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

A30s A4s and A5s travel together

No orcas present.

It was pretty "quiet" last night after the A12s and A36s went north through Blackney Pass. Then at 3am, the A5s came back from the east to the Rubbing Beaches. Their rub began at 3:20 and lasted until 3:31am. The A24s and the A30s were heard too but they were further off shore. Everything then shifted to the west and by 3:48am they were opposite Robson Bight. At the change of tide (to the flood) the calls from all three groups became more frequent. Occasionally, there was faint echo location. Just after 6am, the calls were very distant and ended soon afterward.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 08:08:53 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s have arrived back to the Ecological Reserve area. They are spread out with some of the A5s on the Cracroft Island shore opposite Boat Bay. The A24s were angling from that side towards the Vancouver Island side earlier.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 13:12:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So... the A30s continue on the Vancouver Island side but the A24s are still with the A23s on the Cracroft Island side and they are in the lead off the Sophia Islands now. The A25s, a short while ago, were trailing opposite Boat Bay Island. No mention yet of the A8s.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 13:47:12 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s,A24s and A5s (the usual suspects) went past CP and on to the area opposite Telegraph Cove and Weynton Pass. The last report mentioned that they were now headed to Blinkhorn so perhaps there is an eastward trend now. The A8s were found, travelling with the A30s as they went along the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 16:46:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Indeed they did turn at the time of the last report. They all "ran" down the Vancouver Island shore,past Critical Point and on to the Beaches where they are now.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 20:45:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Sounds like they have bounced back to Robson Bight from the Beaches/
Helena
14 Aug 2009 22:11:33 PDT

A34 and A12 reunited

Distant calls audible.

Sorry, the internet on the North Island was down yesterday afternoon & evening, so lets start with what is happening now. We are hearing distant resting calls in Johnstone Strait and despite the fog there was a report at 7:30am from Norm on the Western Moon that there were 2 groups heading west from Blinkhorn. At the same time, the Tyee reported a large group of whales spread out off Lizard Point & heading east. Possibly, these are newcomers! During the night: from 7pm to 8pm we listened as the A30s, A24s and A5s approached and passed Critical Point on their way to the Beaches. From 8:11pm to 8:42, the A5s, A30s and A24s stayed off the east end of the Reserve, enjoying a rub from 8:16pm to 8:26pm. By 10:18pm these groups, led by the A5s and A30s, were passing Robson Bight to the west. After midnight, they turned and once again passed the Bight, just before 2am. It was then back to the beaches for a rub starting at 2:37am. The close calls there ended around 3am, and then it was off to the Bight once again. The A30s arrived there first by 4:10am, with the A24s and A5s lingering further east till 5:04am. After that, there was a general movement west with the A30s remaining close to Robson Bight until 5:30am. The distant westbound calls dropped off by 6:14am and picked up again at 7:50am. By this time the groups were off Blinkhorn as reported. Very foggy out there this morning! Helena
Helena
13 Aug 2009 08:49:42 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

These A1 calls and echo location are on Flower island in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 10:30:23 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We had the nice surprise of seeing the A34s come through Blackney Pass. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier with the A36s. The A36s have not yet come "down". As the A34s entered Johnstone Strait, the resting A30s,A24s and A5s turned quickly next to the Pig Ranch on Cracroft Island (east of the Sophia Islands) and started west to meet the incoming whales. A34 and A12 were a pair, well ahead, of the rest of their group as they came through Blackney Pass. This was a touching picture,for sure.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 12:18:19 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

This has been a great multi-group (lots of A12/34 calls especially) rub!
Helena
13 Aug 2009 16:02:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

the A30s,A24s and the A5s are going east, now past Boat Bay, all in their respective groups, resting. The A12s are headed west toward Cracroft Point. When the whales went past Boat Bay, Marie, said that A39,A71,A28 and the A54s formed an interesting line but then turned back to Swaine Point to meet up and fold into their own groups and then carried on travelling east.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 19:46:35 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have just passed north through Blackney Pass with the A36s following (very vocal!).
Helena
13 Aug 2009 21:42:16 PDT

A30s A4s and A5s

Distant calls audible.

