I15s in JS on the last day of the year!

No orcas present.

It is a quiet, windy, crisp and clear New Year's Eve morning here on Hanson. I hope that everyone enjoys their NY's festivities!
Leah
31 Dec 2010 10:02:42 PST

Superb sounds!!

So, it isn't so quiet after all!!! 14+ Resident Orca, spread out in many groups just traveled past the lab into Johnstone Strait. They were traveling at 5+kts at slack current! Stand by for more details...
Leah
31 Dec 2010 12:28:09 PST

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like these lovely Gclan Orcas have headed to Robson Bight!
Leah
31 Dec 2010 13:17:01 PST

No orcas present.

The I15s as well as other Gclan Orcas chatted away for over 3 hours as they headed east in JS. We saw salmon jumping a few days ago, so hopefully these guys are having a good New Years Eve dinner.
Leah
31 Dec 2010 16:52:02 PST

No orcas present.

Dolphins in Johnstone Strait on this windy, clear, starry Eve!
Leah
31 Dec 2010 22:58:17 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

5 transient's quietly headed north up into Blackfish Sound around 10am this morning!:) It's a beautiful, sunny morning here with a smattering of fresh snow on the ground.
Leah
29 Dec 2010 10:58:46 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Jim and Mary Borrowman just reported T063, T065 and T065c heading west past Telegraph Cove. So, we have at least 8 transient's in the area today!
Leah
29 Dec 2010 12:13:44 PST

Superb sounds!!

We have Transient's in Johnstone Strait on this beautiful, calm, boatless evening!
Leah
29 Dec 2010 19:20:18 PST

No orcas present.

I discovered that the calls from yesterday morning were in fact on Critical Point. Alex also spotted 5 Orcas heading west in front of Sointula later that afternoon. Beautiful, calm and clear morning here:)
Leah
28 Dec 2010 08:56:38 PST

Distant calls audible.

There were calls this early morning and it was very hard to make out whether they were on Critical or Flower. However, the calls did sound like Transient's.
Leah
27 Dec 2010 03:47:18 PST

No orcas present.

Dolphins on Critical Point on this calm and rainy evening.
Leah
26 Dec 2010 22:00:31 PST

Boat noise

Merry Xmas Everyone!!! Hope you all asked Santa for some Xmas whales:) It's a quiet, calm, rainy day here at Orcalab. Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Leah
25 Dec 2010 09:33:52 PST

No orcas present.

Xmas dolphins just now on Parson Island:) I also had a Xmas mouse cross my path on the way to the lab to listen!
Leah
25 Dec 2010 18:29:33 PST

No orcas present.

The wind has subsided and there is a beautiful light cast upon this drizzly, high tide here on Hanson Island. Happy Xmas Eve Everyone!!!
Leah
24 Dec 2010 16:42:55 PST

No orcas present.

We have had numerous reports from our North Island Whale community, indicating that there have been at least 2 Humpback's in the area over the past few days! Another windy day here and the rain has subsided :)
Leah
23 Dec 2010 10:36:12 PST

Performing maintenance

Audio should be streaming again:) The wind died just long enough for some maintenance and the sun came out too! There has been distant dolphin chatter in Johnstone Strait.
Leah
22 Dec 2010 12:45:39 PST

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing dolphins in Johnstone Strait on this very windy evening! Beautiful full moon out tonight!
Marie
20 Dec 2010 19:56:00 PST

Performing maintenance

Audio should be streaming again, thanks to the Sun!! There haven't been any cetaceans to speak of and the wind is still blowing on this beautiful day:)
Leah
19 Dec 2010 12:58:12 PST

Performing maintenance

Winter! Sorry the connection is down and we are having to wait for the wind to drop so we can check some of the radios. In the meantime, we hope everyone's holiday preparations are going well. There have been no whales or dolphins recently.
Marie and Leah
18 Dec 2010 11:33:54 PST

No orcas present.

Audio is up and running again, the computer has been doing updates the past few days. There are still dolphins in the area as we have been hearing them briefly over the past couple of days. Windy and bright morning here.
Marie
17 Dec 2010 09:01:06 PST

Wonderful news from CetaceaLab - the A36 brothers, with A12, passed by them yesterday, lovely vocals!
Paul & Helena@OL@Alert Bay
16 Dec 2010 10:43:23 PST

Distant calls audible.

We heard one orca call! We haven't figured out where but are hoping for more vocals on this calm and rainy evening.
Marie
14 Dec 2010 17:22:45 PST

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins in Johnstone Strait on this beautifully calm evening:)
Leah & Marie
12 Dec 2010 16:58:40 PST

No orcas present.

Audio should be streaming again. Beautiful, calm and starry evening here with the vocal sea lions.
Leah and Marie
10 Dec 2010 21:18:20 PST

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins chatting in Blackfish Sound this windy night on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Hannah, Helena and Paul
07 Dec 2010 20:55:03 PST

More Transients: T139, T140s,T141s

No orcas present.

Yesterday, it turns out that there were 6 other transients in Weynton Pass observed by Jared,Jackie and Christie just after their encounter with the T55s and T19s. These others wer the T139, T140s,T141s.
Helena
05 Dec 2010 18:37:44 PST

Transients calling: T5s and T19s

Distant calls audible.

As the sun rises over the mountains on this lovely frosty morning, we're listening to Pacific white sided dolphins in Johnstone Strait near Robson Bight.
Hannah
04 Dec 2010 08:32:12 PST

Distant calls audible.

Jared and Jackie report that the T5ss and the T19s are approaching Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. They are headed to Blackney Pass. One very faint call so far.
Helena
04 Dec 2010 14:57:25 PST

Superb sounds!!

The T55s and T19s are moving south through Blackney Pass, right now fighting an ebbing tide in the gap between Parson Island and Hanson. The eight transients are heading towards Johnstone Straight, and they're very vocal!
Hannah
04 Dec 2010 16:16:42 PST

Distant calls audible.

The transients have been vocal after getting into Johnstone Strait. Hard to know if they went west with the ebbing tide or continued eastward.
Helena
04 Dec 2010 18:13:39 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing dolphins chattering in Johnstone Straight this beautiful starry night!
Hannah, Helena and Paul
03 Dec 2010 20:48:15 PST

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins again! This time they are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
01 Dec 2010 21:39:01 PST

No orcas present.

All quiet, especially after yesterday's strong November storm that pounded the coastal regions. This was very typical weather for November. The calm afterwards is always welcome. Grey and drizzly this morning.
Helena
30 Nov 2010 09:08:42 PST

Orcas near mics.

Lots and lots of dolphins tonight. They have been vocal all day in Johnstone Strait but tonight they are in Blackney Pass and Johnstone Strait!
Hannah
30 Nov 2010 20:51:41 PST

Orcas near mics.

There are dolphins vocalizing in Johnstone Straight this afternoon. And earlier in the day we spotted two humpbacks traveling North in Blackney Pass!
Hannah
28 Nov 2010 15:52:38 PST

Orcas near mics.

Excitement! We have transient orcas in Blackfish Sound tonight, vocalizing on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Hannah
28 Nov 2010 20:28:47 PST

Orcas near mics.

Ah daytime dolphins! This time in Blackfish Sound. Calm seas this morning with busy sea lions and above 0 temperatures for the first time in days.
Helena, Hannah and Paul
26 Nov 2010 09:33:03 PST

No orcas present.

We heard from CetaceaLab (http://www.cetacealab.org) this morning that they have had the A4s and A5s around lately, as well as, the A12s and A36s and possibly the G17s. Nice to know where they are! Thanks Hermann.
Helena
26 Nov 2010 16:07:33 PST

Orcas near mics.

This morning we're hearing cheerful dolphins vocalizing in Johnstone Straight, calls on Critical Point, Cracroft Point and Parson's Island hydrophones.
Hannah
23 Nov 2010 10:58:41 PST

Orcas near mics.

Dolphins are vocal on the Flower Island hydrophone this evening.
Hannah
23 Nov 2010 18:17:40 PST

Orcas near mics.

Dolphins in Robson Bight again!
Hannah
22 Nov 2010 18:55:18 PST

Orcas near mics.

Dolphins in Robson Bight again tonight!
Hannah
21 Nov 2010 19:19:24 PST

Distant calls audible.

Same time, same place. Dolphins once again on the Critical Point hydrophone tonight, and a beautiful full moon hanging in the sky.
Hannah
20 Nov 2010 19:40:39 PST

Distant calls audible.

I opened my eyes to SNOW here on Hanson Island! What a beautiful calm morning, and the dolphins have been quite vocal all night, now calling in Johnstone Straight on Critical Point and Cracroft Point hydrophones.
Hannah
19 Nov 2010 09:10:33 PST

Distant calls audible.

