marathon - all yesterday and through the night. There were audible dolphins in the early morning.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 08:13:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing A1 calls once more on Critical Point. A while before they were passing the rubbing beaches headed west.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 09:23:51 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s just rounded the corner at Critical Point. Sounds like they are not alone. The beginning of the parade?
Helena
01 Sep 2007 09:29:36 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are very close to Cracroft Point, the A4s sound like they are over closer to Vancouver Island. We have also heard A30s, A36s and A5s.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 10:24:13 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Well the whales went west, and then turned at the top end of Hanson Island, and then they went all the way back, past Critical Point and then down to the rubbing beaches where an A1 group is now rubbing.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 13:59:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Back and forth. Since the last poste the whales have turned at least once. At 2:20pm they were all opposite the Cliff moving east. The A30s went down for the rub and 20 minutes later they were all headed back to the west. The progress was not speedy but by 4:40pm the I15s were west of Kaikash, the A24s opposite Kaikash, the rest of the A4s and A5s were going alobg the Hanson shore and the A30s up to the western boundary. Whew!
Helena
01 Sep 2007 17:54:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

For the last while the whales, true to form, are now going east again.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 19:06:54 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s peeled away and came north through Blackney Pass just before dark. The others are nearing Robson Bight.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 20:51:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The eastbound groups, the I15s,the A36s, A5s and A4s are on their way out of the Reserve. Nothing further was heard from the A30s who continued west to Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 22:36:41 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Where to start? The A30s are currently travelling north through Blackney Pass. Someone is at the beaches rubbing and recently there was distant A5 calls on Critical Point. Earlier the A30s were with the A4s, A5s and A12s off Robson Bight before scattering in different directions east and west.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 01:08:14 PDT

No orcas present.

We last heard distant "resting" calls from the A30s on the Flower island hydrophone around 3am & have heard nothing since. We think the A30s probably continued to the north on the ebbing tide, though we're not sure.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 08:41:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just after starting a recording because the A30s were reported off of Bold Head in Blackfish Sound, we began hearing A5 calls in Johnstone Strait. We suspect this might be the start of the A12, A4, A5 parade from the east.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 10:42:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Time to catch up. The A30s came through Blackney Pass. They cleared CP around 1:55pm and after a slight pause they continued east crossing in the direction of the Reserve. The A23s and the A25s, meanwhile, had gone west, crossed to the entrance of Blackney Pass and then headed west tight to the Hanson shore. At 1pm they turned and crossed right over to the Vancouver Island side and headed east. Around 2pm they would have been off Kaikash Creek following the A30s to the east. Nice timing. meanwhile, the A11s are on their way west not far from the eastern end of the Reserve.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 14:33:23 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A11s went in for a rub while the A30s and A5s wait a little further west.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 15:27:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Thanks to Marie on the Cliff we know that the A24s, A11s (all) came from the east. The A30s and the A23s/25s (who had turned first at 4pm) are now moving west. There are groups on both sides of the Strait in the Sophia Island area.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 16:45:54 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

So the A30s, A25s,A23s and all the A4 went west up to the "top" end of Hanson I. ,turned around and now are back off the entrance to Blackney Pass and Cracroft Point. The tide isebbing now and as earlier the whales are working against the current.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 19:25:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Guess who is back? As the A30s and Co disappeared to the east the I15s are arriving in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 23:48:41 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning. We've heard no calls since just after midnight, when we think the A30s were passing the rubbing beaches, heading east. This means that all the A, G, & R clan groups here yesterday are probably still somewhere to the east of us.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 05:50:41 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We began hearing calls & echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. It sounds like the I31s, & possibly others, are making their way back to the west, & having a morning bite in the Bight.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 07:52:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are now close to the CrPt hydrophone. We're also hearing distant "A" calls.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 07:58:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The orcas, the I31s, I15s, A30s and A36s are moving westward through a maze of 300 dolphins ,who are spread out from CP to the Reserve and across the Strait. You can hear the dolphins in behind the orca calls. Most of the whales are coming up to the CP area but there are at least two lingering groups, one off Izumi and one off the rubbing beaches. Are the rest of yesterday's groups coming up from "below"?
Helena
30 Aug 2007 09:37:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Interesting day - aren't they all? The A36s, I15s and I31s may be thinking about catching the ebb through Weynton Pass. This decision happened after a few calls from the A36s. The A30s are still in the Strait probably in seperate groupings. A38/39 are closer to the BIght.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 10:54:02 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are certainly holding down the middle. The A36s, I15s and I31s did go out Weynton and the A30s moved toward the CP area just ahead of the Rs coming up from the east along the Vancouver Island shore. Nick Templeman reports that at 11am the A12s, A4s and A5s were also westbound (isn't everyone?) off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 11:42:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The Rs, following the A30s, are travelling west past the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 12:58:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

