Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to transient calls for the past several hours. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier, but are now in Johnstone Strait. The calls are audible on the CP & Critical Point hydrophones.
Paul
05 Sep 2005 07:09:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The transients are still calling in Johnstone strait. Overnight: the resident orcas (the A11s, I15s, A8s and the A30s - in that order) headed east past the reserve. We last heard the A30s around 3:30am. We first heard the transients at 2:43am when they were in Blackfish Sound. They quickly moved to the Strait while the A30s enjoyed a rub before moving on to the east after the other resident groups.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 08:08:09 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The ever vocal transients are again moving west past the entrance to Blackney Pass. Channel A
Helena
05 Sep 2005 09:53:40 PDT

No orcas present.

It turned out that there may have been 3 transients in total. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) located them this morning off of the Sophia Islands. There was a male and two smaller fins. The male and one of the female fins disappeared quickly and then the other "female" headed off to the west apparently by itself. This whale went to Weynton Passage and passed into Cormorant Channel. As of a half hour ago the Tuan (Seasmoke Whale Watching) saw this whale passing Leonard Point on Cormorant Isand still doing 9 kn. meanwhile, the resident whales (specifically the I15s) were seen heading east at 10 am well past the eastern end of the Reserve on the Cracroft side. Recent reports place whales off the Broken Islands. (Naiad Explorer)
Helena
05 Sep 2005 12:01:16 PDT

No orcas present.

The I15s turned back to the west just before 1pm east of the Reserve. They are just now entering the Reserve at the east end. The A30s were found in the eastern reaches of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 13:58:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After a fabulous rub, the I15s are headed west again... they will probably be heard on the Critical Point hydrophone soon.
Paul
05 Sep 2005 15:06:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The i15s are moving westward along the Vancouver island shore in the area near Izumi Rock.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 16:50:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s turned off of Blinkhorn 10 minutes ago. They are coming back east.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 18:46:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have joined the I15s after spending the day in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 21:20:55 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Very cool A30s and I15s off of the Reserve.
Helena
05 Sep 2005 22:19:39 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! It's another very foggy morning here & we've heard no calls since around 2:30am, when the I15s & A30s were near Robson Bight. We're not sure what direction they headed in. We are waiting.
Paul
04 Sep 2005 09:03:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We didn't have to wait long! The calls we're listening to are on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds ike at least the A30s are back in the Bight!
Paul
04 Sep 2005 09:17:23 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Things have moved along since the last report: the A30s continued to the west and the I15s have come up along the Cracroft Island shore towards CP.
Helena
04 Sep 2005 12:06:06 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Another group of orcas, probably the A11s and A8s, is heading west in Johnstone Strait, some are approaching CP. Channel A. Meanwhile, the I15s are headed west from Blackney Pass, & the A30s are headed east from Blinkhorn.
Paul
04 Sep 2005 13:50:55 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s are in the entrance of Blackney Pass, & the A8s are off CP. Channel A.
Paul
04 Sep 2005 14:18:32 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

it has been a very full afternoon with the A11s/A73 7 a8s coming up from "below" to join the I15s and the A30s. The A30s have blended with the A11s and the a8s west of CP and are now on their way over to join the I15s who are closer now to the Vancouver Island shore. The I15s had been close to CP before their move west and they were followed by the A11s & A8s soon after. The small humpback just went past CP.
Helena
04 Sep 2005 16:18:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales continue to be in the far western section of the Strait and so we are still hearing distant calls.
Helena
04 Sep 2005 19:30:19 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After moving west slowly in Johnstone Strait for most of the day, the whales turned to the east at about 7pm. The A11s are probably ahead and have passed CP with the A8s, A30s and I15s making their way to the east behind them under a beautiful star filled sky.
Julie @ OL
04 Sep 2005 22:16:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Good morning everyone! We listened to the I15s hanging out in or near Robson Bight throughout the night, but lost track of them a little after 6am. We think they may have headed east, but we're not sure. A short while ago, we began hearing "A" "resting" calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone, so it seems likely that at least some of the orcas in the Strait yesterday are still nearby. It's another very foggy morning here, so visibility is poor.
Paul
03 Sep 2005 08:05:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I15s are both in the Strait perhaps moving westward toward the area off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 08:55:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s turned near Blinkhorn around 10:10 am and have been making their way back to the east ever since. They are now mid strait just about opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass. I41 is travelling with them. Other I15s are closer to the Vancouver Island side not far from the Reserve's western boundary. The fog is lifting.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 11:01:58 PDT


Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The whales are approaching CP along the Cracroft Island side from the east.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 12:46:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls of the I15s and the A30s are getting stronger on Critical Point despite the constant boat noise. Both groups are now moving toward & into the Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 16:17:26 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s and the I15s are in the Bight. Lovely!
Helena
03 Sep 2005 16:35:18 PDT

Boat noise

It seems that the A30s and the I15s have moved off of Critical Point. The tide is at slack and will turn to an ebb pretty soon so we will have to see where these two groups turn up next. They certainly sounded like they are still enjoying each other's company! Meanwhile we will have to wait out the boat noise of what ever is going past the Bight right now.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 17:52:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A few hours after the last calls the I15s have returned to the Bight. Most likely they had gone off to the east with the A30s earlier.
Helena
03 Sep 2005 22:07:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s passed CP to the east.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
02 Sep 2005 00:23:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A11s & A8s have come back from the east again & are with the A30s & I15s in Robson Bight again... we are listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 05:18:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! We're hearing distant calls from the I15s & A30s as they make their way to the west in Johnstone Strait. We're not sure what happened to the A4s & A5s after their brief appearance earlier this morning.
Paul
02 Sep 2005 09:55:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales have turnedand are headed back to the east. Some are already in the entrance of Blackney while others are moving along the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 11:10:29 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are in front of CP.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 11:32:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have now been listening to A4 & I15 calls as well as the A30s.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 12:17:23 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Time again to catch up: The A30s stayed forever off of CP while the I15s went off to the Rerserve with the A11s and the A8s. After their rub we heard the I15s,A4s and the A5s return to tthe Robson Bight area. The A30s left to the east and were last seen angling over towards Izumi.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 16:16:11 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups are moving up the Vancouver Island shore to the west, the lead group is approaching Little Kaikash just past the Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 18:22:55 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As we suspected the whales have turned. Straitwatch confirmed this for us and apparently they turned just shy of Blinkhorn and began to angle towards CP.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 19:10:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

it sounds like everyone (A11s,A8s,A73,A30s & I15s) have returned to the area off the Bight. There has already been one cruiseship pass through and perhaps another is on its way through Blackfish. In between is nice.
Helena
02 Sep 2005 21:17:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! After a concert that went on for hours in Robson Bight, the I15s & A30s have finally moved off to the west. They are presently off Kaikash, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. We're hearing them on the CP & Parson Island hydrophones.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 08:44:40 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The I15s & A30s have turned back to the east, and are now coming within range of the surface camera at CP. Channel A.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 09:54:55 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Cp is still filming. The A30s are in the entrance to Blackney Pass. The I15s are sort of heading west along the Hanson shore from Big Bay.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 10:50:46 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have made it to the Main rubbing beach! Channel B.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 13:30:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have finished at the beaches and are headed back to the west.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 13:53:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We've been listening to some of the I15s close to the Critical Point hydrophone. If they continue to the east, they could visit the rubbing beaches soon.
Paul
01 Sep 2005 14:15:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Time to catch up: The a30s left the beaches at 1:48pm and came back to the Reserve. Both the I15s and the A30s have since continued moving to the west. however, the whales are spread out and there has been a fair amount of stop & go.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 15:32:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a30s and the I15s continued to the west. The I15s were favouring the Cracroft and Hanson side while the A30s kept closer to the Vancouver island shore.
Helena
01 Sep 2005 17:07:28 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are getting louder on Parsons Island, we haven't heard the I15s for a while. Maybe they are headed to the east we will have to wait and see.
Julie @ OL
01 Sep 2005 19:26:49 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe the a30s went east. We lost track of the I15s after they went to the west with the A30s earlier and wonder if they went out Weynton?
Helena
01 Sep 2005 21:56:51 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

some group of whales have been seen in north off Foster Island, no ID yet. some of them are coming down to Blackfish sound.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
31 Aug 2005 09:49:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing A4 calls on CRPT. the A11s who came back from the east last night, now going east to the bight. There are T18s off Big Bay too.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
31 Aug 2005 10:12:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The T18s went north through Blackney Pass. it seems like the I15s are entering the Strait through Weynton.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
31 Aug 2005 11:25:08 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

the T143s are going into JS, the T18s changed direction and following them. nice Transient calls!
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
31 Aug 2005 11:48:15 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

T18s and T143s are in front OF CP, A11s and A8s are rubbing
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
31 Aug 2005 12:04:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A11s left Rubbing beach, came back to the Bight. The I15s are along VI side off Kaikash, going east. T18s and T143s are going east along to CI side.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
31 Aug 2005 13:02:11 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby

After meeting up off Robson Bight the A11s,A8s and the I15s headed east. A few brushed past the beaches. The transients of earlier are a bit further east near Naka Creek. They are also east bound at the last report. The A30s are east bound in Blackfish Sound nearing Blackney Pass.
Helena
31 Aug 2005 15:22:14 PDT


Superb sounds!!