Once again, Pacific White-sided Dolphins are chattering away in Robson Bight!
Hannah
18 Nov 2010 15:02:11 PST

Orcas near mics.

Dophins are vocal again this calm evening on Critical Point and Cracroft Point.
Hannah
18 Nov 2010 19:12:17 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing faint Dolphin calls on the Local Left hydraphone tonight.
Hannah
17 Nov 2010 21:39:43 PST

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing dolphins in Robson Bight, close to the Critical Point hydrophone.
Hannah
16 Nov 2010 22:19:02 PST

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins are calling on Local Left and Cracroft Point this evening.
Hannah
16 Nov 2010 20:36:59 PST

Distant calls audible.

We heard a few transient calls in Johnstone Strait but all is quiet for now.
Marie & Leah
11 Dec 2010 00:47:38 PST

Distant calls audible.

We heard one call but nothing since so we are waiting to find out where they may be...
Marie & Leah
11 Dec 2010 14:51:13 PST

Orcas near mics.

The ever chatty evening dolphins are at it again in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
14 Nov 2010 17:41:00 PST

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins calling this eveningon Critical Point and Cracroft Point
Hannah
13 Nov 2010 20:18:59 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing Dolphins on Critical Point again tonight.
Hannah
12 Nov 2010 18:09:48 PST

No orcas present.

Windy and blustery today. A small group of dolphins in Blackney Pass look like they are foraging mid channel.
Helena
09 Nov 2010 09:04:45 PST

Orcas near mics.

Evening dolphins!
Hannah
09 Nov 2010 19:36:11 PST

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing Pacific white sided dolphins on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
08 Nov 2010 15:06:37 PST

Orcas near mics.

And dolphins yet again!
Helena
07 Nov 2010 17:19:24 PST

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins again!
Helena
06 Nov 2010 19:46:13 PST

No orcas present.

Two humpbacks, one larger,one smaller, travelling slowly north through Blackney Pass opposite OrcaLab on the far side.
Helena
05 Nov 2010 09:34:05 PST

Distant calls audible.

And still dolphins in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Nov 2010 10:13:04 PST

Superb sounds!!

Beautiful G clan calls close to Critical Point. Sounds like they came up from the east. How did they get there? The tide is now in ebb.
Helena
05 Nov 2010 15:24:59 PST

Orcas near mics.

The whales are moving west from Robson Bight. We can now hear them on the CP hydrophone as well.
Helena
05 Nov 2010 16:52:40 PST

Orcas near mics.

Again, dolphins! Like clockwork. This time off the entrance to Blackney Pass in johnstone Strait.
Helena
04 Nov 2010 20:11:30 PST

Orcas near mics.

Every night the dolphins have been vocal almost predictably!
Helena
03 Nov 2010 19:35:39 PST

No orcas present.

A humpback is wandering off of parson Island and Baronet Pass.
Helena
31 Oct 2010 15:39:53 PST

Distant calls audible.

Distant dolphins opposite Cracroft Point.
Helena
30 Oct 2010 20:42:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Distant dolphins have been quite chatty on this windy night.
Helena
29 Oct 2010 22:27:59 PDT

No orcas present.

We were not aware of any orcas through the night but did hear the dolphins (not as close as the other night) a couple of times, 5am.
Helena
28 Oct 2010 09:36:55 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, but we have lost our internet connection & don't know when we will be able to stream live audio again. We're trying to figure the problem out, and will hopefully solve it before too long. Meanwhile, we should tell you that the "G clan" groups who have been in Johnstone Strait lately headed "out" via Blackney Pass & Blackfish Sound this afternoon. We're not sure if the A30s are still in Johnstone Strait, but heard a few calls from them around 2am today, then there was just silence for the rest of the night. We are waiting, and hope all's well with you all.
Helena & Paul
26 Oct 2010 18:18:13 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are back on line. Sound is going again. Thank you for your patience.
Helena
26 Oct 2010 20:00:39 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The humpback is very vocal in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
26 Oct 2010 22:54:50 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We began hearing "A1" calls close to the Flower Island hydrophone a little after 7am, The tide is ebbing swiftly, and we don't know if the orcas in Blackfish are coming "in" or heading "out". It's just getting light here, so we could see them if they come into our view.
Helena
25 Oct 2010 07:47:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're now hearing "G" and "A" calls in Johnstone Strait, on the Critical Point hydrophone, so it's possible the orcas we were hearing in Blackfish Sound are the A12s.
Helena
25 Oct 2010 07:59:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After several hours of silence, we're again hearing calls, this time from an "A1" group, on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
25 Oct 2010 12:32:35 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone - sounds like some of the orcas are grabbing a bite in the Bight!
Helena
25 Oct 2010 12:33:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a few G clan calls atabout 2:36am, but have heard nothing since. Our guess is that these are the orcas who travelled to the east in Johnstone Strait yesterday, but we aren't sure.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 03:04:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It seems that this group (I31s) passed through Blackney Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. We had not been able to source the calls before. Perhaps this means the whales had made a circuit around Hanson Island to make their way back. Calls are back in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 04:00:16 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The calls are closer to the Critical Point hydrophone, so the orcas are probably heading east & are near Robson Bight.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 05:47:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales are moving closer into the Ecological Reserve on this windy, grey morning.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 07:31:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A30s have come in to join up with the I31s.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 08:33:48 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the A30s and the G/I groups came toward the entrance of Blackney Pass, we had the nice surprise of seeing the G3s, G23s and possibly the G31s come into Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound. There was also a group of dolphins travelling with them and as they sped through, they excited a group of sea lions who extended their necks to see what was going on. They then mixed it up with the dolphins as the whales continued toward Johnstone Strait. The A30s may have come into view briefly as the new arrivals negotiated the rest of the Pass. The dolphins and the sea lions eventually calmed down.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 12:10:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Seems like the groups have sorted themselves out and at least some have slipped past Robson Bight and are moving through the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 13:43:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are making their way back to the west. right now not far from Robson Bight. Still windy but with the promise of light winds.
Helena
24 Oct 2010 21:28:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A fairly large group of orcas travelled south close to Paron Island. We think they cleared to johnstone Strait around 9:42am. There have only been a few "sounds" from this group who were travelling slowly againstthe tide and windy waves. The tide will turn in their favour around 11am. The transients heard on Oct 10 turned out to be the T30s and T137s. Thanks to Graeme Ellis for confirming the photos taken by Rolf Hicker that afternoon.
Helena
23 Oct 2010 10:20:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Very distant G resting call off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
23 Oct 2010 12:27:35 PDT

No orcas present.

While the humpback was vocal, the Gs were heading east from the east end of the Ecological Reserve. There may be two different g groups present. All quite at the moment.
Helena
21 Oct 2010 00:28:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The humpback is out there again! Today, we also briefly heard distant G clan calls in the afternoon.
Helena
21 Oct 2010 20:58:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We started hearing hearing the A30s in Blackfish Sound a short while ago, and are also hearing "G" calls on the CP hydrophone. Nice to hear them back on this lovely sunny & breezy day!
Helena
20 Oct 2010 13:29:42 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The wonderful humpback sounds we're listening to are are the Critical Point & Cracroft Point hydrophones - sounds like there are 2 humpbacks, vocal at the same time. This is a first for us!
Helena
20 Oct 2010 13:41:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

That was truly amazing. We have not heard humpbacks vocal in the daytime before never mind two! The G01s were vocal and near the humpbacks off Kaikash Creek at the same time making this day very unique. Throw in the sunshine, blue skies, the distant A30 calls in Blackfish Sound that started it all, the calm ocean and the sea lions, the picture is complete! Why do I think it is not over yet? There is now a humpback in Blackney Pass going back and forth.
Helena
20 Oct 2010 16:29:45 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing transient orcas calling in Blackfish Sound. About half an hour ago, a group of Pacific white sided dolphins rushed through Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound. The presence of vocal transients in Blackfish Sound now, may explain their haste.
Helena
20 Oct 2010 18:08:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

More, distant G clan resting calls in Johnstone Strait between CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass maybe closer to Vancouver Island. All under an almost full moon.
Helena
20 Oct 2010 19:54:22 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Incredible humpbacks again.
Helena
20 Oct 2010 23:37:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a few "A" resting calls about 5:50am, but nothing for sure since, & don't know where the orcas were (or are). Dolphins & a humpback have been occasionally vocal in Blackfish Sound. It's just getting light here, still windy, but the ocean looks quieter than yesterday. We are waiting.
Helena
19 Oct 2010 07:31:51 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We began hearing the A30s, G17s a short while ago. it sounds like they are approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Oct 2010 11:46:06 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s with the G25s just went through Blackney Pass to the north and into Blackfish Sound. They were ahead of the slack tide but looked comfortable heading north stopping to do a little foraging along the way.
Helena
19 Oct 2010 14:05:11 PDT

