No orcas present.

The weather finally has warmed up and become sunny. The forecasts promise the cool, unseasonable weather will return so we really enjoyed the day. We woke up to see a small humpback slowly making its way north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Jun 2008 17:35:16 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to transients orcas calling on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like they're in Robson Bight.
Helena
02 Jun 2008 00:28:31 PDT

No orcas present.

No calls to listen to just now (only boat noise) but we're resumed streaming live audio anyway.
Paul & Helena
01 Jun 2008 16:54:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A small group of transients travelled through Blackney Pass this morning headed toward Blackfish Sound. There were no calls. The whales looked relaxed as they travelled along. The sea is calm and the sky sunny, lovely. We will resume audio streamig tomorrow.
Helena
31 May 2008 09:25:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing dolphins from time to time in Blackfish Sound. The audio had been off in the last while but is now streaming. Things are beginning to warm up. At least three humpbacks are in the area and more reported further north.
Helena
29 May 2008 12:33:05 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to transient calls in Blackfish Sound. A large group of transients just past us,heading north, quite close to the Hanson Island shore. Lots of rolling, tail slaps etc and now vocal!
Helena
28 Apr 2008 11:14:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There was a small group od orcas who headed quickly through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Apr 2008 16:32:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing very faint transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Apr 2008 16:54:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're listening to transient calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, the first orcas we've heard for some time. Cold & sunny days here & we're fine, hope all of you are too. Good news about Robson Bight a couple of days ago - the diesel fuel tanker lying at the bottom is going to be removed, hopefully before the northern resident orcas return (see update story on OrcaLab site).
Helena & Paul
20 Apr 2008 23:59:54 PDT

Performing maintenance

We have closed the viewer comment column for the moment, to give everyone a break from persistent spam problems, and allow our technical staff time to figure out a solution. We do appreciate the exchange of ideas and information that happens on the comment board, very much, and hope to bring it back soon. Meanwhile, we will continue to stream live audio (as long as our internet connection is stable) and will continue to post comments on this side of the board. We wish everyone the best during this comment time out.
Paul & Helena
02 Apr 2008 06:07:46 PST

No orcas present.

Our internet connection has been stable for several days, so we've started streaming live audio again.
Paul & Helena
29 Mar 2008 14:53:28 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, our internet connection is mostly down at the moment. We are going to try & shut down the comment column for the moment, though this may take a few days. Please excuse the inconvenience & thanks for your patience. Our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
25 Mar 2008 19:29:52 PST

No orcas present.

Very windy and cold, not like spring at all at the moment except for a few brave flowers and robins. Our hummingbirds have yet to arrive. We even had snow that covered everything for the better part of a day. Good news from Jared Towers that Springer has been seen further north in the company of her kin!
Helena
22 Mar 2008 12:45:40 PST

Distant calls audible.

Transient calls out there somewhere. We have not located a source so no map at the moment.
Helena
19 Mar 2008 20:37:09 PST

No orcas present.

Just a bit more news on yesterday's transients. Jackie Hinderling saw 5 transients in Beaver Cove later that same afternoon. Unfortunately, they were being harassed by a boat. I guess some people don't realise how little it takes to disturb these whales. On the northern resident front: DFO has encountered a large group (several pods) further north. This will certainly help this year's survey!
Helena
17 Mar 2008 15:20:10 PST

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing transient calls in Johnstone Strait once again. Cold, grey and snowy today!
Helena
16 Mar 2008 12:58:17 PST

No orcas present.

For the record the MacKays reported that a large group of transients were seen off Port Hardy yesterday. The transients certainly have been busy lately.
Helena
09 Mar 2008 10:23:45 PST

Superb sounds!!

Very interesting transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Mar 2008 22:30:36 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Bill and Wendy have seen a group of 4-5 transients off of the east end of Pearse Islands in Johnstone Strait. This west of Hanson Island. The two females, one male, one juvenile and a possible sprouter, may have done a kill, and then headed off to Stubbs Island. Pictures have been sent to the DFO.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 12:18:55 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of 7 transients have been in Blackney Pass for the last hour. They surrounded a seal which then disappeared. This may have been a kill. By dark they were still in Blackney, a little further south, milling opposite a group of young sea lions. The group consisted of females, juveniles and one young calf.
Helena
04 Mar 2008 18:59:49 PST

Boat noise

There no further calls from the transients after 9:30pm (yesterday.) It was a blowy night, this morning there is rain and the wind is beginning to flip to the northwest.
Helena
03 Mar 2008 09:23:25 PST

Orcas near mics.