The A30s are negotiating the last part of Blackney Pass on their way to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
31 Aug 2005 16:02:12 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

On channel A: The A30s are passing CP.
Helena
31 Aug 2005 16:19:33 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

A night time rub! The A30s?
Helena
31 Aug 2005 20:54:09 PDT

No orcas present.

OL Overnight: We think the A30s and the I15s went off to the east. Thye A30s disappeared around 1:30 after being close to Critical Point and the I15s followed after their rub at 2:20. All quiet since.
Helena
30 Aug 2005 05:54:51 PDT

No orcas present.

there are some report of whales from the east; the A11s and A8s are off Windy point(west of Kelsey Bay), heading east. The A36s and Bs are off Camp point(east of Kelsey), heading west. No mention about the A30s and I15s this morning.
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
30 Aug 2005 10:25:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

a group of whales are coming toward Rubbing Beach from the east.Ch.B
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
30 Aug 2005 11:00:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

after rubbing, the I15s headed west and now they are west end of the reserve, still heading west.
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
30 Aug 2005 12:11:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

the I15s are heading west, now their calls are on CP hydrophone. We can't see them in the rain and fog, but sounds like they are closer to VI shore.
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
30 Aug 2005 13:08:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

info correction; we had some report about A11s and A8s off windy point this morning, but it seems like the group was A30s. they are coming back to the west. The I15s are off Kaikash, VI side.
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
30 Aug 2005 13:31:24 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

THe I15s are coming towards CP. Ch.A
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
30 Aug 2005 14:32:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

the I15s finally decided direction and headed west along Hanson shoreline.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
30 Aug 2005 15:19:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Diver alert; Paul T is going to clean the camera, so don't be surprized if you see human underwater!
Tomoko
30 Aug 2005 17:33:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing A30s calls on CRPT. they must had came back from the east!
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
30 Aug 2005 19:30:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We can see a group of whales going east to the Bight. we think it must be the I15s who have turned to the east around 1630. We are listening to the A30s and I15s on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
30 Aug 2005 20:08:25 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s are there too!
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
30 Aug 2005 20:26:10 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We have been listening to beautiful sounds of A30s, A36s and I15s in the Bight.
Tomoko and Paul T@CP
30 Aug 2005 22:49:03 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning. It has been, as far as we know, quiet over night. We last heard calls (A30s) at the rubbing beaches and critical Point (Bs). We think all the groups went to the east on the flood tide last night. Foggy this morning.
Helena
29 Aug 2005 08:07:42 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

we were surprised about 20 minutes ago by the sound of blows heading south thropugh Blackney Pass very quickly. They should be in the Strait by now. No calls, no clues.
Helena
29 Aug 2005 09:07:11 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

CP had good visibility and could see that the small group was transients. Tomoko and Paul T think that the transients went to the west after entering the Strait.
Helena
29 Aug 2005 09:23:25 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There west bound whales at the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
29 Aug 2005 13:11:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We've been listening to the I15s & A30s close to the Critical Point hydrophone, as they make their way back to the west. Unfortunately, there is also very persistent boat noise on CrPt.
Paul
29 Aug 2005 13:54:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and the A30s turned around 3:12pm just west of Kaikash Creek on the Vancouver Island shore. Both groups moved together toward the Reserve (4:30pm) with some of the I15s moving out to mid strait. Perhaps they are headed for the Beaches!
Helena
29 Aug 2005 17:05:05 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are enjoying a rub! Channel B.
Paul
29 Aug 2005 18:06:33 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s finished their rub, some of the I15s ran up to Izumi and now it sounds like everyone is in the Bight again!
Helena
29 Aug 2005 18:57:41 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s and A30s are still in Robson Bight making beautiful sounds. We are not sure which direction they will take.
Julie @ OL
29 Aug 2005 22:38:06 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since around 3am, when the A30s were in Blackfish Sound after heading north through Blackney Pass. We are waiting.
Paul
28 Aug 2005 07:48:40 PDT

No orcas present.

We have learned from Troy Bright (researcher on Malcolm Island) via Stubbs Island Whale Watching that the Bs and the A30s and possibly the I15s are off Bere Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. Currently they are pointed to the west but the tide is flooding.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 11:01:53 PDT

No orcas present.

The flood tide did help. The Bs after meeting up with the A30s and the I15s off of bere Point in Queen Charlotte Strait and east bound with the others and are now approaching Lizard Point.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 12:28:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're beginning to hear distant calls from the I15s at the "top" of Blackfish Sound. Others are with them, and others yet are following as far back as Lizard Point. It's shaping up to be a busy afternoon!
Paul
28 Aug 2005 13:24:15 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We just had a small group of transients go by, headed north, mid channel. They breached as they left our view and then apparently gave chase to a minke in Blackfish Sound. The residents were coming east in Blackfish at the time. The hunt is continuing opposite Bold Head. The Bs are not far away.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 15:07:11 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The i15s and the a36s are moving very quickly through the last part of Blackney on their way to the Strait.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 15:40:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s followed the A36s and the i15s into the strait and at about the same time the Bs came in via Weynton Pass (4pm). the B had been following the rest into Blackfih sound when the transient/minke whale encounter happened. They turned and went through the "Blow-hole to Weynton Pass and then on to the Strait. from eye witness accounts the transients were unable to catch the minke.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 16:32:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing "B" calls on the CP hydrophone, though we're not exactly sure where the Bs are.
Paul
28 Aug 2005 20:19:08 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Possibly it is the A30s at the beaches. The Bs sound like they may headed that way from Critical Point.
Helena
28 Aug 2005 21:01:32 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We think the A11s along with A73 & the A8s have come up from the east and joined the I15s, A30s and the A36s off Robson Bight and are now heading west toward CP.
Helena
27 Aug 2005 03:40:45 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A30s have already come up to CP and have turned into Blackney Pass. We can hear their blows. Boat noise in the Strait has quietened the others (the A11s,A8s,A36s and I15s for now):
Helena
27 Aug 2005 04:48:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Good morning everyone! After a busy early morning, we're hearing the I15s close to the Critical Point hydrophone, and distant "A" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
27 Aug 2005 08:12:34 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s came back from Blackfish Sound via Blackney pass and re-entered the Strait shortly afterwards. they are now headed east. The I15s were quite close to critical just before this so they are not too far away in the Strait. Earlier this morning we lost track of the A4s and the A5s and the a36s and think they may have returned east from the Bight around 4:30am.
Helena
27 Aug 2005 10:23:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

correction: the a30s turned to the west after reaching the Strait. There were whales reported near Blinkhorn earlier. Reports now coming in are commenting on seeing I14 so perhaps the I15s went up the Vancouver island shore while the A30s were returning. The A30s are almost to Turn Point by now.
Helena
27 Aug 2005 10:33:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and probably the A30s as well are eastbound opposite CP tight along the Vancouver Island shore. They are very , very quiet.
Helena
27 Aug 2005 13:15:43 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

I cannot keep up with the A30s today! They are now travelling through the last part of Blackney on their way, once again, to the Strait. They must have circled around Hanson and NOT joined the I15s on Vancouver Island. We could blame the weather and the silence of the whales. However, let's hope we are on track now.
Helena
27 Aug 2005 14:10:32 PDT

Performing maintenance

We have a power problem at CP again, and may go down for a while. thank you for your patience, we hope we will be back soon.
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
27 Aug 2005 15:45:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

For the moment, we're back again, though we don't know for how long. We will try to let you know before the next shutdown. Meanwhile, the A30s are alone in western Johnstone Strait, near Blinkhorn, heading east silently.
Paul
27 Aug 2005 20:21:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are still moving to the east. Right now we are hearing their echo location on the Cracroft Point hydrophone.
Helena
27 Aug 2005 21:57:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We began hearing "A1" calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. There's a good chance they're from the A36s, but we're not yet sure.
Paul
26 Aug 2005 04:01:05 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The calls we heard around 4am were probably from the A30s. They have now moved up to the entrance of Blackney Pass - we're hearing them on the CP & PI hydrophones.
Paul
26 Aug 2005 05:35:46 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

A group of orcas is foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass. Channel A. We're hearing echolocation & A clan "resting" calls, so most likely they are the A30s.
Paul
26 Aug 2005 07:31:34 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Both the A30s & A36s are foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Paul
26 Aug 2005 07:47:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Now we're hearing the I15s on the Critical Point hydrophone... there is echolcation as well as calls, so it sounds like they are foraging too.
Paul
26 Aug 2005 07:55:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s joined the I15s on the Vancouver Island shore off Kaikash and then both groups carried on up toward the Bauza Islets. The A30s are still on the opposite side near Weynton Island. I41 is right in the middle of the I15s. the whales just turned back to the east.
Helena
26 Aug 2005 11:06:33 PDT

Performing maintenance

We have a power problem at CP, and may soon stop live streaming for a while. We will appreciate your patience while we are trying to solve the problem.
Paul
26 Aug 2005 12:20:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are opposite the Bight mid strait. The I15s and the A36s are still together. They moved away from the Vancouver Island shore at Izumi and angled toward the "Pig Ranch" (east of the Sophia Islands). The A36s are apparently paying the I15s a lot of attention. All groups,for now, are continuing on aneastward trend, across and against the ebb flow. The A8s, A11s and A73 are still in the "lower "Johnstone Strait area.
Helena
26 Aug 2005 15:02:03 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s, A30s and the a36s have moved past critical Point looking like they were thinking about the beaches.
Helena
26 Aug 2005 16:10:15 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches! Channel B.
Paul
26 Aug 2005 16:29:32 PDT

Superb sounds!!