After moving eastward:The A30s with the A24s have returned to the area off the east end of the Ecological Reserve, followed by the A5s.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 04:20:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are moving along westward toward the CP area. Lovely quiet, foggy morning.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 08:47:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A24s, A5s and A30s went west this morning. They past CP around 8:50am and carried on a bit further. By 9:05am groups were opposite Big bay spread out across the Strait. A bit further west and then the turn began between 9:20 and 9:42am. The A23s and a25s were off Turn Point by then and the A24s on the Vancouver Island shore. The A24s (all together this morning) continued to Blinkhorn and turned east at 10:45. By 11:15am the groups had travelled back slowly to theArea off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A24s were by then opposite the "bottom" (east) end of Hanson Island while the rest were mid strait to the Vancouver Island side. The whales are very quiet out there.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 11:35:27 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After travelling eastward to the western boundary of the Ecological Reserve, the groups turned north-west toward the Sophia Islands. The A23s and the A25s were furthest east with A39. The A30s were with the A8s and the A24s with A73 were following and further offshore of the others who were closer to Vancouver Islandbefore the turn. Afte the turn some of the groups went west on the inside of the Sophias. The whales are now opposite Cracroft Point.
Helena
12 Aug 2009 14:17:38 PDT

A30s, A4s and A5s

Distant calls audible.

Distant now but great sounds from the whales when they once again went back to the beaches. Starting at 1:43am, after they had passed Critical Point, were the first distant calls heard on the rubbing beach system. Ten minutes later, they were rubbing and they stayed there for over half an hour. Their calls are once again distant after moving off and away.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 02:44:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After departing (to the east) around 3am we are once again hearing distant A5 calls off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 08:09:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A23s with the A50s, A30 and A38, with the A8s following, went past the Cliff to the west. When they arrived at the Pig Ranch (east of the Sophias on Cracroft Island), they turned and "bee lined" straight over to the Ecological Reserve. All the groups are in the Reserve now. Thanks to Marie on the Cliff for the update.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 11:54:53 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Whales (A5s) just now entering the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 12:21:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

At 12;40pm the whales turned west while near the Rubbing Beaches. From there, they travelled west past Critical Point and by 2:30pm they were off Kaikash Creek. The A24s with A73 had been spotted earlier along vancouver Island. They have been very quiet for the last day or so and we thought we might have lost track of them completely. It was good to get the report from the Naiad Explorer. The A24s ended up going the furthest west (again), this time right to Beaver Cove. They were also the last to turn back east. The main turn happened at 3:43pm but the A24s didn't start back until around 4:35pm. Right now, the A30s and A5s are spread out off CP foraging, perhaps by shifting eastward.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 18:04:45 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and A5s have shifted their scene over to Vancouver Island where they are continuing eastward. The A24s were reported on that side earlier.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 19:09:01 PDT

Superb sounds!!

What can one say? A30s, A24s and A5s have found the Bight once again.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:21:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and A5s have shifted their scene over to Vancouver Island where they are continuing eastward. The A24s were reported on that side earlier.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:46:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Still calls on the Critical system but now A5 calls also on the Rubbing Beach system getting louder as the whales shift to the east.
Helena
11 Aug 2009 21:48:04 PDT

