Performing maintenance

Sorry, everyone, but our internet connection on Hanson Island is still down, so we are unable to stream live audio for the moment. Troy will get the system running again as soon as possible... we appreciate your patience!
Paul & Helena
30 Dec 2009 21:55:42 PST

Transients calling

Superb sounds!!

We,ve been listening to Transients calls since 23:47. They are brief and fleeting, but so nice to hear. Seem to be coming from LL mic, and the last ones heard at 12:43 seem to be louder. Clouds are starting to hide the moonlight. Calls seem to have stopped for now.
Troy
28 Dec 2009 01:04:55 PST

Performing maintenance

Hello everyone. We have been off line since around 0830. Still working on the issue. Hope to be back on line soon. The Transients that were heard last night were not heard again. No idea where they might be at the moment. We'll keep you posted.
Troy
28 Dec 2009 22:20:04 PST

No orcas present.

Another clear sunny morning, so nice too see. Good morning from Hanson Island.
Troy
27 Dec 2009 09:16:21 PST

No orcas present.

Another quiet day at the lab. Clear skies throughout. The evening is calm again, with bright moonlight.
Troy
27 Dec 2009 21:03:11 PST

No orcas present.

Good morning OL,ers. Nice & clear sunrise this morning, presently it,s clear to the blue. Moderate southeast wind blowing. Nice to see the sun, good for the power system, and the human spirit. Who knows what the day may bring.
Troy
26 Dec 2009 10:07:27 PST

No orcas present.

Lovely winter day on Hanson Island. At sunset the winds are calming, and the half moon shines brightly.
Troy
26 Dec 2009 18:16:29 PST

No orcas present.

It,s a beautiful Christmas day, sunshine, with blue sky & light clouds. Light southeast winds bring a fresh winter air, good time get out and gather some firewood. You never know when Orca may present themselves. Christmas cheers from the lab.
Troy
25 Dec 2009 13:35:29 PST

No orcas present.

it,s been a nice day here at the lab. no sign of Orca so far. Have,nt seen the Sea Lions today at all. The southeast picks up again at night fall, moderate gusts. Hope all are enjoying the day & this evening. Half moon is bright in the sky, with stars.
Troy
25 Dec 2009 17:51:12 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry, everyone, but we're having problems connecting again. Troy will try to solve the problem today. Meanwhile, we hope you're all enjoying a happy Christmas & holiday season... take good care, please!
Paul & Helena
24 Dec 2009 08:08:44 PST

Performing maintenance

Looks like we're streaming live audio again... thanks Troy!
Paul & Helena
24 Dec 2009 13:22:08 PST

We are back on line, as Paul & Helena posted. Cold southeast winds today, with what seems like outflow winds from the inlets. A bit chilly, the sunny breaks were nice, and it,s not raining. Winter beauty on Hanson. As the sun goes down, the wind picks up. No Orca seen or heard today that we know of. The Sea Lions are still out of sight. A quiet day. Merry Christmas from the Orcalab, may you all enjoy the holiday season.
Troy
24 Dec 2009 16:47:37 PST

The day started with a beautiful sunrise, and flat calm. The Sea Lions have still been out of sight all day. Very calm waters made for a pleasant day around the lab, and the sunshine was great while it lasted. At night fall it,s started to clear with the quarter moon shining bight, and stars starting to appear. No Orca seen or heard today. Maybe through the night or tommorrow.
Troy
22 Dec 2009 18:15:28 PST

Northeast/Northwest wind throughout the day, though by nightfall it has calmed down somewhat. Orca have not been seen or heard today in the area as far as we now. The Sea Lions have been out of sight today, but the Harliquin Ducks are a pleasure to watch when their around. Hoping for a little sunshine on Hanson in the next few days, and maybe Orca.
Troy
21 Dec 2009 20:01:14 PST

Southeast wind has calmed down this evening. It,s presently raining, with calm waters. We wait, and see what develops. It,s quiet for now.
Troy
20 Dec 2009 20:40:23 PST

Performing maintenance

We lost our internet connection yesterday, & were not able to stream live audio. We're back again for the moment. We are not sure how long it will last, as our batteries aren't in very good shape just now. Apologies in advance if we lose our connection again over the holidays! However, here is wishing everyone a wonderful & safe holiday. All the best.
Paul & Helena
18 Dec 2009 17:35:01 PST

T77s, T23s, T18s, T2s, T55s. and 2 new calves!

Superb sounds!!

Several small transient groups have been making their way through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait. The groups were spread out across the Pass. The last group which includes a young male is off Parson Island now slowly following the other two groups. They are vocal. Lots of birds have been following them. A seal has been keeping an eye on them while safely hauled out on rocks this side.
Helena
10 Dec 2009 12:44:19 PST

Orcas near mics.

The transients, possibly the same groups as earlier, sound like they are now closer to Robson Bight. The Critical Point hydrophone battery is low so the signal is not very stable.
Helena
10 Dec 2009 14:52:50 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

for the record: Jared Towers went out and found the whales (still in small groups) between Cracroft Point and Swain point (Boat Bay). Jared identified 16; the T77s, T23s,T18s,T2s and the T55s. There were two new calves (T23C3 and T77D). Five members from these various groups were missing and Jared wondered if yet another group was further ahead. Generally, the whales were going eastward very slowly. Jared heard calls as well and noted the groups were very social.
Helena
10 Dec 2009 16:07:53 PST

A12 still with A36s

No calls but orcas nearby

Heard great news from Jared Towers tonight! He saw A12 with the A36s near Scarlett Point today. This is not far from Port Hardy. Perhaps, just maybe they will be kind enough to "drop down" our way in the near future. So amazing to think this bond between these whales has lasted so long.
Helena
04 Dec 2009 22:27:18 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

I got busy chopping wood and forgot to post the report of today's orcas. Six orcas (transients), including a young male and a calf made their way into Telegraph Cove before heading east "down" Johnstone Strait around 12:30pm. We didn't hear any calls. Thanks to the Mackays and the Borrowmans for their reports today.
Helena
03 Dec 2009 18:22:13 PST

No orcas present.

We've had no orcas nearby recently, so far as we know (hydrophones have been intermittent) but a humpback was in Blackney Pass this morning, and the sun is shining, so our whole hydrophone network is working again!
Helena
30 Nov 2009 13:44:45 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry, but our entire hydrophone network is now down, partly because of transmitter problems & partly because of battery problems. We will do our best to be back soon. Our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
28 Nov 2009 14:17:52 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Hi, we are streaming again, at least for now! The weather is still making maintenance difficult but today the good efforts of Paul and Paul got charged batteries to the right place and the system reconnected. This morning, at 11:15, there was a groups of transients who went slowly through Blackney Pass without any calls. The disappeared in the direction of Johnstone Strait without disturbing the hauled out sea lions.
Helena
21 Nov 2009 18:06:49 PST

Bad weather

Performing maintenance

The bad weather has taken its toll. The system is down until the weather clears and some batteries replaced. Hopefully, soon! In the meantime, where ever you might be we hope it is warm.
Helena
19 Nov 2009 12:53:13 PST

No orcas present.

The A12s and A36s just vanished on us just after 6am on the 15th. But considering the tide was in full ebb we imagine that they left the area. We heard from CetaceaLab that the A30s, I31s (both recently here) and the A5s were in their area. Always nice to think that the whales can be tracked over the large area. The heavy rains here abated and we actually have fine weather at the moment which is almost as exciting as whales.
Helena
16 Nov 2009 15:59:17 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. Sounds like at least the A36s are in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
15 Nov 2009 05:14:47 PST

Superb sounds!!

These, mostly A12 calls are still off the entrance to Blackney Pass but with the horrible boat noise gone. Sounds like they are about to use Blackney Pass, moving in. Stormy night out there.
Helena
15 Nov 2009 06:07:54 PST

Distant calls audible.

We've been listening to the A36s in Johnstone Strait since about 7:40am, and also heard them earlier, around 1am. The calls are on the Critical Point and Parson Island hydrophones, so we think the A36s are a little to the west of Blackney Pass.
Helena
13 Nov 2009 08:29:43 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are there too, with the A36s, and are now in Robson Bight,close to the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
13 Nov 2009 09:47:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

We have now been listening to the A12s (in particular) offshore of the eastern end of the Ecological Reserve. There is so much water noise from the gale force northwester that it is difficult to tell if they are having a rub. Very, very wet today with even some sleet! brrrr
Helena
13 Nov 2009 10:51:38 PST

No orcas present.

Sorry, our internet was down for all of yesterday and most of today. The connection was just re-established and audio is working again. While we were "away" the whales were (of course) very active. The A34s began the day by coming west from east of the eastern end of the Ecological Reserve. Their timing was perfect for incoming from Blackfish Sound were the A30s and I31s. A12 might have been there too (she is seen later with the other orcas). The A30s and the I31s rushed into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass on the last of the flooding tide to meet up with the A34s. They did not linger long and before we knew it the whales were booting it north through Blackney Pass. Possibly, the A34s were in the lead. We never saw them but, the first whale we saw head into Blackfish Sound, was possibly A12. The A30s and the I31s (now quite mixed up with all male groups prominent) hurried through. By 2:30pm they were all well into Blackfish Sound and on their way to Queen Charlotte Strait where Jared Towers confirmed that all the A12s,A30s,I31s were present. In addition, he saw the G25s (part of the G17s). We did not hear or see this group. Jared mentioned that the all male groups were still going strong when he encountered the groups off the Penfold Islands. Quite the day, sorry again, that there wasn't any internet. Dolphins were heard distantly through the night. There had been dolphins with the orcas as they travelled north.
Helena
11 Nov 2009 15:24:13 PST

Orcas near mics.