Boat noise

no idea what became of last night's group. They were last heard off of CP perhaps heading eastward. But we never heard them get closer to Robson Bight probably because of the loud boat noise that was present as the group entered Johnstone Strait. Southeast winds this morning but the sun is trying to break through.
Helena
18 Oct 2010 11:01:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s just starting calling in Blackfish Sound just a short while ago. Nice and sudden surprise!
Helena
18 Oct 2010 14:28:02 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are not alone... sounds like some of the "G"s are with them! The tide is past slack, now ebbing, so it's not sure they'll head into the Strait via Blackney Pass, but we're hoping!
Helena
18 Oct 2010 14:48:34 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We think the "Gs" are the G25s. They are now out of our sight, heading for Johnstone Strait. We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone. Meanwhile, we saw A39 coming into Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound, but he stopped in front of us & turned around - he is now headed back to Blackfish.
Helena
18 Oct 2010 15:36:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

All quiet at the moment. The A30s, for now are still up in Blackfish Sound. The G25s made it to Johnstone Strait but favoured a westerly direction on entering. We forgot to mention a very breathy humpback covered in dolphins was mid channel when the G25s went through. Th humpback turned to the north and left Blackney with most of the dolphins.
Helena
18 Oct 2010 16:56:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These whales are interesting. We are still hearing Gs in Johnstone Strait but they are very distant and every so often we hear the A30s, close earlier and now distant in Blackfish Sound. Perhaps the two groups will meet up again either at the top end of Blackfish or johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Oct 2010 18:39:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s did the work. They are in Johnstone Strait now after, I believe, going through Weynton Pass. Hopefully, they will hook up with theGs now.
Helena
18 Oct 2010 18:57:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Over an hour ago the Gs were off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait. They have been followed by the As to about the same location. Sounds like they have slowed down quite a bit.
Helena
18 Oct 2010 21:01:54 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Amazing humpback sounds from someone near Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. The calls are echoing into Blackney Pass. Thanks Norma re the note about the HB sounds the other night.
Helena
17 Oct 2010 19:59:14 PDT

No orcas present.

The humpback calls did not last very long but while they did they were truly interesting.
Helena
17 Oct 2010 21:04:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing "G" clan calls on the Parspn Island hydrophone, from orcas who have travelled south through Blackney Pass & are now in the entrance to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
17 Oct 2010 22:50:39 PDT

No orcas present.

We didn't hear anything overnight. Lovely morning here. We would like to thank Rob and Erin for helping out while we were away. Also, here is an interesting development: http://www.vancouversun.com/NEPTUNE+undersea+observatory+coast+complete/3682721/story.html
Helena & Paul
16 Oct 2010 09:07:52 PDT

No orcas present.

No calls, but a beautiful sunny morning on Hanson. Three humpback whales just swam by about 30m offshore.
Rob and Erin
14 Oct 2010 11:04:15 PDT

No orcas present.

No calls since yesterday evening. The whales were last heard on Flower Island, so we suspect that all the whales went west.
Rob and Erin
13 Oct 2010 12:16:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just heard distant (A1) calls. Will let you know when we find out the location and direction.
Rob and Erin
13 Oct 2010 14:45:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A30s westbound in Blackfish Sound. Mostly silent, but occasional faint calls.
Erin and Rob
13 Oct 2010 15:40:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Hi everyone, In all the excitement to record these whales, I forgot to add an update! Thanks for the IDs, Helena. We've seen the A30s, and think the A36s may be coming up behind them. We'll keep looking for the A12s.
Rob and Erin
12 Oct 2010 10:00:33 PDT

Superb sounds!!

PS Heaps of dolphins too. Very pretty morning.
Rob and Erin
12 Oct 2010 10:01:04 PDT

No orcas present.

Happy Thanksgiving from Hanson Island. For those of you concerned about the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline, please check out this link: http://www.thepipedreamsproject.org/ We had a visit from these brave kayakers (Faroe, Curtis and Ryan) yesterday. A really inspiring group.
Rob and Erin
11 Oct 2010 13:51:01 PDT

No orcas present.

After a big storm, everyone is enjoying the sunshine -- including humpback whales and dozens of Steller sea lions. We thought we heard a faint call about 30 minutes ago. Anyone else?
Erin and Rob
10 Oct 2010 14:10:32 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Dolphin calls!
Erin and Rob
10 Oct 2010 19:56:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just after 5am we began to hear distant G clan calls. The group made their way into Blackney from Blackfish Sound at the slack tide and then continued to make a go of it against the tide. We could hear their blows at 6am mid channel, making progress, opposite Parson Island light. The wind is picking up and it is more difficult to hear blows. They just started to become vocal again. Possibly I31. Heading into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
08 Oct 2010 06:23:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

OK, Orca-Live community, we need your help! We've just started hearing calls, but this is our first Orca-Live update. Who are these whales? All the best from a very windy Hanson, Erin and Rob
Erin and Rob
08 Oct 2010 14:40:11 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a few calls, and now silence.
Rob
08 Oct 2010 15:12:19 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no orcas calling today, or yesterday, but heard a report yesterday, from the Naiad Explorer, that the A30s were off Hunt Rock, near Pine Island, north of Port Hardy. Hopefully, they will make their way back to Johnstone Strait before too long. We are waiting.
Helena
07 Oct 2010 21:16:56 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no orcas calling today, or yesterday, but heard a report yesterday, from the Naiad Explorer, that the A30s were off Hunt Rock, near Pine Island, north of Port Hardy. Hopefully, they will make their way back to Johnstone Strait before too long. We are waiting.
Helena
07 Oct 2010 21:16:56 PDT

No orcas present.

We did not hear anything overnight. There was some echo location around 5:30am and there have been vocal dolphins from time to time. Lovely Fall day here.
Helena
06 Oct 2010 12:41:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Several "G" clan groups of orcas, including G1s & I15s, are in Blackfish Sound, having travelled north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Oct 2010 06:34:04 PDT

Boat noise

Be prepared - there is a fishing opening today and there will be (already is) a lot of boat noise. We are hoping the groups from the east will turn up at some point in the day.
Helena
04 Oct 2010 08:34:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A group of about 12 orcas quickly passed CP (Cracroft Point)! They are silent and travelling quickly. They avrried unexpectedly and we are hoping that they will soon become vocal and give us another chance to identify who they are. Just started to call! Dolphins passed Kaikash Creek around 9am.
Helena
04 Oct 2010 10:15:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Shortly after the I15s entered Johnstone Strait, we heard the other groups who have been in the east on the Rubbing beach hydrophone, so knew they were coming back. They were vocal briefly, and then mostly silent. Eventually, they moved westward, along the Vancouver Island shoreline. At the moment, they A1s & Gs are heading across the Strait toward CP & Blackney Pass, while the I15s are enjoying a good rub.
Helena
04 Oct 2010 14:58:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

What a day! Ok so here is what has happened so far... the groups of whales that went to the west cleared into Weynton Pass and they have curled around into Blackfish Sound. Jackie on the Maple Leaf let us know that they are headed east. The whales are in mixed groups and are being accompanied by persistent dolphins. We began to hear their very distant calls (G1 and A1) at 5:12pm when they came into Blackfish Sound. Whew!
Helena
04 Oct 2010 18:02:41 PDT

No orcas present.

These whales are in no hurry! Jackie now reports that they are generally moving toward Queen Charlotte Strait (the tide is ebbing in that direction) but some are still looking toward Blackfish Sound (the tide turns at 8:46pm). So we will see.
Helena
04 Oct 2010 19:03:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing G clan calls in Blackfish Sound, along with boat noise.
Helena
03 Oct 2010 09:24:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Not orcas but dolphins. Several reports to relay: First of all Jared Towers identified today's transients as the T99s. They ended up passing Alert Bay and Hyde Creek on their way west. Next the Gs from this morning were located by Rob Williams& Erin Ashe and Sun Fun Divers in Queen Charlotte Strait this afternoon. They certainly had not gone far since the morning. This group turned out to be all the G3s. They continued west and were last seen off Malcolm Point. Finally, the whales to the east were reported to have made it through Seymour Narrows by 4:45pm. Jack Springer let Marie know of their progression. In this group are more G clan whales along with all the A1s. Earlier in the day (around noon), Aaron reported that these same whales were off the "bottom" end of Quadra Island. Quite the day! Great reports! Right now there are vocal dolphins again in Johnstone Strait not far from the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
03 Oct 2010 23:34:59 PDT

No orcas present.

The humpback, who was in Blackney Pass for so long, carried on through, eventually heard in Blackfish Sound. Quite amazing!
Helena
02 Oct 2010 07:18:08 PDT

No orcas present.

