Internet connection down

Sorry everyone, but our internet connection has gone down again & will remain down until we can replace several radios in our wireless network. This will be a costly & time consuming excercise, but hopefully we'll be back again within a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, we wish you all the very best for this festive season... please take good care of yourselves and each other, and thank you, so much, for your continuing support of our efforts!
Paul & Helena
07 Dec 2008 17:18:38 PST

No orcas present.

We still have not heard the A12s today and wonder now if they were leaving when last heard. Time will hopefully make it all clearer. Today, is wet & windy - not at all like yesterday!
Helena
05 Dec 2008 15:42:19 PST

The A12s are back in the area

Distant calls audible.

An amazing sunrise this morning and distant calls as well!
Helena
04 Dec 2008 08:47:34 PST

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the A12s!
Helena
04 Dec 2008 08:50:27 PST

Distant calls audible.

We think the A12s may be heading back toward the Ecological Reserve now.
Helena
04 Dec 2008 14:26:46 PST

Southern and Northern Residents

No orcas present.

As promised. We are now able to report which whales were seen off Alert Bay on Nov.24th. The DFO has confirmed that it was part of the Ls. This is only the 2nd time that we know of that southern residents have chosen to head north in the late Fall via Johnstone Strait. Two years ago, southern residents came through in early December. At that time, it was dark so pictures were not possible. However, they were vocal. This time, we don't believe they were vocal while in range of our hydrophones but Paul was fortunate to be in town at the time they passed by and was able to take a few pictures. L85,L41,L77,L78,L79 and L25 were identified from the pictures. Thanks to Jared and Graeme for their help with the identifications.
Helena
02 Dec 2008 14:54:32 PST

Distant calls audible.

And now for Northern Residents! We are hearing both A5 and A1 calls in Johnstone Strait near the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
02 Dec 2008 20:25:42 PST

Transients near Stephanson Islands

No orcas present.

Here is a brief summary of the last few days. On Thursday, Nov 27, Jim Borrowman reported that he could see two male orcas by the Stephanson Islands across from Telegraph Cove. The day before, Nov. 26, he took photos of T7, T7A and T12A so he wondered if the whales he was seeing on the 27th were the same transient group. Meanwhile, there are still humpbacks and sea lions around. We are still waiting for the photos of the group of twenty to be processed. We will hopefully let you know soon. Grey, wet and sometimes windy days continue.
Helena
30 Nov 2008 10:53:09 PST

Unknown orcas

No calls but orcas nearby

A rather interesting day: approximately 20 orcas off Alert Bay early this afternoon. The whales headed west toward Port McNeill. We will know soon who this might have been. Stay tuned!
Helena
24 Nov 2008 21:50:29 PST

More transients

No calls but orcas nearby

Yet more transients in Blackney Pass this morning. The 7 were travelling in two groups and by the looks of it "on the hunt". Two humpbacks were also moving in the same direction not too far from the orcas. Lots of sea lions in the Pass. There were no calls that we were aware of. The orcas disappeared up into Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Nov 2008 10:59:19 PST

Transients in Blackfish Sound

No orcas present.

three days have gone by and nothing to really report. There have still been humpbacks and sea lions and there were two days of fabulous weather. Today, it is windy, grey and wet. Looking back over the last 20+ years, we believe this has been the shortest northern resident season to date. November is not over and there may be more to come but we are keeping track and mindful that this has been a dismal salmon season as well and that this probably provides a big clue about the orca's behaviours. Fingers crossed that they are enough finding food elsewhere.
Helena
20 Nov 2008 10:15:38 PST

Distant calls audible.

A small group of transients, close to the Hanson Island side of Blackney, and foraging, just went up into Blackfish Sound. They have made a few sounds and their splashing was quite audible too.
Helena
20 Nov 2008 16:14:14 PST

No orcas present.

The humpbacks are still hanging around the area and the sea lions have yet to move on. Typically grey November seas and skies round out the picture.
Helena
16 Nov 2008 21:47:47 PST

Dolphins and Humpbacks

Orcas near mics.

There be dolphins in the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
13 Nov 2008 14:12:26 PST

No orcas present.

This afternoon 4 humpbacks travelled through towards Blackfish Sound: Two adults together followed by a mum and calf. Dolphins and sea lions surrounded the whales.
Helena
13 Nov 2008 16:14:26 PST

No calls

No orcas present.

All pretty quiet today. We did hear of a report of an orca sighting in Johnstone Strait yesterday. We did not hear any calls yesterday.
Helena
12 Nov 2008 16:58:39 PST

Vocal Humpbacks in Blackfish Sound

No orcas present.

Audio is back. Sorry for the inconvenience and fingers crossed that it will last! We have not heard orcas since November 3rd but the humpbacks have been quite vocal. Hopefully, they will be again soon. Today, most of the calls were in Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass as the humpbacks moved back and forth.
Helena
10 Nov 2008 19:07:51 PST

A36s and Gs still around

Distant calls audible.

This morning we continued to hear the A36s, then the Gs and now the As once again. Possibly they took the ebb to the west this morning.
Helena
03 Nov 2008 12:03:26 PST

A36s and G17s are back!

Orcas near mics.

They are back! For the last while we have been listening to the A36s and the G17s in Blackfish Sound. It has been two weeks. The humpbacks and sea lions continue to be a presence in Blackney Pass as well.
Helena
02 Nov 2008 17:27:35 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

It sounds like at least the A36s made it to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
02 Nov 2008 19:43:28 PST

No orcas present.

Two humpbacks were just in front of the Lab. They were fairly close and once again surrounded by dozens of sea lions. It took a while but they finally showed some of their flukes and we managed to snap off a picture or two. Amazing air sounds and even a few spy hops. Nice trick, nice treat.
Helena
31 Oct 2008 15:15:04 PST

No orcas present.

It was a great night. The humpback was vocal on and off for a quite some time, nothing too extended but lots of clear calls in Blackfish Sound nevertheless, just lovely. Windy here this morning, October almost over.
Helena
30 Oct 2008 10:18:13 PST

Humpbacks calling

Superb sounds!!

We are definitely hearing humpback calls again! Quite exciting.
Helena
29 Oct 2008 18:36:42 PST

Humpback whales and Transients

No orcas present.

Well, it has been quite the day! Around 12:30pm we became aware of humpback calls in Blackfish Sound. Soon after a humpback came into Blackney surrounded by sea lions. The humpback was making lots of in-the-air noises. Another humpback came into view, further over, on the cusp of Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass. This humpback was also making lots of loud exhalations. Over the next few hours these whales went back and forth. The calls dropped off after a while.
Helena
28 Oct 2008 16:12:39 PST

No orcas present.

We got a report from the MacKays that 6 orcas, most likely transients, were in Port McNeill harbour area around 6:30pm. These whales headed west. The humpbacks are still in Blacknney Pass.
Helena
28 Oct 2008 21:05:13 PST

No orcas present.

We still have not heard the A30s return. Lots of sea lions around. The weather is fairly changeable.
Helena
26 Oct 2008 10:53:55 PST

A30s left to the north

No orcas present.

Yesterday and today (so far) have been very quiet. The last we heard from the A30s was when they faded off in the distance from Blackfish Sound two days ago.
Helena
23 Oct 2008 16:20:38 PDT

Distant A30 calls audible

We have been listening to the A30s in johnstone Strait since just before 11am.
Helena
21 Oct 2008 13:25:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
21 Oct 2008 15:56:45 PDT

A30s moving around in the area

Distant calls audible.

It has been aa nice day so far, after the storm, wind and rain (well almost after the rain)... the A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and left via Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
20 Oct 2008 14:46:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We had just restarted recording of the A30s in Blackfish Sound when we noticed T14 mid channel, heading north, through Blackney Pass!
Helena
20 Oct 2008 16:42:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are back in Johnstone Strait once again!
Helena
20 Oct 2008 19:21:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are back in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Oct 2008 08:03:10 PDT

A30s back on track

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are once again off the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Oct 2008 08:42:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are now back in Johnstone Strait. They most likely went through Weynton Pass to get there.
Helena
18 Oct 2008 10:37:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are now hearing distant A1 calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Oct 2008 13:57:29 PDT

A30s vocal but boatnoise intrudes

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are heading north through Blackney Pas. There is loud boat noise in Blackfish Sound. Once that clears we may hear the A30s again for they have been vocal continuously since 1am! (we lost our connection again but it is back now).
Helena
17 Oct 2008 18:33:04 PDT

G17 and A30 update

Distant calls audible.