As the rub continued between spme of the A36s and the I15s we also tuned into Critical Point where other members of the I15s are foraging and some A1s (A30s) offshore. Since then the rub maybe over and all the whales headed to the west again.
Helena
26 Aug 2005 17:18:31 PDT

No orcas present.

We are not sure where the whales decided to go after returning to Critical Point. The boat noise was very loud for a good hour during which we lost track of the whales. There were no reports of whales coming further west than the Bight. perhaps they went east again. We will have to wait & see. Great day with reports of both the A30 males and the A36s paying particular attention to some of the I15s.
Helena
26 Aug 2005 21:19:46 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Orcalive Over night: Good morning everyone! The i15s made it back to the Strait and sound like they are now eastbound near to the Reserve. The A30s stayed in the Strait and we could hear them every so often through the early hours.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 07:00:07 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are at the beaches. ch.B
Helena
25 Aug 2005 07:34:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It lokks as if the I15s have gone back to the west after their lovely rub.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 08:31:21 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It looks like another great I15s rub is over. We think they've headed back to the west, so there's a good chance we'll hear them again before long.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 08:36:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are westbound with the ebb tide. Lots of boat noise.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 09:50:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Day-moon on live, Ch.B:)
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
25 Aug 2005 12:18:46 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The Tuan, Seasmoke Charters from Alert Bay repoorts: The I15s went up to the Blinkhorn area, formed a resting line and then turned back to the east. They are about 200 metres from shore and now about 1 mile east of Blinkhorn.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 13:15:25 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

If the I15s continue to cross the entrance of Blackney Pass they will come near to CP. This is only part of the group. I41 is mid strait by himself and there is another group (I15s as well) still on the Vancouver Island shore at Kaikash Creek opposite CP. This is similar to the split yesterday.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 13:58:13 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s are rubbing.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 16:03:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s went to the east a bit after their rub and then turned and are now west bound passing the beaches as they go.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 17:08:36 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s are back at critical Point in the Reserve.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 17:47:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s are following both shores west again. I41 and others are on the vancouver Island side while I43 and about 6 others are on the Cracroft side. The Gikumi (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) reports that I41 is keeping pace with the others. They are all still only coming up to the Izumi area (1/2 between the Bight and Kaikash Creek.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 19:01:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear the A36s in Blackfish Sound. The I15s continue in the Strait.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 19:34:29 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s have begun to travel to Blackney Pass. The I15s are still in the Strait.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 21:26:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a36s made it to the Strait and are now east bound toward the Reserve. We think the I15s may have never come very far west. We lost track of them acoustically around 8:30pm. Perhaps they slipped back to the east.
Helena
25 Aug 2005 23:31:34 PDT

No orcas present.

Orcalaive Overnight: We believe the I15s and the A30s slipped off to the east. It has been quiet since 12:30am.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 08:34:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s have returned from a short trip to the east & are passing the rubbing beaches, heading west. They are silent, for the moment.
Paul
24 Aug 2005 10:07:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s may have split into two groups; one closer to the vancouver Island shore and the other just off the Sophias. Both are moving west very slowly, resting.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 12:18:03 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

With I41 in the lead a small group of the I15s are continuing west up from the eastern end of Hanson Island. 5 others are following. The I15s on the vacouver island shore are almost to Blinkhorn. There are energetic dolphins and porpoise everywhere.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 13:40:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have come from the east and are passing Robson Bight. The I15s possibly responded to their calls by beginning to turn. the group by Blinkhorn is angling outward while the other group on the hanson side is now reaching the western end of Hanson.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 14:30:58 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s completed their turn and are east bound. The A30s (also silent) are still east of CP.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 15:16:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There was a brief set of vocals, mostly from the I15s along with a few from the A30s as well. The sleepy whales are now off the Reserve not really going in any one direction. lots of dolphins trying to wake them up though.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 19:13:12 PDT


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are at the beaches.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 19:50:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP and Rubbing beach sunsets on live!
Tomoko and Paul.T@CP
24 Aug 2005 20:24:57 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s are moving into Blackney Pass and the A30s are westbound from the Bight.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 20:49:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are listening to the A330s again in the strait. The I15s travelled north through Blackney & faded off towards the west.
Helena
24 Aug 2005 22:33:38 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Good morning everyone! After as busy night, during which the I15s, A30s & A36s came back into Johnstone Strait on the flooding tide, we're hearing echolocation and I15 calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone. "A" calls are there too, so we think all 3 groups are probably still together, now in Robson Bight. There is no boat noise, so we're sent an alert.
Paul
23 Aug 2005 07:01:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls have become distant on the Critical Point hydrophone. We think the orcas (I15s, A30s) are moving to the west in Johnstone Strait.
Paul
23 Aug 2005 08:24:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The calls are getting close to the Critical Point hydrophone again... sounds like the I15s & A30s have turned back to the east & are now in Robson Bight again.
Paul
23 Aug 2005 09:57:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales are still westbound and are now opposite the Sophia Islands favouring the cracroft shoreline.
Helena
23 Aug 2005 11:30:52 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

the a36s are approaching CP. Will be on CH. B
Helena
23 Aug 2005 12:13:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s are travelling north through Blackney Pass while the i15s and the A30s are moving west along Vancouver Island.
Helena
23 Aug 2005 13:28:41 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The lovely chorus we've been listening to for the last while is coming from the A30s & I15s via the Critical Point hydrophone... they are in Robson Bight. We're also hearing the A36s, occasionally, in Blackfish Sound.
Paul
23 Aug 2005 15:48:42 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

A 39 is having a rub by himself. Others may follow. Channel B.
Paul
23 Aug 2005 16:36:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

it looks like the rub is over and the A30s are headed back to the west in search of the I15s perhaps. Next stop Critical Point.
Helena
23 Aug 2005 18:00:20 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s are approaching CP along the Cracroft Island shore, they are filming Channel A.
Julie @ OL
23 Aug 2005 20:12:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s & A30s remain in the Strait. the A30s passed CP fairly closely on their way to the sunset. the I15s, a little bit slower, followed closer to the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
23 Aug 2005 21:48:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s & A30s are close to CP - we're not sure if they will head north through Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide, as they did last night, but they might.
Paul
23 Aug 2005 22:17:02 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Good morning everyone! There is no fog this morning, and we've been listening to lovely calls from the A30s & I15s on the Critical Point hydrophone for hours. We think they are fairly close to Robson Bight, perhaps heading east, though we're not sure of their direction. The A11s & A8s were also in the Strait overnight, but we lost track of them around 2am.
Paul
22 Aug 2005 07:47:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The orcas are travelling back to the east - the back and forth has been happening throughout the night. Currently the A30s are eastbound crossing to the Vancouver Island shore from the area adjacent to the entrance off Blackney Pass. It is unclear, at this point, where the I15s are. Their calls have been distant all morning.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 09:10:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Stubbs island Whale watching reports that it is the I15s near to Telegraph Cove.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 09:17:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s moved down to the entrance of Weynton after Telegraph Cove and have 'whipped" through Weynton Pass. They are pointed north still following the ebb tide. the A30s are continuing east toward the Reserve.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 10:04:38 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are sounding very excited in Robson Bight!
Paul
22 Aug 2005 10:32:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The a30s have excitedly moved into the Bight. I15s at the top end of blackfish Sound/ Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 10:35:14 PDT


Orcas hunting fish.

