Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to wonderful calls from A1s, A4s, A5s, on the Critical Point hydrophone. Boat noise is coming now.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 00:18:21 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Right now, lovely A30 calls off Critical Point continue.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 02:37:34 PDT

No orcas present.

There are whales heading back west from the Broken Islands. Earliier this morning, after the last post when the A30s were sitting on top of Critical Point, the A5s came soon after and the scene shifted to the Rubbing Beach system. The rub began at 3am and carried on for a while, then the A4,A30 calls grew increasing distant. It was not absolutely clear what the A5s did after being so close to Critical Point but these groups have enjoyed each other's company so we believe they also went east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 10:56:03 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After zooming past the Beaches the whales, (the A30s, A24s and A5s) have moved into the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 12:18:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A8s were first to go by (under) the Cliff at 1pm. A28, from that group, was swimming back with the A23s (just like last year). The A30s were closer to the Vancouver Island shore with the A24s following. A39 was in the middle. Now, just past Kaikash Creek the A24s are angling out toward the Hanson Island side as the other groups continue westward.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 13:49:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whale groups are stretched from Blinkhorn back to the CP area. The A30s and the A24s travelled up the Vancouver island side. The A24s angled out once they reached Kaiakash Creek. Meanwhil, on the the A8s and A23s progressed past CP and up the Hanson island side. The A25s are the last group passing CP.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 14:44:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A few of the whales turned back to the east and one of the A30 males made it all the way to Izumi Rock (just west of Robson Bight) before turning around to the Northwest. Other groups were still off the Blinkhorn, Telegraph Cove area while this happeened.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 16:06:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are really eastbound now. At 4:45pm, the Lukwas reported that as they headed into Telegraph Cove, there were whales spread from deep inside Beaver Coe (to the west of Telegraph Cove) to the Stephenson Islands in the entrance of Weynton Passage. They were beginning to turn then. An hour later, the whales were off Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) and still east bound.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 17:59:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Very slow progress to the east so far. But they are vocal.The whales are passing Kaikash Creek,opposite CP, close to the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 19:51:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A few of the whales turned back to the east and one of the A30 males made it all the way to Izumi Rock (just west of Robson Bight) before turning around to the Northwest. Other groups were still off the Blinkhorn, Telegraph Cove area while this happeened.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 20:30:32 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s,A24s and the A5s have made it back to the Reserve and are continuing east.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 20:31:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are debating whether we can still hear calls through the noise of the distorted,lapping water on the rubbing beach system. What we do know is that the last calls on the Critical Point system were at 10:05pm. About twenty minutes later the A30s,A24s and A5s were off the beaches. There was some rubbing activity between 10:57pm and 11:05pm. After that the calls grew steadily more distant as the whales moved even further away.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:24:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales can be heard once again on Critical Point.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:51:33 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have arrived in Robson Bight from the east. There are still faint calls on the rubbing beach system.
Helena
09 Aug 2009 23:56:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the whales finished at the rubbing beaches around 12;30am, and after their calls became distant by 12:40am, it was a relatively uneventful night. Then just after 6am (6:05) faint calls were heard on Critical Point. These very faint and infrequent calls were last heard about ten minutes ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:00:14

Distant calls audible.

Group of orcas near Blinkhorn going west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:43:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A36s are around once more.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 08:29:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP reports seeing the A36s heading east with A12. They came from the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 09:22:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

This is on the Critical Point system.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 21:38:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Waking up! in the Bight.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 21:45:32 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Now moving on towad the Beaches.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 22:22:24 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s, A24s,A5s continued to move closer and eventually past Critical Point and Robson Bight just before midnight. They seemingly carried on east, briefly rubbing at 12:30am. The very last distant calls from the rubbing beach system (which hears fairly far to the east this year) was at 2:10am. After that the night was "quiet". The last calls in Blackfish Sound (the other direction) were at 11:08pm.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 06:53:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