We started hearing "A1" calls on the Parson Island hydrophone a short while ago (at midnight). It's a stormy night & some of our stations are down, so we're not yet sure which direction the whales are headed in.
Helena
09 Nov 2009 00:14:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're now hearing the calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as well as Parson Island, so it's likely the whales have entered Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass & are now heading east. Sounds like at least the A12s are there (possibly other A1s as well).
Helena
09 Nov 2009 00:31:10 PST

Orcas near mics.

The calls are closer to the Critical Point hydrophone now, so the orcas are in or near Robson Bight. Sounds like the A30s may be there too.
Helena
09 Nov 2009 03:25:28 PST

Orcas near mics.

Sounds lie the A30s have moved back westward. We were, for a while hearing A1 calls offshore of the eastend of the Ecological Reserve. Earlier than that the whales had been moving east after their entry (via Blackney Pass) around midnight.
Helena
09 Nov 2009 11:30:47 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We believe that A12 just went by, by herself, heading north into Blackfish Sound!
Helena
09 Nov 2009 15:18:35 PST

No orcas present.

We did hear briefly some midrange, possible transient calls, around 12:20PM, in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Nov 2009 14:19:03 PST

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A36s & A12s are back in Johnstone Strait & are getting close to Robson Bight. We started hearing their calls on the Critical Point hydrophone about half an hour ago.
Helena
05 Nov 2009 03:58:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

A nice surprise! Earlier, started to hear what sounded like the A30s! And when I checked the recording the calls were close on Parson Island and the whales back near the entrance to Balckney Pass. Then they came in very quickly on the ebbing tide. The A30s were in the lead all together followed by all the A34s and I think that A12 might have been in amongst them. Both groups are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
05 Nov 2009 07:43:30 PST

No orcas present.

All "quiet" after the A36s and A12s did their far too brief tour. Hopefully, it won't be too long between visits. Meanwhile, sea lions and humpbacks continue to be around.
Helena
04 Nov 2009 17:29:25 PST

Distant calls audible.

The flood tide has brought the A1s back into this area. There are calls both in Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound and so far at least the A36s have been heard. It is too windy to hear blows.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 00:13:47 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and A36s are now in Johnstone Strait after travelling through Blackney Pass. For a while the calls were quite good but have since become distant again.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 01:42:45 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12 and A36 calls have been moving closer to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 08:46:18 PST

Distant calls audible.

We are waiting to see which way the whales have decided to go. The tide has just turned to flood again which means it is pushing towards the east.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 09:47:00 PST

Distant calls audible.

It seems that they decided to head west. We can hear them off the entrance to Blackney Pass now.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 10:21:10 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

There must be a Murphy law at work here. just when the whales get interesting the internet glitches. This time it was outside of our network. Fortunately, Telus seems to have worked out the problem and we are back on line. So..... while we were away, the A34s came into Blackney Pass and headed north to Blackfish Sound. This was just a short while ago, at the same time as the tide turned to an ebb. While they were moving through we continued to hear the A36s in Johnstone Strait. Possibly, they have gone toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 15:40:26 PST

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A36s went out via Weynton Pass after all. We are now hearing them crossing the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 15:52:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant A1 calls on the Critical Point & parson Island hydrophones & think the orcas probably entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
31 Oct 2009 01:42:33 PST

Orcas near mics.

We believe the A36s led the A12s (all) into Johnstone Strait and were followed by the A30s. The groups seem to be travelling eastward toward Robson Bight.
Helena
31 Oct 2009 02:45:29 PST

Orcas near mics.

The whales headed north through Blackney Pass a short while ago & are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
31 Oct 2009 05:59:30 PST

No orcas present.

A postscript on this morning's activity: all the A1s (A30s,A36s,and A12s) went north this moning through Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide.
Helena
31 Oct 2009 10:51:11 PST

Orcas near mics.

A short while ago we began to hear A1 (?the A36s) and G clan calls in Blackfish Sound. This is the first northern residents since Oct. 18!
Helena
30 Oct 2009 17:09:38 PST

Orcas near mics.

Add the A30s to the list and at 4pm the Mackays saw whales off the western end of Blackfish Sound. Sounds like we are back ion business!
Helena
30 Oct 2009 17:14:02 PST

No orcas present.

Yesterday, Jared Towers and Jim Borrowman reported that the T34s and T37s made a loop from Bold Head (Blackfish Sound), through Weynton Passage (12pm), around the Pearse Islands back to Donegal Head and out Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2009 12:26:13 PST

Humpbacks and sealions

No orcas present.

It has been days since the last comment. Yes, we are here but the orcas are still not around. This has made for a very "thin" October. Humpbacks are still here and very active as are the sea lions. A very nice sunny day at this end of the Island.
Helena
27 Oct 2009 14:09:33 PST

No orcas present

No orcas present.

Goodness, Hanna left and so did the whales! We would like to thank her for all her hard work and a safe journey home. It has been very uneventful for days now. Possibly, the chum run has not happened. Tonight, the wind is really picking up, fairly miserable out there.
Helena
22 Oct 2009 18:55:54 PDT

Humpbacks

No orcas present.

Today also was uneventful as far as orcas go. There were humpbacks and lots of sea lions frolicking in the windy seas out front.
Helena
20 Oct 2009 21:39:45 PDT

Boat noise

After all the activity yesterday, today has been quite uneventful.
Helena
19 Oct 2009 21:13:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After a night of distant A1 calls fluctuating between the area offshore of the east end of the Ecological Reserve and Boat Bay, we are again hearing their calls east of the Ecological Reserve.
Hanna
18 Oct 2009 11:37:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We believe the A30s went west in Johnstone Strait today. Meanwhile, a group of transients became vocal in Blackfish Sound as the residents were moving westward. The transients dropped into Blackney Pass and made a bid for Johnstone Strait. The A1s are still vocal in the Stait.
Hanna
18 Oct 2009 19:46:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just got word from Jared Towers that the transients today were the very rare T36s travelling along with the T99s. There are two new calves in the group plus a previous calf. So this was exciting as they were vocal in Blackfish Sound and this is the first time DFO has had a chance to document the new calves in this unusual encounter. The transients circled around Hanson Island back to Blackfish Sound. Jared left them in Weynton Passage. Jared also confirmed that all the A1s were in the Strait, now heading back eastward with dolphins and Dalls Porpoise all around them. A humpback with sea lions completed the report.
Helena
18 Oct 2009 20:00:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Along with an ebbing tide the wales are coming back form the East and are now vocal on the Rubbing Beaches.
Hanna
17 Oct 2009 05:32:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These distant A1 calls are off the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Hanna
17 Oct 2009 21:26:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are back in Johnstone Strait!
Hanna
16 Oct 2009 08:35:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing the A30s in Johnstone Strait again
Hanna
16 Oct 2009 15:51:36 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are still in Johnstone Strait. They kept moving back and forth between Robson Bight and the Beaches all afternoon long.
Hanna
16 Oct 2009 22:31:12 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing A calls in Johnstone Strait.
Hanna
15 Oct 2009 17:24:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing distant resting calls in Blackfish Sound.
Hanna
14 Oct 2009 16:25:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Nice A30 calls in Johnstone Strait, must have come around. They sound like they are closing on Robson Bight.
Helena in Victoria for Hanna
14 Oct 2009 22:51:44 PDT

Performing maintenance

Power is down in Alert Bay and this affects our network. So there will be no sound or postings for a while. We will let you know when the system is re-established. Thank you.
Helena in Victoria
13 Oct 2009 10:26:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are connected again! Earlier that morning a group of whales went very quickly trough Blackney Pass heading towards Johnstone Strait. We are hearing sporadic and distant calls.
Hanna
13 Oct 2009 11:30:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s just went quickly North in Blackney Pass using the strong ebbing tide and are now in Blackfish Sound.
Hanna
13 Oct 2009 16:07:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing distant a calls in Johnstone Stait.
Hanna
13 Oct 2009 18:32:10 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are making their way through Blackney Pass against an ebbing tide.Verz slowly heading south to Johnstone Strait.
Hanna
12 Oct 2009 14:32:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing A and G clan calls in Johnstone Strait.
Hanna
12 Oct 2009 16:20:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing G-clan calls and A- calls in the Entrance of Blackney Pass, as well as A (possibly A30s)calls in Blackfish Sound!
Hanna
12 Oct 2009 17:53:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing humpback and orca calls in Blackfish Sound!
Hanna
12 Oct 2009 20:07:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The group of Transients just headed south towards Johnstone Strait in Blackney Pass again.
Hanna
11 Oct 2009 09:54:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing distant G-Clan calls in Blackfish Sound!
Hanna
11 Oct 2009 16:49:57 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some quiet rubs on the Rubbing Beaches.
Hanna
11 Oct 2009 21:28:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing the A30's in the Entrance of Blackney Pass!
Hanna
09 Oct 2009 02:02:01 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are on the Rubbing Beaches!
Hanna
09 Oct 2009 10:44:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales went west in Johnstone Strait and are now off the Entrance of Blackney Pass.
Hanna
09 Oct 2009 13:02:22 PDT

Superb sounds!!