Dolphins tonight!
Helena
02 Mar 2008 20:24:05 PST

Orcas near mics.

Transients in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
02 Mar 2008 21:04:21 PST

No orcas present.

We have had recent reports of 5 transients in Johnstone Strait yesterday and in Weynton Passage today. Thanks to the MacKays for both reports.
Helena
26 Feb 2008 21:55:24 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We just had 4 transients pass by headed north through Blackney Pass. It looked to us like the T18s. They have not made any calls but T19B (the young male) made a lovely spyhop before moving on.
Helena
19 Feb 2008 13:46:47 PST

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to the T18s in Blackfish Sound, after they passed silently through Blackney Pass, heading north. Lovely sounds & no boat noise!
Helena
19 Feb 2008 14:50:36 PST

No orcas present.

Hi, Sorry a computer update bumped the streaming. We rebouted and are now streaming again. There have been no calls. A small group of dolphins (silent) went past yesterday morning.
Helena
15 Feb 2008 13:55:59 PST

No orcas present.

Hi,Sorry we have been down again but are now up and running. Interesting sealions in Blackney Pass today, sunny, calm, warm weather.
Helena
13 Feb 2008 17:47:23 PST

Superb sounds!!

The transients are in Johnstone Strait not too far from the Robson Bight area!
Helena
10 Feb 2008 12:51:04 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The transient calls seem to have ended for the moment. The tide is flooding and this may have encouraged them to head east. But we will see. They managed to be heard a few times over the boat noise (which is also gone now too).
Helena
10 Feb 2008 14:36:56 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of seven transients were seen off the Pearse Islands by Bill and Wendy so , if the same group (probably) as heard earlier, they went off to the west and not east. Bill and Wendy thought they possibly made a kill off Weynton Island. They continued west toward Sointula.
Helena
10 Feb 2008 15:59:51 PST

No orcas present.

Hi! We are up and running again. There have been no further A5 calls.
Helena
08 Feb 2008 18:31:17 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard A5 calls in Johnstone Strait around 4am yesterday, and though we weren't sure what direction they were going in, it was great to hear them!
Helena
07 Feb 2008 00:10:24 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, we've lost our internet connection again, so we're unable to stream live audio. Hopefully, we'll be able to get it back again, but this may take a few days. No calls heard since our last post.
Paul & Helena
05 Feb 2008 22:11:48 PST

No orcas present.

It has been fairly uneventful. However, the weather has been lovely and even a touch of snow this morning.
Helena
03 Feb 2008 22:41:48 PST

No orcas present.

A nice grey day here on Hanson Island. The MacKays reported seeing a small group of transients near Gilford village this morning. Snow on the mountains, all has melted on the ground.
Helena
31 Jan 2008 14:26:50 PST

Distant calls audible.

For the second time tonight some very brief dolphin chatter in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jan 2008 23:58:37 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

There is a group of 8 transients around today. They were first sighted by the MacKays off Bold Head headed to Stubbs Island. They must have then gone through Weynton Pass as they were next seen in Beaver Cove by Jackie Hinderling. They are now moving off to the west toward Alert Bay.
Helena
27 Jan 2008 15:17:01 PST

Boat noise

Hi We are back! Fingers crossed it holds.
Helena & Paul
25 Jan 2008 12:41:56 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several days, but our internet connection may be ok again. If it's still there in the morning tomorrow, we'll start streaming live audio again... fingers crossed.
Helena & Paul
19 Jan 2008 02:27:23 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry everyone, but our internet connection is still unreliable, i.e. too unreliable for us to resume live audio streaming. Apologies for getting your hopes up, & all our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
19 Jan 2008 15:44:14 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard A5 calls in Johnstone Strait this afternoon.
Helena
11 Jan 2008 00:12:46 PST

No orcas present.

We're connected again, at least for the moment, so have started streaming live audio again. Another storm is on the way, so this session may not last long. We haven't heard any calls since this afternoon, but think at least some of the A5s may be nearby or not too far away, so it's possible we'll hear them again.
Paul & Helena
11 Jan 2008 00:33:41 PST

Performing maintenance

Hello everyone. Storms have interrupted our internet connection, so we've been unable to stream live audio for the past few days. We hope to get things working again, but don't know how long this will take. Please accept our apologies, along with our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
06 Jan 2008 22:21:47 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Seven transients just travelled south through Blackney Pass headed for Johnstone Strait. Too far away for identifictation but the group included a mum and calf, two adult females, a possible juvenile and an adult male. They made no calls but moved back and forth over something when opposite us.
Helena
02 Jan 2008 13:35:14 PST

No orcas present.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone... and a happier year for our world!
Helena & Paul
01 Jan 2008 08:35:01 PST

No orcas present.