A30s, A36s, A12, A4s, A5s

No calls but orcas nearby

A fairly busy night until 3am. The last calls of the A30s and A5s were at 2:55am. At that point they were still fairly close to Robson Bight. Then at 5:34am 3 blows were heard going south in Blackney Pass and after a short bout of echolocation which was not sourced. The cruise ships (a parade) will have to clear before we are able to hear clearly.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 06:04:35 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s and A12 are now heading north in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 07:19:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just talked with Marie, the A30s, A5s and possibly the A24s are grouped together mid strait off hte Western Boundary of the Ecological Reserve heading east. We have not heard them since 3am, a long snooze. Perhaps the A36s and A12 didn't want to wake so they tip-toed out again via Blackney pass !
Helena
10 Aug 2009 09:21:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s,A24s,and A5s have been asleep for the entire time, slowly drifting eastward together mid strait until they wee opposite the east end of the Reserve. They are now reported heading west. No sign of the A36s and A12.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 12:36:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s,a24s and A5s are moving quickly after their deep slumber, now between Izumi Rock and Kaikash Creek.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 13:22:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Around 3pm the A30s began to go east when west of Blinkhorn. They stalled there and waited for the rest to catch up. The A24s had gone west to Telegraph Cove, the A5s were opposite Weynton Passage. The whales all gathered together close to Vancouver Island shore. except one of the A30 males, perhaps A39, who elected to remain mid strait. They are now east of Blinkhorn approaching Little Kaikash and travelling fairly quickly.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 16:07:21 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

These crazy good (even if somewhat distorted) calls from the A30s,A5s and A24s are now on the Rubbing beaches. The sad news is that a small sailboat called the "Heron", ignoring all the calls from the Cliff observation post, has been travelling through the Reserve and the whales. A party crasher for sure.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 18:32:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and A5s spent some time at the Beaches and we could hear them on that system from 8:30pm to 10:04pm. Very soon after Critical Point picked up the whales as they moved away from the Beaches back to the west. The whales rounded the corner at 10:33pm. It seems as if they are quite spread out. We are still hearing fairly strong A30 calls but calls are now being heard further west as the whales continue to move in that direction.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 23:33:14 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to wonderful calls from A1s, A4s, A5s, on the Critical Point hydrophone. Boat noise is coming now.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 00:18:21 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Right now, lovely A30 calls off Critical Point continue.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 02:37:34 PDT

No orcas present.

There are whales heading back west from the Broken Islands. Earliier this morning, after the last post when the A30s were sitting on top of Critical Point, the A5s came soon after and the scene shifted to the Rubbing Beach system. The rub began at 3am and carried on for a while, then the A4,A30 calls grew increasing distant. It was not absolutely clear what the A5s did after being so close to Critical Point but these groups have enjoyed each other's company so we believe they also went east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 10:56:03 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After zooming past the Beaches the whales, (the A30s, A24s and A5s) have moved into the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 12:18:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A8s were first to go by (under) the Cliff at 1pm. A28, from that group, was swimming back with the A23s (just like last year). The A30s were closer to the Vancouver Island shore with the A24s following. A39 was in the middle. Now, just past Kaikash Creek the A24s are angling out toward the Hanson Island side as the other groups continue westward.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 13:49:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whale groups are stretched from Blinkhorn back to the CP area. The A30s and the A24s travelled up the Vancouver island side. The A24s angled out once they reached Kaiakash Creek. Meanwhil, on the the A8s and A23s progressed past CP and up the Hanson island side. The A25s are the last group passing CP.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 14:44:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A few of the whales turned back to the east and one of the A30 males made it all the way to Izumi Rock (just west of Robson Bight) before turning around to the Northwest. Other groups were still off the Blinkhorn, Telegraph Cove area while this happeened.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 16:06:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are really eastbound now. At 4:45pm, the Lukwas reported that as they headed into Telegraph Cove, there were whales spread from deep inside Beaver Coe (to the west of Telegraph Cove) to the Stephenson Islands in the entrance of Weynton Passage. They were beginning to turn then. An hour later, the whales were off Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) and still east bound.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 17:59:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Very slow progress to the east so far. But they are vocal.The whales are passing Kaikash Creek,opposite CP, close to the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 19:51:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A few of the whales turned back to the east and one of the A30 males made it all the way to Izumi Rock (just west of Robson Bight) before turning around to the Northwest. Other groups were still off the Blinkhorn, Telegraph Cove area while this happeened.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 20:30:32 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s,A24s and the A5s have made it back to the Reserve and are continuing east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 20:31:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are debating whether we can still hear calls through the noise of the distorted,lapping water on the rubbing beach system. What we do know is that the last calls on the Critical Point system were at 10:05pm. About twenty minutes later the A30s,A24s and A5s were off the beaches. There was some rubbing activity between 10:57pm and 11:05pm. After that the calls grew steadily more distant as the whales moved even further away.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:24:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales can be heard once again on Critical Point.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:51:33 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have arrived in Robson Bight from the east. There are still faint calls on the rubbing beach system.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:56:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the whales finished at the rubbing beaches around 12;30am, and after their calls became distant by 12:40am, it was a relatively uneventful night. Then just after 6am (6:05) faint calls were heard on Critical Point. These very faint and infrequent calls were last heard about ten minutes ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:00:14

