No calls but orcas nearby
We think we have sorted out today's resident whales, their location and movements. The whales were actually first heard in Johnstone Strait and not Blackfish Sound as first thought. Soon after, Bill and Wendy on Pearse Island saw fins disappearing into Pearse Passage. Then calls were heard off Blackfish Sound. Later, whales were sighted travelling past Mitchell Bay (thanks Grasshopper) and Sointula (thanks Alex & Jackie). From the calls recorded at the Lab we think these were the I31s and that perhaps the wonky fin seen belonged to I46. The other possibility was that it was the I11s who sound so much like the I31s and that it was I64 who was seen. We are leaning to the I31s right now. However you slice it, this was a great start to the New Year. Thanks again to everyone for the reports. As all this was unfolding the T2Cs were in Blackney having brunch. Busy day! AND now a beautiful afternoon!
Helena,Leah,Hella & Paul
05 Jan 2012 15:35:40 PST

Distant calls audible.
Upon returning from some maintenance on the local hydrophone a short resident call could be heard on the speakers, but no location or identification could be ascertained. However, while we were out we spotted some blows, at ~1030, just south of Parson Bay. We found the T002C's munching on their catch while sea gulls dipped in for some scraps. Also, Bill and Wendy reported orcas heading north in Pearse Pass. Busy day out there!
Leah and Hella
05 Jan 2012 11:53:42 PST

Distant calls audible.
The whales have moved into johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Jan 2012 08:26:06 PST

Distant calls audible.
The Lab is hearing northern Resident calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
05 Jan 2012 08:11:43 PST