Summary for September 13 2019: I4s, I65s, T109, T109E, T109Ds Even though the pass-by in the dark would not reveal which of the I15 families were present, we made a guess as they passed through the last part of Blackey Pass on their way to Johnstone Strait, that it was most likely the I4s, I27s and I65s, a combination that had been prevalent earlier in the summer. We only read Jared Towers’ message later that this was who he had seen heading into Blackfish Sound earlier. The I16s were not there this time. Even though there were quite a few orcas it was impossible to track their movements in Johnstone Strait after they became silent at 9:27pm. All then remained uneventful until a humpback somewhere near Parson Island decided to announce his presence with the beginnings of a song at 3:08am. Further out in the Strait the I15s began calling as well. Though the humpback remained somewhat stationary the I15s seemed like they were heading west towards Weynton Passage. This loose duet of humpback and orca continued in bouts off and on until 4:15am. The humpback then had one last brief go at 5:09am and a few dolphins chimed in a few minutes later. We believe by this time the I15 families had travelled out through Weynton Passage. They were found off the western end of Blackfish Sound at 8:10am as they headed to Weynton Pass once again. We had other distractions by this time as Dylan, Claire and Jeremie prepared to leave Hanson Island. Their departure was coupled with a “town-run” so there was a lot of activity as laundry, grocery lists, garbage were organised. Remnants of the last southeaster was evident as rain came in fits and starts through the morning. Eventually, and almost on time, the “June Cove” departed but not before last minute hugs and well wishes for those leaving. With Karien temporarily leaving as well with Paul to help with town run chores and work on the new Orcalab website, Alicia and Helena,were the only ones staying. The day had not, so far, seemed too challenging but as the hours ticked away several events began to unfold. The I15s had managed to get into Johnstone Strait and by 10:31am they were reported between Blinkhorn and Kaikash Creek heading east. Their trail then grew cold. The rain had turned to drizzle and with it mist and low cloud - not quite foggy but the effect was similar. This made it impossible for Megan and Shari at “CP” to locate the whales. There was not a chance for the remote cameras either. To make things even harder the whales were completely silent. There was slightly more success with watching humpbacks in Blackney Pass but as they were on the far side they too had the advantage of distance and the same misty conditions. Their identities were elusive also. We could tell, however, that there were several. They shared the space with a few dolphins who came out of White Beach Pass at 11:55am. T109, T09E and the T109Ds travelled east past Port McNeill by 12:16pm and before 1pm a humpback let loose with a few very loud sounds. These were over before they could be located. However, the I15s (specifically the I4s and I65s, there was no mention of the I27s) had been found by the whale watch boats and were being followed as they continued to move east between Kaikash and Izumi Rock at 12:47pm. The Reserve seemed to be their destination. They obliged with a few vocals at 1:51pm which they repeated closer to Robson Bight at 2:30pm. Following these few sparse leads we watched for them on the remote cameras. After an hour we saw just one male moving inshore off Strider Beach. A group of dolphins chatted their way past the Main Rubbing Beach soon after. Under the cover of the misty conditions the I15s must have moved back to the west undetected. Meanwhile, just before 4pm there was a report of a group of Bigg’s orcas heading east close to the Hanson Island shore. This seemed promising. Perhaps they would come close enough for identification. It was not to be. By the time (4:38pm) they were in Blackney Pass they had shifted over to the very far side. Despite being directly opposite the Lab, they like the humpbacks, and the I15s in the Strait before, were shrouded in mist and rain. The small group crossed Parson Bay, went behind the Light and then disappeared before 5pm. Later, talking with Jared about the composition of the group he suggested they might be the same Bigg’s, those T109s, who had been seen off Port McNeill earlier. Through the day humpbacks continued to be vocal for brief, fleeting moments. Finally, at 5:43pm the I15s also vocalised when they transited across the entrance to Blackney Pass on the far side of the Strait. Shari heard their blows briefly when they were closer to Kaikash Creek. By 6pm we were faced with silence once again and could only assume the I15s carried on to the west a while longer. Before nightfall, the “June Cove” arrived back and was unloaded and we had a late, uninterrupted by whales, dinner. We welcomed and enjoyed the company of former volunteer Suzie Hall along with Quin McIntire who was visiting for the night.   OrcaLab 14 Sep 2019 00:38:58 PDT