A group of about whales(probably A34's) just went quickly south through Blackney Pass. They were silent until they met up with the A30's off CP. Excited calls!
Hanna
09 Oct 2009 14:54:23 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The whales are going east in Johnstone Strait getting closer to Robson Bight.
Hanna
09 Oct 2009 17:35:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are coming back from the east!We are hearing distant calls on the Rubbing Beaches.
Hanna
10 Oct 2009 04:15:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After having gone back to the east in the early morning, the whales are back to Robson Bight again.
Hanna
10 Oct 2009 11:54:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

While the group of resident Orcas went quiet in Johnstone Strait a group of 4 Transients circled sealions in front of the lab for almost an hour. when they decided to go south towards the rocks with the sealions, about 30-40 sealions jumped off the rocks and started chasing the Transients until they got out of sight heading towards Johnstone Strait. Very exciting and interesting!
Hanna
10 Oct 2009 14:46:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are coming back from the east!We are hearing distant calls on the Rubbing Beaches.
Hanna
10 Oct 2009 04:15:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After having gone back to the east in the early morning, the whales are back to Robson Bight again.
Hanna
10 Oct 2009 11:54:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

While the group of resident Orcas went quiet in Johnstone Strait a group of 4 Transients circled sealions in front of the lab for almost an hour. when they decided to go south towards the rocks with the sealions, about 30-40 sealions jumped off the rocks and started chasing the Transients until they got out of sight heading towards Johnstone Strait. Very exciting and interesting!
Hanna
10 Oct 2009 14:46:03 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to a humpback calling in Blackfish Sound!
Hanna
08 Oct 2009 03:36:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing distant calls in Blackfish Sound. It is flooding tide, so maybe incoming whales!?
Hanna
08 Oct 2009 14:52:09 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s just went through Blackney Pass. Very slowly, foraging and finally going with the flooding tide. there are also some humpbacks in Blackney, one of them just breached 6 times in a row.As well as dolphins and sealions. All seemed to be feeding on the strong incoming tide!
Hanna
08 Oct 2009 16:56:55 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After going south through Blackney Pass, the A30s are now in Johnstone Strait and quiet.
Hanna
08 Oct 2009 18:49:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing distant A1 calls on Critical Point!
Hanna
07 Oct 2009 09:43:27 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The whales have been in the Entrance of Blackney Pass for a while now!No boat noise for the moment.
Hanna
07 Oct 2009 10:43:00 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Seems like the whales are moving to the east!We are hearing A36's ,A30's and maybe also A12 on Critical Point!
Hanna
07 Oct 2009 12:01:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales are back to the Entrance of Blackney Pass!
Hanna
07 Oct 2009 14:27:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30's are going West in Johnstone Strait against a flooding tide and surrounded by dolphins!
Hanna
07 Oct 2009 15:18:31 PDT

Boat noise

The whales are again foraging in entrance of Blackney Pass!! Unfortunately they are accompanied by lots of boatnoise!
Hanna
07 Oct 2009 16:29:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Few short rubs and calls on the Rubbing Beaches.
Hanna
06 Oct 2009 11:17:38 PDTDistant calls audible.

We are hearing distant calls on Critical Point!
Hanna
06 Oct 2009 12:15:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Whales are foraging in entrance of Blackney Pass on a still flooding tide!
Hanna
06 Oct 2009 14:41:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s just went north through Blackney Pass! all close together against a strong current. Just before they got out of sight the baby breached 4 times!
Hanna
06 Oct 2009 17:02:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Perhaps this is the Ls, now in Jonstone Strait. But there is also a humpback calling in Blackfish Sound, just to make it all interesting. Last night, between 11pm and midnight, we heard very interesting calls, including what sounded like transients (plus something else) off of Crtitical Point. This is so interesting, to say the least.
Helena
04 Oct 2009 06:17:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We believe the whales are eastbound, passing the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
04 Oct 2009 08:23:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

They be back! We just recently heard A1 calls in Johnstone Strait! Not sure where to place them yet but we are recording.
Helena
03 Oct 2009 10:34:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like (?the A36s) are near Robson Bight.
Helena
03 Oct 2009 10:48:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are waiting to figure out if the whales are going to continue eastward or not. A12 is with the A36s (confirmed by the Lukwa) and last seen off the Bight. At that time A12 looked asif she was still interested in going east and the "boys" were favouring the west.
Helena
03 Oct 2009 12:33:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We think the whales went west.
Helena
03 Oct 2009 13:36:11 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s just rushed through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait! They breached twice in their excitement to be back.
Helena
03 Oct 2009 14:14:12 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Here's a twist. As the A1s continued to be vocal in Johnstone Strait, we began to hear calls in Blackfish Sound just before 6pm. We had heard from Jim Borrowman that there were blows off Lizard Point at 4pm so we wondered if there were new incoming. But we were not prepared for southern residents to show up. Jared Towers followed them in and identified them as part of the Ls. This group (20 strong) moved into Blackney Pass and tried to make headway against the current and tide. The A1s became quiet just about this time in Johnstone Strait. The Ls never made it through (at least not yet) . The tide has pushed them back almost to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
03 Oct 2009 20:09:37 PDT

T55

No orcas present.

The T55s were reported in johnstone Strait this morning.
Helena
02 Oct 2009 10:50:57 PDT

Humpback & sealions

No orcas present.

Quiet night. Humpback & sea lions travelling north through Blackney Pass this morning.
Helena
01 Oct 2009 09:29:34 PDT

Humpback

Superb sounds!!

A humpback vocalizing in Blackfish Sound! (Before this dolphins in Johnstone Strait a while ago).
Helena
30 Sep 2009 01:36:18 PDT

No orcas present.

No reports of orcas. The humpbacks have moved back into Blackney Pass and yesterday evening we were treated to three humpbacks making a large circuit of the Pass, at one point, close to Hanson Island. Dolphins were active during the night for quite a while.
Helena
29 Sep 2009 09:35:01 PDT

No orcas present.

Good news: A12 has re-joined the A36s and they are in the Lizard Point area today, currently going west, in a tight group. Nice to know, they know, how to manage themselves in the big ocean and find each other and keep each other company.
Helena
29 Sep 2009 14:22:04 PDT

No orcas present.

Except for the dolphins in johnstone Strait last night, we have no updates from yesterday's reports.
Helena
28 Sep 2009 10:49:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We just heard A12 again and are trying to locate where her calls were coming from.
Helena
27 Sep 2009 09:50:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 is getting distant. She is in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
27 Sep 2009 10:08:17 PDT

No orcas present.

A couple of notes: yesterday the A36s were still in the Port Hardy area as A12 made her rounds down here; and today, a group of whales were seen at Bere Point (Queen Charlotte Strait) heading eastward at 1:15pm. A12 earlier headed in that direction after probably going through Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound around 10am.
Helena
27 Sep 2009 14:37:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just by chance we caught sight of A12 rushing through the last part Blackney Pass. It is windy and the sea is quite rough. She made few calls as she rounded the corner and headed east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Sep 2009 12:17:10 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe A12 kept going toward Robson Bight despite the looming ebb tide. There were a few more calls. The wind is very strong. The Lukwa tried to see her in Johnston Strait but it was very uncomfotable and they left for calmer waters. Nick Templeman phoned to say that they had been with the T10s who they picked up coming out of Calm Channel. After passing through Hole-in-the-Wall and Okisollo Channel the group headed toward Discovery Channel. The wind "below" is very strong too.
Helena
26 Sep 2009 14:26:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The internet service in Alert Bay has been down for a while. At 5am this morning we heard A12 calls once again. Again, we were interested in how few calls were being made and wondered if we were just listening to A12 by herself. This turned out to be the case and this morning after heading east to Robson Bight and the beaches, A12 was seen off of the Sophia Islands heading towards CP by Sailcone. A12 then headed into Blackney Pass and past us mid channel. She is now in Blackfish Sound headed west. She has made a few more calls.
Helena
25 Sep 2009 10:31:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just before 8pm there were a few A12 calls in Blackfish Sound. We listened to see if there were blows in Blackney Pass a short while later. There were but it was not possible to track after a tug came hurrying through the Pass. We have not heard any calls since the ones in Blackfish Sound. Possibly things have progressed to Johnstone Strait but we will wait and see.
Helena
25 Sep 2009 20:55:12 PDT

No orcas present.

The dolphins last night were wonderful. No updates yet this morning.
Helena
24 Sep 2009 08:24:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There are A12s back in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
24 Sep 2009 19:53:56 PDT

No orcas present.

We have stopped recording as there have not been any calls for a long while. When there were calls they were only a few at a time. Rather difficult as what to make of the movement. We will have to wait and see. The tide is ebbing, moving outward, now.
Helena
24 Sep 2009 21:54:37 PDT

No orcas present.

Today there were transients in Hardy Bay and a group was also reported off Naka Creek this morning. No reports of residents so far.
Helena
23 Sep 2009 18:36:00 PDT

No orcas present.

Today, the Mackays report that the A34s were off Pine island foraging and the A36s were closer to Brownings Pass in Queen Charlotte Strait. Also, there was a report from Nick Templeman that a group of 16 transients were headed west from Campbell River this morning.
Helena
22 Sep 2009 15:27:05 PDT

No orcas present.

We were not aware of any movement overnight. The last we heard were the resting calls in Blackfish Sound yesterday evening.
Helena
21 Sep 2009 08:43:56 PDT

No orcas present.