We just recently heard the Gs once again, but we were not able to locate the calls. On the 14th, we know, in the afternoon, that the A30s and G17s circled back to Johnstone Strait by 3pm. They then went east to the entrance of Blackney Pass and through to Blackfish Sound by 5:45pm. They were last heard around 6:30pm. Yesterday, the two groups were seen heading into Queen Charlotte Strait around 1:30pm by Jim Borrowman. So we will see how they fare today. It is going to be a very windy day.
Helena
16 Oct 2008 09:18:21 PDT

A30s and G17s are back in JS

Orcas near mics.

Lovely morning, lovely calls! The whales are back in Johnstone Strait headed toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Oct 2008 08:28:21 PDT

A30s and G17s traveling around

Distant calls audible.

We've been listening to distant calls on the Flower Island hydrophone since a little before 8am. The calls (A & G clan) are getting louder, so there's a good chance the whales will head into Blackney Pass soon. Probably, they are the A30s & G17s, who came back from a couple of days in eastern Johnstone Strait last evening.
Helena
13 Oct 2008 08:49:31 PDT

While our connection was down today: The A30s and the G17s after a long sojourn off the western end of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass to Johnstone Strait. They then travelled east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. As the tide turned to ebb, the groups moved back to Weynton Pass and then through to Blackfish Sound again, just where the day started!
Helena
13 Oct 2008 18:01:06 PDT

Transients, G17s and A30s

No orcas present.

A bit late, but yesterday (Oct.11), just before noon, a group of transients (the T55s) turned up in Blackney Pass once again. They cruised a group of sea lions and probably made a kill. Jared Towers later identified the group in Johnstone Strait. The whales were vocal for quite a while. None of the calls were very loud on our system. Quiet day here, all the best to everyone this Canadian Thanksgiving.
Helena & Paul
12 Oct 2008 11:42:24 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We ae hearing close G17s and distant As in Johnstone Strait. There are dolphins as well. The groups must be coming back from the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Oct 2008 18:38:02 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Calls are getting further away. The groups probably carried on west in Johnstone Strait and left via Weynton Passage and are now crossing the top (western) end of Blackfish Sound. Nice calls!
Helena
12 Oct 2008 21:47:46 PDT

A30s and G17s in lower Johnstone Strait

No orcas present.

Early this morning just before 1am we heard A1 calls AND G17 calls in Johnstone Strait. Reports today mentioned a large group in the lower Strait. Exciting to think the patient A30s have company.
Helena
10 Oct 2008 18:59:41 PDT

A30s left the area through Blackney Pass

Orcas near mics.

The A30s once again have travelled north through Blackney Pass and are not in Blackfish Sound. A small humpback was just off our Local Left station as the A30s came into Blackney from Johnstone Strait. Sea lions were all over it and there were some interesting sounds made at the same time.
Helena
08 Oct 2008 12:47:24 PDT

A30s and Transients still in the area

No calls but orcas nearby

Whales everywhere, both transients and residents! The A30s were in Johnstone Strait this morning and may have just come through Blackney Pass headed to Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, there were also transients in Weynton Pass. Last night, we heard distant A1 calls around 2:15am.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 16:06:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing calls once again in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Oct 2008 19:17:13 PDT

Transients and A30s

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls amidst heavy boat noise on the Crritical Point hydrophone, probably from the A30s, who came back into Johnstone Strait around 9pm. (Our internet connection was down at the time).
Helena
05 Oct 2008 02:48:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Our connection has been unstable today. However, here is a short update of the day's events so far. The A30s disappeared to the east, oast Robson Bight, around 3am. They recently have returned to the Bight (around 10am). Prior to the A30s' return, a small group of transients were in Blackney Pass in the middle of about 500 dolphins, sealions and two humpbacks. In a second, the dolphins and sealion porpoised awy to the west and the humpbacks disappeared. The transients lingered a while longer before sauntering off to the west also.
Helena
05 Oct 2008 11:38:41 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard from the A30s once again earlier this evening. They became quiet after reaching the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the transients of this morning turned out to be the T55s (thanks to Graeme Ellis for the identification and later updates) who apparently made an extensive tour of the whole area, ending up in Blackfish Sound at the same time the A30s were off Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait. They may have turned back to the west. Also, the Island Roamer found another transient group in Baronet Channel headed toward Knight Inlet. A busy and at times very wet day!
Helena
05 Oct 2008 22:33:48 PDT

A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait, A36s lost

No orcas present.

The A30s spent the day in Queen Charlotte Strait after their morning session in Blackfish Sound. They apparently were very spread out the entire time, mostly north west of Lizard Point. After 4pm they were last seen heading west from Bere Point. Thanks to Stubbs Island for the update. No sign of the A36s who we last heard around 10pm in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
03 Oct 2008 17:52:10 PDT

A30s heading towards the Bight, A36s appear in Blackfish Sound

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing occasional calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, along with persistent boat noise. Sounds like the A30s have come back into Johnstone Strait, probably via Weynton Pass.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 01:12:01 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this morning, and don't know what happened to the A30s, who were in Johnstone Strait at the time (around 1:30am).
helena
02 Oct 2008 13:42:44 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby

Just after we posted our last note, we heard (from the Naiad Explorer) that the A30s are foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass, off CP. They are silent, so far as we know. Some dolphins (about 6) are there too.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 14:04:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are slowly making their way to the east in Johnstone Strait & are mid-strait off Kaikash pointing towards the western boundary of the Reserve. They are silent. Meanwhile, the A36 brothers have just been sighted at the "top" of Blackfish Sound & are slowly heading east towards Blackney Pass & Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 17:30:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We most likely are hearing the A36s in Blackfish Sound while the A30s continue in Johnstone Strait. Dolphins are vocal as well in the Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 19:25:50 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s are still in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 21:58:52 PDT

A30s travel north through Blackney Pass

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to close calls & echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone. After intense boat noise for the past while, there is almost none now, so the A30 calls are clear!
Helena
01 Oct 2008 08:14:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s just went north through Blackney Pass. They were altogether mid channel as they went into Blackfish Sound.
Helena
01 Oct 2008 12:09:22 PDT

A30s moved from Blackfish sound to Robson Bight

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have been in Blackfish Sound all morning, moving back and forth. Lots of boat noise and a few calls.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 13:49:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone. They have finally made it into Johnstone Strait, traveling south through Blackney Pass, all together, in a great rush, silently, and are now heading east towards Robson Bight, calling occasionally.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 16:30:35 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s sound as if they might be nearing the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 22:15:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are in Robson Bight & Pacific whitesided dolphins are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
30 Sep 2008 23:00:59 PDT

A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait?

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s were sighted in Queen Charlotte Strait earlier today, though we didn't hear them passing through from Johnstone Strait. We don't know where they are at the moment.
Helena
29 Sep 2008 17:39:31 PDT

A30s moving back and forward

No orcas present.

We have a somewhat connection so I thought to catch everyone up. Yesterday, was our first day in quite a while that there were no resident orcas around this area. We think the A30s went out to Queen Charlotte Strait the day before. Today, they were located there. Also, some transient groups and pacific whiteside dolphins have been around.
Helena
28 Sep 2008 19:36:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back and in the Bight already!
Helena
28 Sep 2008 22:11:57 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since yesterday afternoon, when we think the A30s were headed east from Robson Bight. No reports that we're aware of either. We are waiting.
Helena
26 Sep 2008 17:45:23 PDT

A30s resting and traveling to Blackfish Sound

No calls but orcas nearby

We began hearing the A30s calling on the CP hydrophone a little before 5:45am. Since then we've heard occasional "resting" (N3) calls. We think the A30s came from the east & are probably heading west in Johnstone Strait, though we're not sure. An orangey dawn is beginning here & a southeast wind is starting to blow.
Helena
23 Sep 2008 06:31:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are still in the vicinity of the entrance to Blackney Pass. They have been there most of the morning.
Helena
23 Sep 2008 11:05:17 PDT

Boat noise

The A30s have made their way north through Blackney Pass & are now in Blackfish Sound. A fuel barge is also heading north, making lots of noise.
Helena
23 Sep 2008 13:31:15 PDT

A30s still in the area traveling alone

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are in Robson Bight, very vocal, water noise is from a strong northwest wind.
Helena
22 Sep 2008 00:49:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have been fairly active throughout the night. Between 4 and 5am they were off the Bight and now they may be heading back west along the Vancouver Island side near Kaikash Creek.
Helena
22 Sep 2008 09:00:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Once again we are listening to the A30s near the Ecological Reserve. Earlier, the A30s went out via Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Sep 2008 21:45:13 PDT

A30s navigating in the area

No orcas present.