Distant calls audible.

Group of orcas near Blinkhorn going west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:43:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A36s are around once more.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 08:29:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP reports seeing the A36s heading east with A12. They came from the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 09:22:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

This is on the Critical Point system.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 21:38:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Waking up! in the Bight.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 21:45:32 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Now moving on towad the Beaches.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 22:22:24 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s, A24s,A5s continued to move closer and eventually past Critical Point and Robson Bight just before midnight. They seemingly carried on east, briefly rubbing at 12:30am. The very last distant calls from the rubbing beach system (which hears fairly far to the east this year) was at 2:10am. After that the night was "quiet". The last calls in Blackfish Sound (the other direction) were at 11:08pm.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 06:53:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

They are on their way back from the east!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 08:55:24 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Well, its back to Critical Point after the Beaches. Dizzy circle they are on, but lovely calls even if only sporadic.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 23:25:27 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The same groups as last night (the A30s, A24s/A73, and A5s) are headed west very quickly along the Vancouver Island approaching Kaikash Creek. At 9:55am, we had a chance to talk with Marie who is stationed on the "Cliff" opposite Robson Bight. Around 9:30am, she had the groups file past her close to the Cracroft shore. The whales were in a playful mood, in mixed groups. A60,A61 and A39 were in the lead, followed by the rest of the A30s in company with A28, the A5s were next, at 9:35am, about 200 meters offshore of the Cliff, the A24s with Springer were midstrait. When the whales were almost to Pizza Point (just east of the Sophias) a boat rounded the "corner" at speed. The whales turned abruptly and headed to the far shore towards the Western Boundary". From there, they moved along the Vancouver Island shore at top speed.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 10:51:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are still going west approaching Blinkhorn and the top end of Hanson Island. Around 11am, the groups going along Vancouver Island split with some heading to Hanson Island, east of Big Bay while the rest carried west along Vancouver Island. A39 and A38 foraged off the top end of Hanson Island for a while and then A38 branched off to angle toward Blinkhorn. The surprise of the day is that A12 turned up off Swaine Point (Boat Bay) as she too headed west. At 11:45 she was past the Cliff and heading towards the Sophias. We last heard her in Blackfish Sound just after 11pm. She must have back tracked after this time.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 12:16:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At 3:15pm the whales turned back to the west. By 4pm they were approaching the Sophia islands. A23s,A8s,A25s and A30s were on the Cracroft Island side as they moved west. Another half hour of travel brought the A23s and A25s 300 meters off CP with the A30s and A8s more mid strait. The A24s followed mid strait. By 5pm they were opposite Blinkhorn and still going west.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:29:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A few calls and a turn to the east. Now on their way from Blinkhorn.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:48:06 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s, A24s,A5s and presumably A12 too have made it back to the Bight and once again they are calling as evening comes along.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 20:05:59 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

From Critical to their next favourite spot - the Beaches!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 21:09:32 PDT

A30s, A4s, A5s, Transients, A36s+A12

Multiple pod calls audible.