Maybe the A30s' excitement was about a bunch of fish in Robson Bight... from their sounds, they're certainly having a bite!
Paul
22 Aug 2005 10:46:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are off the rubbing beaches now.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 11:28:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Short lived event. The A30s took off to the west. The I15s are still westbound in the fog off Lizard Point and the a11s and the A8s are possibly not far from Kelsey Bay. Last report was Race Passage headed east. The a36s are currently off Kelsey Bay headed west. They came west from Bear Point this morning.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 11:38:10 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s are back in Robson Bight, fishing.
Paul
22 Aug 2005 11:53:54 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are still in fine form despite the boat noise. They are still not far from the Bight. meanwhile, we have started to hear the I15s at the western end of Blackfish Sound. they turned back to the east off Lizard just before noon.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 12:52:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are not far from Kaiaksh Creek on the Vancouver Island side. A39 moved out toward the middle on his own. The I15s, meanwhile, are just about to enter the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 13:55:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We can move the map along a bit now. The a30s after regrouping off of CP crossed to Vancouver island off the Sophias about 1 hour ago. The very slow sleepy I15s followed and both groups are now entering the Reserve and waking up!
Helena
22 Aug 2005 18:11:05 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The calls are on CP! The A30s and the i15s have picked up the A36s and all are westbound now.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 20:35:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the I15s definitley went north through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait and carried on to Blackfish Sound. We are still trying to determine if the A30s have gone with them.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 21:28:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are definitely in Blackfish along with the I15s and the A36s.
Helena
22 Aug 2005 21:35:14 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The calls of the I15s, mixed with those of the A30s & A36s, are on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
22 Aug 2005 22:50:50 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s, A30s & A36s are still in Blackfish Sound... their calls are now on the Local Left hydrophone (as well as Flower Island) so they may be heading back to the Strait soon.
Paul
22 Aug 2005 23:51:11 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing A1 calls on CRPT. sounds like A30s are coming back to the Bight after rubbing.
Tomoko
21 Aug 2005 01:02:33 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s & I15s are heading towards CP from the Sophias. Channel A.
Paul
21 Aug 2005 08:11:01 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

To catch up: the A30s and the I15s continued east to the Reserve. The I15s had crossed between Big Bay and the eastern end of Hanson Island and moved over to the Vancouver island shore. The A30s moved into midstrait beforew each group headed into the reserve. Meanwhile, we heard A4 and A5 calls on Flower island and Local Left. It's probable that the A11s/A8s came through Blackney and crossed to Kaikash Creek. Since then the I15s turned out of the Reserve followed, now, by the A30s.
Helena
21 Aug 2005 14:15:01 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s are in front of CP. The I15s are off Little Kaikash. The A11s and the A8s are nearby as well.
Helena
21 Aug 2005 15:54:55 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A11s and the A8s are heading east at Critical Point. The I15s are also going east along the Vancouver Island shore from Kaikash Beach, the A30s shouldn't be far behind.
Julie @ OL
21 Aug 2005 19:10:08 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry but we are doing maintenance for the next while.
Helena
21 Aug 2005 19:21:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Well the calls are getting louder on CP so maybe the whales are headed that way slowly. So far we have heard the A4s and A1s. There may have been an A5 call or two. What happened to the I15s? Lovely moon again high over Blackney.
Helena
21 Aug 2005 22:53:43 PDT

No orcas present.

All quiet this morning but we seem to be up and running. We lost track of the A30s around 10pm last when they were still in the Strait. We heard blows in Blackney heading south a short while later but it was never clear who they might be.
Helena
20 Aug 2005 08:51:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like some of the groups are coming back from the east. We are listening to A30s and A4 calls on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
20 Aug 2005 12:21:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s, A11s, A8s and A73 are currently spread out in the Izumi area heading west but stopping to forage from time to time. The I15s are further back. We may not have mentioned but I41's dorsal fin has totally collapsed to the right. hopefully he is ok. he is 25 years old.
Helena
20 Aug 2005 13:38:19 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A11s, A73 & the A8s are going west up the Hanson Island shore near Big Bay. A73 was with a group of dolphins for a while. Some A30s are way back east of Boat Bay We think perhaps A39 travelled west maybe as far as the CP area but ? let the others continue. Still pretty foggy.
Helena
20 Aug 2005 15:22:20 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Just after 3pm A13 pulled the others over to the Vancouver Island shore from Big Bay after being surrounded by dolphins. The groups continued up to blinkhorn and beyon where they milled about for a while. We heard A30 calls off Critical Point about this same time. right now the A11s have apparently turned toward Weynton Pass from the Wastell Islands just east of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
20 Aug 2005 16:46:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We have started to hear the A30s on CP again. Are they coming from the Izumi area once again.
Helena
20 Aug 2005 17:38:07 PDT


Distant calls audible.

We've been hearing distant calls from the A4s on the Flower Island hydrophone... sounds like the A11s & A8s have headed north through Weynton Pass. Meanwhile, the A30s are headed back to the east & are mid-strait, off the east end of Hanson Island (Channel A).
Paul
20 Aug 2005 19:47:53 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s are milling off of CP just as we began to hear I15s coming from the east. they are probably past Boat Bay on their way west.
Helena
20 Aug 2005 20:11:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

My the I15s sound great tonight. Even the A30s are not interupting.
Helena
20 Aug 2005 20:48:06 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Ah yes the A30s too!
Helena
20 Aug 2005 20:58:01 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And now, a rub!
Paul
20 Aug 2005 22:21:51 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And the rub goes on!
Helena
20 Aug 2005 23:38:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

we are listening to the A36s. sounds like they are in the Bight.
Tomoko
19 Aug 2005 00:55:56 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

THe A36s are at the beaches
Tomoko
19 Aug 2005 02:28:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After A36s left the beaches, we started hearing A30 calls (at least) on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
19 Aug 2005 04:08:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are in the Bight.
Tomoko
19 Aug 2005 04:41:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are going west in Johnstone strait. their calls are now on CP. very foggy outside.
Tomoko
19 Aug 2005 06:10:15 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The silent a30s surprised Paul T and Mari by turning up in front of CP. They are heading east.
Helena
19 Aug 2005 09:19:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The fog is lifting and the A30s are continuing east on the Cracroft side just Boat Bay.
Helena
19 Aug 2005 11:48:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Despite the boat noise the A30s are sounding great in the Bight. They crossed from Boat Bay and are in the reserve now fishing. Reports from Robson Bight Charters via the Naiad: the a11s and the A8s are back in Nodales, the A36s are headed east from Hickey Point and the I15s are west bound at Camp Point. The t18s are in Chancellor Channel. fog is rolling back in but the sun keeps trying.
Helena
19 Aug 2005 12:47:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s came up the Vancouver Island shore to Kaikash Creek & turned back to the east just before 2:50pm. They are just about to enter the Bight.
Helena
19 Aug 2005 15:31:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The a30s are back in the Bight after a short travel to the east.
Helena
19 Aug 2005 19:58:41 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are experiencing a problem with our wireless network & are unable to stream our data to the internet at this time. We will be down until the problem is solved, but don't know how long that will take. Please excuse the inconvenience.
Paul
19 Aug 2005 22:53:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

a group of whales (transients?) are going south in Blackney pass.
Tomoko
18 Aug 2005 01:28:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Good morning everyone! We began hearing the the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone shortly after 7am, but are not yet sure of their direction. And, a few minutes ago, a small group of transient orcas passed close to CP, heading east. This is already an interesting day!
Paul
18 Aug 2005 07:58:41 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

It turned out the the A30s were heading west. They are now are off CP. Channel A.
Paul
18 Aug 2005 08:24:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s have come into the Strait via Blackney Pass and have met up with the A30s in the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
18 Aug 2005 09:49:31 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The first orcas have reached the rubbing beaches. Channel B.
Paul
18 Aug 2005 12:00:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and the A30s conrinued quickly to the east. They are now well past Naka Creek. Meanwhile, the transients of earlier this morning travelled back to the west & the Sophia Islands where they killed a Dalls porpoise. They vocalised briefly and then headed off to the east again. The Naiad Explorer found the A36s off the White Cliff Islets just north of Swanson Island in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2005 14:27:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

For the latter part of the afternoon we have been listening to the A36s in blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Aug 2005 18:40:23 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s are travelling through a moon drenched Blackney Pass on their way to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2005 22:19:15 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Good morning everyone! We began hearing echolocation & calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone about 4:30am... sounds like the A30s have returned from the east & are having a bite in the Bight!
Paul
17 Aug 2005 05:05:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls of the A30s have been getting distant on the Critical point hydrophone - sounds like they are making their way to the west quickly. We've also been hearing distant "B subclan" calls on CrPt & think that the Bs may also be returning from the east, probably on the Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.
Paul
17 Aug 2005 05:36:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls are now getting distant on the CP hydrophone... sounds like the A30s & Bs are moving to the west in Johnstone Strait, though not far from Blackney Pass. The tide is ebbing swiftly, so it's possible they will decide to head north through Blackney.
Paul
17 Aug 2005 06:47:41 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We've heard no calls for the past while, but think the A30s & Bs are not too far away... perhaps towards the western end of Johnstone Strait, or heading "out" via Weynton Pass.
Paul
17 Aug 2005 07:42:38 PDT

No orcas present.

We are not sure where the A30s ended up but the Bs were seen off the Pearse Islands, Johnstone Strait side, at around 8am after coming west from the Bight. Right now they are in Weynton Passage heading back to the Strait so it is unclear what loop they took to get there.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 10:05:02 PDT

No orcas present.