The a30s sure have been interesting lately. Yesterday, we had the feeling that they went east of Robson Bight. In the morning, they turned up in Blackney Pass. After a circle around hanson Island they ended up traveling back to the east once again. But tracking their movements has proven to be a wee bit of a challenge as they are travelling, for the most part, silently. Today, was no exception and except for a brief burst of calls upon entering Johnstone Strait in the afternoon and after another even shorter bout when they were near the Bight, there has been very long and silent gaps. This often happens when a single group is by themselves and they are travelling closely together but it keeps us on our toes and we are not surprised to find them in any location.So far tonight, the last known location was near the Bight.
Helena
21 Sep 2008 22:45:07 PDT

A30s foraging near the RB

Orcas near mics.

The A30s came back to Johnstone Strait this morning and went east past Robson Bight. They are just now returning to the Bight headed west. We have heard close echo location.
Helena
20 Sep 2008 10:47:35 PDT

A30s in near Bere Pt at Malcolm Island

Orcas near mics.

We have been listening to the A30s once again close to Critical Point.
Helena
19 Sep 2008 03:06:49 PDT

Hi Paul & Helena, Kate and I spent 5 hours watching the A30,s foraging and resting off Bere & Malcolm Points. We last saw them headed east passing Bere Point at 19:00hrs, aprox 1mile offshore. Inbound. Take Care & hope they make it back down your way.
Troy@Malcolm Island
19 Sep 2008 21:23:09 PDT

A30s in the Bight

Orcas near mics.

Well we seem to be connected and at the moment the A30s have traded places with the A12s once again, coming into Johnstone Strait this afternoon. The A12s left yesterday evening. Nice calls for the last while as the A30s near Robson Bight.
Helena
18 Sep 2008 23:18:01 PDT

A30s and I31s in the Bight

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to echolocation & calls from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone (no boat noise for the moment) as they make their way west through Robson Bight. Possibly, the I31s will soon follow, as they were together last night, heading east from the Bight.
Helena
15 Sep 2008 07:09:41 PDT

A12s out via BP, A30s and I31s in JS

Distant calls audible.

Our up and down internet is difficult to work around and today was no exception. For your information: In short, the A12s went out via Blackney Pass just before 1 am. That left the A30s and the I31s still in johnstone Strait. This afternoon these two groups came back into range from the east. It was a pretty low keyed day with the I31s doing most of the vocals, and most of the time, just resting calls. We are not sure where the A36s ended up. Now, the fog has closed in.
Helena
14 Sep 2008 18:40:32 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely sounds from the A30s and the I31s in the Bight!
Helena
14 Sep 2008 19:41:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Right now we are listening to the A30s, A36s, A12s and the I31s. Earlier today the A12s went west into Queen Charlotte Strait and picked up the I31s while the A30s hooked up with the A36s who possibly arrived back from the east. Before the A12s returned with the I31s via Weynton Pass this afternoon, the A30s and the A36s paced Johnstone Strait. As they all got togethereast of the entrance to Weynton Pass a small group of transients decided the Strait was too crowded and they turned back east just shy of Cracroft Point. The resident groups are now east bound as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2008 17:28:51 PDT

A30s and A12s nearby..

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are spread out off the Sophias, heading west, should be within range of the CP hydrophone soon.
Helena
12 Sep 2008 09:30:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Nice day, the A12s came back in via Weynton Pass while the A30s stalled off of Cracroft Point. TheA12s made an initial attempt to come through Blackney Pass after they arrived off the entrance of Blackney Pass. They retreated briefly but then traelled all the way through to Blackfish Sound. They moved slowly and stayed together in mid channel. The A30s finally moved on themselves but they stayed in Johnstone Strait. However, they were like the A12s and travelled mid strait as they went east. Just a few calls and then silence.
Helena
12 Sep 2008 17:16:01 PDT

Orca-Live back online

Superb sounds!!

After a very long time out, we're streaming live audio again. We don't know how long it will last, as our internet connection problem hasn't been solved completely. However, for the moment, we are pleased to be able to bring you the wonderful voices of the A30s in Robson Bight!
Paul & Helena
10 Sep 2008 20:23:28 PDT

Boat noise

We believe the A30s headed off past Critical Point to the east in Johnstone Strait. It is slack tide at the moment (changing to a flood tide) and the whales and the boats are on the move.
Helena
10 Sep 2008 21:56:12 PDT

A30s and A24s near Malcolm Island

Ellen reports

Down at the backside of Malcolm Island we meet up with the A30s, and a whole bunch of their friends, I id A60 and A66 in there, also A24s, so it seems the same bunch we saw last week. They were in resting mode, but we had a few spyhops and lots of tailslaps, so lots to see.
The whales went off toward Fife Sound as we watched just off Lizard Point and the A36s were reported up north near Pile Island, so we are wondering if they escorted the I11s out and are bringing new ones back with them.
Ellen@Port McNeill
01 Sep 2008 17:12:49 PDT

I11s, A12s and Transients

Sharon reports
We saw the I11s again and then came across some transients who were very busy killing a sea lion. We were spared the grisley details but were able to hear them after the kill and they sounded like yowling cats, very cool.We also saw the A12s and Echo has a very beautiful tall dorsal now and is a handsome boy.
Sharon@Pt McNeill
30 Aug 2008 22:22:24 PDT

A36s and A12s sighted.

Sharon reports
We had another good day on the water. We saw the three brothers again and the A12s this day off CP.We spent quite a while in the tide rip in front of CP which was exciting.
Sharon@Pt McNeill
28 Aug 2008 21:09:11 PDT

Rubbing at Bere Point

Ellen reports:
We rounded Malcolm Point we saw the first Orcas. I was able to id I64 right away and there was an awful lot of familiar tall dorsal fins in there... I had a feeling we had the A36s there. The whales were heading for the beaches at Bere Pt and we witnessed a short rub there, amazing! Lots of socialization, amazing vocals, spyhops, breaches, everything in the orca manual book :) All in all I was positively able to id the A30s, A24s, A23's, A8s, A36s, I11s I hope I didn't miss anyone.
Ellen@Port McNeill
27 Aug 2008 17:20:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We have the A12s, A24s and all the A5s in the strait going west again. They do everyday the same, going up and down the strait. Nice to have them around. The A36s came back from the east last night around 10pm and went out through Blackney this morning at 4am. We hearing very distant calls on CP now. A lot of strange imitation calls today. So sad you cannot hear them. But hopefully soon. Cross your fingers.
Melanie
16 Aug 2008 14:21:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are so sorry that the live audio is still not working.But the internet is still on and off. A short update. The A12´s, all A5´s and the A24´s are in the bight, close to the hydrophone we can hear A12calls. A55, A62, A67 and A83 were a bit far off the others. All going east. We had a report of the A36´s coming up from the east. So maybe they join the others soon. This morning we had the A30´s with the I31´s in Blackfish Sound, after the A30´s went out last night they brought the I31´s back in. But they went already out again to the west.
Melanie
15 Aug 2008 15:42:25 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Just try to give you an update. Our connection is still on and off. We had the A30s, A36s, A12s and A11s yesterday joining the A5s and A24s in Johnstone Strait. The A36s and A12s went far to the east. Today we have the A12s, A30s, A5s and A24s in the strait, going back and forth. The A11s went out yesterday evening. We saw the new calf of A35 and A64. They looking great. It's so good to see new babys. Now somebody is rubbing without calling. The rest is still in the bight. We had a report that all groups going slowly to the east. Maybe they will pick up the A36s, which were on the way back to the west. Lets see.
Melanie
14 Aug 2008 18:40:25 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are still experiencing internet connection problems, so are not able to stream live audio reliably at this time. Please accept our apologies. Hopefully, we will solve the problem soon, and meanwhile are sending our best wishes to you all, along with our thanks for your support & patience.
Paul & Helena
13 Aug 2008 21:16:55 PDT

A4s A5s and A36s moving in and out.