Happy Christmas! and Happy Holidays to everyone, with love from Hanson Island.
Helena & Paul
25 Dec 2007 11:32:14 PST

No orcas present.

From a dark and stormy Hanson Island: Nice to know the light will get stronger, happy solstice!
Helena & Paul
21 Dec 2007 17:09:16 PST

Orcas near mics.

These G clan calls are sounding closer to the Critical Point hydrophone now, so the orcas are probably in or near Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Dec 2007 00:10:42 PST

No orcas present.

It has been both stormy and beautiful here for the last while. The "micro hydro" crew has come and gone. They were a great crew and we will soon see the benefits (reducing our emissions) of their hard work. Hats off to Brooke, Morgan and Scott and their instructor, Steve Lapp at the Technologist Program. St. Lawrence College, Ontario. Scott, Morgan and Brooke did not get to see any orcas during their stay but an obliging sea lion growled through their last night and then hauled out the next day. Eagles, seals, mergansers, harlequins were also a delight to these landlocked Ontario residents. Also,the Robson Bight investigation, as you know, ended during this time. Living Oceans has posted pictures and an update on their web site: www.livingoceans.org.
Helena
19 Dec 2007 11:37:35 PST

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear G clan resting calls in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
19 Dec 2007 17:33:47 PST

Distant calls audible.

A few more of the same calls at 6:26pm. A little louder in the persistent boat noise.
Helena
19 Dec 2007 18:56:38 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to occasional distant calls from transient orcas on the Flower Island hydrophone. Still thinking about Corky, first morning as a captive. The underwater inspection of the wreckage in Robson Bight will begin this morning.
Helena & Paul
12 Dec 2007 07:02:58 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The transients heard earlier this morning in Blackfish Sound (to 7:20am) may have circled around to Johnstone Strait. Very briefly (and faintly), we heard calls in the Strait. Bill MacKay, who was taking media to the sub dive off Robson Bight today, saw the whales (a large group of about 11) off of the Sophias. The transients, according to Jim Borrowman (who is on scene with the sub), continued east very fast past Boat Bay. A small group of Dalls porpoise had been off the Bight prior to the transient's pass. Right now we can hear the muffled conversations between the sub and the rest of the crew which is rather interesting.
Helena
12 Dec 2007 11:52:58 PST

No orcas present.

Today, December 11th, is the 38th anniversary of Corky's capture in 1969. We've lit a candle for her, to help focus our thoughts on this sad day, and invite you to do so too.
Helena & Paul
11 Dec 2007 07:06:27 PST

No orcas present.

Here is the link to our small tribute to Corky. Our candle is still burning. http://www.orcalab.org/news-archive/orcalab_general/07-12-11.html
Paul & Helena
11 Dec 2007 20:16:41 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls overnight, our first night at home in quite a while. Many thanks to Tim for keeping everything running, and Leo safe while we were away... and our best wishes to all.
Paul & Helena
07 Dec 2007 08:14:21 PST

Distant calls audible.

Short bout of calls heard in Johnstone Straight around midnight last night.
Tim
05 Dec 2007 10:46:48 PST

Performing maintenance

Our Internet problems are ongoing, but we should be streaming audio again now.
Tim
05 Dec 2007 10:47:25 PST

No orcas present.

No calls overnight or so far today. We should be streaming live audio again now.
Tim
02 Dec 2007 11:52:31 PST

No orcas present.

No calls overnight or throughout the day. Our system continues to be up and down. We will keep you posted as we are able.
Tim
30 Nov 2007 16:30:35 PST

No orcas present.

No calls overnight. Our Internet was down all day yesterday, but we should be back and streaming now.
Tim
27 Nov 2007 10:37:28 PST

No orcas present.

