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