Just after 10am, the Gikumi rounded Donegal Head and found A12 with the A36s. A while later they found the A34s as well. All the whales headed generally westward toward the Fosters and beyond. They are still westbound. no word on the a30s.
Helena
21 Sep 2009 12:34:20 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Dolphins near Robson Bight.
helena
21 Sep 2009 21:02:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Almost 1/2 hour ago we began to hear very distant calls beyond the eastern boundary of the Reserve. sounds like they ae on their way back to the west. Lovely morning as the sun comes through the thick fog lying over Blackney Pass.
Helena
20 Sep 2009 06:59:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s are the first group we have heard come up to Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Sep 2009 07:34:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s with A12 are now opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass. The others (we have heard the A34s) and further behind but coming west towards this area as well.
Helena
20 Sep 2009 09:04:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and A12s continued west past the entrance to Blackney Pass, headed in the direction of Blinkhorn and then shifted over to the entrance of Weynton Pass. From there they went out Weynton Pass and are now off the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
20 Sep 2009 11:00:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not sure what to make of the resting calls on Flower Island. Impossible to say if it represents the A12s/36s returning from Queen Charlotte or perhaps the A30s taking the ebb out. Need a few more calls!
Helena
20 Sep 2009 20:01:56 PDT

No orcas present.

Lots and lots of dolphins this morning in Blackney Pass just before 4:30am. They went back to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
19 Sep 2009 07:26:40 PDT

No orcas present.

We just got word from Nick Templeman that the A30s are off Palmer Point headed west to Camp point and that possibly the A34s are in Nodales Channel off Sonora Point! This is a nice surprise because when we last saw these groups they were headed west. Somehow they got east. The A30s are engaged in some heavy foraging along the Vancouver Island side. Meanwhile, the boat up this direction are enjoying the sunshine and calm after the storm while watching humpbacks.
Helena
19 Sep 2009 12:44:34 PDT

No orcas present.

It was a quiet, stormy, wet day. Three transient reports. First; the T2s were reported headed west from the lower Johnstone Strait;second, a lone transient was seen heading into Knights Inlet at 11:20am and finally, third, the T55s were seen off Weynton Island at 5pm. Thanks to Nick Templeman, Susan on Propwash and Jim Borrowman for these reports.
Helena
18 Sep 2009 22:54:33 PDT

No orcas present.

All the lovely and sometimes unusual calls from the A30s faded away around midnight. This left us wondering if the A30s moved out across the Strait and returned back to the east. This is a bit of a guess as the boat noise was quite loud and obscured subsequent movement.
Helena
17 Sep 2009 07:34:22 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s may be coming back around the corner at Critical Point.
Helena
17 Sep 2009 08:35:42 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s continued west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. As they did so, more of the A1s arrived at the top of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
17 Sep 2009 11:19:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s greeted the A12s and the A36s after they rushed south through Blackney Pass earlier. Then all the groupsstayed pretty much off the entranceway to Blackney Pass until an hour before the slack tide. With the A36s leading, in company with A12, the A30s and A34s followed to Blackfish Sound. Sounds like they are all continuing westward.
Helena
17 Sep 2009 16:16:20 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight, but heard that the A30s were heading slowly west at Bear Bight (in Johnstone Strait east of Kelsey Bay) around 4pm yesterday afternoon. It's possible they continued west, in which case we may hear them soon, or that they headed back into Nodales Channel, which seems to be a favourite place for them lately. We are waiting.
Helena
16 Sep 2009 08:14:30 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We started to hear distant A30 calls a short while ago. sounds like they just rounded the corner in Robson Bight.
Helena
16 Sep 2009 19:29:39 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls overnight. Yesterday, the A30s were in Nodales Channel, far to the east of us, and the A12s & A36s were near Pine Island, far to the west of us. We are waiting, & meanwhile enjoying a windy morning on Hanson Island.
Helena
15 Sep 2009 09:29:28 PDT

No orcas present.

Nick Templeman reported today just before 5pm that the A30s had made it out of Nodales Channel and were off Bear Bight heading west.
Helena
15 Sep 2009 21:39:46 PDT

No orcas present.

We did not hear any calls overnight and still think that the A30s continued east. Not sure, at this point, where the A36s and A12s ended up yesterday. Horrible boat noise through most of the night was unfortunate.
Helena
14 Sep 2009 08:39:44 PDT

No orcas present.

Just after 1pm the A30s were seen heading east off Ripple Point (lower Johnstone Strait. Up in this area there are reported to be at least 12 humpbacks!
Helena
14 Sep 2009 14:22:49 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are not able to stream live audio at the moment, but hope to solve the problem soon (hopefully, by tomorrow). Please excuse the inconvenience.
Paul & Helena
13 Sep 2009 07:49:16 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone, along with close and distant calls. Sounds like the A30s & quite possibly the A12s are in or near Robson Bight, heading west.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 08:06:53 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

These are very silent westbound whales! The A36s are now off the Entrance to Blackney Pass and it might be the A12s following. Resting.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 10:37:53 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s and the A12s are continuing to the west. No sign of the A30s.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 11:44:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A30s have re-emerged off the east end of the Ecological Reserve. We had thought we had heard them prior to the A36s and the A12s close to Critical Point just after 7am but then only the A12s and the A36s came west. They are off the western end of Hanson island now.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 12:38:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s continued west and once opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass, entered the pass and are nor heading north to Blackfish Sound. The A34s went west to Weynton Pass with A46. A46 turned back to the Strait before too long and the A34s followed him back. Not sure where the other two A36s were at this time but the A34s and A46 are eastbound. The A30s are surrounded by dolphins as they head north.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 15:39:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It turns out that the A34s did not fully return to Johnstone Strait. They are still in Weynton Passage with A12. The A30s are in Blackfish Sound now. Not sure where the A36s are now.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 15:50:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A30s made it back to Johnstone Strait after all.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 19:36:29 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are in the Bight now.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 21:37:55 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have moved on to the beaches. Meanwhile, there are very humpback like sounds near to Robson Bight every so often.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 22:26:23 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1 calls are now very distant as the whales travel further eastward from the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
13 Sep 2009 23:08:58 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Since just before midnight, we have been listening to at least the A30s come back from the east. We are trying to determine if the other A1 groups are there as well. All of this happening not far from Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2009 01:55:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales rounded Critical Point and seem headed toward the east end of the reserve. There is still eason to question that the A12s are there but the majority of the clear calls were from the A30s. So we will see!
Helena
12 Sep 2009 03:18:24 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in Robson Bight, no boat noise, wonderful calls.
Helena
12 Sep 2009 05:24:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone, and heard a report from a fishing boat shortly after 7am that a pod of orcas was westbound at the east end of Hanson Island, so we think the A30s are probably somewhere to the west of Big Bay by now.
Helena
12 Sep 2009 08:26:18 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We're hearing echolocation & "A1" calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone. Not sure who, but someone is having a bite in the Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2009 08:59:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Getting more and more convinced that the A12s and the A36s are following after the A30s.
Helena
12 Sep 2009 09:33:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A36s have just travelled north through Blackney Pass toward Blackfish Sound. A12 was with A32 and A37. Still hearing the A30s in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Sep 2009 11:59:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have followed the other two A1 groups into Blackney Pass and are about to move into Blackfish Sound. meanwhile, a group of transients (perhaps the same goup as yesterday, were off the Stephenson's this morning and are now off the Plumbers (west of Hanson Island).
Helena
12 Sep 2009 12:39:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We believe that the A30s came back in via Weynton Pass and travelled to Robson Bight where they are now.
Helena
12 Sep 2009 20:18:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have been following the movements of 8 transients today. They were found off Bold Head by the Gikumi earlier. At that time they may have made a kill and Jim Borrowman was able to identify two of the orcas as T91 and T92 (large male). From there they travelled along the Swanson,Compton and Harbledown Island shoresfinally moving right into the back of parson bay. Several Dalls Porpoise preceded them in the same direction. It is not clear if the transients managed another kill or not but eventually they moved out to the big rock near the Parson Island light. After a few circles around the rock (it looked as if they were interested in something there too) they moved south along Parson Island. They are now headed in the direction of Baronet Pass. The A30s are still in the Lower Johnstone Strait area, perhaps in Frederick Arm.
Helena
11 Sep 2009 13:30:52 PDT

No orcas present.

Jim Borrowman corrected the transient ids to 147,148 and 149. The rest will be decided when the photos are looked at. They were last seen going east in Johnstone Strait. A group of 200 dolphins came west from the east end of the Reserve at the same time the transients entered Johnstone Strait. We later heard the dolphins briefly.
Helena
11 Sep 2009 19:17:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

T20 and his mother T21 just went north through Blackney Pass. They headed into Blackfish Sound. No reports of resident groups in the area this morning but 100 dolphins skirted through to the north as well.
Helena
10 Sep 2009 12:24:48 PDT

Boat noise

There were two stories for the day: First; Jackie Hildering reported tha there were 9 humpbacks in the immediate area today. "Chunky" a familiar humpback to this area returned today: Second; the Naiad Explorer found the I15s and I31s way to the west near Malcolm Point in the late morning. Otherwise, it was a beautiful warm sunny September 10th!
Helena
10 Sep 2009 21:31:46 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing I15s again on Critical Point so perhaps the whales are on their way back to the west. The wind is calming down from yesterday's storm.
Helena
09 Sep 2009 08:38:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s continued to the west and after dodging attentions from a small group of Pacific Whitesided dolphins, they went into Weynton Passage. We can now hear them off the top end of Blackfish Sound. As the I15s were sorting themselves out we began, a short while ago, to hear I31 calls in Johnstone Strait. CP (Gigi & Chris) report that whales are approaching the CP area from the east. The I31 calls are now louder.
Helena
09 Sep 2009 12:20:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It has been a wild afternoon. The I31s (in several different groupings) basically went west in Johnstone Strait as did the I15s. But the i15s took the relatively simpler route back to Johnstone Strait by curling around Hanson island and travelling back via Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass. They then went over to the Vancouve Island shore and east to Robson Bight where they are calling now.The I33s,who just came south through Blackney on their way back to the Strait, had also gone west earlier and left the Strait via Pearse Pass. I62 was in the lead all day. I46 and I68 and I111 went west along the Vancouver Island shore until Alder Bay where they cut across to Alert Bay. There they continued in close to shore until almost to the ferry dock. They eventually turned back eastward and are now on their way back too. Dolphins were with the I33s the whole way through Blackney Pass.
Helena
09 Sep 2009 17:16:16 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And now rubbing too!
Helena
09 Sep 2009 17:39:54 PDT

Orcas near mics.