No call were heard overnight or today thus far.
Tim
24 Nov 2007 15:19:12 PST

Performing maintenance

Our Internet was down until just a few minutes ago. We should be streaming again now, however. And on it goes...
Tim
24 Nov 2007 15:20:05 PST

Performing maintenance

No calls were heard last night or so far today. Our internet seems to be down most every morning and then starts working again by mid-day. We should be streaming now however! On another note, my sources tell me that last nights great calls were transients. In the mean time, enjoy the boat noise. ;)
Tim
23 Nov 2007 15:43:32 PST

Superb sounds!!

We had a few brief call sessions earlier today, and a great hour long set off FI tonight from 7-8pm. Transients.
Tim
22 Nov 2007 20:41:04 PST

Performing maintenance

Our internet was down earlier today so we lost our streaming audio momentarily. We're up and running again now, but our internet problems seem to be transient and ongoing. We will do our best to keep it all going. No calls today. Hopefully the group from yesterday is still near by. Fingers crossed!
Tim
21 Nov 2007 21:24:08 PST

Performing maintenance

Our internet was down earlier today so we lost our streaming audio momentarily. We're up and running again now, but our internet problems seem to be transient and ongoing. We will do our best to keep it all going. No calls today. Hopefully the group from yesterday is still near by. Fingers crossed!
Tim
21 Nov 2007 21:24:08 PST

Orcas near mics.

We had sporadic calls this morning off of CP and PI ending at 9:50am. Uncertain of travel direction, but at least they're out there!
Tim
20 Nov 2007 11:04:00 PST

Orcas near mics.

We had sporadic calls for several hours this afternoon off Flower Island starting at 13:53. The whales could be heard briefly on the Local left hydrophone, but seemed to turn around soon after this. No calls since 16:20. Uncertain which individuals were present.
Tim
19 Nov 2007 17:42:14 PST

Orcas near mics.

Calls heard at 19:20 on CP. At 19:25 the calls were clear on PI, but soon moved back to being only on CP. Distant calls were last heard on CP at 19:51. We suspect that this was a different group than earlier, but we can't be certain of the individuals either. Whales are most likely travelling west down Johnstone Straight. We will keep you posted as always...
Tim
19 Nov 2007 20:41:09 PST

Performing maintenance

We are once again streaming live audio...enjoy!
Tim
19 Nov 2007 23:38:03 PST

No orcas present.

Once again, we've heard no calls overnight.
Helena & Paul
17 Nov 2007 13:03:45 PST

Performing maintenance

We are still working on our connection problem, but may be able to stream live audio again soon. We will let you know if we succeed.
Helena & Paul
17 Nov 2007 13:07:31 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since our last post, and have not heard any reports of orcas nearby. We are waiting.
Helena & Paul
16 Nov 2007 21:09:09 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since our last post, and have not heard any reports of orcas nearby. We are waiting.
Helena & Paul
16 Nov 2007 21:09:09 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard the A12s intermittently since early this morning, the last time late this afternoon, when they were in Blackfish Sound, possibly heading "out". We haven't heard A4s & A5s today at all. Alexandra Morton heard "A" calls near Echo Bay yesterday evening, a rare treat for her!
Helena & Paul
13 Nov 2007 23:38:45 PST

Performing maintenance

Our internet connection is still down, though it came back briefly yesterday evening. Meanwhile, we've continued to have the A4s, A5s & A12s nearby. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait, probably to the east of our hydrophone range, though we're not sure. Were enjoying a quiet night here after a huge storm last night, and hope all's well with you all.
Helena & Paul
12 Nov 2007 19:49:25 PST

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A" calls on the Flower island hydrophone a short while ago. Lovely orange & purple dawn here, looks like a stormy day ahead.
Helena
11 Nov 2007 08:02:15 PST

Performing maintenance

We lost our internet connection several hours ago & may not be able to restore it soon, so our live audio streaming has ended for the time being. Please accept our apologies. During our down time, we've had a rare treat, hearing transient and resident orcas vocalising in the same space (Blackfish Sound) at the same time. Apart from boat noise, things are quiet just now.
Helena & Paul
11 Nov 2007 15:33:47 PST

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing A1 & A4 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Helena
10 Nov 2007 03:05:53 PST

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales (A1s, A5s, A4s) are now in Johnstone Strait heading east. The boat noise is improving.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 05:30:23 PST

Boat noise

We've only been hearing boat noise for the past while. We think the orcas have headed east past Robson Bight but aren't sure. The boat noise is interfering with the Critical Point transmitter.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 07:48:24 PST

Orcas near mics.