Distant calls audible.

Hello,our internet connection is going on and off and just now I will give you a short update. Last night the A36´s, A24´s and the A5´s came into Blackney went north very slow. After about an hour the A24´s and A5´s turned and went back south to the strait. The A36´s went out. So we had the night and today the same game like the last two weeks, the A24´s and the A5´s are going back and forth in the Johnstone Strait. Now we are listing to the A5´s distant on Crpt. We will see how long the internet connection keeps going this time.
Melanie
11 Aug 2008 18:47:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A5´s and prob. the A24´s were in the Johnstone Strait going back and forth. Sounds like they went east. But probably not long. We had short calls from the A36´s in Blackfish Sound. Do they call them? We will see.
Melanie
11 Aug 2008 21:20:27 PDT

Orca-Live back online!

No calls but orcas nearby

Finally we have internet connection again. The A5´s, A24´s and the A36´s (who came last night in throught Blackney) are in Johnstone Strait probably still eastbound. We expecting them on the Rubbing Beaches. Hopefully everthing works good and we are online.
Melanie
10 Aug 2008 16:16:28 PDT

No orcas present.

The A5´s and the A24´s passed the eastern boundary of the reserve, still eastbound. We don´t know exactly what happend to the A36´s, it is not important that they went out through Weynton. Lot of boatnoise in Blackfish Sound.
Melanie
10 Aug 2008 17:21:18 PDT

Lots of movement today. Internet connection down

Multiple pod calls audible.

It seems we're connected again, after being down most of the night. Sorry about that, as it has been very exciting vocally & socially. There has been a lot of movement since yesterday. The groups that were in the east came quickly back to the west in the afternoon & met up with the I15s/I31s, who had spent hours resting in western Johnstone Strait yesterday afternoon before heading into the beaches for an excited rub just before the A11s & co met them around 7pm. The A12s & A36s came back into the Strait via Weynton Pass & headed east just before dark. Most of the groups headed north via Blackney Pass around midnight & then headed back into the Strait around 3am. At the moment, the A30s & I31s are in Blackfish Sound. We think the A12s headed east from Robson Bight around 3am.
Helena
29 Jul 2008 06:18:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A11s, followed by the A5s, have just travelled north through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide.
Helena
29 Jul 2008 07:37:04 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry but our internet connection is down at the moment... we are working on the problem but don't know when it will be fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Paul
29 Jul 2008 21:50:13 PDT

I15s and I31s returning from the east. A36s and A12s are there too.

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Good morning everyone! After a sleepy night (for us) we began hearing calls on the rubbing beaches hydrophone a short while ago... sounds like the I15s/I31s & an "A1" group are returning from the east.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 07:28:28 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like some of the orcas are having a bite in the Bight on their way west.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 07:58:02 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s have turned into Blackney Pass ahead of the I15s and I31s who are just making their way out of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 10:39:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Actually, the I15s and the I31s have not yet made it into Blackney Pass proper. They fell asleepand are still between CP and the bottom (east) end of Hanson Island. (Jared Towers report)
Helena
28 Jul 2008 11:19:03 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Surprise! We've just had the A12s (all of them) travel north through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 12:49:34 PDT

I15s, I31s and the boys (A36s) arrived in Johnstone Strait

Multiple pod calls audible.

A lot has been happening while we were "down". First of all, this morning we have heard the I15s and possibly other G clan members arrive into Johnstone Strait. We are also hearing A1 calls and hopefully soon will sort out who. Yesterday, the A30s continued west toward the A24s and A5s who spent the day in the Lower Johnstone Strait (Nick Templeman report). Then yesterday evening, A12 and A33 travelled through Blackfish Sound,Blackney Pass and into Johnstone Strait. They were first seen by Troy Bright at Berre Point. They looked well and energetic, foraging as they travelled past us. A small minke kept company briefly. Again this morning, we had a group of dolphins who added to the mix.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 08:00:39 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Indeed, the plot thickens! It is the A36s who are the A1s in Johnstone Strait! Right now they are off Cracroft Point.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 08:21:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales have moved on toward the Ecological Reserve. The "Cliff" is trying to figure out who all is there.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 09:03:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

This parade has no end. We are now listening to A4 calls!
Helena
27 Jul 2008 09:09:23 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the orcas (A4s) have reached the rubbing beaches!
Helena
27 Jul 2008 09:46:02 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We think that the A11s are there today (at the Beaches)
Helena
27 Jul 2008 10:14:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A11s, A36s & others have turned back to the west & are spread out across the Strait opposite Naka Creek. They are moving slowly but should be within range of our hydrophones again before long.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 14:10:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We started hearing I11s or I31 type calls just a while ago. Sounds like the whales are passing off the Rubbing beaches to the west.
Tomoko
27 Jul 2008 14:54:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After passing the Beaches, the I15s, I31s and the A36s turned back to the west. They have now passed CP and are on their way west. The A11s, who were seen earlier have not been yet identified as part of this western run. Meanwhile, the A30s,A5s, A12s and A24s were in the Lower Johnstone Strait where at least some, if not all, went southeast of Nodales Channel.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 17:15:14 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sorry, a bit late but these good calls have been (and are) on Flower Island, Blackfish Sound. The i31s, I15s and A36s left Johnstone Strait earlier and went through Weynton Passage until they got to the other side.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 19:43:51 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, I15s & I31s have been making their way south through Blackney Pass over the last while, and are now entering Johnstone Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 20:30:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

And now, of course eastbound to the Reserve.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 21:29:10 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

That was a nice all pod rub!
Helena
27 Jul 2008 22:31:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The rub seems to be over. What now? The tide is still flooding for an hour. Will this encourage them to go looking for the other groups to the east?
Helena
27 Jul 2008 22:53:55 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are at the Rubbing Beaches now.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 11:58:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are actually calling now.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 11:06:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s continued east. They are now just about to enter the Ecological Reserve. Meanwhile, the A5s and A24s were reported off Camp Point (east Johnstone Strait) this morning.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 11:04:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

No, No, No.... the calss are not from the groups coming from the east but newly arriving A30s via Weynton Pass! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Helena
26 Jul 2008 09:26:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There are distant calls on Critical Point, perhaps the whales coming back from the east.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 09:22:59 PDT

No orcas present.

The groups went in for a rub and we believe they kept going east afterwards.
Helena
26 Jul 2008 00:26:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A4s, A5s and the A34s came up even with the entrance of Blackney Pass and now seem to be turning back to theeast once again.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 20:42:44 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The rub is finished and the A24s and the A5s are westbound. The A8s are midstrait opposite Critical Point while others are deep into the estuary. We can also hear the A24s and the A34s.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 18:26:56 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the A5s touched in at the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 16:59:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A24s and the A5s (all) came back west from Naka Creek while the A34s sauntered up to Beaver Cove, west of Telegraph Cove. They eventually turned around and began a slow movement back to the east as the A24s and the A5s turned ahead of them and moved into the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 16:31:04 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A34s crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and continued west along the Hanson Island shore. Meanwhile, the A8s, A2s and the A51s got to Naka Creek and then turned west.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 13:33:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to the A34s calls on CP hydrophone. They are heading west off CP. Seems like others continued to the east.
Tomoko
25 Jul 2008 12:44:59 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the orcas have reached the Main rubbing beach!
Helena
25 Jul 2008 10:44:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A further quick update as it happens: The A8s and the a23s have turned up back in Johnstone Strait eastbound off Kaikash Creek. They most likely used Weynton Pass.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 09:24:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Nice surprise! We just heard A51s group in Blackfish Sound! We had been listening to the A24s, A8s and A23s in Johnstone Strait but after a brief gap in their calls we heard A5 calls in Blackfish. Soon after we heard blows and saw fins in the moonlight pass north through Blackney Pass. We assume the A8s, A23s and A24s were on their way to meet up with the newcomers. It will be interesting to "see" what happens next for the tide is ebbing for quite a while longer.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 01:14:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The various groups have all continued to the west, probably on the Vancouver Island of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Jul 2008 23:21:02 PDT

Orcas near mics

There are A5 calls as well:The A8s and the A23s are also westbound.
Helena
24 Jul 2008 22:26:38 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Someone touched in at the Beaches on their way to Critical Point. We are now hearing A24 calls so perhaps they are in the lead.
Helena
24 Jul 2008 21:13:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We just heard a report that there are westbound whales near Boat Bay (Cracroft island, opposite Robson Bight).
Helena
24 Jul 2008 21:00:26 PDT

No orcas present.