At least, the I31s are travelling north through Blackney Pass with dolphins.
Helena
09 Sep 2009 21:31:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I31 group who went through are now in Blackfish Sound. So is, unfortunately, the boat.
Helena
09 Sep 2009 21:53:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

More whale through north to Blackfish Sound. This time the I15s with most likely the A12s. The dolphins were very active in the Ecological Reserve prior to and during this movement.
Helena
09 Sep 2009 23:44:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Some welcomed sounds, perhaps the A30s back from the east?
Helena
08 Sep 2009 05:01:37 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Hmmm.....Not the A30s yet, instead it is the A12s returning!
Helena
08 Sep 2009 05:18:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s brought along some company! We think we may have heard the A36s and now, "G" clan calls too.
Helena
08 Sep 2009 07:57:20 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The distant calls are from an I31 group. Meanwhile, it sounds like others are nearing Robson Bight Bight.
Helena
08 Sep 2009 08:09:13 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We are now thinking that the A30s have come on scene, perhaps around 8:20am, when they neared Critical Point. There are now also I15 calls in the mix of A36s, A12s and I31s.
Helena
08 Sep 2009 09:37:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After moving into the Ecological Reserve, the A12s and the A36s moved east of Critical Point, while the I15s and the I31s stalled in the Bight. Now, the general movement is to the west. We heard the A12s briefly move close to the Main Beach before the shift to the west.
Helena
08 Sep 2009 11:05:18 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A36s,I15s and I31s are west bound past thearea off entrance of Blackney Pass. The A30s were located off Kelsey Bay, before noon, headed west as well.
Helena
08 Sep 2009 12:58:45 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like from the reports (Gikumi) and the vocals that all the groups exited Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass and are now headed east in Blackfish Sound. A12 was travelling with the A36s (Naiad Ex report)
Helena
08 Sep 2009 15:11:28 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

This was exciting for us as it has been a while since we have seen whales. The A12s (A55 leading) headed through Blackney Pass followed by the A36s. After a brief gap the I15s (I43 leading) and the I31s came through also. They all stalled briefly in the entrance of Blackney. Two cruisehips and one very aggressive boat added noise and concern to the passing.
Helena
08 Sep 2009 17:08:02 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups are moving onward toward the Ecological Reserve, perhaps with A12s in the lead. CP reported that the last group past were the I68s with I46 at 6pm.
Helena
08 Sep 2009 19:00:39 PDT

No orcas present.

The I15s came back into Johnstone Strait, probably via Weynton Pass, a bit after midnight. We don't know what happened to them after that, & last heard distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 1am. There was persistent loud boat noise in the Strait at the time. It's possible the I15s headed east, or that they headed "out" again. We are waiting.
Helena
07 Sep 2009 06:46:00 PDT

No orcas present.

It was a pretty quiet day here. The Naiad Explorer finally found the A30s off Camp point around 2-2:30pm. After moving closer to Kelsey Bay the A30s turned and went east. The Naiad also came across 200-300 dolphins in the lower Johnstone Strait. The humpbacks kept everyone else busy in these parts.
Helena
07 Sep 2009 21:53:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A30s back from the east.
Helena
06 Sep 2009 04:19:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

At about 4am we began to hear distant calls in Johnstone Strait. Both A30 and I15s were heard. This has continued to the present. By now, the A30s and I15s have moved closer to the Ecological Reserve. Reports yesterday had the I15s to the west and the A30s to the east so perhaps they two groups re-united this morning in Johnstone Strait and are now travelling together.
Helena
06 Sep 2009 07:29:36 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales (I15s) are back in range.
Helena
06 Sep 2009 17:35:02 PDT

No orcas present.

As far as we know, the I15s went past the Cliff at 6:18pm, after which their calls became distant and infrequent.
Helena
06 Sep 2009 19:51:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We are hearing blows in Blackney Pass. Sounds like someone is headed southward.
Helena
06 Sep 2009 22:47:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales in Blackney Pass turned out to be the I15s. At first it seemed like they were moving into the Pass from the west but now the calls and the blows have moved into Blackfish Sound (along with a "picked-up" radio signal).
Helena
06 Sep 2009 23:09:17 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since around midnight, when we thought the whales were to the east of the Reserve, but don't know what happened after that. We are waiting.
Helena
05 Sep 2009 08:01:33 PDT

No orcas present.

A slightly perplexing day.... the A30s showed up off Bear Bight (lower Johnstone Strait). They headed west and the Naiad Explorer intercepted them near to Kelsey Bay. They were still westbound but still going very slowly at 3:30pm. Meanwhile, the I15s were seen in Queen Charlotte Strait. We last heard them, along with A1s and the I31s,at midnight. The lack of any sightings in Johnstone Strait might suggest that the groups of last night, with the exception of the A30s, left the area to the west silently. It is believed that the group that was coming east yesterday afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait were the Rs!
Helena
05 Sep 2009 19:26:06 PDT

No orcas present.

We did not hear anything overnight. It was windy overnight and still is this morning so lots of water (wave) sounds.
Helena
04 Sep 2009 08:41:17 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Suddenly, after a silent night & morning, we're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone!
Helena
04 Sep 2009 11:48:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the groups are on their way back. The Cliff reports that the A12s are mid strait, spread out, heading west. we have heard I15s and probably i31 calls as well.
Helena
04 Sep 2009 12:19:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

For a while it looked as if the groups would turn back to the east. Instead, they went against the flooding tide and left Johnstone Strait via Weynton pass. They were very spread out around 3pm. At that time, there was a repot of 10 orcas heading east from bere point in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
04 Sep 2009 16:08:27 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Time to catch up: After 2pm, the whales were spread out from beaver Cove to the entrance of Weynton Pass. They looked like they might turn to the east but instead went against the tide and at least some ended up off of Mitchell Bay by 4:30pm. This was after a report of a group coming east from Bere Point at 3pm. Around 5pm, the whales took the unusual route through Pearse Passage back to Johnstone Strait and after a long run eastward, the I15s, I31s and As are back in the Bight.
Helena
04 Sep 2009 21:47:56 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have just gone south through Blackney Pass and are entering Johnstone Strait. Prior, to this, we heard distant I15s in Jonstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2009 02:56:13 PDT

No orcas present.

After the A30s entered Johnstone strait, they met up with the I15s off of Robson Bight before 5am. As the a30s continued toward the rubbing beaches, the I15s mixed with the A12s,A36s and I31s off of the Bight area. The a30s began a rub at 5:17am and concluded it at 5:32am. The others continued for a while and then shifted eastward and by 6:24am were closer to the east end of the Reserve. By 7:25am, we no longer heard calls.
Helena
03 Sep 2009 09:34:26 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no orcas calling since early this morning, and are still waiting for them to return from the east. Meanwhile, we are expecting power in Alert Bay to go out soon, and to be out much of tonight & also at times tomorrow. During this power outage, we will be unable to stream live audio.
Paul & Helena
03 Sep 2009 20:38:12 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Right now we are listening to A1 (A12) calls off the east end of the Ecological Reserve. After the last of the I15s (the I16s) went north to join the other I15s, the A36s,the A12s and the I33s, the groups returned to Johnstone Strait by travelling south through Blackney Pass, starting around 10pm. By 1:17am the I15s were closing in on Robson Bight. The A12s and the A36s were heard as they slipped toward the east end of the Reserve by 3am. The I15s went in for a long rub starting at 3:37am and ending at 4:06am. From there they went back to the west. As the A12s and A36s lingered closer to the east end, the i15s were offshore of the Robson Bight area by 4:35am. The A12s and A36s eventually (5am) followed the i15s but they may have been closer to the Cracroft Island side. Some of the movement again turned east. At 7:35am, at least, the A12s had returned to the east end of the Reserve. The calls have since dropped & the morning foggy so we are waiting for other clues as to where all the groups may have ended up.
Helena
02 Sep 2009 08:21:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Around 10:30am the A36s were found mid strait heading west opposite the Cliff. A12 went by below the Cliff. The A36s and A12 (following) continued west along the Hanson Island shore after crossing closer to cracroft Point. The A34s, at around 11:30am passed right under the Cliff, in a playful tight group, on their way west, as well. Twenty minutes ago they were headed right into the "Pig Ranch" (the Cracroft Island shore just east of the Sophia Islands. There is also an unidentified group off Stimpson Reef.
Helena
02 Sep 2009 12:14:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A36s stayed off the entrance to Weynton Pass forever after their trip to the west this morning. Finally, they moved toward Cracroft point. This was at about the same time the I35s came up from the east. There were no I33s reported today so we think they went out to the west yesterday and that the I35s came in with the returning other groups. We did not hear the I15s after they came west from their 4am rub. After reaching the entrance to Blackney Pass and Cracroft Point, the A12s and the A36s lingered there for another long while. We occasionally heard resting calls from the I35s but they were difficult to track after they neared the area opposite Blackney Pass. The A12s and A36s have moved on again but we are not sure if they are following the last of the ebb or will wait for the flood tide that will begin soon.
Helena
02 Sep 2009 21:34:00 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to these lovely A & G clan calls on the Critica lPoint hydrophone. Unfortunately, boat noise is coming.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 00:27:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Round and round they go....where they stop... going around hanson Island seems to be what these orcas like best. Back in the Stait, at this moment,we are listening to the A36s &i31s off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 08:20:01 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Everyone, is now accounted for. The A12s are on the Vancouver Island shore in Robson Bight. The I33s were closest to the Cliff and the I15s and A36s are scattered mid strait offshore of the Cliff. All are carrying on the eastward movement that began after they re-entered Johnstone Strait earlier.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 09:34:42 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