A bit more information: Stubbs island Whale Watching just told us that the Bs went around the Pearse Island group back into Weynton passage. Currently they are just about to enter the Strait but are silent at the moment. Pacific Northwest Kayaking, whjo are camped near Kaikash Creek saw both the bs and the A30s pass at 7am headed west. The Bs kept going but the A30s turned a little bit further to the west of their camp and returned to the east. This might explain why their call got louder for a while before we lost track of them acoustically. Very foggy early this morning but visiblity quite good now.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 10:12:47 PDT

No orcas present.

The Bs seem to be making another go round. They moved back to Broughton Strait and headed west along the Pearse Islands towards Pearse Passage once again. They are doing a lot of foraging.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 12:38:58 PDT

No orcas present.

The Bs have gone around Cormorant Island - the kidney shaped island on the left side of the map - and are headed toward Haddington island & Sointula. They are all together and resting.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 14:11:31 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A30s have come west to the Bight. The Bs kept going toward Pulteney Point.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 17:34:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP reports that the A30s turned back to the east at the east end of Kaikash.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 19:12:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The transients are on Flower Island.
Helena
17 Aug 2005 21:01:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to transient orca calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Paul
17 Aug 2005 22:44:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After beautiful Transient calls, we started hearing A30 calls on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
17 Aug 2005 23:19:37 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

the whales are at the Beaches
Tomoko
16 Aug 2005 02:59:46 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of whales are in the entrance to Blackney Pass. They are resting. No calls
Helena
16 Aug 2005 07:51:04 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s with A12 and A33 in the lead led the A35s and the C10s into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, other groups moved past CP and into the entrance of Blackney Pass. One group may be heading up the Hanson shore to the west, some might come into Blackney after the others.
Helena
16 Aug 2005 09:19:11 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups in the Strait are coming into Blackney.
Helena
16 Aug 2005 09:30:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The group off the entrance to Blackney have moved back into the Strait. CP is filming them again.
Helena
16 Aug 2005 09:47:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

here is a surprise. Around 10am Stubbs Island Whale Watching and the Bluefjord reported that the Bs popped up, unanounced, in the middle of Blackfish Sound! This was as the A12s/A35s/C10s moved westward through Blackfish. We think it is the A5s (A8s+) and A11s who are still in the Strait. Noone has seen the A30s and A36s this morning. Are they still to the east in Johnstone Strait?
Helena
16 Aug 2005 10:52:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The Bs just entered the Strait after travelling through Weynton Pass. The A8s and A11s are in the Bight. The A12s & the A35s are heading into Queen charlotte Strait. The C10s have disappeared.
Helena
16 Aug 2005 11:22:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A11s sound like they are close to Critical Point in the Bight. The A8s should be with them. The Bs are moving steadily eastward and now can be heard on CP. The A12s & A35s are still in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
16 Aug 2005 12:10:43 PDT


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the orcas have reached the Main rubbing beach. Channel B.
Paul
16 Aug 2005 13:32:53 PDT


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A8s are now rubbing, following the A4s & the Bs. Channel B.
Paul
16 Aug 2005 14:11:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After A4s, Bs and A8s finished rubbing, the A36s suddenly showed up in the Bight. they are probably going to west, but very quiet now.
Tomoko
16 Aug 2005 16:15:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing occasional distant calls from the A36s as they make their way to the west. They are on the Vancouver Island side of theStrait, opposite Blackney Pass. The calls are audible on the CP hydrophone.
Paul
16 Aug 2005 16:47:23 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls so far this evening, and are not sure what happened to the A36s as they headed west in Johnstone Strait this afternoon. We think the A11s, A8s, & Bs all headed east after an intense rub, and that the A12s, A35s & C10s headed north into Queen Charlotte Strait. We are waiting.
Paul
16 Aug 2005 23:34:30 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to the Cs on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
15 Aug 2005 04:26:35 PDT


Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! We've been listening to calls from the C10s on the CP hydrophone for the past while... it sounds like they are mostly on the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, making their way to the west. It's another very foggy morning here, so we haven't sighted them yet.
Paul
15 Aug 2005 08:21:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Oh Boy! It was very difficult to read the c10 calls and figure out what direction they ended up going. max flood was happening just when we stopped hearing their calls and logic would have them taking advantage of the tide to go east but we never heard the calls get very loud on the critical Point station. Meanwhile the a12s and the A4s have been seen in Queen Charlotte Strait. They are slowly east bound at Black Bluff. (Tuan/Seasmoke Whale Watching report).
Helena
15 Aug 2005 11:06:13 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

We feel like we have been in suspended animation. The A12s and the A35s took forever to come out of Queen Charlotte Strait and into Blackfish Sound and through Blackney Pass. It was worth it! They were beautiful passing the lab. They are now on their way to Johnstone Strait and hopefully CP.
Helena
15 Aug 2005 18:48:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s and A35s have passed CP now and crossed over to mid strait, they are making their way to the east slowly.
Julie @ CP
15 Aug 2005 19:23:49 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

No calls but the whales are at the beaches.
Helena
15 Aug 2005 21:31:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So far we have been listening to A4s on Critical Point.
Helena
15 Aug 2005 23:02:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are listening to the A12s and A4s on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
15 Aug 2005 23:38:12 PDT

Distant calls audible.

just now we started hearing the A5 calls on RB hydrophone.
Tomoko
14 Aug 2005 00:30:43 PD

Orcas hunting fish.

We are hearing A1 echo locations on PI hydrophone. it possibbly the A12s, we believe everybody else have continued to the east after rubbing. soundslike they are coming into Blackney Pass.
Tomoko
14 Aug 2005 03:35:43 PDT

Orcas relaxing.

The A12s have gone to the north through Blackney Pass.
Tomoko
14 Aug 2005 04:36:14 PDT

No orcas present.

Another foggy morning here. We think the A12s continued up into Queen Charlotte Strait after passing through blackney pass at 4:30am. There has been a report of whales off Lizard Point milling. As of now there has been no identifications. Down to the east the A36s are off Kelsey Bay (Robson Bight Charters report). They are headed east with others yet to be identified. We thought that after the 1:30am rub the A30s, A4s, A5s, Cs and A36s went off to the east. The A5s we believe came up from the east to have the rub and encourage the others to follow them back to the east. We will keep you updated when the information comes in. meanwhile, we are waiting for the thick fog to lift and begin our day.
Helena
14 Aug 2005 10:03:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The a12s have moved into the kelp bed just off Donegal Head. This is just out of range of the Flower Island hydrophone. We also heard a report (kayak group) of a group of 9 heading west along the vancouver Island shore from Naka Creek (also out of range). So.... it is all beginng to happen.
Helena
14 Aug 2005 11:57:36 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales from the east have not yet gone into the beaches but they have approached the east end of the Reserve. We are filming, CH B.The A12s meanwhile are heading to the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
14 Aug 2005 12:42:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s have entered the Strait. Unidentified whales are still westbound through the Reserve.
Helena
14 Aug 2005 13:14:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Ah ha! It must have been the A4s coming up from the east. They just passed Critical Point very closely. The a12s are coming east along the Hanson Island shore at Big b|Bay. CP is watching them.
Helena
14 Aug 2005 14:06:48 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s and the A4s, after reaching Blinkhorn, turned and crossed into mid strait. they are now drifting eastward. there is a small group of transients by Donegal Head moving west into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Aug 2005 17:25:13 PDT

No orcas present.

The a12s are still asleep, drifting east toward the Bight. When will they wake up?
Helena
14 Aug 2005 20:14:25 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s have become very vocal as the head through Blackney Pass. We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone.
Paul
14 Aug 2005 21:42:25 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to the A12s who come back from the east.
Tomoko
13 Aug 2005 04:54:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

the A12s and the A4s became quiet. now we are listening to the A36s, on CP hydrophone. Foggy morning.
Tomoko
13 Aug 2005 06:10:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We think we are getting the next wave of orcas coming up out of the east. We are now listening to the cs and possibly the A5s as well. The A36s,A11s and the A12s faded off to the west a short while ago. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 08:17:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s have arrived back in the Strait and have met up with the A12s,A4s,A36s and Cs. they are eastbound from the west end of Hanson Island. meanwhile the very big group of transients of the last couple of days just went through Blackney to blackfish Sound after passing CP.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 09:34:13 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The whales have moved down the hanson shore and approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass. We may be filming soon.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 10:01:00 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to transients in Blackfish sound!
Tomoko
13 Aug 2005 10:08:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is certainly one of those days - very intense. The transients are continuing west from the west end of Blackfish Sound while the residents (the A36s, Cs (C10s,C6s), A4s (A11s at least) and A30s continue to move into the Reserve. The A12s turned back to the west at the Sophias and are moving towards CP once more.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 11:30:54 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The Cs have entered the Beaches. We are sending an alert.
helena
13 Aug 2005 12:37:22 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

the A12s are up to (but not in) Weynton Passage and the A36s & Cs are moving west towards CP. Surface camera is on Ch. B
Helena
13 Aug 2005 15:01:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

all the groups have turned. Spread out, heading to the east.
Tomoko
13 Aug 2005 17:46:09 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the A12s went the farthest east they became last on the turn. We are currently listening to the A30s closing in on the bight & Critical Point .
Helena
13 Aug 2005 18:23:38 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Old news by now- but the whales are having a lovely rub this evening. A30s first.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 19:16:24 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

More rubbing! Channel B.
Paul
13 Aug 2005 20:20:55 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

It is getting very dark at the beaches but the A36s and the C10s are very much there, taking their turn after the A4s and A30s. Perhaps they will go back and join in again.
Helena
13 Aug 2005 21:16:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Westbound? The night begins!
Helena
13 Aug 2005 22:27:19 PDT

No orcas present.