As the A30s head back eastward (past Kaikash), the Rs (R5s,R17s,R2s and possibly R7s) are carrying on to the west through Pearse Passage. The others, the A36s, I15s and I31s are still westbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide however, is in full flood and it is a big one. Only the A30s are going with the tide.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 15:01:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s have begun heading back to the east from CP, possibly to meet up with several groups of orcas coming west. They include at least some of the A4s, A5s, & A12s, who were reported to be heading west from Kelsey Bay around 11am today.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 16:08:51 PDT

Boat noise

Boy this was quick, The A12s,A5s and almost all of the A4s (only the small A11 group has not been accounted for so far) moved quickly to the west. The A30s doubled backed while the groups came "in" but now may also be westbound.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 17:50:56 PDT

Boat noise

We can only choose one description. Boat noise won. We can hear the very faint calls every so often but this just won't let up. Ah maybe, just maybe the boat is finally passing Critical Point. Perhaps now we may hear something more interesting.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 20:13:50 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Bight Party: A30s, A4s,A5s,?A12s
Helena
30 Aug 2007 20:43:32 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Bight party continues!
Helena
30 Aug 2007 21:26:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I31s are back from the east, now off CP.
Tomoko
29 Aug 2007 03:43:24 PDT

Superb sounds!!

and the I15s are there too.
Tomoko
29 Aug 2007 04:23:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're listening to the A30s, I15s, & at least some of the I31s as they head north through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Earlier, just before midnight, we began hearing them as they returned from the east. Their westward progress was slow as they made their way to the west, and they are still traveling slowly, against the last of the flooding tide. The A30s are ahead, now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Aug 2007 05:18:38 PDT

Boat noise

The I15s,A30s and I31 have moved on from Blackfish Sound to the west. The tide is against them (since 5am) and their exit was slow.
Helena
29 Aug 2007 07:01:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We've begun hearing distant "R" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The R5s & R17s have just entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. Behind them, still in Weynton Pass, are the I15s, A30s & possibly others. Earlier, around 10:30am, the various groups met up with each other on the north side of Malcolm Island. They've been traveling together towards Johnstone Strait since then. Sounds like a busy day ahead!
Helena
29 Aug 2007 13:43:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The lovely R5s,R17s R2s and perhaps the R7s once again have returned after being met in Queen Charlotte Strait by the A30s, I15s and I31s. Together, as reported, they all went through Weynton Pass while a very large group of dolphins, who had also come out of Queen Charlotte Strait, zipped into Blackney Pass. The orca groups are now well into Johnstone Strait, passing CP.
Helena
29 Aug 2007 14:57:07 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The Rs went east quickly, barely touching in at the main rubbing beach as they continued on. The I31s (all), the I15s and the A30s took a while longer to get to the Bight. The I31s have moved on eastward, the I15s are following and the A30s are still off the Bight after pausing off CP earlier. We had a very large group of dolphins in Blackney Pass obviously foraging. Exciting BUT the behaviour of several boats around the excitable dolphins was disappointing and just darn right rude at times. Just now, a rub hasstarted.
Helena
29 Aug 2007 17:39:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A30s also ventured briefly down to the beaches but they have just returned to Robson Bight.
Helena
29 Aug 2007 19:24:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the A30s have moved back to the west, as we're hearing their calls on the Cracroft Point hydrophone. We don't know where the other groups are, but they probably continued to the east after their late afternoon session at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
29 Aug 2007 21:21:46 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have returned to Robson Bight!
Helena
29 Aug 2007 22:33:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

So much for going east! - Not quite yet it seems. The whales have been stalled in the same general area since the last posting, with someone only lightly touching in at the rubbing beaches. The tide is now in full flood and this may help them decide. Today, we heard from Nick Templeman that the A11s, A35s and A73 were with the A30s near Nodales Channel, perhaps another incentive.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 00:20:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Good morning everyone. Things were quiet overnight, but we've heard a recent radio report of orcas headed west towards the Reserve. Soon, we may hear them. It's a wet & windy morning here.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 09:59:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We've begun hearing echolocation & G clan calls (sound like I31s) close to the Critical Point hydrophone. There may well be others headed west too.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 10:07:36 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Lots of movement now, groups are filing through & past the Ecological Reserve. So far we have heard I33s, A5s but more on the way.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 11:58:43 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Add I15, A1 and A4 calls to the list of whales up to Robson Bight.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:08:02 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is really sounding like the whole gang is back, A30s, A36s, A12s, A4s,A5s,I15s, and I33s. Still moving west.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:54:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Actually these groups are spread from Telegraph Cove back to west of the Reserve.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:59:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