Maybe this is a real push to the west and the previous one a dress rehearsal. However, the tide has turned to the flood and one would think the whales would like the easy road. This has not been their rule all day and most of their travel has been against the tide. So we will see but so far we have heard the A5s,A4s and A30s on the Critical Point system.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 00:01:35 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The recent transient calls are on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. This is happening as the residents move through the Robson Bight area.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 00:12:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After a period of heavy boat noise (cruise ships) we're hearing frequent distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone. Sounds like the groups are still energetic, & have moved to the east a bit.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 04:13:39 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are within Robson Bight now after stalling off the east end with the A4s and A5s for quite some time.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 05:26:21 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Since the last note, all the groups made it back to Robson Bight, following the A30s lead. Except for the A36s and A12, who made it all the way to the entrance of Blackney Pass by 7:19am, the majority shifted back and forth from Critical Point to a little further west. After great some great excitment when perhaps finding fish, the whales finally decided collectively to rest and move west with the help of the tide. They are slowly moving that direction now opposite the "Cliff".
Helena
06 Aug 2009 09:48:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Believe it or not, there are orcas out there in Johnstone Strait. After the party there is a whole lot of resting going on!. The A30s made it to Blinkhorn and the A24s crossed over towards them, then everyone turned eastward again. The A30s moved away from Vancouver Island on the turn and are mid strait slowly,silently moving east with the A5s. The A24s are past the Baron Reefs. Earlier today, the A36s with A12 were slipped into Blackney Pass around 7:19am. There have been no further reports about their whereabouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 15:44:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups are eastbound moving slowly from midstrait towards Vancouver Island. A39 is lingering off CP doing a bit of foraging. The A36s have been found off of Lizard Point without A12. CP thinks she went by them earlier today.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 16:06:45 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A12 is rushing north through Blackney Pass!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 19:39:40 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Suddenly we heard A12/A36 on Flower Island and we are waiting to see what happens next. After A12 rushed through to the north earlier, the other (the A30s,A4s and A5s) made a move toward Blackney Pass (they had come back quietly to the west) but they decided to turn tail and go back to the Strait. We never saw them but CP was able to keep track of their in and out of Blackney movement. apparently, they were either all tight together or in a long resting line as they moved about. Long resting lines used to be quite common so it is good to see this tradition once again. These groups went west briefly once back in the Strait but then turned east. They are now approaching Robson Bight and have found their voices once again! lovely, like last night.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:12:16 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely, lovely,lovely A30s, A5s and A24s!!!!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:50:42 PDT

A30s, A36s, A24s, A5s and A12

Orcas near mics.

The A36s, who came into Johnstone Strait at 4am, are off Critical Point after travelling eastward in Johnstone Strait. The others, the A30s,A24s,and A5s with A12 following them continued east last night.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 08:33:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After listening to the A36s for quite a while, foraging heavily off of Critical Point and Robson Bight. and hearing them drift eastward toward the east end of the Reserve, we began to hear A5 calls come up from the east. Whales are spread out across from the east end to Forward Bay,all coming west.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 11:59:15 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A little bit of rubbing and a lot of distant calls as the A30s, A24s, A5s head west. Some groups are going through the Ecologial Reserve while others travelling opposite to the Cracroft shore. The A36s probably turned west in advance of the arriving groups and were first back to Robson Bight. After which it was one of the A5 group's turn.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 13:09:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups (the A36s, A24s,A5s and the A30s) continued west past CP. A32 and A37 came back to forage off of CP. The mood out there is still very social;spyhops, rolling around, breaches, tail slaps and very mixed groups. Lots of boat noise is the only thing which spoils the fun.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 16:42:52 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like there's a party in the Bight tonight!
Helena
05 Aug 2009 19:53:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After the briefest of rubs, the groups have begun a westward trek again, rounding Critical Point with amazing sounds
Helena
05 Aug 2009 21:55:41 PDT

A4s, A36s, A12, A5s, A30s and news about the Ws

Distant calls audible.