After hearing the last very faint calls at the east end of the Reserve at 1:10am, it was an uneventful night. We think the orcas continued eastward.
Helena
24 Jul 2008 07:35:14 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

After coming in close to Critical Point the A4 and A5 groups seemed to go around the "corner". The A5s have already been to the beaches. The A34s were still west of Critical Point.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 22:36:20 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like the A4s,A5s and the A34s have moved back toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 21:08:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups continued to the west.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 20:17:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Despite the boat noise in Johnstone Strait the calls have been quite clear at times as they come near the hydrophones. The Cliff" had the A34s, A23s, A8s and A24s pass by and by now the groups are passing CP, some in quite close.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 19:05:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Orcas have returned from the eastern parts of johnstone Strait andare entering the eastern end of the Reserve.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 16:32:30 PDT

No orcas present.

It has been quiet (except for boat noise) since around 1am. We think several of the groups from yesterday (A12s, A5s, at least some A4s) remained in Johnstone Srtrait & were probably headed east by midnight. At least one C group headed north via Blackney Pass around 12:30am. It's a quiet morning here, on & under the water. We are waiting.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 08:01:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Curious. More questions. We are hearing both A4 and Cs in Johnstone Strait. Have the A11s come west after the rub? Did all the Cs go out to Blackfish Sound? Did some stay? Or have they looped around Hanson Island?
Helena
22 Jul 2008 22:41:35 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Oh boy! The A11s are rubbing while the Cs travel into Blackfish Sound. Both are vocal.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 20:47:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Marie, staying late on the Cliff, reports that the Cs are with the A11s opposite Robson Bight headed east.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 20:16:37 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It has been interesting trying to figure out all of the movement around the area. It now appears the A11s (including Springer) arrived in the Strait possibly past Alert bay. As they were making their way east, the Cs went past the Cliff to the west, ignoring the A5s, A34s and possibly the A24s (an earlier arrival this afternoon) who continued east to the eastern end of the Reserve. We still have plenty of questions and tracking.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 19:22:26 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Several developments! More orcas have been sighted heading east past Alert Bay; the A4 group that came in via Weynton Pass has made it as far as the rubbing beaches; the A5s & A34s are headed towards the Cracroft side from Robson Bight; and the Cs are westbound again, now off the Sophias.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 18:44:33 PDT

There have been new developments. The A4s are back via Weynton Pass. They are now eastbound in Johnstone Strait. The A8s and the A23s are westbound to meet them. Currently, they are moving toward Cracroft Point. The A34s are following.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 17:21:44 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The Cs and the A34s are headed to the Ecological Reserve and the whales coming from the east have been identified as the A23s and A28.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 13:52:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The Cs just went south through Blackney Pass. They were very spread out but we believe both matrilines (C10s and C6s) were there. They are entering Johnstone Strait now. The A34s headed west past the entrance of Blackney Pass along the Vancouver Island shore earlier. Another group of orcas were also seen heading west at the Broken Islands (lower Johnstone Strait).
Helena
22 Jul 2008 12:21:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing calls from newly arriving orcas on the Flower island hydrophone! Meanwhile, the A34s are westbound on the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, around Kaikash.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 10:26:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After a busy night moving back and forth through Johnstone Strait, Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound, the A12s eventually ended up off the Rubbing beaches and eastbound from there by 5:55am. Just now, they are returning west off of the Ecological Reserve. We lost track of the A5s around midnight when they were still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 08:57:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s made only a brief tour of Blackfish Sound. As the tide turned they have travelled back toward Johnstone Strait. One whale (?A55) has streaked ahead of the others and is already rushing eastward.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 03:13:24 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have travelled through Blackney Pass and are now vocal in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 02:29:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the whales are westbound from the Beaches.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 21:42:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The orcas are at the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 20:37:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We have been listening to T14 who followed the rest of the transients through Blackney Pass. He continued into Johnstone Strait where, once off Cracroft Point, he became vocal. The others had already moved into Baronet Pass (the north side of Cracroft Island adjacent to Blackney Pass). T14 moved back into the entrance of Blackney Pass, still in Johnstone Strait, and continued to call. He is still westbound while the others continued east up Baronet. The residents are continuing eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 16:17:19 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A8s and A23s are moving west again opposite the Sophia islands. Meanwhile, yesterday's transient group (T124, T124D, T124E, T90s, T21s) are eastbound in Blackfish Sound not far from Blackney Pass. They took a dalls porpoise a short while ago.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 14:51:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

THE A12s met up with the A5s (who came up from the east) and immediately formed a social, resting line. They are doing lots of spyhops but almost no calls. Right now, they are mid Robson Bight.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 12:21:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those were the A12s arriving back to Johnstone Strait! Hundreds of dolphins are rushing southward through Blackney at the moment.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 06:26:33 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe they continued west past Cracroft Point but at this point it is not clear what they did soon after. We are waiting.
Helena
20 Jul 2008 22:50:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A23s and the A8s (except A60 who is mid strait) are travelling west along Vancouver Island just shy of Kaikash Creek. Thanks Lukwa Wayne for the report. Also, Donna reported that the whales to the west were last reported near the Port Hardy airport headed east.
Helena
20 Jul 2008 20:18:18 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Medium range A5 calls at the east end of the Ecological Reserve, whales are west bound, next stop Critical Point.
Helena
20 Jul 2008 18:45:20 PDT

No orcas present.

We were hoping that a late report via the MacKays last would develop into something interesting from the west. All quiet last night andthis morning we found out from Nick Templeman that the A23s and the A8s were still very far to the east, however, they were west bound and as of an hour ago, they were off Kelsey Bay, still moving west. Last night, the Boat Bay camp heard 5-6 blows in the Reserve. Just now a small group of transients are headed into Knights Inlet quickly.
Helena
20 Jul 2008 12:37:13 PDT

No orcas present.

Jack Springer "down east" reported to the "Cliff" that the A23s and the A8s spent yesterday in Frederick Arm. We also heard that the A11s have been spending some time in Queen Charlotte Strait lately so they have not gone too far away. Promising news.
Helena
19 Jul 2008 10:08:51 PDT

No orcas present.

The excitment this afternoon was the reports of T14 making progress eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait. We waited and waited but we never saw him.
Helena
18 Jul 2008 19:21:56 PDT

No orcas present.

We are not aware of any close at hand activity over night. We checked in with the "Cliff" and they had the same impression. It was too, too windy (NW) to hear blows and ther has been no word from the eastern whale watchers yet this morning.
Helena
18 Jul 2008 09:11:10 PDT

No orcas present.

Our tuckered out sleepy A5s made their way back eastward, past CP, past the Cliff and onward.
Helena
17 Jul 2008 16:51:48 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A23s and the A8s did it to us again! They are back and managed to get all the way to Telegraph Cove before being seen. Thanks to Stubbs Island for the heads up report.
Helena
17 Jul 2008 09:17:32 PDT

No orcas present.

The usual suspects are wandering the lower Johnstone Strait thhis morning still going eastward.
Helena
16 Jul 2008 11:47:57 PDT

No orcas present.

