Superb sounds!!

This wonderful concert is taking place in Robson Bight!
Helena
21 Aug 2010 00:49:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Whales have already gone through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. We believe the A24s have already made this journey and that they were accompanied by another group. The I15s have followed them in. The A5s meanwhile are off the east end of the Reserve with the A30s and the mystery "I" group.A lot of movement!
Helena
21 Aug 2010 00:58:37 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since around 2am, and think that some of the orcas headed east, & others headed north in the early hours of this morning. We are waiting.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 07:40:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we heard one very distant call. We imagine that this came from the very top end of Blackfish Sound as earlier whales were reported east of Donegal Head. These whales have since drifted around and into Cormoran Channel approaching Mitchell Bay. This is a bit unusual, perhaps restful, drifting whales, perhaps some of the same groups (I15s,A4s) from last night. The map will show the generall vicinity but not accurately as the whales are to the left of Donegal Head off Mitchell Bay still going west.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 10:12:46 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We are hearing the groups, starting with the A12s and A36s, coming back from the east and rubbing! Meanwhile, the I15s and A4s have re-entered Johnstone Strait after going through Pearse Passage.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 11:41:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing calls from the A12s, A36s, I15s and A24s as they socialize opposite Cracroft Point and Kaikash Creek. The calls are very buried in the boat noise and hard to hear but the Lukwa who is on scene says the calls are very nice at the moment. The A12s and A36s came west to this meeting spot while the I15s and A24 came east. We thought we were hearing calls to the east of the east end of the Reserve a while ago but have not heard anything for a bit. We believe the A30s A5s and the mystery I group are still somewhere in that direction. Rain finally came today, a welcome relief inspite of the laundry hanging on the lines waiting to dry.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 14:04:08 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the meeting, the whales (the A12s,A36s,I15s and A24s) turned toward the east and have made their way to the Ecological Reserve
Helena
21 Aug 2010 15:08:56 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Just a further note: CP reports that A12 and the A36s are in front of them foraging while the rest have made it to just west of Izumi. They are now angled to the northwest and picking up speed according to the Cliff observers.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 15:21:30 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As the I15s, A24s, A12s and A36s continue to head to the west after passing CP midstrait we have begun to hear other groups approach and "land" at the rubbing beaches. This most likely will be the A30s & A5s returning.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 16:54:27 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Oh boy! it is one of those days! The A30s and the A5s came west in mixed groups, a few of these right below Marie and Luke on the Cliff. They had A50,A72,A84 along with A61, then A43,A69, A95,A39 and A28. That left probably the rest of the A30s and A8s in the Bight, hopefully,with the missing "I' group. The others that went west of CP earlier, the I15s,A43s,A12s and A36s turned back to the east at 5:20pm when they were opposite Hanson Island. Sounds like converging groups again.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 18:50:06 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Just as we were getting ready to eat dinner (and we were late) the whales came in. Rushing out with plates in hand we watched and recorded as a very large group sail through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. It started off slowly with some of the whales in Blackney pausing and even looking back to Johnstone Strait through the entrance gap. Then they began to move and though, not quite a rush, it seemed very quick and complicated as the groups were very mixed. The weather was very misty so we were relying on acoustic clues as well. We checked off the mystery group who became very vocal and led the way. The A30s,A5s and A4s were there too. Then a few I15 like calls, certainly not many for a group of 17. Whew. Then we realized we did not hear the A36s nor any A12 calls. Were they silent of did they stay in the Strait? Did some of the I15s stay as well? We are going to have to wait and see. Exciting though.
Helena
21 Aug 2010 21:36:26 PDT