They are on their way back from the east!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 08:55:24 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Well, its back to Critical Point after the Beaches. Dizzy circle they are on, but lovely calls even if only sporadic.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 23:25:27 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The same groups as last night (the A30s, A24s/A73, and A5s) are headed west very quickly along the Vancouver Island approaching Kaikash Creek. At 9:55am, we had a chance to talk with Marie who is stationed on the "Cliff" opposite Robson Bight. Around 9:30am, she had the groups file past her close to the Cracroft shore. The whales were in a playful mood, in mixed groups. A60,A61 and A39 were in the lead, followed by the rest of the A30s in company with A28, the A5s were next, at 9:35am, about 200 meters offshore of the Cliff, the A24s with Springer were midstrait. When the whales were almost to Pizza Point (just east of the Sophias) a boat rounded the "corner" at speed. The whales turned abruptly and headed to the far shore towards the Western Boundary". From there, they moved along the Vancouver Island shore at top speed.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 10:51:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales are still going west approaching Blinkhorn and the top end of Hanson Island. Around 11am, the groups going along Vancouver Island split with some heading to Hanson Island, east of Big Bay while the rest carried west along Vancouver Island. A39 and A38 foraged off the top end of Hanson Island for a while and then A38 branched off to angle toward Blinkhorn. The surprise of the day is that A12 turned up off Swaine Point (Boat Bay) as she too headed west. At 11:45 she was past the Cliff and heading towards the Sophias. We last heard her in Blackfish Sound just after 11pm. She must have back tracked after this time.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 12:16:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At 3:15pm the whales turned back to the west. By 4pm they were approaching the Sophia islands. A23s,A8s,A25s and A30s were on the Cracroft Island side as they moved west. Another half hour of travel brought the A23s and A25s 300 meters off CP with the A30s and A8s more mid strait. The A24s followed mid strait. By 5pm they were opposite Blinkhorn and still going west.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:29:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A few calls and a turn to the east. Now on their way from Blinkhorn.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:48:06 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s, A24s,A5s and presumably A12 too have made it back to the Bight and once again they are calling as evening comes along.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 20:05:59 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

From Critical to their next favourite spot - the Beaches!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 21:09:32 PDT

A30s, A4s, A5s, Transients, A36s+A12

Multiple pod calls audible.

Maybe this is a real push to the west and the previous one a dress rehearsal. However, the tide has turned to the flood and one would think the whales would like the easy road. This has not been their rule all day and most of their travel has been against the tide. So we will see but so far we have heard the A5s,A4s and A30s on the Critical Point system.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 00:01:35 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The recent transient calls are on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. This is happening as the residents move through the Robson Bight area.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 00:12:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After a period of heavy boat noise (cruise ships) we're hearing frequent distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone. Sounds like the groups are still energetic, & have moved to the east a bit.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 04:13:39 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are within Robson Bight now after stalling off the east end with the A4s and A5s for quite some time.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 05:26:21 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Since the last note, all the groups made it back to Robson Bight, following the A30s lead. Except for the A36s and A12, who made it all the way to the entrance of Blackney Pass by 7:19am, the majority shifted back and forth from Critical Point to a little further west. After great some great excitment when perhaps finding fish, the whales finally decided collectively to rest and move west with the help of the tide. They are slowly moving that direction now opposite the "Cliff".
Helena
06 Aug 2009 09:48:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Believe it or not, there are orcas out there in Johnstone Strait. After the party there is a whole lot of resting going on!. The A30s made it to Blinkhorn and the A24s crossed over towards them, then everyone turned eastward again. The A30s moved away from Vancouver Island on the turn and are mid strait slowly,silently moving east with the A5s. The A24s are past the Baron Reefs. Earlier today, the A36s with A12 were slipped into Blackney Pass around 7:19am. There have been no further reports about their whereabouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 15:44:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups are eastbound moving slowly from midstrait towards Vancouver Island. A39 is lingering off CP doing a bit of foraging. The A36s have been found off of Lizard Point without A12. CP thinks she went by them earlier today.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 16:06:45 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A12 is rushing north through Blackney Pass!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 19:39:40 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Suddenly we heard A12/A36 on Flower Island and we are waiting to see what happens next. After A12 rushed through to the north earlier, the other (the A30s,A4s and A5s) made a move toward Blackney Pass (they had come back quietly to the west) but they decided to turn tail and go back to the Strait. We never saw them but CP was able to keep track of their in and out of Blackney movement. apparently, they were either all tight together or in a long resting line as they moved about. Long resting lines used to be quite common so it is good to see this tradition once again. These groups went west briefly once back in the Strait but then turned east. They are now approaching Robson Bight and have found their voices once again! lovely, like last night.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:12:16 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely, lovely,lovely A30s, A5s and A24s!!!!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:50:42 PDT

A30s, A36s, A24s, A5s and A12

Orcas near mics.