They have done the BIG LOOP again! Last night, Marie from the Cliff, saw 3 orcas enter Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. Later, around midnight, the camp opposite Robson Bight, saw a group of whales head east "down" the Strait. We did not hear any calls after 8pm last night.
Helena
16 Jul 2008 09:09:59 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A8s and the A23s continued east to Critical Point where they turned at 4:45pm and crossed back to the Cracroft Island side. From there they followed the Cracroft Island shoreline until the entrance of Blackney Pass. They then turned into the Pass and are now headed to Blackfish Sound. They have been very quiet all day.
Helena
15 Jul 2008 18:53:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales are off the western tip of Hanson Island now.
Helena
15 Jul 2008 14:15:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Busy morning! The A23s and the A8s, in johnstoen Strait, have turned to the west. The A23s with a28 are on the cracroft island side once again and have passed the Cliff and are headed to the Pig Ranch near the Sophia islands. The a42s are on the other side off Robson Point (the west side of Robson Point).
Helena
15 Jul 2008 12:06:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A23s and the A8s must have made a loop around Hanson Island once again for they are back in Johnstone Strait this morning heading east past the Reserve.
Helena
15 Jul 2008 09:10:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We believe the A5s went through Blackney Pass and are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Jul 2008 00:13:51 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A5 calls became very loud in the entrance to Blackney Pass. We are trying to figure out if they have gone north through the Pass. There is a lot of wave noise which is making it hard to hear blows and calls have dropped off.
Helena
15 Jul 2008 00:07:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing calls on Cracroft Point.
Helena
14 Jul 2008 23:27:33 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A23s and the A8s are passing the Western Boundary of the Reserve headed east. They turned earlier off Blinkhorn and made the trip eastward silently. A small group of dolphins were attentive to A60 for a while before heading toweard the others.
Helena
14 Jul 2008 18:38:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

And also some dolphins!
Helena
14 Jul 2008 15:16:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are just beginning to hear A5 calls on CP! Most of the A8s were travelling up the Vancouver Island side while the a23s and A28s were on the cracroft island side.
Helena
14 Jul 2008 15:04:33 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just heard a report that there are whales at the eastern end of the Reserve. No IDs yet but they may be heading west.
Helena
14 Jul 2008 13:22:37 PDT

No orcas present.

Pretty quiet overnight so this morning we are enjoying a calm, overcast start to the day.
Helena
14 Jul 2008 09:18:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just a short while ago ther were a few dolphin calls.
Helena
13 Jul 2008 23:03:39 PDT

Boat noise

As far as we know the A5s continued eastward. There was a report of whales in Queen Charlotte Strait this morning. Nice to imagine it was the absent A11s. We will see what develops overnight. Lovely sunny day with humpbacks, dall porpoise and minke whales,
Helena
13 Jul 2008 22:53:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We just heard from the "Cliff". As the fog cleared they suddenly were aware of the A5s, all together, mid strait opposite Robson Point, heading east. We have not heard any calls.
Helena
13 Jul 2008 09:51:52 PDT

No orcas present

Once the whales got into Blackfish Sound they became vocal for a while longer before fading off into the distance. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
13 Jul 2008 09:10:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

And once again these groups passed north through Blackney Pass into Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Jul 2008 00:21:37 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Well this is interesting! We are hearing A4 and A5 calls in the entrance of Blackney Pass once again.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 23:10:04 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A11s and the A5s came up to Cracroft point once again but this time they turned into Blackney Pass and rushed northward into Blackfish Sound. A60 was very active, waiting for the A8s to push through,foraging and posrpoising along. The whales were spread right across Blackney. They are now all in Blackfish Sound, still vocal.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 18:14:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The boats let us know that the G17s headed off towards Sointula - a quick tour with an interesting departure choice. At 1:40pm the A11s (all of them) and the A8s and A23s turned off the Wastells and began their journey back to the east while the G17s departed for points west.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 14:42:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A11s, A5s and G17s are continuing west past the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 12:33:20 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A4s,A5s and Gs are approaching the Cracroft Point/Blackney Pass area.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 12:06:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales, after a brief rub, turned and headed back to the west. One group on Vancouver Island is just clearing the western boundary of the Reserve and others are opposite the "Cliff" across from Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 11:32:15 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We still are unable to listen to our normal range. But the "Cliff" was able to update our reports as the groups (the A11s,G17s and A5s) passed Critical Point.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 10:13:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A4s and the Gs took advantage of the slack tide and went into Johnstone Strait where we think we heard A5 calls as well. All are east bound toward the Reserve by now. Also a report via Nic Templeman that 3 large male fins were seen at 7:15am off Stimpson Reef.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 09:19:25 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have new groups arriving! Calls on Flower Island.
Helena
12 Jul 2008 06:05:55 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The orcas continued westward. Thanks to the Columbia for the update.
Helena
11 Jul 2008 22:00:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A23s and the A8s have finally made it back to this part of Johnstone Strait. They are now opposite (or just west of) the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Jul 2008 20:46:57 PDT

No orcas present.

We didn't hear anything over night and there have been no reports of any orca activity so far this morning. There is a humpback in Blackney Pass and the winds have died down.
Helena
11 Jul 2008 09:17:45 PDT

No orcas present.

It is a very blustery but sunny day here in the upper Johnstone Strait. We are still waiting for the A8s and the A23s to come back from the east. Yesterday, two dalls porpoises came right into our bay which was very unusual and exciting.
Helena
10 Jul 2008 12:44:41 PDT

No orcas present.

Today, the A23s and the A8s stayed in the lower Johnstone Strait. At 2pm they were off Ripple Point pointing towards Nodales Channel. Thanks to Nic Templeman for the update this afternoon. We did hear a few dophins early this evening in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
09 Jul 2008 22:35:14 PDT

No orcas present.

Sorry about the poor connection. We did hear calls (briefly) during the night just after 2am. The calls we distant but again in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Jul 2008 07:16:37 PDT

No orcas present.

Our connection has been going up and down all day. We are trying to get it stable so bear with us. Meanwhile the A23 and the A8s went up to Weynton Passage entrance, spread out across the Strait, and at 4pm they turned back to the east. At 6:20pm they went past Critical Point and continued east.
Helena
08 Jul 2008 21:37:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A23s and the A8s are continuing to the west past the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
08 Jul 2008 15:12:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A8s and the A23s are trekking westward. The A8s are in front and closer to the Cracroft side. The A23s and A28 are following are were closer to vancouver Island. We have already heard the A8s briefly on CP. Very wet and very misty this morning and our connection was down for a while.
Helena
08 Jul 2008 14:14:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A23s and the A8s went up to the western end of Hanson Island by 6pm. From there they turned back to the east and just a short while ago we heard them off of Cracroft Point. Perhaps they will continue eastward. The tide is dropping but they have been swimming against the tide all day. Interesting note: CetaceaLab has seen the A30s and A4s and heard A5 calls as well. Seeming the A51s have not been seen here we have to conclude they are still north.
Helena
07 Jul 2008 19:41:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

That call was from the A5s who are approaching the Cracroft Point area in Johnstone Strait. After continuing east to the Rubbing beaches (our system there is not working at the moment) they turned back to the west at 4:50pm.
Helena
07 Jul 2008 16:46:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A23s and the A8s gave us a thrill and decided to use the back eddiy close to hanson island for their route back to johnstone Strait against the tide! The new calf from our view looked to be definitely swimming alongside of A42. They have all cleared from our sight and are headed to the Strait. calls are infrequent at this stage.
Helena
07 Jul 2008 12:30:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A8s and the A23s have gone west in Johnstone Strait, entered Weynton Pass and are now crossing the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Jul 2008 10:36:04 PDT

No orcas present.

It seems that the A5s continued to the east. We have not heard any more reports since early afternoon when they were past Boat Bay and still eastbound. It has become unclear whether A28 actually has a calf. Today there were conflicting reports but two very reliable observers saw a new calf with A42 and not A28 so the story is still to be told. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities to sort this out.
Helena
06 Jul 2008 21:46:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A5s (including A28 and her new little one!) turned east just shy of Blinkhorn and headed for the ecological Reserve around 10am.
Helena
06 Jul 2008 11:59:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing A5 calls of Cracroft Point every so often.
Helena
06 Jul 2008 09:27:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a report just before 8am that a group of 8 orcas were headed west from Boat Bay on Cracroft Island. We are waiting to hear if they will be vocal on CP.
Helena
06 Jul 2008 08:26:19 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a report just before 8am that a group of 8 orcas were headed west from Boat Bay on Cracroft Island. We are waiting to hear if they will be vocal on CP.
Helena
06 Jul 2008 08:26:14 PDT

No orcas present.