A12s at the Beaches now.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 10:10:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales went east of the Reserve. At 1:20pm they turned back to the west. We have been hearing calls almost continuously during these movements. But the calls have been always very, very distant.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 15:12:11 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

T20 and his mum T21 just went north,mid channel, through Blackney Pass. They paused at Burnt Point and looked like they made a kill.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 16:22:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After a brief touch in at the beaches (around the same time the transients were heading into Blackfish Sound), the I15s reached Robson Bight on their way to the west.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 17:24:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s (on the Vancouver Island shore), the I15s (on the Cracroft side) and the A36s (mid strait with I43) are headed west towards the CP area while the I33s finish at the Beaches. The T46s were reported in Beaver Cove earlier (Stubbs Island report).
Helena
01 Sep 2009 18:40:33 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are northbound in Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 19:54:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s and A36s are now following the I15s north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 20:48:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not all of the I15s have made it through but the I33s probably accompanied the others out to Blackfish sound. We are now waiting to see if the westward trend will continue or whether the whales are just pacing again and will return to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 21:09:46 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The rest of the I15s are travelling through to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
01 Sep 2009 21:35:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and possibly part of the I31s have gone north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
31 Aug 2009 07:43:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the A12s have re-entered Johnstone Strait and are heading east, past Blinkhorn, almost opposite Big Bay but close to the Vancouver Island shore ,dodging their way through the fish boats.
Helena
31 Aug 2009 14:14:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s,I15s,A12s and I31s came out of Johnstone Strait and north through Blackney Pass a short while ago . It sounds like they may have gone back to the Strait.
Helena
31 Aug 2009 22:28:34 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're listening the the A36s in Blackfish Sound... good morning everyone!
Helena
30 Aug 2009 06:39:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not only the A36s this morning but we have been also listening to "G" clan calls. This fits with the split which happened last night after the A12s,A36s and i31s entered J be Johnstone Strait before 11:30pm. We think the A12s kept going east. We heard them off the east end of the Reserve at 12:37am. The A36s and the I31s turned to the entrance of Blackney Pass just before this at 12:17am. By 1:22am the A36s,I31s and the I15s were already in Blackfish Sound after travelling north through Blackney Pass. Then at 6:33am we again heard the A36s and later, the I31s in Blackfish Sound. Whales are entering Johnstone Strait right now via Weynton Pass (Lukwa report)
Helena
30 Aug 2009 09:13:11 PDT

Performing maintenance

Orca-live staff in Japan will be changing servers in just over 8 hours from now (10am JST August 31st). During the changeover, which may last a day or more, it will not be possible to post comments on the Community page. Please excuse the inconvenience, and thank you for your patience!
Paul & Helena
30 Aug 2009 09:49:31 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Not only the A36s,I15s and I31s coming into a very busy Johnstone Strait (there is a fishing opening), the A12s have just rounded Critical Point! And there are transients reported off the Nimpkish River past Alert Bay.
Helena
30 Aug 2009 09:52:13 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s & I31s have been heading east in Johnstone Strait for the past few hours, after coming back "in" via Weynton Pass this morning. The A12s came up from the east this morning, and turned back to the east again, at Izumi Rock, at about 11:30am, and joined the eastward movement. The I15s are now having a rub at the Main rubbing beach. It's possible that at least some of the groups are in the process of turning back to the west again. The A36s didn't come in with the others, and have been sighted recently off Lizard Point.
Helena
30 Aug 2009 13:23:15 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Now the A12s are having a rub!
Helena
30 Aug 2009 13:36:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sounds like quite a party down at the beaches... the I15s were back in a short while ago, & now the A12s again!
Helena
30 Aug 2009 14:17:37 PDT

No orcas present.

It turns out that all the orcas have headed to the east in Johnstone Strait, and are now quite some distance east of Naka Creek. We'll find out later if they keep on going east. Quite possibly, by the time they come back into our range, this page will be down (from 10am JST today) so it may be a while before we can let you know what happened.
Helena
30 Aug 2009 15:59:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

There is boat noise now but for a while the I15 and I31(or I11- can't decide yet) calls were lovely as the groups neared Robson Bight. The I15s, who had been in Johnstone Strait, yesterday, pulled the "visitors" into Blackney Pass and then east with them earlier. Now, we will see if they head off to the beaches as they were sounding very "social" before the boat interfered.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 01:28:54 PDT

No orcas present.

The last calls were at 2:30am, distant off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 03:24:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The calls we're listening to on the Flower Island hydrophone (with no boat noise!) are from the I31s.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 07:14:57 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s are back at the rubbing beaches! Meanwhile, we're still hearing "I31" calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 08:19:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s have moved further west to Robson Bight. The I31s are also moving west but away from Blackfish Sound, possibly heading toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 09:24:15 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There have not been that many calls as the I15s and the I35s continue west past Cracroft Point and Kaiakash Creek. Thanks to marie's observations from the Cliff through the fog we believe the I16s are with the I35s on the Vancouver Island shore while the rest of the I15s went under the Cliff,past CP along the Cracroft Island shore, continuing up the Hanson Island side. Earlier this morning, we heard probably the I33s in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 11:49:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s and the I35s turned back east just over 1/2 hour ago. At the turne they were spread out across Johnstone Strait as far west as the entrance to Weynton Pass.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 14:50:37 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s (vocal at the moment) and I35s are closing in on Critical Point again after their travel eastward this afternoon in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 17:21:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

At the beaches on a sunny after noon, signal quality is poor.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 17:49:37 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s and the I35s are still at the Rubbing beaches and the signal is much better. Apparently, off of Troy's Beach in Queen Charlotte Strait, this afternoon, were the A36s, the A24s and the rest of the I31s (the I33s). Although lingering Troy thought they might be heading east. So maybe company's coming!
Helena
29 Aug 2009 19:17:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Compant might already be here!
Helena
29 Aug 2009 20:02:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Here is a surprise - it is the A12s in Blackfish Sound. The I15s and I35s are going west past Boat Bay. Apparently, the I35s came right into Boat Bay (Marie's excited report).
Helena
29 Aug 2009 20:23:02 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

let's add to the list: the A36s, the rest of the I31s are with the A12s in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 20:32:37 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s and the I35s came up to the entrance of Blackney Pass and in an "after you gesture" they allowed room for the A36s, A12s and the rest of the I31s to head past Cracroft Point. The movement now is most likely east with the tide.
Helena
29 Aug 2009 22:03:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s made it to Johnstone Strait after lingering for a while in Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Aug 2009 03:27:41 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s are rubbing!
Helena
28 Aug 2009 06:05:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After spending a long morning traveling slowly to the west in Johnstone Strait, the I15s have now turned, and are headed back to the east again. They are on both sides of the Strait.
Helena
28 Aug 2009 12:55:02 PDT

Performing maintenance

Thanks to JStream & Orca-live staff, we have resumed live audio streaming. Please note that our server will be changed beginning 10am JST on August 31st, and that our site, including the Community page, will not be accessible during the change over, possibly for a period of a few days.
Paul & Helena
28 Aug 2009 13:15:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The !5s reached the rubbing beaches a short while ago.
Helena
28 Aug 2009 19:51:36 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The dolphins are out in front of us and a short while ago the I15s came up to the entrance of Blackney Pass, most likely listening to the I31 calls in Blackfish Sound. The whales have not yet let us know how they have resolved this "meeting".
Helena
28 Aug 2009 21:30:58 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s came into Blackney pass to encourage the i31s to come south. Both groups are headed for Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Aug 2009 21:54:45 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since all the groups we were aware of went "out" last evening. No reports either... we are waiting.
Helena
27 Aug 2009 11:15:31 PDT

Performing maintenance

Orca-live staff in Japan are about to change servers, so there will be an interruption in access to our site, beginning 10am JST August 31st, and possibly lasting for a few days. During the changeover, the Community page will not be available. We apologise for any inconvenience, and wish to express our sincere thanks to Orca-live staff in Japan for their continued support of our dream!
Paul & Helena
27 Aug 2009 11:33:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We've just heard a report that at least 2 orcas are traveling east past Telegraph Cove... no idea who they are yet, but hope to find our more soon.
Helena
27 Aug 2009 11:35:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing blows in Blackney Pass heading south towards Johnstone Strait. (We alos are experiencing power problems and may not be able to regularly post comments. We will do what we can.
Helena
27 Aug 2009 21:43:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We heard a few I15 calls and probably an A1 call as well from the groups heading into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
27 Aug 2009 22:07:15 PDT

I15s, A36s, A4s, A5s, A12s, A30s

No orcas present.