I should mention that the A36s are at the western end of Blackfish and so far today the I35s have been seen in the groups furthest west (I15s are included in this group.)
Helena
28 Aug 2007 13:10:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the A36s rushed through Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound, the groups to the west of Blackney Pass turned back to the east, a few had ventured well into Weynton Pass before the turn.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 14:35:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales are not far off the entrance to Blackney Pass and CP area. Recently, A4s were the loudest. It is only 1/2 hour to the slack tide and then the tide will ebb. Will this be enough to encourage them all out via Blackney? Or will the stay Strait sid?
Helena
28 Aug 2007 17:04:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Definitely stayed Strait side.The calls were distant for so long we began to wonder if they were headed back to the west. Fortunately, calls got louder and we now believe the whales (the A12s,A30s,A4s.A5s,I15s,A36s have been heard) are headed to the Robson Bight area.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 18:43:10 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Getting even closer to Critical Point. The I31s need to be added to the list. No one left, the A36s came in. The wind has dropped (quite windy today),however, the rain continues.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 19:04:54 PDT

No orcas present.

And east they all went! - some 12 hours after arriving back from the east this morning.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 21:48:05 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight & think the various groups of orcas in the Strait yesterday are probably somewhere to the east of us (though we're not sure).
Helena
27 Aug 2007 07:17:01 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A radio report of a small group of orcas heading west off Naka Creek about 40' ago suggests that at least one of the groups that has been in the east is returning to our area. We are listening.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 10:39:35 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to close calls from the I31s, I15s & A12s as they arrive in Robson Bight on their way to the west. A short while ago some of them went into the Main rubbing beach briefly.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 12:38:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

An A5 group is passing CP, following after the I31s, A12s. The I15s and A36s are further away but also moving westward.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 14:19:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Since the last post: We think now that the I15s left via Weynton Pass at the time all the groups were opposite Telegraph Cove around 5pm. The I33s, A36s, A12s and A5s all then went back to the east. The A36s stalled off of the entrance of Blackney and eventually came north through the Pass. They were moving very quickly. The rest continued eastward and are now off Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:10:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Hmm... Just when we thought the whales were staging, getting ready to go past Critical Point, they stayed put. AND then the I15s turned up again so perhaps it was all about waiting for the I15s to catch up. Probably they didn't go out afterall. Will they go east now?
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:55:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like they may be going to the east afterall.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 22:27:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing "R" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. Possibly, they're returning from the east.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 04:44:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After receiving a report of a group mid strait heading west in Johnstone Strait, there have been a few I31 calls midrange on the Critical Point hydrophone. CP has not yet seen the whales. Also, today anearlier report of a small group off Sointula (inside side of Malcolm Island) at around 8am. Could this be the Rs skipping out? Or perhaps transients? It is an unusual route for residents but not unheard of.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 11:33:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s are also out there (east of CP, Johnstone Strait) with the I31s.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 12:28:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

And A36s too?
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:04:21 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sorry, I am trying to do something else and the groups keep coming! There are more A1 calls and A5s as well. Some of the groups have gone in for a rub on their way west.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:59:06 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

And after awhile the A4s too.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 15:27:33 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

CP reports that the I15s have passed them and are between the bottom end (east) of Hanson Island and Big Bay. They passed fairly close to Cracroft, about 1/4 off. The I65s were first, followed by the I16s who were travelling with A37, and then the I27s. Just now, A11 passed with I33 and I110 very close to the camp. The males were offshore at about 5oom. More whales can be seen headed toward CP from the east.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 16:25:22 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Whales are eastbound once again, headed back to the Bight area.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 20:27:23 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to a wonderful chorus of A & G clan calls in Robson Bight, near Critical Point. Unfortunately, boat noise is intruding & getting louder.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:11:32 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s & others have reached the rubbing beaches.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:57:01 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the various groups are probably on their way to the east in Jonstone Strait. We are waiting (sleeping).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:33:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're stil hearing faint calls on the Critical Point hdrophone, so not all the orcas have headed east (yet).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:55:01 PDT