The boat noise has gone & we're hearing calls on the Critical Point hydrophone again. Sounds like the orcas are still in Robson Bight.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 08:13:45 PST

Distant calls audible.

We believe the orcas have travelled back to the west.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 10:24:42 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s, A8s and A11s have moved through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. There are at least two humpbacks in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 14:09:23 PST

No orcas present.

We believe that the A12s, A8s and A11s (A11, A56, A13) and A73 (Springer) carried on into Queen Charlotte Strait after 4:30pm.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 17:34:07 PST

Distant calls audible.

A4 calls in Johnstone Strait amid the boat noise.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 07:35:27 PST

Distant calls audible.

It seems as if the A4s and A5s (probably not the entire pods) have come further west in the Strait now approaching Cracroft Point. Still a lot of boat traffic.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 09:49:28 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A4 and A5 groups are now back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 13:21:26 PST

Boat noise

It would seem that the whales were just crossing the "top" end of Blackfish Sound on their way out to Queen Charlotte Strait this afternoon. It has been a windy rainy day and now a dark and stormy night.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 22:45:35 PST

No orcas present.

So far - no calls, no reports.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 17:44:23 PST

Distant calls audible.

These calls are in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
07 Nov 2007 18:52:40 PST

Orcas near mics.

These A4! calls are getting louder in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 19:02:16 PST

Distant calls audible.

Add A5s to the list as well... a little further off again.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 19:12:08 PST

Distant calls audible.

The calls are now in Johnstone Strait. The tide is just turning to flood. The whales may have gone through Weynton Pass from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 21:15:09 PST

Distant calls audible.

The whales are moving steadily eastward. They are now opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass. Lots and lots of boat noise in Johnstone Strait causing interference on some of the hydrophones.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 21:56:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

And by now, a little further eastward. It would be nice if the boats moved a little quicker.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 22:37:58 PST

Distant calls audible.

Finally, the boat noise is improving. The A4 and A5 calls continue in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 23:01:18 PST

Orcas hunting fish.

We're hearing echolocation on the Flower Island hydrophone, and a short while before that, a few "A" calls. The tide is flooding, so it's possible they will head into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
06 Nov 2007 08:53:03 PST

Distant calls audible.

Again, we are hearing calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
06 Nov 2007 10:23:21 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The A5 calls in Blackfish Sound ended a while ago. BUT, Mary Borrowman happened to see a small group off Telegraph Cove a short while afterwards. This group, however, were heading west toward Beaver Cove and as we have not heard any calls it is hard to confirm whether or not these whales might be the A5 group heard earlier on the "other" side. We are waiting.
Helena
06 Nov 2007 14:23:26 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard an A clan call about 20' ago but nothing since. We're note sure where the orcas are, and there is boat noise in the Strait, but they're (probably) not far away. There's a southeaster stirrng here this morning, asfter a lovely calm & sunny day yesterday.
Helena
05 Nov 2007 04:52:36 PST

No orcas present.

An uneventful orca day after the promising start. Nice day otherwise.
Helena
05 Nov 2007 20:40:50 PST

No orcas present.

Again no orcas that we are aware of since the A8s took off through Blackney Pass. And for the past two days we have not seen humpbacks either. The sea lions are still very busy, however, and, the weather today was great.
Helena
04 Nov 2007 18:46:17 PST

No orcas present.

Good evening. It was a quiet orca night and day. Stormy, wet, grey sea and sky throughout the day.
Helena
02 Nov 2007 17:17:01 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant A5 & A36 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 00:37:24 PST

Orcas near mics.

The whales are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 04:43:35 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A5 calls are off the entrance of Blackney Pass once again. Sounds like they have been moving around Johnstone Strait quite a bit.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 10:05:33 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A8s just went through Blackney Pass and are now making their way through Blackfish Sound.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 11:07:14 PST

Orcas near mics.

These A36 calls are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
31 Oct 2007 08:31:48 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to the A36s on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like they went "out" via Weynton Pass and are now back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
31 Oct 2007 12:05:08 PST

Superb sounds!!

Trick or treat? Happy Hallow'een!
Helena & Paul
31 Oct 2007 17:54:30 PST

Superb sounds!!

We are about to go back to monitoring. Glad you too could enjoy our noisy neighbours (about 100 now) and their constant chorus.
Helena & Paul
31 Oct 2007 18:35:34 PST

Superb sounds!!