A very,very busy night: the A4s,A1s stayed in the Rubbing Beach/Robson Bight area throughout the early morning hours, taking turns at the Beaches then drifting back to Critical Point. We are still working out the details of the movements, but the A5s did come up from the east and joined the others so it was quite the party. Later, the A36s and A12 broke away to come north through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to the west. The A30s followed (just recently) up to the Sophia Islands but then turned back toward the Reserve. The A4s are not too far away but the A5s may have possibly turned back eastward.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:03:08 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s probably had everyone in tow when they travelled up to the Sophias. The report is of about 30 orcas.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:08:47 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And back again to the Beaches!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 10:13:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales got as far as Naka Creek then turned back to the west. The are back in the Ecological Reserve and on the Boat Bay side.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 12:41:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The day so far has been about a progression to the west. The A30s, A5s and A24s moved slowly at first to the west and then when opposite CP (Kaikash Creek area) they began to pick up some speed. They were spread acrosss the Strait in mixed groups. they are now east bound and some even back to the Kaikash Creek area. Meanwhile, the A36s made it back to Blackfish Sound and we were just visited by A12 alone in Blackney Pass. We lost track of her during a long dive when she was directly out front.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 18:08:02 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely calls as the A30s & Co close in on Robson Bight. A12 got herself into Johnstone Strait.The A36s were getting further away but ,at this point, not sure what they might be up to. An interesting note for yesterday: the Sea Otter came upon the W3s off of Donegal Head. And from a later report from Rob and Erin, the Ws went through Pearse Pass at 9:30pm. We never heard them in Johnstone Strait and no evidence today of their presence. So this is a bit of mystery. It was only 2 of the Ws as it looks like W5 might be gone.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 19:43:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

That was lovely,lovely,lovely!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:42:57 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And now for the next act!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:43:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Ooops, maybe not quite yet!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:47:15 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Here they go! A5s first.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:57:43 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

A now A4!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 21:33:19 PDT

A30s, A24a and A36s with A12

No orcas present.

All is pretty quiet. CP last reported that there were whales going west. We could hear A30 calls getting more distant but the A36s seemed to be getting louder so we wondered if they went east beyond the Reserve. The A24s were reported eastbound off Naka Creek at around 8pm. There were two whales, a male and a female reported off Donegal Head but we never heard any calls and so can't shed any light on who that may have been.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 00:46:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A pretty quiet night. Katie woke up for the 4:20am calls. This did not last long but then at 6:20am Tomoko started to record the A36s in Johnstone Strait as they moved west. CP saw them go by at 7:20am. At that time, there was a report of two more orca heading across to Blinkhorn. So the orca shuffle continues. The A36s are still only across the entrance to Blackney Pass from CP but they may be crossing toward Blinkhorn as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 08:20:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s with A12 were the only group in western Johnstone Strait this morning. They went past CP at 7:20am and after a while longer off the top end of Hanson Island they travelled past the Plumper Islands to Blackfish Sound. They began calling a short while ago and now may be headed toward Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:01:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have turned up as well in Blackfish Sound and look like they are headed to Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:20:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s with A12 scooted through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to Johnstone Strait. They were all together. A12 looked lovely in the middle of the big boys. A39 followed a while after and he was followed by all the rest of the A30s who cleared our view at 12:13pm. They are now approaching the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 13:04:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

With A12 in the lead, the whales are westbound and just abpout the exit the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 15:02:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A24s are arriving back from the east, now off Robson Bight. The A30s & Co went off to the top end of hanson island and beyond but headed back east. At 7:18pm they were east of Kaikash Creek opposite CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:48:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s are off Telegraph Cove while the A30s enter the reserve and Robson Bight. A gathering!
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:53:55 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A24s are at the rubbing beaches. The A30s are not far away and the A36s are moving east too, now past CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 21:11:57 PDT

Springer (A73) spotted with the A24s!!