Rather a late start this morning. But it was quiet through the night. There are still whales to the east (most likely the A4s/A5s/C10s and A12s). There is no further word on the Rs or the transients of yesterday. Calm day and we will see what unfolds.
Helena
12 Aug 2005 09:55:05 PDT

No orcas present.

Everyone in the western Johnstone Strait is happily watching various humpbacks in different locales. There are 3 in Blackney Pass at the moment. Meanwhile,the C10s are far to the east,at Camp Point, while the A12s are travelling with the A4s and A5s in Nodales Channel which is not too far from the Cs.
Helena
12 Aug 2005 11:43:32 PDT

No orcas present.

Over the afternoon there have been a few developments: a group of orcas may be nearing the Eve River on their way to the west. This may be the C10s who were reported earlier going west from Camp Point. The a36s apparently turned up in Nodales! We lost track of them days ago and they must have gone east and not out to the west as first guessed. The other surprise is that there have been persistent reports of the A12s off Campbell River. Earlier it was reported that they and the A4s and A5s were in Nodales.The latest report has them and the A11s heading north through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River).
Helena
12 Aug 2005 15:58:18 PDT

No orcas present.

Still very quiet! Right now not even boat noise! But we are listening & waiting.
Helena
12 Aug 2005 21:52:23 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The big group of the whales are slowly going east. A4s are at the Rubbing beach.
Tomoko
11 Aug 2005 02:21:10 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Rs are back in the Bight.
Tomoko
11 Aug 2005 03:03:19 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to the Rs on CP hydrophone...Sounds like they're leaving here already. The A12s are with them.
Tomoko
11 Aug 2005 04:38:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

What a night! The Rs have gone quieter now after retreating back to Johnstone Strait after briefly entering part way into Blackney Pass. We believe the A4s and the A5s and possibly the Cs continued to the east around 2am. We are sure there was a lot of movement during the night and it was a treat to hear the rare R visitors.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 06:54:17 PDT

No orcas present.

We have figured out some of the whale activity from the night based on additional reports from the boats this morning. Groups have turned up to the west & east of us. The A4s/A5s and Cs probably went east as we thought. It seems like the A12s have joined them after seeing the Rs off to the west. Most of the Rs are not that far away at the moment but just out of range of the hydrophone network. They were located in the fog just to the west of Hanson Island, off Weynton Passage about an hour ago. They (the R5s & Ws) appear to be continuing west.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 10:18:14 PDT



No orcas present.

Further to the last note the Rs & Ws passed the Pearse Reefs and headed for Donegal Head. They are now travelling west (with the tide) in Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide turns in two hours.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 12:54:15 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There is a large group of transients heading into the Strait after passing Alert Bay a while earlier. The Rs and Ws continued to the west.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 17:13:39 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The large group of transients is near Big bay on the hanson island side. They are still moving toward the eastern end of Hanson Island. No calls. CP is filming but they are still distant.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 18:03:34 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The transients after being quite active off CP and the entrance of Blackney are headed east now. They are split still into two groups. The group which came close to CP has carried on down the Cracroft Island shore while the other group stayed mid strait and is off the Sophia Islands by now.
Helena
11 Aug 2005 19:08:02 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We've been hearing occasional calls from the transient orcas on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like some of them are in Robson Bight, probably heading east.
Paul
11 Aug 2005 20:57:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A12s are coming up to CP closer to Cracroft shore. Their calls are on CP hydrophone.
Tomoko
10 Aug 2005 00:38:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

the A12s are heading into Blackney Pass.
Tomoko
10 Aug 2005 00:58:27 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s and (maybe)the A36s have cleared into Blackfish sound.
Tomoko
10 Aug 2005 01:53:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! We began hearing distant calls from the A12s on the Critical Point hydrophone a little after 7am. It sounds like they have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. We don't know if the A36s are with them.
Paul
10 Aug 2005 08:13:52 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Some of the A12s are visible through the fog off CP as they head east. Channel A.
Paul
10 Aug 2005 08:29:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s very slowly passed CP and disappeared to the east in the fog, when we last saw them most of them were crossing to the Vancouver Island shore and aiming for the reserve. Others were farther back but also aiming for the other side.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
10 Aug 2005 09:02:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We've been hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as the A12s make their way to the east in Johnstone Strait.
Paul
10 Aug 2005 09:34:41 PDT


No calls but orcas nearby

It looks like the A12s are passing the rubbing beaches, heading east, without going in for a rub.
Paul
10 Aug 2005 11:52:51 PDT


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the A12s are rubbing! Channel B.
Paul
10 Aug 2005 12:10:25 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A2s turned back to the west after their rub, and are now approaching the Sophias, heading towards CP. They will probably be visible on Channel A soon.
Paul
10 Aug 2005 14:26:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Lots happening! the A12s turned off big bay and are now headed across to the Vancouver Island shore. A group of transient orcas have come out of Knight Inlet and are headed toward Donegal Head. And finally, the very BIG group which was seen earlier in the day is still far to the west of the "core area". Some of the groups have broken off and moved away while another group remains off the Port Hardy airport and is still eastbound. There is not yet a complete description of who has been positively sighted but it may include A4s, A5s along with Cs.
Helena
10 Aug 2005 16:40:21 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe the A12s continued to the east.
Helena
10 Aug 2005 20:07:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Famous last words. The A12s have formed a resting line and are coming off the Reserve centre Strait approaching the Sophias. Tuckered out!
Helena
10 Aug 2005 20:36:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

If you are watching Channel A you will have realised that a silent group came through Blackney and are passing CP. For us at the Lab the whales were on the far side in fading light but we think that the A4s and A5s were in the two groups which passed. While they were entering the last part of Blackney, just before entering the Strait, we began to hear R clan calls on Flower Island. There is currently a large boat in Blackfish which is drowning the calls. This could soon be very exciting!
Helena
10 Aug 2005 21:29:56 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The Rs, who are very vocal are still in Blackfish Sound, close to the Flower Island hydrophone. Ahead of them, the C10s, A5s, &A4s are already in Johnstone Strait, heading east.
Paul
10 Aug 2005 21:58:31 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Everyone is momentarily quiet BUT the Rs are negotiating the last part of Blackney while the A12s,A4s, A5s and Cs are passing Critical Point. Strange how they all fell silent at the same time!
Helena
10 Aug 2005 22:53:40 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Rs have made it to the Strait and the Cs,&As have continued eastward past the Reserve.
Helena
10 Aug 2005 23:37:02 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s are heading west in Johnstone Strait - A12 & A33 are off CP & are visible on Channel A. We began hearing their calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 7:30am.
Paul
09 Aug 2005 08:49:33 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s are still slowly westing at the top end of Hanson Island and may well go through Weynton Passage.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
09 Aug 2005 09:51:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s turned to the east at about 10:30am, they are currently very close to the Hanson Island shore but we can't see them yet. However if they stay on this side we will film on Channel A.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
09 Aug 2005 11:29:05 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The a12s have crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and are passing CP right now. A12 and A33 have been in the lead as the group travelled along the Hanson shore into the rip off Blackney. They are still leading.
Helena
09 Aug 2005 12:49:07 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The a12s, just a moment ago, reached the Main rubbing beach. We are sending an alert. Ch. B
Helena
09 Aug 2005 15:25:46 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After the rub the a12s headed out from the beaches fairly quickly to the west. They crossed over to the Cracroft side and are currently of the Boat Bay light at Swaine Point. It looks like they are again choosing to come up the Cracroft shore towrd CP. The naiad and the Lukwa reported that the A36s are in Queen Charlotte Strait near the Penfolds along with an as yet undintified group at Lizard Point.
Helena
09 Aug 2005 16:31:17 PDT


Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s are heading towards CP from the Sophias & are visible on Channel A.
Paul
09 Aug 2005 17:51:01 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Time to catch up. The A12s came up to Blackney in time to meet up with the A36s who came in via Weynton passage. Both groups are now eastbound.
Helena
09 Aug 2005 19:09:09 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s and the A36s are nearing the Bight.
Helena
09 Aug 2005 20:04:00 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Back to the beaches.
Helena
09 Aug 2005 20:32:28 P

Distant calls audible.