Sorry, the streaming is gone again for a bit while we sort out new IP addresses. Since yesterday, there is not much to report except around 5pm a group of at least 7 orcas passed CP on their way to the east. These whales were reported to have come in via Weynton Pass although there is some confusion as visual IDs were not available and the whales were not vocal. They passed on to Boat bay and then started to cross over toward the east end of the Reserve. As far as we know the I15s were eastbound on the Vancouver Island shore during this time. They also got to the beaches and from there we thinks they may have carried on to the east. But this is also not 100% clear as there were no calls to give additional clues after 8:08pm. We are waiting to see how the day unfolds. The A36s were the last vocal whales in Blackfish Sound yesterday evening (8pm) and they may still not be too far away as they seemed to not be entirely committed to leaving this area. There was a report a short while ago of 2 whales off of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Sound. Dolphins continue to tour the area and can be heard from time to time.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 09:47:37 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We've been listening to echolocation of the Critical Point hydrophone, and Marie at the Cliff reports a group of orcas in the Robson Bight estuary, heading west. A short whle ago, we heard distant G clan calls on CrPt, so it's possible the I15s (or another G clan group) are heading back from the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 13:16:56 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A4s, A5s, A12s are all heading west past Robson Bight, possibly to join up with the I15s, who have been lazing around off (& inside) Blackney Pass for the past several hours.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 17:45:50 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A lot has been happening. We think the A12s,A35s and at least some of the A5s went west in Johnstone Strait and out htrough weynton Pass. We picked them up on the "other" side, at the top of Blackfish Sound just as the A30s were moving through Blackney Pass to the north and into Blackfish Sound. We could still hear an A4 group in the Strait and then traveling through Blackney Pass too. This sounded like the A11,A56 and A13's group. We are not sure what happened to the I15s after they poked their noses into Blackney Pass this afternoon. There were just a few calls before 6pm and then we lost track. Before the evening is over hopefully we will be able to account for all the groups.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 23:18:18 PDT

A30s, A12s, A36s, A4s, A5s I15s, I31s, Ds, C6s, G25s, I2s

Multiple pod calls audible.

The very large "crowd" that was reported being in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday, is beginning to arrive. This happens several hours after the A8s rushed out of Blackfish Sound. So far we have heard, the A30s, A4s,A5s and I15s.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 03:50:14 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Moving in... using every available route. We now are hearing Bs and possibly I31 calls already in Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass as the A4s move through Blackney on their way to the Strait as well. Getting very crowded!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 04:27:06 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches, others are in Robson Bight, others are headed east past Alert Bay, others are still coming. The movemenr is generally eastward.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 08:37:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Boy, this is busy! First a probable correction is needed. the Bs may not be there. It was a mistake of hearing the word "Bs" for "Ds" in the early morning. What is clear is that the A1s, A4s, and A5s came into Johnstone Strait along with the I15s and I31s between 4 and 5am. The Ds never seemed to come very far to the east so we are not sure where they are now. There is a sleepy group west bound between Alert Bay and Haddington Island on the Vancouver Island pointed toward Malcolm Island. This may be the C6s. There is another large group (whales everywhere today) between Cormorant Island and Malcolm Island heading toward Sointula. The Johnstone Strait whales are west bound from the beaches to Robson Bight spread out from the Cracroft Island shore to Vancouver Island. Whew! hang on to your hats!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 09:59:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We now know a bit more of today's distribution: the C6s and G25s are the westbound,sleepy group headed to haddington island; the Ds (all) and I22/39 are the sointula group;the i33s just went by the Cliff a short while ago following the A36s. It is not clear where the the rest of the As and I15s are at the moment.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 10:44:42 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

the orca shuffle continues: westbound in the Strait are the A30s, A36s,I31s and the I15s. They are spread out from Little Kaikash (west of CP) back to Izumi Rock (the A30s,I15s and maybe part of the I31s along the Vacouver Island side, while the A36s and I33s are on the Cracroft Island side). Eastbound are most likely the A4s,A5s and A12s ,now past the Eve River
Helena
25 Aug 2009 11:12:56 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I33s just went north through Blackney Pass and are now westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 12:12:16 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Here is another correction. The A30s are probably back with their regular company heading east at Hickey Point. (A12s,A4s,A5s and A30s). the two males seen on the Vancouver Island side ahead of the I15s earlier may have been the rest of the I31s (the I33s went north through Blackney Pass). the A36s ended up going through Weynton pass and we heard them as they crossed the top end of Blackfish Sound following the I33s out to the west. The I15s are currently off the entrance to Weynton pass deciding on their next move. The I31s may be with them. Complicated day to say the least.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 14:32:32 PDT

A12s, A4s, A5s

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s, A4s & A5s are all heading north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
24 Aug 2009 00:15:53 PDT

No orcas present.

Good news! The audio streaming is running again. Early this morning, the calls from the groups who had passed through Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound faded away by 2:30am. later, we heard close echo location and a couple of calls near to Robson Bight from 6:53 to 6:56am. There was some foraging, echo location, crunching,a gulp and water splashes. Sounded yummy! All has been quiet since except for a single possible rub a while after the fishing off of Critical Point.
Helena
24 Aug 2009 09:28:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We've just heard, from Marie at Boat Bay, that the A8s are westbound at Swaine Point, close to the Cracroft shore. Probably, they are the whales we heard in Robson Bight early this morning. Also, we hear via the Mackays that a crowd of orcas is coming our way... this could be an exciting night!
Helena
24 Aug 2009 18:27:40 PDT

A12s, A30s, A4s, A5s, T137s, T36A & T36A1

Multiple pod calls audible.

We still are not able to stream but may have located the problem BUT we can post comments. The scene pretty much leaves off from the location of the last post but a lot has happened since. Starting with now, the A4s (all of them) , the A12s (all of them) and the A5s are making their way back west opposite Robson Bight spread out between both shores, Vancouver Island and Cracroft Island. The movement west began this morning from Kelsey Bay. The A30s are to the west after separating yesterday from the larger group. They spent most of yesterday in Queen Charlotte Strait after saying good-bye to the gang who then went east slowly and silently for the rest of the day after the A30s went north via Blackney Pass and west in Blackfish Sound. Around 3:40 pm the A30s turned back east from Bere Point and eventually made their way to Blackfish Sound just after 10pm. They ventured slightly into Blackney but by 11:16pm they were on their way west through Blackfish Sound and by 11:36pm we lost track of them. By 4pm yesterday the A4s and A5s were well on their way past the Adam River on their way to meet up with the A12s who had spent their day in the far east.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 14:36:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not too long ago, a small group (5) of transients passed through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. This group was first spotted mid strait off of CP just after 3pm. These whales disappeared in the direction of the entrance to Blackney Pass but did not show up until more than an hour later. it looked like (from the photos) that it may have been the T137s plus 2 others. Meanwhile, the A35s passed CP at 4:44pm while the A23s,A25s and A28 were reported off the Tsitika River Estuary at 5:19pm. The A8s in company with the A12s and A24s were probably continuing west along the Vancouver Island shore parallel to the A35s.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 17:55:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

These whales ae a bit difficult to tack when they don't oblige by making vocalisations as is the case tonight. Probably, they turned east into the ebbing tide and fell asleep.Their progress back east has been very ,very slow and as night fell they were still west of CP. Jim Borrowman managed to get out to the transients and confirmed the T137s and identified T36A and T36A1 as the travelling companions. Apparently, they killed a small sea lion off of Bold Head in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 22:49:05 PDT

A30s, A8s, A11s

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing close echo location and a few "A" calls close to Critical Point as someone rounds the "corner" into Robson Bight. The whales may be spread back further to the east end of the Reserve as there has been a couple of "rub" sounds as well. This means whales are on their way west.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 07:58:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

This morning after starting a recording at 7:42am, the A30s came west along Vancouver Island, then crossed into Blackney Pass and north to Blackfish Sound. They were gliding with the tide all together and silent until reaching Blackfish Sound. A small boat, following to persistently ruined the lovely scene somewhat. While the A30s were going through, the A8s were also heading west and into Blackney. We heard a couple of calls that alerted us to their presence. Then the Tuan alerted us that they were coming into Blackney. They followed the Hanson Island side closely. They too were silent and remained so as they entered Blackfish Sound. A28 was not with them.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 11:34:45 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

An interesting development. We have been listening to A4 calls on the rubbing beaches for the past while. Several small groups are moving west spread from the Cracroft Island shore at the Cliff to the Vancouver Island shore from Robson Bight back to the east end. It may be that the A11s came in yesterday morning and were perhaps the A4 group we heard around 4am off Critical Point and then at the Beaches a while later. Later in the day, some of the OrcaLive group identified the A11s and reported that A73 was now with them! she certainly keeps life interesting. Also, the A30s have now turned while off Lizard Point and are headed back east through Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
21 Aug 2009 15:12:40 PDT

A24s, A30s, A5s, A12s.

No orcas present.

A couple of events; we are still not able to stream audio; the A24s made a "quick' jaunt back to Critical Point at 4:35am and then returned to the Beaches for a rub at 6am; a large group of dolphins passed the Lab headed north at 6;30am.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 07:55:20 PDT

No orcas present.

All the regular groups plus the A12s are far to the east today but generally heading back west, with the A24s in the lead, and the A12s at the back of the parade. Also, a report of whales in the Blunden Harbour area last night.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 12:22:42 PDT

No orcas present.

Sorry, the last report said that the whales were heading west but actually they were going east with the current. Still far to the east, quiet this direction so far.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 14:36:05 PDT

A12s, A30s, A4s, A5s, T18s

Distant calls audible.