The G17, A36 and A5 calls are in Blackfish Sound. Lovely foggy sunrise with these calls this morning.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 07:32:55 PST

No orcas present.

The whales were probably in Queen Charlotte Strait during the last calls. They are still there (now out of range) about 2 miles west of Lizard Point. (thanks to Jim and Mary Borrowman for the report).
Helena
30 Oct 2007 13:09:25 PST

Distant calls audible.

It has been rather like playing a game of acoustic tag today. Throughout the day we have heard sporadic distant calls in Blackfish Sound but nothing sustained since earlier this morning when the A36s, A5s and G17s were a lot closer. However, it has been such a lovely day.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 17:27:02 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We heard a report from Stubbs Island Whale Watching that there are whales coming through Weynton Pass towards Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:12:56 PST

Superb sounds!!

These A36, A5 and G17 calls are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:54:29 PST

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like they are coming back. The calls are once again in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 14:08:05 PST

No orcas present.

The whales may have retreated to Queen Charlotte Strait. We have not heard them return to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 21:57:29 PST

Orcas near mics.

We're listening to A& G clan calls on the Cracroft Point, Parson Island & Critical Point hydrophones. Sounds like the A8s, A36s & G17s are off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 07:33:43 PST

Orcas near mics.

The calls are now on the Flower Island hydrophone in Blackfish Sound. Did they go through Weynton Pass from Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 10:17:24 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to distant A & G clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like the orcas who headed "out" last evening (A8s, A36s, G17s) are coming back "in". The tide is ebbing swiftly, so it may take them a while (it will be slack around 11:30am). Soon after we heard the orcas, boat noise intruded in Blackfish Sound, but hopefully it will diminish as the vessel heads into Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 08:15:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Now that the tide has begun to flood the A5s, Gs and A36s are making their way out of Queen Charlotte Strait. Their lovely calls are on the Flower Island .system
Helena
27 Oct 2007 12:39:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups have gone through Weynton Passage to reach Johnstone Strait where they presumably will head eastward.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 13:35:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The G17s and the A8s have travelled from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass. We did not see the A36s and are not sure, at this point, whether they came into the Strait earlier with the others, although, we did hear them this morning in Blackfish Sound with the others.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 17:42:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The dolphins are near Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 19:50:39 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We began hearing A & G clan calls about 30' ago, on the Critical Point hydrophone. The A clan calls were initially from the A5s and the A36s have chimed in recently. The G clan calls are "GGs", probably at least the G17s. It sounds like the A5s & A36s, who were sighted by DFO reseachers headed west past Malcolm Point late yesterday afternoon (thanks Jared & Graeme) have brought company back to the Strait. Quite possibly, they found enough fish during their visit over the last couple of days to encourage others to return to their old fall-fishing habits... let's hope so!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 07:50:44 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A5s have reached the rubbing beaches... sounds like they're having a great time!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 10:04:25 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales continued to the east after passing the rubbing beaches and are now past Eve River, travelling quickly.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 12:13:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales have moved back toward the west. They went east as far as the Eve River before turning. They are now opposite Robson Bight moving against a large flooding tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:09:49 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to A & G clan calls on the CP & PI hydrophones as the orcas continue to make their way to the west. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait off Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:59:33 PDT

Boat noise

We're surrounded by boat noise on all sides & don't know where the orcas at the moment, though we think they are probably in western Johnstone Strait. Hopefully, the boat noise will go away soon & we'll be able to hear orcas calling again.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 16:50:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

They are on their way back to the east. Currently, most are closer to Blinkhorn and the A36s further west nearer Telegraph Cove. (thanks to DFO for the details) It has been quite the day! The weather has been absolutely beautiful.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 18:24:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Possibly the A36s have drawn the others out through Weynton Pass to the western edge of Blackfish Sound on the ebbing tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 19:02:03 PDT

No orcas present.

No further clues about what happened to the A36s and A5s. We were not aware of any calls during the night.
Helena
25 Oct 2007 09:04:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The distant calls are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Oct 2007 10:25:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Yea! A36s and A5s this time. The calls are in Blackfish Sound. Steve heard the first hints calls at 2:40am and now the calls seem to be getting clearer and nearer!
Helena
24 Oct 2007 08:04:08 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry, the security update shut the encoder and we did not realise we were not broadcasting. The A5s and the A36s were vocal in Blackfish Soundl until 9:45am. They are now in Johnstone Strait after presumably travelling through Weynton Passage.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 10:29:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the A5s continue to move eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 11:14:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the A5s have been more or less of the area around the entrance of Blackney Pass since the last post. The tide is now ebbing and this may take them off to the west for a while.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 15:47:08 PDT

No orcas present.