After a beautiful rub by sunset the A36s appeared to head to the east. The A12s didn't make it that far yet and light is fading.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
09 Aug 2005 21:28:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing the A12s in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone again, so it seems they're returning to the west, probably on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait.
Paul
09 Aug 2005 22:46:24 PDT

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! We heard no calls overnight, & are not at all sure what happened to the A12s after they were headed west in Johnstone Strait last evening. We are waiting.
Paul
08 Aug 2005 08:15:48 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

CP can see blows on the Cracroft side headed toward CP.
Helena
08 Aug 2005 09:52:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After very slowly going west up to the top edge of Hanson Island the A12s crossed the straight to the Vancouver Island shore and are now going east. They have just passed Kaikash Beach.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
08 Aug 2005 11:45:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have hardly made any calls today but upon entering Robson Bight they did call. It may only be a brief event however they are fairly near the hydrophone. The a12s earlier came west near to the Cracroft side, then moved up the Hanson shore, crossed to Vancouver Island and then returned to the Reserve where they are now. No word on the A36s today so far. Yesterday they were seen up in Queen Charlotte Strait for part of the afternoon and early evening.
Helena
08 Aug 2005 13:28:40 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A12s have reached the Main rubbing beach... we've sent an alert.
Paul
08 Aug 2005 14:20:23 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A12s have reached the Main rubbing beach... we've sent an alert.
Paul
08 Aug 2005 14:20:33 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It looks like the rub is over, though we're not sure. We aren't sure what direction the A12s headed in after their rub either, though we should know soon.
Paul
08 Aug 2005 14:30:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing close calls & echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like the A12s headed back to the west after their rub, & are now in Robson Bight again.
Paul
08 Aug 2005 15:20:36 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Westbound A12s again.
Helena
08 Aug 2005 16:15:51 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s are foraging off the Sophias, they appear to be coming west we have them on Channel A, still quite distant.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
08 Aug 2005 16:54:21 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After foraging for a while the A12s have now started to make their way to the west slowly, very spread out and most aiming for mid strait. A12 we think is making her way along the Hanson Island shore.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
08 Aug 2005 18:12:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It looks like the A12s are continuing to the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2005 18:14:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) let us know that the A36s are coming towards Blackfish Sound slowly. Meanwhile we are continuing to listen to the A12s in the Strait. Jackie remarked on how A62 and her little one (A83) were with Dalls porpoise. The A12s are probably still near the western end of Hanson Island/Blinkhorn in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
08 Aug 2005 20:11:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearig distant calls from the A36s on the Flower Island hydrophone... sounds like they may be coming down Blackfish Sound.
Paul
08 Aug 2005 21:28:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Not sure at this point where the A12s and the A36s are - very hard to track because of the infrequent calling.
Helena
08 Aug 2005 22:18:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We have started hearing the A12s again on CRPT hydrophone. They may have had turned at some point now heading east to the Bight.
Tomoko
07 Aug 2005 00:33:11 PDT

Boat noise

Sounds like the A12s have already passed Critical Point.
Tomoko
07 Aug 2005 02:12:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like some of the A12s passed the Rubbing beach on the way to go east.
Tomoko
07 Aug 2005 03:02:58 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A12s just rounded Critical Point headed to the west.
Helena
07 Aug 2005 09:20:49 PDT


No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s are steadily moving west but stll east of CP.
Helena
07 Aug 2005 10:45:16 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s have turned back to the east & are mid Strait off Blackney Pass. They are visible on Channel A.
Paul
07 Aug 2005 12:49:41 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After foraging and resting opposite CP the A12s have now headed to the east, the A34s are very lively after sleeping.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
07 Aug 2005 14:27:55 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The a12s have reached the Bight.
Helena
07 Aug 2005 15:56:45 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A12s are at the rubbing beaches!
Fiona
07 Aug 2005 16:35:26 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s are slowly travelling west along the Vancouver Island shore approaching Kaikash Beach. We can't see them very clearly at the moment, but if they come closer we will film.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
07 Aug 2005 19:38:35 PDT

No orcas present.

We lost track of the A12s as the sun set, they were moving very slowly west along the Vancouver Island shore. However there is a beautiful crescent moon on channel A.
Julie and Paul T @ CP
07 Aug 2005 21:52:32 PDT

Boat noise

a little whale ago, we started hearing the A12s on the CRPT hydrophone, but they became quiet again.
Tomoko
06 Aug 2005 02:14:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Good morning! The A12s have come up from the east and are westing in Johnstone Strait at the moment.
Fiona
06 Aug 2005 08:23:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s continued west and are passing Kaikash at the moment. We are not sure what the A36s did after entering the Strait via Weynton last night so we will have to wait and see where they turn up. The sun is struggling to break through the clouds and the wind is stirring.
Helena
06 Aug 2005 09:59:27 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Apparently the A36s doubled back to Blackfish after poking their noses into Johnstone Strait last night. They were seen headed towards Bold Head around 8:30pm. This morning, we just received the report, the researchers off Malcolm Island saw the A36s headed west near Black Bluff. The report came via the Naiad Explorer. The Lukwa ,meanwhile informed us that the A12s are still making their way to the west nering Blinkhorn.
Helena
06 Aug 2005 10:34:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s just turned and are moving back to towads the Wastells (just east of Telegraph Cove). The A34s are close to Vancouver Island shore while a12 and A33 are more centre Strait. The Naiad Explorer also relayed that the A36s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait approaching Lizard Point.
Helena
06 Aug 2005 11:56:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are far on the Vancouver Island shore between Kaiaksh & Izumi Rock.
Helena
06 Aug 2005 13:55:13 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are in the Bight. The A36s apparently turned back to the west after getting to Lizard Point.
Helena
06 Aug 2005 15:16:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are coming out of the Reserve. they are spread out with A55 & A67 outside the boundary furthest to the west and A12 & A33 still east of critical. The rest of the A34s are off critical Point. (Tuan/Seamoke report)
Helena
06 Aug 2005 16:42:43 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s are heading west, past CP (Channel A)
Paul
06 Aug 2005 18:35:44 PDT

Superb sounds!!

As you may have guessed the A12s are in front of CP. We sent an alert. Ch. A
Helena
06 Aug 2005 18:51:03 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s were last seen to the west of CP. It has been quiet now for a while.
Helena
06 Aug 2005 23:07:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are listening to the A12s off CP. They came out from Blackney Pass.
Tomoko
05 Aug 2005 01:12:05 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A12s are having their breakfast in the Bight. Foggy morning.
Tomoko
05 Aug 2005 06:18:40 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

We have just seen A33 and perhaps A12 near the Sophia's coming our way very slowly, its quite foggy at the moment down there but when they get closer we will film, Channel A.
Julie and Paul @ CP
05 Aug 2005 09:45:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12, A33 and A55 passed CP and are now westing slowly around Big Bay on the Hanson Island shore. The rest of the A34s are still very playful and pacing back and forth at the bottom end of Hanson Island in Blackney Pass.
Julie and Paul @ CP
05 Aug 2005 11:11:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s didn't get very far and after foraging for a long time near Blinkhorn, they have turned to the east and are now coming our way again. Channel A.
Julie and Paul @ CP
05 Aug 2005 13:24:02 PDT


No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s have turned back to the east and are heading down the Hanson shore towards the rips in the entrance to Blackney Pass. The A34s are ahead with A12 and A33 behind.
Fiona
05 Aug 2005 13:28:21 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have become vocal & are foraging in front of CP (Channel A). We've sent an alert.
Paul
05 Aug 2005 13:45:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A34s finally headed to the east from CP with Pacific Whitesided Dolphins, A33 and A12 were far ahead on the Vancouver Island shore.
Julie and Paul @ CP
05 Aug 2005 15:01:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s made their way to the east after foraging off CP, and are now in Robson Bight - we're hearing them on the Critical Point hydrophone. Meanwhile, we have also been hearing the A36s on the Flower Island hydrophone... it sounds like they are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound.
Paul
05 Aug 2005 17:27:28 PDT

Orcas near mics.

