Wednesday, October 31, 2007

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

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

Monday, October 29, 2007

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

Sunday, October 28, 2007

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

Saturday, October 27, 2007

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

Friday, October 26, 2007

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

Thursday, October 25, 2007

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

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

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

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

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

Monday, October 22, 2007

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

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Distant calls audible.

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

Saturday, October 20, 2007

No orcas present.

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

Friday, October 19, 2007

No orcas present.

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

Thursday, October 18, 2007

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

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

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

Monday, October 15, 2007

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

Sunday, October 14, 2007

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

Saturday, October 13, 2007

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

Friday, October 12, 2007

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

Thursday, October 11, 2007

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

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

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

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

No orcas present.

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

Monday, October 08, 2007

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

Sunday, October 07, 2007

No orcas present.

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

Saturday, October 06, 2007

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

Friday, October 05, 2007

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

Thursday, October 04, 2007

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

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

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

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

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

Monday, October 01, 2007

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