Here is a chance to catch up. The internet service went down during the night - a problem outside of our network. Around 3am, the A30s, A24S,and A5s returned from the east. By 4am they were off Critical Point. For the next two hours, they moved around off the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay, eventually heading back to the east. Later, in the very foggy morning light, a group transients (possibly the T18s) came west in the Strait and into Blackney Pass. While they cleared north at 11:40am, the A12s headed south into Blackney Pass. They had been preceded by a group of 100 Pacific Whitesided dolphins who reached the Strait by 11:34am. except for a few generic A1 calls in Blackfish Sound, the A12s travelled to the Strait silently. They are off Robson Bight now, still quiet but the a30s,A24s and the A5s are on their way back to the east end of the Reserve. A meeting is about to happen soon.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 14:05:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

First of all: audio streaming seems to be having difficulties. We are not sure of the cause. Please be patient. Between 3 and 4pm the A23s (silent) and the A24s (vocal) and then the A25s (vocal too) passed CP headed to the west. The A30s are coming along the Vancouver Island shore headed west as well but a bit further back from the others. The A12s kept going east and the A8s haven not been accounted for yet today. The transients ended up in front of Alert Bay after passing us before noon this morning. There is also a report of a large group heading east from Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 17:09:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s,in particular A39, were vocal for a short while as the whales negotiated a turn to the east. During the turn the A30s shifted direction mid strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. The other groups then moved eastward after getting as far as Blinkhorn. The A12s at last report kept going east from the Beaches, passing the A30s,who were headed west at the time, off Strider Beach.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 18:33:58 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Still do not know why the audio link is down. but we can tell you that some of the whales (not yet identified) are at the beaches and the A4s are offshore of Robson Bight.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 21:07:13 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s turned up at the beaches . It is not 100% clear if the A12s approached the Beaches from the east or the west. They had been seen continuing east past the A30s but it was possible that this was just so they could follow the parade to the west. CP was convinced that they got at least as far as Kaikash before being noticed as an unidentified group heading east. The numbers just seemed right. Regardless, all the groups have moved east beyond the Reserve now and this little corner of the ocean is quiet for the moment.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:22:58 PDT

No orcas present.

I forgot to mention that the A12s were at the Beaches until around 9:28pm and the last distant multi-group calls were at 10:54pm when we believe the whales continued eastward.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:31:19 PDT

A30s A4s A5s

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the A5s have brought themselves back to the area near the Reserve and closer to the A24s. interesting calls even if a bit faint at times.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:18:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After the rendezvous, the A30s have come west into Blackney Pass and are headed to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:35:24 PDT

Orcas near mics.

As the A30s reach into Blackfish Sound, the A5s are following them through Blackney Pass. So far, it is not apparent that the A24s have done likewise.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 02:56:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It has been an interesting morning as the A30s,A5s and the A24s made their way all the way back from Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage. The entered the Strait at 2:27pm. They have been quiet. No mention of the A8s yet.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 14:49:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s,A5s and the A24s continued east toward the Ecological Reserve after spending quite a lot of time west of CP after arriving in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 19:59:16 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales have moved further east to the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 20:27:15 PDT

Boat noise

We lost track of the whales around 9pm and for now, presume they continued eastward from the Reserve.
Helena
18 Aug 2009 23:25:37 PDT

A69, Midsummer has a new calf!

No orcas present.

All quiet now, but the night was a mixture of continued A5 rubs (8;39 to 8:48pm and (9:26 to 9:36pm) and not too distant and distant, A30 and A24 calls, west of the beaches. Then, only incredibly distant calls from 9pm till just before midnight when the very distant frequent calls became slightly stronger. It sounded as if the whales must have been on the Cracroft Island shore heading west and possibly eastward (perhaps a split in the larger group?). Around 3am, there were also frequent Pacific Whitesided dolphin calls, some very close to Critical Point. After 4am, the A30s could be heard in Blackfish Sound. Possibly, they went north through Blackney Pass (mostly silently) as a few of their calls were echoing back to the Local Left hydrophone. A24 and A5 calls were not heard during this time suggesting that they may well have (at least the A5s) stayed east of the Ecological Reserve. But we will see what the morning brings. 10 whales have already been spotted heading east in Queen Charlotte Strait this morning. This may well turn out to be the A30s returning.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 07:52:02 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

sorry, our internet connection has been very erratic for the past while. i'm taking this 'connected' opportunity to post the following summary of the day: the large group did not apparently split during the night. But the A24s and A5s were the silent partners to the A30s, who we know, went out to Blackfish Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait as we heard them at 4am. This morning, whales came out of Queen Charlotte Strait, through Weynton Pass and then east in Johnstone Strait. Most of this latter part was silent. Eventually, the A30s (travelling with the A23s), the A24s and the rest of the A5s arrived at the Ecological Reserve, displacing the dolphins who were hanging out deep in the Bight. The groups then found their way to the beaches where they have been for the last while. The dolphins right now are heading east under the Cliff toward Boat Bay after heading west to the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier. There are transients at the very far eastern end of Johnstone Strait. also, jared Towers thinks A69 (Midsummer) has a new calf. Paul believes he had taken a picture of the calf earlier in the summer. This will be Midummer's first!
Helena
17 Aug 2009 13:14:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Just before 2pm the A30s with the A23s filed back into Robson Bight after the beaches. The others are now following their lead.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 14:43:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

I need to correct the impression that the A24s were with the A30s and the A5s when they came into Weynton Pass before 9am. Right now, the A30s and the A5s are far to the west again, close to where they were this moning when they came in. They started west after the beaches and passed Critical Point at 2:15pm. By 3:25pm, they were west of Kaikash Creek. From there they continued west past Blinkhorn and beyond.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 19:17:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

These A24 calls are both close and further away from Critical Point. But it seems as if they have rounded Critical Point from the east so perhaps our original idea that the larger group split up last night was correct based on what we know from the visual reports for the day and the scanty acoustic clues we had. Now it seems probable that it was the A24s who stayed east while the A30s and the A5s did the circuit around Hanson Island and Johnstone Strait last night and today. It is so nice when there are solid acoustic clues. Just now, CP reports that the A30s and A5s have turned and are eastbound (still west of CP) from Blinkhorn.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 19:49:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the A5s have brought themselves back to the area near the Reserve and closer to the A24s. interesting calls even if a bit faint at times.
Helena
17 Aug 2009 22:30:45 PDT

A30s A5s and A4s travel together

No calls but orcas nearby

And it was,back to beaches (briefly) for the A30s and A5s: Did not hear the A24s at this time
Helena
16 Aug 2009 01:08:19 PDT

Superb sounds!!

These lovely calls are from the A30s as they pass north through Blackney Pass towards Blackfish sound. The A5s are just getting louder as well.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 04:08:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're listening to the A8s, A23s & A24s on the Parson Island hydrophone, as they head towards Johnstone Strait. The A30s & A25s are behind, just entering Blackney Pass.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 11:03:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A8s,A23s,A24s,A30s and A25s did not go east for long. The leads, (the A23s) got almost to Izumi Rock (west of the Western Boundary of the Reserve) before all turned back to the west and past CP. Perhaps running into a large group of dolphins influeneced this decision. The groups are all spread out from Blinkhorn to the Hanson side still going west.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 14:12:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After turning around at 2:48pm when they were to the west spread from the Wastells to Beaver Cove,Turn Point and Weynton Passage entrance, the A30s, A24s and A5s, moved past CP, Kaikash creek and into the Reserve where they are now.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 18:17:12 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

First in, the A5s and now the A24s.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 19:50:29 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are spread out from the beaches (A5) back to Robson Bight (A30,A24).
Helena
16 Aug 2009 20:01:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

these very, very distant (almost inaudible) calls are on the Beach system so the whales are still east of Robson Bight for now.
Helena
16 Aug 2009 23:34:01 PDT

A30s, A4s and A5s

Distant calls audible.

Yet another circle! Back eastward past Robson Bight once again.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 01:22:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant "A1" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 08:10:12 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Off to the beach!
Helena
15 Aug 2009 09:29:59 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Despite the boat noise (it is busy out there), the sounds are great as the whales (A30 and A5 close and A4s distant) round the "corner" once again from the east!
Helena
15 Aug 2009 10:59:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

This morning, at a fairly good clip, the A30s along with the A24s and the A5s, travelled quickly west. Except for the A8s, who had remained mid strait on the "run" to the beaches, the A30s, the rest of the A5s and the A24s were together. Then when off the Tsitika River Estuary, the A8s joined the others for the travel "up" (west) the Vancouver Island side. When the groups reached Kaikash Creek they crossed over toward CP. This was about 1:20pm. Frome there, the groups continued west along the Hanson Island shore.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 14:48:16 PDT

Orcas near mics.

This time the close A5 and A30 calls are close to CP as the groups move eastward. For most of the afternoon, the whales were west of CP but by 4:30pm they made their way back toward Blinkhorn and points east.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 17:45:25 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is quite remarkable that each night, for so long now, has followed such a similar pattern. A long swing to the west throughout the day, a long silent move toward the Bight in the afternoon and then a loud wake up in front of the Bight, a collective decision to go to the Beaches for a rub, then a shift back to the west afterward, only to return to the Beaches sometime during the night once again. This happened again today and the A30s, A24s and the A5s are now currently back west of Robson Bight again after an energetic rub. If the pattern holds tonight, this won't be the end of their east-west shuffle and the night might be long.
Helena
15 Aug 2009 23:34:06 PDT