It has been a day of humpbacks, dolphins and sea lions - everywhere. Nine humpbacks were counted in the area along with countless sea lions. The Naiad Explorer passed along a report of 25 -30 orcas that were seen from the air off Comox (east of Campbell River) yesterday from 12:30-2:30pm. The whales were heading east toward Denman Island. There are dolphins vocalising right now.
Helena
02 Oct 2010 20:45:36 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Lovely humpback sounds in Blackfish Sound at the moment.
Helena
02 Oct 2010 21:42:36 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight, & have nothing new to add to our last note, apart from saying that it's a gorgeous 1st day of October here!
Helena
01 Oct 2010 10:59:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

These unusual sounds are probably being made by a humpback in Blackney Pass, not far away from our hydrophone.
Helena
01 Oct 2010 22:24:01 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The As have been joined once again by G clan groups who they (at least the A30s perhaps)met in Blackfish Sound a short while ago.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 06:05:47 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s, along with a group of "Gs" hurried through Blackney Pass & are now in Johnstone Strait, heading east. We're hearing them on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 07:07:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

They've reached the rubbing beaches!
Helena
30 Sep 2010 08:47:25 PDT

No orcas present.

We have been plagued by power problems this morning starting just as the Gs and the A30 got to the rubbing beaches. Things are stable for the time being and sound should be back. Meanwhile, the whales kept going east. The rub was not very long. They were found off Stimpson Reef at 11:45am. They were pointed west but not going anywhere. Thanks to Jamie for the report.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 12:18:34 PDT

No orcas present.

It has been "quiet" all day. The whales here this morning (the A30s & Gs) were seen off Windy Point at 11:45am going east. And at 4:45pm, the A12s and the A36s were spotted going into Nodales Channel from Chatham Point.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 19:12:37 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we started to hear A1 calls back in Johnstone Strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Earlier, there were occasional humpback vocals.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 05:07:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1s moved on from Robson Bight after and are now off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 08:52:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A1s have turned back to the west & are now in Robson Bight again, calling and doing a little morning fishing.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 09:39:37 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, A12s ad A36s angled over from Izumi Rock directly to CP and then the entrance to Blackney Pass where they are now. Marie reports that the A50s and A54s were in the lead followed by the A34s then A30 with A12 , the A36s and A39 & A38, A55 was in the rear of this parade.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 11:39:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We've been hearing distant calls from the A1s as they travel west in Blackfish Sound, having headed north through Blackney Pass, with A38 & A30 in front, about an hour ago.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 13:27:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s,A12s and the A36s (the A1s) have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. There have been no calls but during a break in the fog CP could see that they had re-entered Johnstone Strait and are now headed east.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 16:40:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It is afternoon nap time! The A30s,A12s and A36s are off shore of Hanson Island, 800 meters to midstrait, opposite Big Bay (half way along Hanson Island) resting together as they continue eastward.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 17:25:12 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1s must be approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass. Boat noise is everywhere!
Helena
29 Sep 2010 17:56:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The a30s hung out off the entrance of Blackney Pass for quite a while and it seemed as if they might come in. But not yet! The A12 and the A36s apparently continued to point east when the A30s decided to stay off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, while they were deciding a humpback very close to Parson Island made things interesting with loud sounds, lots of water swirling. We are in zero/zero fog and the sea lions are all over the place blowing as they forage and swim along. All very interesting in the fog and dimming light.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 19:42:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

sounds like the A30s went east toward the others and Robson Bight.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 20:47:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have passed Critical Point and are moving through the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 21:28:43 PDT

Orcas relaxing.

We're hearing occasional "resting" calls from the A30s, who have been in Robson Bight for the past several hours.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 01:47:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing "A1" calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 08:00:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Still A1 calls (?A34s) in Blackfish Sound as A12 and the A36s make their way slowly through Blackney Pass. A group of 4 transients went north just before A12 and the A36s entered Blackney. Humpbacks and sea lions all over the place. Busy morning!
Helena
28 Sep 2010 09:07:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Still A1 calls (?A34s) in Blackfish Sound as A12 and the A36s make their way slowly through Blackney Pass. A group of 4 transients went north just before A12 and the A36s entered Blackney. Humpbacks and sea lions all over the place. Busy morning!
Helena
28 Sep 2010 09:07:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s and A12 backtracked a while ago and rejoined the others in Blackfish Sound. Yet another humpback wandered through from Johnstone Strait soon after. The A1 calls are quite nice in Blackfish Sound. It does not sound like they are going anywhere in too much of a hurry.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 10:57:21 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have lost track of the A12s and the A36s after calls either stopped or went out of range. The tide has been in ebb ever since 8:22am and this may have influenced their choice of direction.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 12:06:36 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We have now been listening to the A30s coming west from the Ecological Reserve area.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 14:23:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Ahh.... the other A1 groups are returning to Blackfish Sound.And the A30s are making their way into Blackney! Family!
Helena
28 Sep 2010 15:55:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The calls have been amazing as the A30s met up with the A34s where Blackfish and Blackney Pass join. They all then turned and quickly made their way together toward Johnstone Strait. We did not see the A36s and A12 this time.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 17:05:47 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We missed the A36s and A12 this time but Marie and Leah at CP saw them arrive at the tail end of everyone. The "boys" all got together while the others socialized. For a bit they went off to the west but have turned back to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Right now some are pointed east while others are pointed back into Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 17:52:21 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely sounds from the A12s, A36s and A30s who are now all back in Blackfish Sound after travelling through Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 18:53:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

This day started with a nice surprise. Marie looked out this morning only to see the A30s coming from the east and heading to Blackney Pass. They travelled silently through Blackney mid channel and are in Blackfish Sound at the moment. They broke their silence briefly when they got to Blackfish Sound. Looked like they were seriously foraging while in Blackney.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 09:27:17 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s continued past Donegal Head and are in Queen Charlotte Strait with a group of dolphins. The Naiad Explorer is with them. Meanwhile, we are hearing dolphins at the east end of the Reserve. Apparently, a group of 300 or more were in the lower Johnstone Strait yesterday. Humpbacks are in their "favourite' location again today: between Donegal, Hanson Island, Swanson Island and the mouth of Knights Inlet.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 11:36:16 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are travellin back to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass after a long morning and afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait. Thanks to Stubbs Island for the update - the A30s are very quiet.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 15:34:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Nice calls as the A30s travel east after entering Johnstone Strait from Weynton Pass.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 16:02:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Marie at CP reports the A30s, after stopping and starting and foraging between Blinkhorn and Little Kaikash, have begun to cross toward the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 18:00:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s finally decided to leave the entrance to Blackney Pass and head for the Ecological Reserve. Marie reported seeing a sea otter this evening off CP and earlier an elephant seal.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 19:05:18 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s sound like they are closing in on Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 20:33:02 PDT

No orcas present.

The morning is just so lovely here. The rain has stopped and the sun is out and burning off the low fog. We were not aware of anything (orca) during the night. We will see what the day brings.
Helena
26 Sep 2010 08:26:02 PDT

No orcas present.

The wind ha dropped, just lots of rain this morning. We didn't hear anything more after the groups headed into Queen Charlotte Strait last night except at 5:13am when we were awakened by a single loud "call" and a few faint sounds afterwards. We were not able to source the sound as it ended as quickly as it began but it did excite a discussion whether or not it was a humpback close to a hydrophone. So we are still left wondering what happened to the Bs of yesterday? We did not hear them amongst the groups going "out". We will have to wait and see.
Helena
25 Sep 2010 09:04:47 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

New arrivals! We're listening to what sounds like a lot of "G" clan orcas on the Critical Point hydrophone. Marie at CP can see that they've made it as far as Kaikash on the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait. Probably, they came "in" via Weynton Pass. Not sure where the A30s are at the moment. Windy day, exciting too!
Helena
24 Sep 2010 08:44:11 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A "B-subclan" group is there too, also some "A1s", not yet sure who. The orcas are eastbound, very close to Vancouver Island, now approaching Izumi Rock.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 09:36:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There may have been some rubbing as the whales continue east at the east end of the Reserve. It is a bit difficult to sort out the wave action with this strong southeast wind storm. In the "group" we believe the A30s are travelling with several groups of the G1s,G12s and 1 -2 groups from possibly the Bs and Cs. We will check the tape for details a bit later.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 11:07:43 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Sounds like the very big group that went east this morning are making their way back to the Robson Bight area. This morning we heard in addition to the A30s, the Bs, G3s, G2/12s, G17s, G29s and possibly the I11s as well. Very strong winds are continuing.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 16:11:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It was really hard to hear the calls of some of the morning's big group as they made their way to the west just a short while ago. The A30s were there accompanying at least some of the Gs.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 18:58:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A30, some of the Gs have gone out Weynton Pass to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 19:37:16 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe the groups that crossed Blackfish Sound headed for Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 21:11:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have came up to CP and into Blackney Pass where they travelled north to Blackfish Sound. They cleared our view about 5 minutes ago. No calls.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 08:19:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're finally starting to hear some calls from the A30s, a few "N3s" on the Flower Island hydrophone as the A30s make their way east in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 08:26:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are still in Blackfish Sound, where they've been spread out foraging for several hours. So far as we can tell, they have been quite silent, but we've started hearing a few calls recently. The tide is flooding now, so they may head back towards Johnstone Strait this afternoon.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 13:01:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After hours in Blackfish Sound, the A30s decided to return to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. Thanks to the Lukwa for the update.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 14:58:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s came in via Weynton Pass just before 3pm and continued east to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they are now trying to decide whether to go around Hanson Island one more time!
Helena
23 Sep 2010 17:26:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s did indeed choose to come through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound making their way west once more.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 17:55:40 PDT

No orcas present.