The A36s, who came into Johnstone Strait at 4am, are off Critical Point after travelling eastward in Johnstone Strait. The others, the A30s,A24s,and A5s with A12 following them continued east last night.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 08:33:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After listening to the A36s for quite a while, foraging heavily off of Critical Point and Robson Bight. and hearing them drift eastward toward the east end of the Reserve, we began to hear A5 calls come up from the east. Whales are spread out across from the east end to Forward Bay,all coming west.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 11:59:15 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A little bit of rubbing and a lot of distant calls as the A30s, A24s, A5s head west. Some groups are going through the Ecologial Reserve while others travelling opposite to the Cracroft shore. The A36s probably turned west in advance of the arriving groups and were first back to Robson Bight. After which it was one of the A5 group's turn.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 13:09:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups (the A36s, A24s,A5s and the A30s) continued west past CP. A32 and A37 came back to forage off of CP. The mood out there is still very social;spyhops, rolling around, breaches, tail slaps and very mixed groups. Lots of boat noise is the only thing which spoils the fun.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 16:42:52 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like there's a party in the Bight tonight!
Helena
05 Aug 2009 19:53:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After the briefest of rubs, the groups have begun a westward trek again, rounding Critical Point with amazing sounds
Helena
05 Aug 2009 21:55:41 PDT

A4s, A36s, A12, A5s, A30s and news about the Ws

Distant calls audible.

A very,very busy night: the A4s,A1s stayed in the Rubbing Beach/Robson Bight area throughout the early morning hours, taking turns at the Beaches then drifting back to Critical Point. We are still working out the details of the movements, but the A5s did come up from the east and joined the others so it was quite the party. Later, the A36s and A12 broke away to come north through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to the west. The A30s followed (just recently) up to the Sophia Islands but then turned back toward the Reserve. The A4s are not too far away but the A5s may have possibly turned back eastward.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:03:08 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s probably had everyone in tow when they travelled up to the Sophias. The report is of about 30 orcas.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:08:47 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And back again to the Beaches!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 10:13:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales got as far as Naka Creek then turned back to the west. The are back in the Ecological Reserve and on the Boat Bay side.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 12:41:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The day so far has been about a progression to the west. The A30s, A5s and A24s moved slowly at first to the west and then when opposite CP (Kaikash Creek area) they began to pick up some speed. They were spread acrosss the Strait in mixed groups. they are now east bound and some even back to the Kaikash Creek area. Meanwhile, the A36s made it back to Blackfish Sound and we were just visited by A12 alone in Blackney Pass. We lost track of her during a long dive when she was directly out front.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 18:08:02 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely calls as the A30s & Co close in on Robson Bight. A12 got herself into Johnstone Strait.The A36s were getting further away but ,at this point, not sure what they might be up to. An interesting note for yesterday: the Sea Otter came upon the W3s off of Donegal Head. And from a later report from Rob and Erin, the Ws went through Pearse Pass at 9:30pm. We never heard them in Johnstone Strait and no evidence today of their presence. So this is a bit of mystery. It was only 2 of the Ws as it looks like W5 might be gone.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 19:43:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

That was lovely,lovely,lovely!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:42:57 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And now for the next act!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:43:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Ooops, maybe not quite yet!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:47:15 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Here they go! A5s first.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 20:57:43 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

A now A4!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 21:33:19 PDT

A30s, A24a and A36s with A12

No orcas present.