We had a very slow tug make its way against the ebbing tide. The tide has changed and the tug has moved on and all is quiet now. We have not heard any calls since before 5pm but we had a report from the DFO research boat that the A8s (part of A5 pod) and the A36 were heading back to the east from Blinkhorn after 6pm. Here's hoping we get a few more clues before too long.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 21:58:32 PDT

Boat noise

This A5 group is making tracking their movements difficult. We did not hear them again during the night so our last known location remains Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Oct 2007 08:54:40 PDT

No orcas present.

It does seem as if the visit from the A5 group was a too brief event. There have not been any calls or reports since their "departure" early yesterday morning. The humpbacks are still foraging Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 15:04:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear A5 calls once again on Flower Island.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 18:37:21 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant A5 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Helena
21 Oct 2007 05:40:10 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no orca calls overnight.
Helena
20 Oct 2007 08:47:36 PDT

No orcas present.

We were not aware of any calls overnight.
Helena
19 Oct 2007 09:09:02 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry, we were unable to connect with the internet for most of the day and so have not been broadcasting. The good news is that of course, resident whales, the A5s and possibly A4s as well, turned up in Johnstone Strait at 4pm! Their calls did not last very long and we imagine they were eastbound past Robson Bight. The sea lions have been feasting all day on large salmon. Maybe a few chum have made it this far after all!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:07:22 PDT

Performing maintenance

Further to the last note - we are now broadcasting again!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:18:08 PDT

No orcas present.

Once again, we heard no orcas overnight & no reports either. We are still waiting & enjoying a windy day.
Helena
16 Oct 2007 14:14:53 PDT

No orcas present.

There were dolphins from time to time through the night. Yesterday, a small group of dolphins skipped through the bay in front of the house. Looked like they were chasing fish. Again, if you download the entire humpback file first (www.orcalab.org), the sounds will stream. Rainy day but calm seas today.
Helena
15 Oct 2007 09:58:44 PDT

No orcas present.

Once again, we heard no orcas calling overnight. This is (so far) the most unusual October we have ever experiened. Quite possibly, the absence of orcas is related to the poor salmon situation. At this time of year, orcas are usually feasting on chum salmon as they flood into Johnstone Strait, but the chum runs are either very poor or delayed this year. In the orcas' absence, we have been enjoying a wonderful humpback scene happening in Blackney Pass. There are more humpbacks here than ever before, and they are becoming vocal. A few nights ago we recorded what sounded like a humpback "song" in Blackfish Sound that lasted for half an hour. It impressed us so much that we've posted it on our OrcaLab web site for others to enjoy. It's a large file (150MB) so we suggest downloading it fully before playing.
Helena & Paul
14 Oct 2007 15:22:59 PDT

No orcas present.

No residents at home again today. In their place, the humpbacks seem to have it all - lots of feed, calm seas and blue skies. One humpback known as Houdini (BCX0022) has been in Blackney now for quite some time with her calf Arial. The calf is noisy, rambunctious & energetic performing breaches, tail & pec slaps galore. It is quite the sight! Today, there were 4 -6 humpbacks in Blackney proper along with at least two further to the west in Blackfish Sound. The sea birds are going crazy with all the feed around and they are a good alert to where & when the humpbacks nudge in for a bite. The landscape is very rich right now!
Helena
13 Oct 2007 15:10:17 PDT

No orcas present.

Still no resident orcas but lots of activity on other fronts; sea lions, humpbacks,dolphins. The seas are calm and the skies grey, Fall ticks on...
Helena
12 Oct 2007 10:05:20 PDT

Superb sounds!!

It seems that the humpback (?s) have moved on. We began recording at 3:33am which was just a short while after hearing the first sounds. The calls began to subside around 4am, after which, the whale(s) seemed to be farther away as well. Lovely to listen to on a starry, no boat noise night!
Helena
11 Oct 2007 04:43:45 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no orca calls overnight & have heard no orca reports either. We have heard dolphins in addition to the humpback(s) early this morning. It's a lovely sunny day here, with humpbacks feeding in Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Oct 2007 13:28:55 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We began hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 6:45am, and think they were probably from offshore orcas, though we aren't sure.
Helena
10 Oct 2007 07:39:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear calls in Johnstone Strait once again. Sounds like they may be an offshore group
Helena
10 Oct 2007 11:42:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The offshores continued west and are currently off the the entrance to Weynton Passage. They were foraging while generally still moving west mid strait. There are two small groups, maybe only a dozen or so.
Helena
10 Oct 2007 15:17:20 PDT

No orcas present.