We did not hear any calls through the night.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 08:40:46 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Well we didn't hear anything but the A30s apparently found their way back to Johnstone Strait and were between the Little Kaikash Creek area and Izumi between 2 and 3 am, heading east. They are now westbound once again. At 7:45am they were off Robson Point and just now they off the Sophias Islands mid strait. They are still very quiet. Thanks to Marie at CP for the great update.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 09:02:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After spending hours off the east end of the Sophia Islands, the A30s have apparently turned back eastward and are moving through the Ecological Reserve along Vancouver Island.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 11:57:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are heading west again off Robson Bight.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 11:59:46 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Just a bit of close echo location as the last of the A30s pass Critical Point to the west.. They have a humpback with them
Helena
22 Sep 2010 12:10:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After some really nice calls in the Bight the A30s have moved on to the west again. For a while there it sounded like the humpback was ready to join the A30 chorus!
Helena
22 Sep 2010 13:27:33 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are revving up again just before the slack tide. Will they come into Blackney Pass like they did yesterday?
Helena
22 Sep 2010 16:25:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s rushed through Blackney Pass. A39 had not followed the others to Izumi Rock earlier but had stayed off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The others turned abruptly back to the west and followed Pointer into the Pass. They are all now in Blackfish Sound after clearing our view at 6:06pm.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 18:33:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s made it back to Johnstone Strait and sound like they are going eastward.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 21:42:30 PDT

No orcas present.

We last heard calls around 9:30pm yesterday evening, when we think the A30s were heading east from the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 08:06:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear distant calls. This sounds like the A30s travelling back from the east toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 08:40:54 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have arrived in Robson Bight.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 09:26:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved along to the Kaikash Creek area.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 11:14:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s moved on again. After crossing to Blackney Pass from the Kaikash area and stalling off the entrance, they continued west up to Big Bay on Hanson Island, around 12:30pm
Helena
21 Sep 2010 13:00:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s turned just after 1pm, probably when we were hearing the N3s (at 1:02pm). They are moving back toward the rip off the Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 13:19:18 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After a long discussion, and much to-ing and fro-ing, the A30s have finally decided to head north through Blackney Pass!
Helena
21 Sep 2010 16:16:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s at 4:42pm cleared our view into Blackfish Sound. They came in on the slack at 4:15pm.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 17:25:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After disappearing from the east end of the Ecological Reserve around 12:30am, the A30s have returned. Their calls are getting stronger as they travel back west. During the night we continued to hear sounds generated by humpbacks.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 06:06:55 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s have made it back to Robson Bight, and judging from the echolocation, are having an early morning bite too.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 07:13:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have continued to the west, and are now traveling fairly close to the Hanson Island shoreline, with A30 & A39 ahead of the rest, off Big Bay.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 10:37:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

About 5 minutes ago the A30s turned back to the east from linkhorn. They are travelling the Vancouver Island shoreline.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 12:49:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have stalled once again off the entrance to Blackney Pass and the area off CP. There is a group of dolphins there too now as well as the humpback, KC. Conger was in Blackfish Sound earlier and the there is another HB near the entrance to Blackney Pass as well. Sea lions and dalls porpoise too make for a pretty full day.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 14:26:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s started to head east from the CP area around 3:45pm. We have heard them approach and possible pass Critical Point since then.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 19:03:53 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are having a rub.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 19:33:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

That was a very short rub.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 19:52:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are calling once again but still off the eastern end of the Reserve, east of Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 20:22:34 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have not heard the A30s for a while. Perhaps they continued east toward Naka Creek. The tide has just started to flood in that direction too.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 22:17:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Since just before midnight we have been listening to a humpback in the Blackfish Sound/Blackney Pass area. This is the first time this year that we have heard humpback vocalizations. Persistent dolphins have been very vocal in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 01:24:39 PDT

No orcas present.

As far as we know the rest of the night was quiet. The internet was down for part of that time but we are streaming once again. Yesterday, apparently, 3 orca were seen in Queen Charlotte Strait around 3pm - for the record.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 09:33:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The Naiad Explorer found the A30s earlier this morning west of Malcolm Point. They were heading east and have now just past Bere Point and are headed to Lizard Point. Possible schools of Chum salmon showing up in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 13:14:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing the A30s! They must have passed Donegal Head and are off the west end of Blackfish Sound. Raining "cats and dogs" here today.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 17:33:21 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are sounding excited as they make their way east down Blackfish Sound, maybe happy to be home... wonderful calls, no boat noise.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 18:51:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We haven't heard any calls since about 7:50pm, when the A30s were in Blackfish Sound. We don't know if they drifted to the west with the still ebbing tide, or if they are waiting for the slack at 9:50pm, when the ebb flow changes to flood. We are listening.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 20:29:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are still trying to follow the humpback sounds. We first heard sounds (water disturbance , breath) on the Parson Island system. CP reports that there is a humpback trumpeting just off shore of Cracroft. We do not still know what happened to the A30s. The rain in continuing.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 21:01:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have been found! They are travelling east mid strait to the Vancouver Island side opposite Cracroft Point. We think they must have come in through Weynton Pass. The tide will soon be flooding (going their direction)
Helena
19 Sep 2010 21:39:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s just "Opened" up and began to calll as they head east to Robson bight.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 21:45:55 PDT

No orcas present.

Apart from endless boat noise, this was a quiet night, no calls. We are waiting.
Helena
18 Sep 2010 08:23:04 PDT

No orcas present.

Everyone has been enjoying the humpbacks today.
Helena
18 Sep 2010 15:04:35 PDT

No orcas present.

500 dolphins went flying by CP last night between 11:30pm and midnight. Quiet night otherwise.
Helena
17 Sep 2010 09:50:03 PDT

No orcas present.

It ha been a rather uneventful day. The fog finally lifted this afternoon. It is lovely, warm and sunny - last days of summer! A small group of dolphins went east past CP around 1pm. There have been humpbacks to the west and one off Flower Island. Lots of sea lions too. Hmmmm.... sounds like actually a lot is happening.
Helena
17 Sep 2010 15:08:33 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard from the Mackays who went to the central coast today. Near Rivers Inlet they saw lots of humpbacks and then as they were coming back the found the A30s heading west to Pine Island. Another smaller group were in Goletas Channel also heading west. So the orcas are still in the general vicinity even if they are headed in the "wrong" direction.
Helena
17 Sep 2010 17:50:46 PDT

No orcas present.

Except for very close dolphins in the night, the night was quiet after the last distant calls in Blackfish Sound at 8pm. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
16 Sep 2010 08:40:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not orcas but dolphins off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
16 Sep 2010 15:17:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

T14 has just passed CP, and is heading into Blackney Pass - thanks Marie!
Helena
16 Sep 2010 19:12:42 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Not orca but nice dolphins near Robson Bight. T14 continued into Blackfish ound befoe dark this evening.
Helena
16 Sep 2010 21:22:09 PDT

Boat noise

We haven't heard any calls since about 11:20pm, when there were distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. We weren't sure where the A30s were at that time, and are waiting now, listening to boat noise as a tug makes its way north through Blackney Pass. Lovely first light of this new day.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 06:38:42 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30ss , still in Johnstone Strait. and back to Robson bight a short while ago. They changed their recent pattern a bit and were not as busy going back and forth in the Reserve (at leat not vocal about it) so we had a quiet night from 11:30pm on. Humback in Blackney Pass also this morning and no fog either.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 07:37:33 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

They have gone quiet but we believe they are still moving west from the Bight.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 09:41:21 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After coming west to CP, the A30s are coming into Blackney Pass.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 11:02:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s headed into Blackfish Sound some time ago after travelling north through Blackney Pass. They are currently spread out between the Plumpers and Bold Head foraging.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 13:02:56 PDT

No orcas present.