We didn't hear anything more during the rest of the night. Shortly after the orcas there was a burst of dolphin calls. The morning here is misty with slight rain.
Helena
06 Jul 2008 07:32:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The arriving orcas, after stalling in Blackney Pass are now in Johnstone Strait. Definitely "A" calls but very, very faint and already distant as if they travelled to the far side of the Strait before calling. We are somewhat handicapped by not having the Critical Point hydrophone at the moment but imagine the whales are eastbound headed toward the Ecological Reserve. Rather lovely to be hearing calls however distant!
Helena
06 Jul 2008 01:17:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We can hear blows from orcas heading south in Blackney Pass, no calls so far, not sure if they are residents or transients.
Helena
05 Jul 2008 23:24:02 PDT

No orcas present.

We didn't hear any calls during this windy night.
Helena
05 Jul 2008 08:55:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The dolphins are still vocal!
Helena
04 Jul 2008 05:52:58 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning! Audio should be working again. The dolphins seemed to move further into Blackfish Sound for at times their calls were very clear and we could hear echo location as well. A humpback is strolling along opposite the Lab this morning.
Helena
04 Jul 2008 05:29:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There are distant vocal dolphins again in Blackfish Sound and quiet humpbacks in Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Jul 2008 22:09:17 PDT

No orcas present.

A few more dolphin calls, plus a thunder and lightening storm rolling over the area,through the night,
Helena
03 Jul 2008 04:34:09 PDT

No orcas present.

A note from CetaceaLab (http://www.whaleresearch.ca/) that they saw the A30s on June 30th.
Helena
02 Jul 2008 10:46:22 PDT

No orcas present.

A "quiet" night. The morning is dawning grey and overcast. Waiting.....
Helena
02 Jul 2008 06:20:53 PDT

No orcas present.

Since the dolphins it has been fairly quiet through the night. Our connection was unstable as well but seems to be there at the moment. Foggy morning.
Helena
01 Jul 2008 04:36:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The dolphins are vocal in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
30 Jun 2008 21:08:54 PDT

No orcas present.

Reports today count the dolphins up to 500. Yesterday, they were 200 - 250! Incredible. They are currently in Queen Charlotte Strait, west of Blackfish sound.
Helena
30 Jun 2008 11:16:16 PDT

Boat noise

Morning! Again the dolphins were pretty active during the night. lovely conditions out here this morning, calm seas and beautiful sunrise. Dalls porpoise in the Pass.
Helena
30 Jun 2008 06:23:37 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Ouch! Just too much boat noise!
Helena
29 Jun 2008 16:16:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

If you listen ver, very carefully you just might hear the faint dolphin calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Jun 2008 15:54:28 PDT

No orcas present.

We are back! Let's hope the connection holds but for the time being we are streaming audio once again. During the break, the A30s did not return. They were last seen travelling west from Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait early on June 25th (the day after coming in here). They had made a quick but leisurly survey of the area. Hopefully, they have gone to get friends and relations. Word has it that salmon are showing up in the last week. Last night there were vocal dolphins. Meanwhile, the humpbacks are still very active along with Dalls porpoise and even a minke or two. Today, is foggy after yesterday's sunny skies.
Helena and Paul
29 Jun 2008 10:30:38 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s headed north through Blackney Pass around 8pm yesterday & have not yet returned. We are waiting.
Helena & Paul
25 Jun 2008 11:43:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have arrived! They came "in" via Blackney Pass at around 3pm today, and were spread out as they headed into Johnstone Strait. Unfortunately, our internet connection is still down, so we are unable to stream live audio & enable you to hear their their calls. But just the same, this is an exciting day, and we hope there will be many more to come this summer!
Paul & Helena
24 Jun 2008 20:31:35 PDT

Performing maintenance

Our internet connection is down at the moment, so we're unable to stream audio. We'll get it back as soon as possible but don't know when. Sorry about that!
Paul & Helena
24 Jun 2008 05:52:10 PDT

No orcas present.

It was quiet during the night. Here is a link to Paul's first day at the IWC in Santiago,Chile. http://www.orcalab.org/news-archive/orcalab_general/080622.htm Paul will be posting regularly on the www.orcalab.org site.
Helena
23 Jun 2008 06:16:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Rumours have been flying today! But the latest has an appealing quality of reality. Three distinct groups of orcas have been sighted eastbound near Pine island in Queen Charlotte Strait. If they continue and take advantage of the flooding tide we may hear them later this evening or early tomorrow morning. However, nothing is ever certain and sometimes the whales like to explore QCS for a while before committing to coming all the way in. If they are not transients or offshores then this may be possible residents. Exciting any way it turns out. Stay tuned! Also today, another report had a group of 6-7 orcas right in Hardy Bay this morning and two transients were seen off Arrow Pass.
Helena
22 Jun 2008 14:14:34 PDT

No orcas present.

Humpbacks back in Blackney pass this morning.
Helena
21 Jun 2008 10:48:16 PDT

No orcas present.

The audio should now be working. It was just a security update glitch. Sorry about that.
Helena
20 Jun 2008 22:57:40 PDT

No orcas present.

For the record: Dolphins heard during the night.
Helena
20 Jun 2008 06:30:45 PDT

No orcas present.

Just heard from CetaceaLab that they have seen the A36s travelling with the A24s and the A51s! All three were there.
Helena
20 Jun 2008 15:05:36 PDT

No orcas present.

Yesterday, we woke up to a humpback doing a full picture postcard breach just off the Lab. This morning, well....it is windy, grey and pretty quiet so far. Summer just a day away?
Helena
19 Jun 2008 09:16:30 PDT

No orcas present.

The local humpbacks are certainly a lovely sight in the morning:Slowly and deliberately heading northward through the Pass. There was also a small pocket of Dalls porpoise busy hunting and a couple of passing sea lions.
Helena
17 Jun 2008 09:12:29 PDT

No orcas present.

This morning is just so lovely! We now see that there is a sizable group of dolphins heading into the Pass from johnstone Strait.
Helena
17 Jun 2008 09:44:19 PDT

No orcas present.

Apparently there were even orcas today. Just heard that there were a couple of transients seen earlier in Blackfish Sound headed north. Too bad we missed them!
Helena
17 Jun 2008 13:31:07 PDT

No orcas present.

As the sun struggles to come out, the humpbacks are making their way south through Blackney Pass. On the beach, three noisy baby ravens, are being supervised by their parents.
Helena
14 Jun 2008 08:41:04 PDT

June 12 OL comments.

Transients T20, T21, T69A, T69A1 in the area, and news from the A30s, G2s and G12s.

No orcas present.

A small group of dolphins headed past the Lab this morning. They were headed south.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 10:07:09 PDT

No orcas present.

We just heard from CetaceaLab that they have recently seen the A30s travelling with a small R clan group. They also have seen the G2s and G12s recently. All of this is very welcome news.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 13:12:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Apparently, the Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) has found a small group of transients in the vicinity of Blackfish Sound. We also just saw a humpback moving slowly south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 14:48:36 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The small group of transients reported earlier have made their way through Blackney Pass headed toward Johnstone Strait. The male remained offshore while the 2 females and calf followed the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:07:25 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The transients turned and went back to Blackfish Sound!
Helena
12 Jun 2008 16:50:42 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Stubbs Island identified the whales as T20, T21, T69A, T69A1.
Helena
12 Jun 2008 17:20:32 PDT

No orcas present.

The weather finally has warmed up and become sunny. The forecasts promise the cool, unseasonable weather will return so we really enjoyed the day. We woke up to see a small humpback slowly making its way north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Jun 2008 17:35:16 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to transients orcas calling on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like they're in Robson Bight.
Helena
02 Jun 2008 00:28:31 PDT

No orcas present.