Orcas near mics.

Interesting night: First of all the A36s actually made it to Johnstone Strait just before 1am. After which there was a fair amount of movement. Right now, the A30s and A24s (after being a short distance east for a while) are not far from Critical Point and Robson Bight. The A5s,however, have not come back from further east yet.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 05:33:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The groups are spread out: off the entrance of Blackney Pass;crossing from Vancouver Island to the entrance and close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 08:22:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s with the A24s just passed through Blacknery Pass headed for blackfish Sound. The exciting news!!! is that Springer was with the A24s!!!! This was our first look at the A24s since they came down with the A34s and the A5s in July. When we saw the a24s when they first came in this season, Springer was not with them. This is a bit of a first!!!! We have not heard from the A36s/A12 for quite a while.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 09:32:50 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s are off Cracroft Point with A12.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 10:00:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These are A4 calls (A24s) in Blackfish Sound while the A36s and A12 remain off of CP.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 13:28:26 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

To catch up: the A30s and the A24s (with A73) stayed at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while after travelling north through Blackney Pass. At 3pm, they travelled on through Weynton Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. Frome there they went east along the Vancouver Island shore and past Critical Point. They are now at the east end of the Reserve and beginning their rub. the A36s, meanwhile, have rremained basically off the CP area for most of the day but they have not been very vocal. A 12 has not been with them since about 11:30am. She was last seen heading eastward. The A5s yesterday went "down" Johnstone Strait in the afternoon to Nodales Channel. This morning at 6am they were out of nodales and near Chatham Point. From there they went west to Camp Point. At 10:47am, they turned sleepily east and began to head toward Amour de Cosmos/Bear Bight. (Nick Templeman report). No word on the morning incoming group from Goletas reported via the Mackays.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 18:00:33 PDT

A30s, A36s+A12, And A24s in JS. A5s left to the east

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have heard a steady progression of whales pass through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. We think the A36s might have been in the lead, followed by a large group that included the A30s and spme of the A5s. It was not clear if the A24s were tucked in with this group. The A51s seemed to be the last group into Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 01:08:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Around 6:30am we began to hear distant A1,A5 and A4 calls off the western end of Blackfish Sound. Perhaps the groups who went out after midnight are on their way back"in". Very foggy again this morning.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 07:18:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There are whales going south through the fog in Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 08:35:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales that went through Blackney Pass earlier are now approaching Critical Point after entering Johnstone Strait after 8am.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 10:24:25 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are either at the beaches or just offshore.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 11:00:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups are moving west toward Cracroft Point now.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 13:45:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are stretched out with one of the males already nearing Blinkhorn. It is the A24s keeping them company. There was report of a group in Queen Charlotte Strait coming east earlier.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 14:20:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

I forgot to mention that the A5s are with Nick Templeman heading east toward the Adam River (far beyond the Ecological Reserve).
Helena
01 Aug 2009 14:34:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s with A12 entered Johnstone Strait around 3:15pm. They are now eastbound. The A30s and the A24s are closer to the Vancouver Island shore off the Telegragh Cove area.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 15:48:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s (+A12) went rushing through Blackney Pass around 6pm. The A30s have just followed. We are not sure where the A24s have gone but they may have stayed in the Strait. Earlier the A5s went east past the Reserve.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 18:47:23 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Echo location close to Critical Point.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 19:23:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are heading back south through Blackney Pass very slowly. The A24s sounded like they went east past Critical Point earlier. No sign of the A36s since they were last reported off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound foraging.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 20:07:05 PDT

Orcas near mics.

As the A30s re-entered Johnstone Strait they began calling exactly as the A24s, now at the rubbing beaches began their calling.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 21:32:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s finally made it fully into Johnstone Strait and passed CP (Cracroft Point). There were also a few distant calls on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound, perhaps the A36 group.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 22:30:26 PDT