Just pouring with rain here. The A30s apparently continued into Queen Charlotte Strait and found some company arriving off Lizard Point! Incoming are some of the Gs, G16s and G17s. Thanks to the Gikumi for the report.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 15:51:40 PDT

No orcas present.

We are still waiting for these groups to drop into range. Sound is back and running. Thanks for the heads up.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 17:19:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Well here they come! Gs, Is and A30s! These calls are on Flower Island.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 18:24:03 PDT

Well the whales floated into Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound but they never made (as yet) past White Beach Pass. It was an incredible evening with rainbows and glowing sunset and whales all mixed up together in different bunches. Lovely sounds from time to time. We saw parts of the A30s, G3s, G17s and G2s. Amazing. They are (for the time being) back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 20:02:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

This is turning into a similar event as last night with the A30s moving between their favourite spots, back and forth, sometimes sounding so interesting, especially when off the Bight, as they did just a short while ago.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 00:46:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Again so wonderful in the Bight!
Helena
14 Sep 2010 02:00:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back in Robson Bight, sounds like they're having a bite - close calls & echlocation.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 07:05:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have just traveled north through Blackney Pass, and are now in Blackfish Sound, where they are spread out.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 11:09:46 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s are doing almost the exact routine they did yesterday. They are travelling through the Plumpers back to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 13:13:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in Robson Bight, having circumnavigated Hanson Island, and foraged for a while, around 5pm, off Blackney Pass. Lovely clear calls, no boat noise.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 19:27:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Back and forth, Back and forth. The A30s have spent the last several hours moving between Robson Bight and the east end of the Reserve. Right now, they are back in the Bight.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 02:48:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved west from Robson Bight and are now off the entrance to Blackney Pass, probably mid-Strait. It's a very foggy morning here, after a starry night, and the ocean is calm... nice morning.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 07:47:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We believe the A30s have come into Blackney Pass and are making their way north through the fog.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:30:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It turns out the A30s just looked into Blackney Pass and then returned to Johnstone Strait. They are back off the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Johnstone Strait side.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:48:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Some of the A30s have moved west from the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:56:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s may be spread out a bit. We still have calls on CP.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:59:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are coming through after all! Just entering Blackney Pass now.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 09:28:10 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide, and are now in Blackfish Sound, foraging. Lovely backlit blows from the 30's as they passed by, all together.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 10:23:07 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s curled around Hanson Island by going through one of the passes in the Plumper Islands. They arrived in Johnstone Strait, according to the Naiad Explorer, at 12:12pm. An hour later later they were all together off Big Bay. A short while ago they were, except A39, all bunched together off the entrance to Blackney. After a couple of calls they appear to be moving east now.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 14:24:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are very slowly making their way toward Robson Bight, angling from Cracroft Point toward the Reserve. They are mid strait favouring the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 16:18:45 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The lovely A30s, making lovely calls in the lovely Bight!
Helena
13 Sep 2010 18:05:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have "opened" up as they approach Robson Bight from the west.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 21:46:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

At 4:30am we heard the A30s approaching Robson Bight. They travelled on to the east end of the Reserve where we are listening now.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 06:54:37 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s have turned back to Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 07:37:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are moving to the west.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 09:31:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s carried on west to Big Bay. The Lukwa reports they may have turned back east. One of the A30 brothers was on the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 10:39:31 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back to the CP area now.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 12:36:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are still of CP.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 17:18:59 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in the Bight after their stay at Cracroft Point.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 18:58:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s went around the corner at Critical Point and are now at the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 19:46:09 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, after the rub, are back to the west opposite Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 21:35:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Still no calls heard, but the blows were in the Parson "gap" when a tug came through Blackney, heading north. It's likely the orcas (probably A30s) are now in Johnstone Strait, still silent.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 00:38:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the last report of blows heading south in Blackney Pass we heard calls from the A30s in Johnstone Strait. At 5:45am there was another A30 call but it was not possible to locate the source. There were very loud dophins in Blackfish Sound and moe distant ones in Johnstone Strait at this time. So we are not sure where the A30s are. The tide is in flood.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 06:16:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We just started to hear echo location and close A1 calls near Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 09:07:03 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The T55s have been spotted off Cracroft Point. The most likely came out of Baronet Pass and went around the "corner" to Johnstone Strait. They are now headed east. (Lukwa and Saicone reports)
Helena
11 Sep 2010 10:12:55 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s just passed through Blackney Pass. They were close together travelling mid channel. They are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 11:41:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone, and think they've come back into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. Windy day here, first southeaster of the fall.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 16:29:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are moving about a bit. We can now hear them distantly off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 18:42:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 19:02:49 PDT

Orcas relaxing.

We've been hearing the A30s in Johnstone Strait since around 4am. We think they are now in Robson Bight, sounding relaxed.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 07:13:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A30s have moved west from Robson Bight, and are now somewhere off Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait - the calls we're hearing are on the CP hydrophone.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 08:32:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s turned back to the east again, when they were off Kaikash, and are now back in, or near Robson Bight. We're hearing them on the Critical Point hydrophone. Lovely calls, very little boat noise for a welcome change.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 10:59:59 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

not quite there, but the A30s are closing in on the Main rubbing beach after their lovely time in the Bight. Actually sounds like they have begun to rub.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 12:07:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the rub, the A30s went back to Robson Bight by 1:40pm and continued west from there.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 15:46:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are off Cracroft Point.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 16:59:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Perfectly timed for the slack to ebb, the A30s have passed through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound (just now). They were spread out with A38 in the lead, A30 following, the A54s, the A50s and A39. One of the A54s breached three times on the far side and Bend and Clio stopped for some serious fishing mid channel off White Beach Pass. A84 carried on for a bit alone then backtracked toward A50 and A72 before they cleared from our view. A39 was the last to clear.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 18:41:04 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We are listening to a lot of dolphins in Blackfish Sound and orca blows in Blackney Pass. The A30s may be trying to get back to Johnstone Strait. Right now they are not making much headway.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 22:12:34 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The blows retreated back to Blackfish Sound for the moment.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 22:34:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The blows are back in Blackney Pass, still no calls, but the number of blows makes it likely these are the A30s pointing into the still swiftly ebbing current, probably resting, drifting back for a bit & then edging forward again.
Helena
10 Sep 2010 23:01:23 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s hae come up to the entrance of Blackney Pass once again (from east). The A30s and the I31s we think are still east.
Helena
09 Sep 2010 05:16:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The first group of the I15s have entered Blackney Pass and are heading north. The second group sounds like it might follow.
Helena
09 Sep 2010 05:31:36 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s have gone into Blackfish Sound.
Helena
09 Sep 2010 05:51:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s, I33s, I46 and I68 just travelled north at the edge of the fog and headed into Blackfish Sound. Very pretty and some lovely calls from the I31s as they floated by.
Helena
09 Sep 2010 08:14:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Transients have been travelling through Blackney Pass to the south at the moment. The Gikumi reported that this group is the T55s and that they are rounding the corner and possibly heading to Cracroft Point now: Silently
Helena
09 Sep 2010 11:09:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The T55s are still in Johnstone Strait and at last report they were mid strait heading west about mid Hanson Island. Meanwhile, the residents have been located in Queen Charlotte Strait, spread out past the Foster Islands. They are still generally heading west but very slowly.
Helena
09 Sep 2010 13:32:27 PDT

Boat noise

Sorry, today was a town run and we sometimes get behind during the day. however, here is what we know. Around 3pm thee A30s made a turn around in Queen charlotte strait when opposite Bere Point. (Lukwa report) The I15s were last seen past Malcolm Point still moving west. Meanwhile , the T55s made a huge circle and found themselves back in Blackfish Sound later afternoon. From there they travelled into blackney Pass. We watched them round the corner into Johnstone Strait. At 6:20pm Rob Williams reported that the A30s were off Donegal Head, close to shore, close together. That was our last report. We have not heard them come through yet. Possibly they did so quietly. We will wait and see, There were once again several humpbacks in the area and the number of sea lions in Blackney seems to be growing.
Helena
09 Sep 2010 21:23:27 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