The offshores were in two groups throughout the day, one group of 7 followed by a group of 5. They continued west past Alert Bay (Home of the Killer Whale!) but by 6:45pm only the group of 5 were seen going past Ledge Point (thanks to the MacKays for the report). We have only had constant boat noise since the whales went out of range to the west.
Helena
10 Oct 2007 22:48:02 PDT

No orcas present.

Wild and windy! But still lovely humpbacks in Blackney Pass.
Helena
09 Oct 2007 16:16:15 PDT

No orcas present.

The long absence continues. Last night was "quiet" again. The humpbacks are still roaming around and there are still a good number of sea lions.
Helena
08 Oct 2007 08:31:00 PDT

No orcas present.

On this Canadian Thanksgiving day, we wish to express our hearfelt THANKS to everyone who has helped our world, helped whales, and helped us during this past year. Our very best wishes to you all... take good care, please!
Paul & Helena
08 Oct 2007 18:07:15 PDT

No orcas present.

Again, uneventful. The storm is abating but the heavy rains continue.
Helena
07 Oct 2007 08:26:17 PDT

No orcas present.

Again, only a few dolphin calls overnight. Today, a strong south-easter is beginning to mount.
Helena
06 Oct 2007 09:04:31 PDT

No orcas present.

Again, as far as we know, it was an uneventful night. There were dolphins in Johnstone throughout the evening. Yesterday, orcas were seen off Campbell River (thanks to Seasmoke for relaying the information). No idea about identity of even type - ?transients. So we are waiting for the reuturn of the residents and our ability to broadcast! Thanks for your patience.
Helena
05 Oct 2007 11:25:13 PDT

No orcas present.

We're heard no calls today & are not aware of any reports of orcas either.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 00:15:36 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

All quiet through the night. This morning T14 travelled west up Johnstone Strait and into Blackney Pass. From 10:20 - 10:50 am, he passed several humpbacks on his way to Blackfish Sound. While in Blackney he had an active "moment", stopping his travels briefly, as he jumped on top of something. We are still unable to broadcast but are hopeful the problems will be solved soon. Sorry for the delay.
Helena
04 Oct 2007 13:03:47 PDT

No orcas present.

There haven't been any orca reports this morning and that leaves us with last night's impression that the A36s continued through Blackfish Sound to the west and the A30s still in the Strait. However, the last A30 calls at 10:40pm were very distant and it may be that they were headed for Weynton Pass to follow the A36s. This morning, grey and damp, there are several humpbacks in Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound. At night the ocean is full of breaths, from humpbacks and sea lions and sometimes the orcas too. Hard to feel alone and isolated.
Helena
03 Oct 2007 09:50:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are still unfortunately not broadcasting as we are still doing some maintenance on the system. In the menatime, the A30s and the A36s went east. The A30s have returned (waiting to hear if the A36s are with them) and are westbound past the Ecological Reserve. Today, we also had a huge downpouring of rain followed by the fullest and most beautiful rainbow over Blackney Pass ever.
Helena
02 Oct 2007 20:11:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s have turned up in Blackfish Sound. Perhaps they travelled through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. The A30s have grown quiet but may still be in the Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2007 22:45:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s have made it back to Johnstone Strait after a long absence. Just now they were off Cracroft Point with a group of dolphins. Both have now become quiet. It will be interesting to find out where the A30s are and if the A36s will stay around for a bit.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 04:32:03 PDT

Boat noise

Between 6:30am and 7am we heard both the A30s and the A36s in johnstone Strait. Our impression was that they were eastbound through the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. There was a lot of boat noise in the Strait (there is a rare fishing opening today) and so the direction the whales took is still not absolute.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 09:00:34 PDT

Performing maintenance

We have made some changes to our system, and have stopped streaming for the moment. We will be back up again as soon as possible. Please excuse the inconvenience.
Paul & Helena
01 Oct 2007 17:53:53 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this morning & understand that the A30s & A36s were still headed east in Johnstone Strait in mid afternoon (past Eve River). Hopefully, they'll come back before too long.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 22:36:55 PDT