All is pretty quiet. CP last reported that there were whales going west. We could hear A30 calls getting more distant but the A36s seemed to be getting louder so we wondered if they went east beyond the Reserve. The A24s were reported eastbound off Naka Creek at around 8pm. There were two whales, a male and a female reported off Donegal Head but we never heard any calls and so can't shed any light on who that may have been.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 00:46:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A pretty quiet night. Katie woke up for the 4:20am calls. This did not last long but then at 6:20am Tomoko started to record the A36s in Johnstone Strait as they moved west. CP saw them go by at 7:20am. At that time, there was a report of two more orca heading across to Blinkhorn. So the orca shuffle continues. The A36s are still only across the entrance to Blackney Pass from CP but they may be crossing toward Blinkhorn as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 08:20:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s with A12 were the only group in western Johnstone Strait this morning. They went past CP at 7:20am and after a while longer off the top end of Hanson Island they travelled past the Plumper Islands to Blackfish Sound. They began calling a short while ago and now may be headed toward Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:01:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have turned up as well in Blackfish Sound and look like they are headed to Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:20:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s with A12 scooted through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to Johnstone Strait. They were all together. A12 looked lovely in the middle of the big boys. A39 followed a while after and he was followed by all the rest of the A30s who cleared our view at 12:13pm. They are now approaching the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 13:04:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

With A12 in the lead, the whales are westbound and just abpout the exit the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 15:02:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A24s are arriving back from the east, now off Robson Bight. The A30s & Co went off to the top end of hanson island and beyond but headed back east. At 7:18pm they were east of Kaikash Creek opposite CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:48:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s are off Telegraph Cove while the A30s enter the reserve and Robson Bight. A gathering!
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:53:55 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A24s are at the rubbing beaches. The A30s are not far away and the A36s are moving east too, now past CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 21:11:57 PDT

Springer (A73) spotted with the A24s!!

Orcas near mics.

Interesting night: First of all the A36s actually made it to Johnstone Strait just before 1am. After which there was a fair amount of movement. Right now, the A30s and A24s (after being a short distance east for a while) are not far from Critical Point and Robson Bight. The A5s,however, have not come back from further east yet.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 05:33:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The groups are spread out: off the entrance of Blackney Pass;crossing from Vancouver Island to the entrance and close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 08:22:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s with the A24s just passed through Blacknery Pass headed for blackfish Sound. The exciting news!!! is that Springer was with the A24s!!!! This was our first look at the A24s since they came down with the A34s and the A5s in July. When we saw the a24s when they first came in this season, Springer was not with them. This is a bit of a first!!!! We have not heard from the A36s/A12 for quite a while.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 09:32:50 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s are off Cracroft Point with A12.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 10:00:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These are A4 calls (A24s) in Blackfish Sound while the A36s and A12 remain off of CP.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 13:28:26 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

To catch up: the A30s and the A24s (with A73) stayed at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while after travelling north through Blackney Pass. At 3pm, they travelled on through Weynton Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. Frome there they went east along the Vancouver Island shore and past Critical Point. They are now at the east end of the Reserve and beginning their rub. the A36s, meanwhile, have rremained basically off the CP area for most of the day but they have not been very vocal. A 12 has not been with them since about 11:30am. She was last seen heading eastward. The A5s yesterday went "down" Johnstone Strait in the afternoon to Nodales Channel. This morning at 6am they were out of nodales and near Chatham Point. From there they went west to Camp Point. At 10:47am, they turned sleepily east and began to head toward Amour de Cosmos/Bear Bight. (Nick Templeman report). No word on the morning incoming group from Goletas reported via the Mackays.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 18:00:33 PDT

A30s, A36s+A12, And A24s in JS. A5s left to the east

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have heard a steady progression of whales pass through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. We think the A36s might have been in the lead, followed by a large group that included the A30s and spme of the A5s. It was not clear if the A24s were tucked in with this group. The A51s seemed to be the last group into Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 01:08:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Around 6:30am we began to hear distant A1,A5 and A4 calls off the western end of Blackfish Sound. Perhaps the groups who went out after midnight are on their way back"in". Very foggy again this morning.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 07:18:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There are whales going south through the fog in Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 08:35:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales that went through Blackney Pass earlier are now approaching Critical Point after entering Johnstone Strait after 8am.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 10:24:25 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are either at the beaches or just offshore.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 11:00:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups are moving west toward Cracroft Point now.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 13:45:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are stretched out with one of the males already nearing Blinkhorn. It is the A24s keeping them company. There was report of a group in Queen Charlotte Strait coming east earlier.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 14:20:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