First the dolphins,then the I15s then the A30s, & then the I31s, all in short order, off the east end of the Reserve. That at least settles the queston of what happened to the A30s and I31s earlier. They must have gone eastward after their afternoon off the western end o Hanson Island.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 04:04:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We've been hearing distant calls on the Critical Point and rubbing beach hydrophone, along with some echolocation. Sounds like the I15s & possibly A30s are still near Robson Bight and the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 06:39:22 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Sounds like at least the I15s are back inside Robson Bight, grabbing an early morning bite!
Helena
08 Sep 2010 07:07:23 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I31s are closest to Critical Point at the moment. They were preceded by the A30s and the I15s. The whales may be moving westward in the fog.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 08:13:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s,A30s and I31s have been moving west past the entrance to Blackney Pass for the last hour.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 09:53:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales probably turned before 11am with the I31s coming back to the entrance of Blackney Pass first, followed soon after by some of the A30s. The I15s are there a well.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 11:44:18 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s have finally joined the others off the entrance to Blackney Pass. They came down the Hanson Island shore after poking their noses into Weynton Pass and were delayed making the move east. All the whales are grouping up now and perhaps beginning to move east from the entrance way.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 12:38:03 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I31s and the A30s are still off the entrance to Blackney Pass foraging in the rip. The I15s have not been vocal lately so we are not sure where they are again.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 14:36:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sometime ago, when the tide turned to ebb, the A30s,I15s (they were there all along and became vocal finally) and the I31s moved on to the west. We have not heard from them for a long time but in the meantime, we did hear distant "R" calls in Johstone Strait. We are not sure of the source. The boat noise has become terrible again.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 19:21:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, I15s and I31s sound like they have returned to Robson Bight once more.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 20:10:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Great stuff from the Bight!
Helena
08 Sep 2010 20:48:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s have surprised us by turning up off the entrance of Blackney Pass while the A30s and the I31s went in closer to the Bight.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 21:14:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s sound like they might come into Blackney Pass while the I31s have made it to the rubbing beaches already!
Helena
08 Sep 2010 21:17:34 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s have moved on toward Cracroft Point, choosing to cross the entrance way of Blackney Pass as they move east toward the others.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 21:27:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We can add a few more notes about what we think is happening in Johnstone Strait. We listened as one group of I15s crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and headed east. We think they continued along the Cracroft side with perhaps someone a bit further out in the Strait. Their calls (sometimes still being heard) never really got close to the Vancouver Island side. There was horrible boat noise so we toggled between the Critical Point station and the rubbing beaches where the A30s and the I31s and another group of i15s were fairly close. They finally faded off. They never went in for a rub despite being quite close. A group of dolphins then came in and went, We think everyone is still moving east for the moment.
Helena
08 Sep 2010 23:14:02 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It never rains but pours! The I15s are back and with them someone from R clan. They are very vocal (the I15s especially) in Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile, the dolphins continue in Blackney Pass along with a humpback who is very close to Hanson Island on this busy night. We last heard the A30s just before 11pm. We think the I31s were probably still with them east of Robson Bight.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 01:17:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

You can add an A1 group to this mix as well.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 01:27:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Skipping along, the new arivals have passed Robson Bight and the rubbing beaches.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 04:37:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Heavy fog this morning. The whales (I15s and A1s) are working their way back west. We last heard calls not too long ago as they (Rs and company) disappeared east of the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 08:07:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are the A1 group coming back with the I15s.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 08:38:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It seems that the whales are moving west and now are opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass. Earlier, we heard I15s and A30s and more recently I31 type calls as well. Lots of dolphins in Johnstone Strait also.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 09:52:03 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A30s.I31s and I15s are on their way back after travelling west past Blinkhorn.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 12:24:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Donna Mackay also relayed a report from Lloyd that there is a very large group of whales milling near Hunt Rock (Port Hardy area).
Helena
07 Sep 2010 12:26:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are no longer sure about the I15s travelling west with the A30 and I31s. We have heard only the I31s and the A30s. Both these groups are quite vocal as they cross the entrance of Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 13:00:13 PDT



Distant calls audible.

Sorry it has been a while. We took the time today to go to CP (Cracroft Point) and watch the A30s, I46,I68 and the I33s forage in the swirling rip off the entrance to Blackney Pass. This was after these whales had gone to the west and returned. They were off Blackney Pass for quite a long time but on the slack to the ebb (4:20pm) they started to move west again along Hanson Island.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 18:29:54 PDT

Boat noise

Beyond knowing that the A30s and the I31s went to the west between 4 and 5pm we have not heard calls for several hours and not sure where or what they decided to do. There should still be groups to the east so we will have to see what the night reveals.
Helena
07 Sep 2010 22:31:38 PDT

Boat noise

Just now the I31s and A30s are travelling west through Queen Charlotte Strait. They were east of Donegal Head (8am) moving toward Queen Charlotte Strait. Our inter-net connection woes have continued. It seems to be working right now so we will take the opportunity to fill in the night's activity. It was a busy night with the A30s and the I31s stalled off the east end of the Reserve for a very long time. Before midnight, the I15s came up from the east. They had gone east yesterday morning and were most likely the group seen at the Broken Islands as the I31s and A30s came into the Reserve together (after the I33s came through Blackney Pass) in the later morning. The I15s then came up (travelled west) to Blackney Pass and through this morning (2-3am) to Blackfish Sound. Then this morning, we heard the close calls of the A30s and I31s at 7:05am in Blackfish Sound before they carried on to the west. We lost track of the A30 calls just before 9am.
Helena
06 Sep 2010 10:12:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I31s are back in Johnstone Strait after reversing their direction while in Queen Charlotte Strait and travelling back through Weynton Pass. (Tuan and Naiad report) The I16s are off Black Bluff and still headed west in Queen Charlotte Strait. Another group is apparently closer to Numas (Gikumi report).
Helena
06 Sep 2010 11:37:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I31s and the A30s continued eastward and the A30s are now working the rip off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Not sure where the I31s are at the moment.
Helena
06 Sep 2010 13:57:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I31s are probably ahead of the A30s and moving toward Robson Bight. The A30s apparently began to move in that direction as well (Lukwa report)
Helena
06 Sep 2010 14:11:12 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The whales are nearing Critical Point.
Helena
06 Sep 2010 15:26:23 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I31s are going through the eastern end of the Reserve. Maybe the A30s will follow?
Helena
06 Sep 2010 16:17:09 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Indeed the A30s followed and rubbing may have begun!
Helena
06 Sep 2010 17:02:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales have moved west to Critical Point.
Helena
06 Sep 2010 18:02:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I31s and the A30s sound as if they have not ventured to far from Robson Bight. But they have woken up and begun to call out beautifully, A large group of dolphins came into Blackney Pass coming about half way before turning back. They were spread out, chatty and looked like they were foraging. This was just before dark. They are now back in Blackfish ound.
Helena
06 Sep 2010 20:34:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I31s rounded Critical Point in Robson Bight at 9:07pm. They continued east and are now off the rubbing beaches. We are at the moment listening to the A30s. Before this, we were recording the sometimes close dolphins alternatively in Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass. on a sadder note, I46 does not look very well. The top third of his dorsal fin is flopped over to the right and it looks like there is damage there as well. Those who have been watching him over the last few days are wondering if his engery is depleted as well.
Helena
06 Sep 2010 22:02:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are still in Johnstone Strait, close to Robson Bight.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 00:43:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have gone east toward the east end of the Reserve. Dolphins have been active in Blackney Pass all this time.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 01:42:03 PDT

No orcas present.

The last calls we heard we after 4am. At that time the calls were distant in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 07:50:11 PDT

No orcas present.

One added note. Some of the calls last night were very beautiful and sometimes they were without boat noise for the first time in weeks! It is busy again out there this morning.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 08:27:59 PDT

No orcas present.

A beautiful humpback outside in Blackney Pass this morning.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 08:35:15 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

An early report has A38 and A39 are off Swaine Point heading east around 8am.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 08:36:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Here is a bit of a surprise! More than the A30s have turned up in Johnstone Strait. Marie can see both a group of 10 near the Main rubbing beach AND a group of 5-6 heading east slowly from the eastern boundary of the Reserve. Just after midnight, we thought we heard blows in Blackney Pass but the wind and wave action and absence of calls made us not confident that there were orcas incoming. We are now checking the last parts of the recording to see if anyone else but the A30s were vocal. We will keep you posted.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 09:24:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Another surprise, we have the I33s going through Blackney Pass headed south. We have been hearing very distant calls in Johnstone Strait. We have done the check, last night we only heard A30s. Dolphins all over the place this morning and many with the orcas.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 10:07:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

As the I33s continue eastward, most likely opposite Robson Bight by now, we have heard distant G clan calls from the groups further east.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 11:28:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It is a lot harder to track whales when they do not call. And it has been rather complicated with the bouts of calls we have heard. The I33s simply enough went east along the Cracroft Island shore to Boat Bay. From there, around 12pm, they crossed over to the eastern boundary. The A30s were coming back toward them with perhaps someone else. Meanwhile, there is another group of 5 nearer the Eve River. This group has not been yet identified. We believe the A30s are moving west through the Reserve so hopefully, Marie will be able to figure out the next stage.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 13:07:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and I31 are stuck at the eastern end of the Reserve, spending time at Strider and the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 13:45:07 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing the occasional close call from the I31s and the A30s (a bit more distant) as they cross the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 16:46:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