No calls to listen to just now (only boat noise) but we're resumed streaming live audio anyway.
Paul & Helena
01 Jun 2008 16:54:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A small group of transients travelled through Blackney Pass this morning headed toward Blackfish Sound. There were no calls. The whales looked relaxed as they travelled along. The sea is calm and the sky sunny, lovely. We will resume audio streamig tomorrow.
Helena
31 May 2008 09:25:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing dolphins from time to time in Blackfish Sound. The audio had been off in the last while but is now streaming. Things are beginning to warm up. At least three humpbacks are in the area and more reported further north.
Helena
29 May 2008 12:33:05 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to transient calls in Blackfish Sound. A large group of transients just past us,heading north, quite close to the Hanson Island shore. Lots of rolling, tail slaps etc and now vocal!
Helena
28 Apr 2008 11:14:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There was a small group od orcas who headed quickly through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Apr 2008 16:32:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing very faint transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Apr 2008 16:54:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're listening to transient calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, the first orcas we've heard for some time. Cold & sunny days here & we're fine, hope all of you are too. Good news about Robson Bight a couple of days ago - the diesel fuel tanker lying at the bottom is going to be removed, hopefully before the northern resident orcas return (see update story on OrcaLab site).
Helena & Paul
20 Apr 2008 23:59:54 PDT

Performing maintenance

We have closed the viewer comment column for the moment, to give everyone a break from persistent spam problems, and allow our technical staff time to figure out a solution. We do appreciate the exchange of ideas and information that happens on the comment board, very much, and hope to bring it back soon. Meanwhile, we will continue to stream live audio (as long as our internet connection is stable) and will continue to post comments on this side of the board. We wish everyone the best during this comment time out.
Paul & Helena
02 Apr 2008 06:07:46 PST

No orcas present.

Our internet connection has been stable for several days, so we've started streaming live audio again.
Paul & Helena
29 Mar 2008 14:53:28 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, our internet connection is mostly down at the moment. We are going to try & shut down the comment column for the moment, though this may take a few days. Please excuse the inconvenience & thanks for your patience. Our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
25 Mar 2008 19:29:52 PST

No orcas present.

Very windy and cold, not like spring at all at the moment except for a few brave flowers and robins. Our hummingbirds have yet to arrive. We even had snow that covered everything for the better part of a day. Good news from Jared Towers that Springer has been seen further north in the company of her kin!
Helena
22 Mar 2008 12:45:40 PST

Distant calls audible.

Transient calls out there somewhere. We have not located a source so no map at the moment.
Helena
19 Mar 2008 20:37:09 PST

No orcas present.

Just a bit more news on yesterday's transients. Jackie Hinderling saw 5 transients in Beaver Cove later that same afternoon. Unfortunately, they were being harassed by a boat. I guess some people don't realise how little it takes to disturb these whales. On the northern resident front: DFO has encountered a large group (several pods) further north. This will certainly help this year's survey!
Helena
17 Mar 2008 15:20:10 PST

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing transient calls in Johnstone Strait once again. Cold, grey and snowy today!
Helena
16 Mar 2008 12:58:17 PST

No orcas present.

For the record the MacKays reported that a large group of transients were seen off Port Hardy yesterday. The transients certainly have been busy lately.
Helena
09 Mar 2008 10:23:45 PST

Superb sounds!!

Very interesting transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Mar 2008 22:30:36 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Bill and Wendy have seen a group of 4-5 transients off of the east end of Pearse Islands in Johnstone Strait. This west of Hanson Island. The two females, one male, one juvenile and a possible sprouter, may have done a kill, and then headed off to Stubbs Island. Pictures have been sent to the DFO.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 12:18:55 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of 7 transients have been in Blackney Pass for the last hour. They surrounded a seal which then disappeared. This may have been a kill. By dark they were still in Blackney, a little further south, milling opposite a group of young sea lions. The group consisted of females, juveniles and one young calf.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 18:59:49 PST

Boat noise

There no further calls from the transients after 9:30pm (yesterday.) It was a blowy night, this morning there is rain and the wind is beginning to flip to the northwest.
Helena
03 Mar 2008 09:23:25 PST

Orcas near mics.

Dolphins tonight!
Helena
02 Mar 2008 20:24:05 PST

Orcas near mics.

Transients in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
02 Mar 2008 21:04:21 PST

No orcas present.

We have had recent reports of 5 transients in Johnstone Strait yesterday and in Weynton Passage today. Thanks to the MacKays for both reports.
Helena
26 Feb 2008 21:55:24 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We just had 4 transients pass by headed north through Blackney Pass. It looked to us like the T18s. They have not made any calls but T19B (the young male) made a lovely spyhop before moving on.
Helena
19 Feb 2008 13:46:47 PST

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to the T18s in Blackfish Sound, after they passed silently through Blackney Pass, heading north. Lovely sounds & no boat noise!
Helena
19 Feb 2008 14:50:36 PST

No orcas present.

Hi, Sorry a computer update bumped the streaming. We rebouted and are now streaming again. There have been no calls. A small group of dolphins (silent) went past yesterday morning.
Helena
15 Feb 2008 13:55:59 PST

No orcas present.

Hi,Sorry we have been down again but are now up and running. Interesting sealions in Blackney Pass today, sunny, calm, warm weather.
Helena
13 Feb 2008 17:47:23 PST

Superb sounds!!

The transients are in Johnstone Strait not too far from the Robson Bight area!
Helena
10 Feb 2008 12:51:04 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The transient calls seem to have ended for the moment. The tide is flooding and this may have encouraged them to head east. But we will see. They managed to be heard a few times over the boat noise (which is also gone now too).
Helena
10 Feb 2008 14:36:56 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of seven transients were seen off the Pearse Islands by Bill and Wendy so , if the same group (probably) as heard earlier, they went off to the west and not east. Bill and Wendy thought they possibly made a kill off Weynton Island. They continued west toward Sointula.
Helena
10 Feb 2008 15:59:51 PST

No orcas present.

Hi! We are up and running again. There have been no further A5 calls.
Helena
08 Feb 2008 18:31:17 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard A5 calls in Johnstone Strait around 4am yesterday, and though we weren't sure what direction they were going in, it was great to hear them!
Helena
07 Feb 2008 00:10:24 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, we've lost our internet connection again, so we're unable to stream live audio. Hopefully, we'll be able to get it back again, but this may take a few days. No calls heard since our last post.
Paul & Helena
05 Feb 2008 22:11:48 PST

No orcas present.

It has been fairly uneventful. However, the weather has been lovely and even a touch of snow this morning.
Helena
03 Feb 2008 22:41:48 PST

No orcas present.

A nice grey day here on Hanson Island. The MacKays reported seeing a small group of transients near Gilford village this morning. Snow on the mountains, all has melted on the ground.
Helena
31 Jan 2008 14:26:50 PST

Distant calls audible.

For the second time tonight some very brief dolphin chatter in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jan 2008 23:58:37 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

There is a group of 8 transients around today. They were first sighted by the MacKays off Bold Head headed to Stubbs Island. They must have then gone through Weynton Pass as they were next seen in Beaver Cove by Jackie Hinderling. They are now moving off to the west toward Alert Bay.
Helena
27 Jan 2008 15:17:01 PST

Boat noise

Hi We are back! Fingers crossed it holds.
Helena & Paul
25 Jan 2008 12:41:56 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several days, but our internet connection may be ok again. If it's still there in the morning tomorrow, we'll start streaming live audio again... fingers crossed.
Helena & Paul
19 Jan 2008 02:27:23 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, but our internet connection is still unreliable, i.e. too unreliable for us to resume live audio streaming. Apologies for getting your hopes up, & all our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
19 Jan 2008 15:44:14 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard A5 calls in Johnstone Strait this afternoon.
Helena
11 Jan 2008 00:12:46 PST

No orcas present.

We're connected again, at least for the moment, so have started streaming live audio again. Another storm is on the way, so this session may not last long. We haven't heard any calls since this afternoon, but think at least some of the A5s may be nearby or not too far away, so it's possible we'll hear them again.
Paul & Helena
11 Jan 2008 00:33:41 PST

Performing maintenance

Hello everyone. Storms have interrupted our internet connection, so we've been unable to stream live audio for the past few days. We hope to get things working again, but don't know how long this will take. Please accept our apologies, along with our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
06 Jan 2008 22:21:47 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Seven transients just travelled south through Blackney Pass headed for Johnstone Strait. Too far away for identifictation but the group included a mum and calf, two adult females, a possible juvenile and an adult male. They made no calls but moved back and forth over something when opposite us.
Helena
02 Jan 2008 13:35:14 PST

No orcas present.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone... and a happier year for our world!
Helena & Paul
01 Jan 2008 08:35:01 PST