TheA12s sound like they're now close to the Critical Point hydrophone - we're hearing calls & echolocation, so they must be having a bite in the Bight!
Paul
05 Aug 2005 17:40:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are moving up the Strait once again. Their calls are now on CP.
Helena
05 Aug 2005 18:46:08 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A34s are coming towards CP on our side to the west followed by dolphins. A33 we can see on the Vancouver Island side. Channel A.
Julie and Paul @ CP
05 Aug 2005 19:17:36 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several hours, and are not sure what happened to the A12s, or the A36s. We are waiting.
Paul
05 Aug 2005 23:26:45 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Since 7:48am we have been hearing echolocation on Critical Point. We believe the A12s and the A30s went to the east just before 1am. we have also been following reports from Campbell River (thank you)of fairly large group(s) headed toward Seymour Narrows leading us to wonder if the groups that had reached Comox the other day are beginning to make their way back to Johnstone Strait. The A36s and the A8s have spent their time for the last several days together in the eastern regions of the Strait. Meanwhile, lovely day hear, clear skies and a warm sun.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 08:25:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We just received a report from the Wardens that there are 3 groups going back and forth near Boat Bay. Currently the whales are moving eastward. This maybe the A30s, A12s, A36s and A8s.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 09:08:55 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

There are two groups, we think the A30s and the A12s heading towards us from Izumi, they are quite spread out and foraging. More whales are reported in the reserve, but we don't have full details on those whales yet. Surface camera is on channel A.
Julie and Paul @ CP
04 Aug 2005 11:13:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Oh boy, some of the Gs have made it this far and are spread along the Vancouver Island shore heading west. The A30s are in the lead and moving quickly. We are filming but I 'll send out an alert.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 11:24:37 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales have moved to the west. They are spread out from Telegraph Cove to the entrance of Weynton Pass. They have not made it easy to make identifications. They are not very vocal now and they are taking long dives while travelling fast. We need them to put on the breaks and turn!
Helena
04 Aug 2005 13:05:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A36s have turned and are eastbound along the Hanson Island shore. The G1s,I11s and the A30s are continuing west, still travelling fast approaching Alert Bay.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 14:38:06 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s and the A12s are getting closer to the bottom end of Hanson Island. We are filming. I'll send an alert ahead of time. Sorry if you never got the previous alert. I forgot to push the button.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 14:50:44 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s and the A12s are in the Bight after travelling east spread out between both shores. The other groups are still westing.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 16:38:59 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

the A12s are at the beaches, the A36s not too far away. Channel B
Helena
04 Aug 2005 17:40:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s are west bound once more and are travelling along the Vancouver Island shore headed toward Kaikash Creek (opposit CP). Its too far to film in the afternoon glare.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 19:32:53 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s "did a little turn and to everyone's satisfaction" are headed toward CP. The A12s are eastbound again opposite the Reserve on the Cracroft side of mid strait.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 20:05:16 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s have gone off to Blackfish Sound to find the sunset while the A12s continued in the direction of tomorrow's sunrise.
Helena
04 Aug 2005 20:52:00 PDT

No orcas present.

We think that both the A30s and the A12s ended up going through Blackney Pass last night. Although they were silent there were enough blows for groups to be there. We didn't hear anything overnight so it is difficult to know whether or not the whales continued out to the west or circled back to the Strait. Foggy here this morning and still quiet.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 08:08:34 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We began hearing very close echo location on Critical Point in the Bight a short while after hearing distant calls at 8:30am
Helena
03 Aug 2005 08:45:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Besides the whales closer to the Bight there is another group on the very far side of the Strait near Kaikash. This group is west bound. The Strait does not have fog like Blackney Pass at the moment.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 08:49:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Since the whales "opened" up and became vocal we believe the group nearer the Reserve is the A30s while the A12s are further west. A12 is crossing toward CP and so we are filming. I'll send out an Alert.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 09:11:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Since the whales "opened" up and became vocal we believe the group nearer the Reserve is the A30s while the A12s are further west. A12 is crossing toward CP and so we are filming. I'll send out an Alert.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 09:16:56 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s look like they might head into Weynton Passage. meanwhil, the A30s are coming toward the CP area from Kaiakash. The humpback continues to circle in front of CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 10:58:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a12s have come "out" of Weynton and are headed toward Bold Head while the A30s have decided to turn back to the east after spending a lot of time off of CP milling and foraging.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 12:37:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

This is the A30s travelling toward the Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 13:55:39 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are rubbing. The A12s are west of Bold head.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 14:50:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s left the beaches to the west while the A12s continued into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 16:21:30 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

There are whales approaching CP, probably the A30s, Channel A.
Julie and Paul @ CP
03 Aug 2005 17:10:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s continued west from the CP area to the "top" end of Hanson Island and meanwhile the A12s are in the process of making their way back to the Strait via Weynton Passage after spending part of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait. Today there wer four minke whales, dolphin, porpoises and humpbacks too as well as the orcas!
Helena
03 Aug 2005 19:44:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Both the A30s and the A12s are probably eastbound in the strait The A30s have been the most vocal. The A12s may be resting.
Helena
03 Aug 2005 22:07:37 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are listening to the A1 calls, possibly from the A12s, on CART hydrophone.
Tomoko
02 Aug 2005 02:49:26 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like tha A12s are coming into Blackney Pass.
Tomoko
02 Aug 2005 03:55:28 PDT

Boat noise

A cruise ship is heading north in Blackney Pass, overtaking the A12s.
Paul
02 Aug 2005 04:11:35 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have resumed calling after the passage of the cruise ship. They are now close to Hanson Island, near the Local Left hydrophone, heading into Blackfish Sound.
Paul
02 Aug 2005 04:19:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s have gone to Blackfish Sound. Their calls are on Flower Islad hydrophone.
Tomoko
02 Aug 2005 04:38:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago. Sounds like either the A12s or A30s (or both) are back at the "top" of Blackfish Sound.
Paul
02 Aug 2005 09:40:40 PDT


No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s have moved into Johnstone Strait. A12 and A33 are taking the Hanson shore and the A34s are crossing over to the Vancouver Island side at Blinkhorn, The A30s are off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. We are waiting for details about the whales further east. There have been no updates this morning on the very large group of orcas that were off Comox yesterday afternoon. (These whales had gone through Seymour Narrows and past Campbell River the previous day. Only the A11s and the G17s continued out of the area. Perhaps the A12s and the A30s are waiting (as we are) for the return of the others. Might be an interesting few days.
Helena
02 Aug 2005 11:02:12 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A30s are moving quickly through Blackney Pass headed toward Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Aug 2005 11:50:30 PDT


Orcas near mics.

The A30s sound like they have gone in close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2005 13:25:12 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s have reached Robson Bight again, heading west, after travelling a short distance to the east. We don't think they went into the rubbing beaches. Meanwhile, the A12s are headed west, mostly along the Vancouver Island side, but A12 & A33 are on the Cracroft Island side, approaching the Sophias - it's possible they will come into view from CP soon.
Paul
02 Aug 2005 15:16:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are going west along the Vancouver Island shore from Little Kaikash, A38 is mid strait. The A12s are at Blinkhorn westing we think.
Julie and Paul @ CP
02 Aug 2005 17:18:42 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s and A12s turned to the east at about 18:00pm. The A30s have just passed Kaikash Beach along the Vancouver Island shore and the A12s are farther back all grouped up and appear to be resting.
Julie and Paul @ CP
02 Aug 2005 19:22:12 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After travelling west the A12s and the A30s turned around 6pm. The A12s are very slowly making their way toward Little Kaikash while angling out from the Vancouver Isalnd shore. The A30s are approaching the Reserve very close to Vancouver Island. We eventually did hear that the A36s and the A8s were off Camp Point before moving back to Nodales Channel.
Helena
02 Aug 2005 20:08:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s must have arrived at Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2005 20:38:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After a great rub, the A30s have (probably) moved off to the east.
Paul
02 Aug 2005 21:46:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a1s are moving through Blackney pass under a star filled sky.
Helena
02 Aug 2005 23:21:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A bit more detail. The group travelling quietly through Blackney is headed north and may be the A12s. Another group can be heard infrequently on CP. This may be the A30s if they didn't go east as first thought. The sky is still wonderous! Good morning Europe!
Helena
02 Aug 2005 23:37:18 PDT

No orcas present.

We were not aware of any activity during the night but awoke to lovely, warm sunshine. This was particularly welcome after the heavy rains of yesterday.
Helena
01 Aug 2005 07:57:06 PDT


No calls but orcas nearby

I knew as soon as I posted the message that we were not aware of anything during the night that a report would come in about whales travelling through. Indeed, it seems that possibly the G17s came up from the east, travelled the Vancouver Island shore and left the Strait via Weynton Passage. They are now in Queen Charlotte Strait continuing to the west. Like the A30s the night before they did all this travel silently! These reports came from Stubbs Island Whale Watching and Pacific Northwest Kayaking. We also heard that there are whales westbound from further east in the Strait so it is possible the G clan groups are on the move.
Helena
01 Aug 2005 10:06:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have heard reports of whales near Robson Bight headed west. As of yet no calls and no IDs.
Helena
01 Aug 2005 14:20:23 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Surprise! The A30s are the whales west bound out of the Reserve. Last night they must have gone back to the Strait. At least they are vocal now.
Helena
01 Aug 2005 15:00:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone... sounds like the A30s are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound.
Paul
01 Aug 2005 20:47:02 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several hours, and are not sure what happened to the A30s after we heard them at the "top" of Blackfish Sound earlier. It's possible they have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass, or they may have headed further north. We are waiting.
Paul
01 Aug 2005 23:03:25 PDT