As far as we know the whales continued to the west for now.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 17:12:04 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sorry, the connection has been down. Since the last post the I31s and the A30s moved back towards the Bight and the east end of the Reserve. There were dolphins fairly lively in Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Sep 2010 22:45:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing calls from the A30s on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like they're back! Apologies for the poor internet connection, not sure why.
Helena
04 Sep 2010 09:30:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved through the "Blow-hole" (must have been pretty) and have entered Johnstone Strait. They will now most likely move eastward.
Helena
04 Sep 2010 10:35:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved across the entrance to Blackney Pass as they move east.
Helena
04 Sep 2010 11:47:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Were still hearing the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone, as they make their way slowly to the east. Some on them are on the Vancouver Island side, now past Izumi Rock, and others are on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, now off the Sophias. Meanwhile, the large group of orcas (40+) sighted off Scarlett Point this morning is also moving slowly eastward, now off Port Hardy (thanks to Donna Mackay for the report).
Helena
04 Sep 2010 13:30:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

At least some (the group has been somewhat spread out) are off Robson Bight.
Helena
04 Sep 2010 14:00:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the A30s are at the Main rubbing beach!
Helena
04 Sep 2010 14:15:15 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s have turned back to the west & are now foraging in Robson Bight.
Helena
04 Sep 2010 15:39:53 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Now we're hearing close calls from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone. Despite the boat noise, the calls are clear, and great to hear!
Helena
04 Sep 2010 15:44:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A30 and A39 moved toward the Sophia Islands just before 5pm. The rest of the family were on the Vancouver Island side closer to the western boundary of the Reserve. All are moving west on the ebb.
Helena
04 Sep 2010 17:19:03 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Well, we lost track of the A30s! They went silent just as they were heading west. That was almost three hours ago. We are also waiting to see if the whales, who were reported off Port Hardy, come down tonight. So stand by...something sometime will happen!
Helena
04 Sep 2010 20:48:49 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight. Foggy & cool morning here, feels like fall has arrived.
Helena
03 Sep 2010 07:33:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not orca but 1000 dolphins in Blackfish Sound off Double Bay. Very chatty as they mill about and herd fish.
Helena
03 Sep 2010 12:09:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The dolphins have moved into Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Sep 2010 14:39:37 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls from transient orcas on the Critical Point hydrophone. Not sure where the transients are, but it's likely they are in western Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Sep 2010 02:36:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The transients have been vocal for nearly three hours! Would love to know why. There has been constant boat noise from fish boats in transit and at work along with cruise ships. Just about without relief. There were dolphins, first in Blackfish Sound and then Blackney Pass. The transients sounded like they moved closer to Robson Bight.
Helena
02 Sep 2010 02:40:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of 4 transient orcas (1 adult male, 2 females, 1 "sprouter") has just headed north through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound, and are silent.
Helena
02 Sep 2010 08:15:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Transients here, transients there, transients, transients everywhere! The small group of transients (T02, T101B, T101A,T101) circled around Hanson Island. At 9:30am they were off Blinkhorn and the western end of Hanson Island. From there they went east and past CP by 10:15am. They are moving very quickly eastward. Also, T14 plus two females and a calf were off the Campbell River dock this morning at 9:30am. They have since continued south and are off the south end of Quadra Island. T20 and T21 were seen off Thurston Bay just before 10am. The pretty good network of observers are doing well keeping track! Thanks to Christie, the Cliff, Aaron, Jack, the Lukwa and the Naiad fo keeping us informed.
Helena
02 Sep 2010 11:12:11 PDT

Hi guys. An update from the East. The small fins with T-14 were id'd by Simon from Cowichan Bay Whalewatch as the T-124s and T-90s plus one new calf which still has a very orange eye patch. The group with T-14 was last seen traveling South along the Marina Island shoreline headed towards Mittlenatch Island at 1645 hrs. On our way into Campbell River we were with T-20 and T-21 for a short visit. They were doing long dive down the middle of Discovery Passage headed South past Painters Lodge.
Haywire@CR
02 Sep 2010 19:52:37 PDT

No orcas present.

We don't believe any of the groups (the A30s, A12s, A36s, A5s, Cs, I11s, I15s, G17s,G29s,G2s, G27s,G31s) who were here yesterday, have returned. They were last seen spread from Wells Passage out to Malcolm Point and all still moving generally west through Queen Charlotte Strait. Lovely morning here though.
Helena
01 Sep 2010 09:01:00 PDT

No orcas present.

The morning updates are in and it appears there is a group of orcas off Camp Point. Jack identified seven transients who are being very social with each other this lovely morning after all the rain. They are west bound. Yesterday afternoon around 3:30pm Kingfisher Kayak group saw 5-6 ocas come into Johnstone Strait from Weynton Pass. The pictures are being looked at in Telegrapg Cove and we will update when we know more. There were also whales seen heading west at 6:30pm (maybe the same group) off the Wastells near Telegraph Cove by the Songhees. No identification of this group was determined.
Helena
01 Sep 2010 10:19:15 PDT

No orcas present.

Audio should be ok now. The Lab computer did a security check which we missed. Sorry. No reports, no updates to offer right now.
Helena
01 Sep 2010 20:44:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls from transient orcas on the Critical Point hydrophone. Not sure where the transients are, but it's likely they are in western Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2010 23:09:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There are groups (As) heading toward the east end of the Ecological Reserve. hey are coming up from the east.
Helena
31 Aug 2010 04:28:43 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Sounds like many of the groups have come back from the east. The I15s have also come back into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
31 Aug 2010 05:23:48 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A parade of orcas has passed northwards through Blackney Pass. They included the A36s with A12, the A34s, G17s, G31s, G29s, I15s & G2s. Many of the groups are now in Blackfish Sound, & we're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone. We think the A30s, A5s, Cs, & possibly I11s are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
31 Aug 2010 08:55:33 PDT

No orcas present.

Whew! A very exciting day with over 100 whales passing through the area this morning. To summarize: Last night the I15s came into Blackney Pass and back to Johnstone Strait by 3:30am via Weynton Pass, just in time for the groups coming west toward the Ecological Reserve who became audible to us around 4am. A steady progression then ensued with the C10s and C6s along with the I11s first to pass the entrance to Blackney Pass around 7am. A12 and the A36s then led part of the "parade" past the Lab starting from 7:21am. An hour later, the A34s had followed A12 & the A36s, then the G17s, G29s,G31s,I15s and G12s. They caried on through Blackfish Sound, past Donegal Head and west along the "backside" of Malcolm Island. The Cs and the I11s went west to Pearse Pass and turned west into Cormorant Channel. As these groups were continuing on their respective paths, the A30s, A5s and possibly I68 formed the rear and chose to go through the more conventional route out through Weynton Pass and across the western end of Blackfish Sound. Since all this began the tide has turned and is now in flood.
Helena
31 Aug 2010 12:23:45 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just now, we can hear distant calls once again! Not yet sure of the source. Stand by.....Last night, the I15s went l through Blackney Pass, headed into Blackfish Sound and were away to the west at midnight.The other groups, (the Gs, A30s and A5s) continued to travel east away from the Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Strait. We last calls we head were at 2am. It must be quite a crowd!
Helena
30 Aug 2010 07:00:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Possibly, some of the groups are moving back west toward the Reserve again.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 07:10:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are also hearing I15s and wonder if they are coming from the other direction.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 07:17:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We believe the I15s came back in via Weynton Pas this morning and have since proceeded east. They are probably east of Kaikash Creek. They went silent and there is fog in jonstone Strait at the moment. Not a good combination for tracking whales.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 09:45:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

As the I15s near Robson Bight they have become vocal
Helena
30 Aug 2010 10:29:17 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s are at the beaches along with the fish boats. There are reports from the eastern Johnstone Strait and beyond. Apparently, the C6s are off the dock at Campbell River and possibly the C10s are now north bound and were off Maude Island at 9:30am after travelling Seymour Narrows south.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 11:14:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s turned west just after 1pm at the "overturned boat" across from Naka Creek. They have made their way back and are probably not far from CP by now. There have been the scantest of calls.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 14:42:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s are crossing the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 15:27:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s turned back east after moving into Weynton Pass around 6pm. A small group of dolphins had been very attentive to the orcas when they were in Weynton Pass. On coming back into the Strait they began a slow cross to Blinkhorn on the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 19:14:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After hours of silence, the I15s are in Blackney Pass!
Helena
30 Aug 2010 23:23:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

And now they are in Blackfish Sound moving on.
Helena
30 Aug 2010 23:34:03 PDT