I forgot to mention that the A5s are with Nick Templeman heading east toward the Adam River (far beyond the Ecological Reserve).
Helena
01 Aug 2009 14:34:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s with A12 entered Johnstone Strait around 3:15pm. They are now eastbound. The A30s and the A24s are closer to the Vancouver Island shore off the Telegragh Cove area.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 15:48:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s (+A12) went rushing through Blackney Pass around 6pm. The A30s have just followed. We are not sure where the A24s have gone but they may have stayed in the Strait. Earlier the A5s went east past the Reserve.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 18:47:23 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Echo location close to Critical Point.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 19:23:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are heading back south through Blackney Pass very slowly. The A24s sounded like they went east past Critical Point earlier. No sign of the A36s since they were last reported off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound foraging.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 20:07:05 PDT

Orcas near mics.

As the A30s re-entered Johnstone Strait they began calling exactly as the A24s, now at the rubbing beaches began their calling.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 21:32:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s finally made it fully into Johnstone Strait and passed CP (Cracroft Point). There were also a few distant calls on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound, perhaps the A36 group.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 22:30:26 PDT

A12, A36s, A30s, A24s, A5s

Orcas hunting fish.

Last night: As the A36s with A12 shifted east of Cracroft Point, the A30s, made a try for Blackney Pass. By 10:16pm they were nearing Blackney Pass but then retreated. At 10:56pm they made Blackney again but again only made it partially through the Pass before returning to Blackfish Sound. Their calls grew increasingly distant as they moved westward by 11:30pm. After midnight (12:40am), there were just a few distant calls in the Strait so it is unclear if that was the A30s or the A36s. The rest of the night was quiet except for boat noise, of course. At 8:12am ,we began to hear faint calls followed by (just now) closer echo location in Robson Bight. This will most likely be a returning group from the east.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 09:01:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s are headed west from Robson Bight. A46 is still with A12 and A32 and A37 are together following.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 10:20:47 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are headed east off of Lizard Point.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 11:47:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are headed east and are off of Donigal Head
Katie
31 Jul 2009 12:02:44 PDT

Superb sounds!!

This is the A30's who have just entered Johnstone Straight through Weyton.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 15:31:44 PDT

We have whales on the Rubbing Beaches... most likely the A30's... they were last heard heading east in johnstone straight. The A36's and A12 are hanging around the entrance of Blackney Pass and CP. They have been moving around in this area for a few hours.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 18:31:11 PDT

Superb sounds!!

This is A30's on Critical Point... the A36's are still hovering around CP and the entrance of Blackney
Katie
31 Jul 2009 19:19:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A4s and A5s are back from the east. They are now moving through the Ecological Reserve area headed west.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 23:17:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

I forgot to mention that this is the A24s (A4s) with the A5s in the Strait.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 23:23:03 PDT

Lots of movements

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like at least some of the A1s & A5s are returning from the east & are now in, or passing, Robson Bight. We're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone. Lots of echolocation, so they must be finding fish!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 04:56:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Quite a bit going on. The A30s,A4s and the A5s came west from the Ecological Reserve to around the entrance of Blackney Pass. They may have turned back east. We are also hearing the A36s opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 07:14:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, A5s,A4s and A36s (A12) are nearing Robson Bight as they head back eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 08:14:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Nothing like having the fog clear to make everything a bit clearer. We had assumed that the A30s had stayed with the A4s and the A5s (with whom they had come west around 4:30am this morning) as those two groups turned and went back eastward. Instead, the A30s carried on to the west and left Johnstone Strait at around 8:10am via Weynton Passage. Kingfisher, camped near the entrance of Weynton Pass saw them disappear to the west through Weynton. They have since been located (10 am) very close to Donegal Head still moving slowly out west. Meanwhile, the A36s have parked themselves in front of Cracroft Point (CP) foraging and taking deep dives. An A5 group went past the Rubbing Beaches as the A24s moved into Robson Bight. For now, that is it!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 10:34:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s with A12 finally decided to shift further east. Right now we are listening to them off the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:30:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Here is another interesting development. A32,A37 and A12 never made it past Izumi Rock (west of Robson Bight), however, A46 did! and so it was his voice alone that we were listening to off of the Rubbing Beaches. The others were pointed east but have, for now, turned back toward Cracroft Point.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:54:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Here is a catch-up: the A36s (even A46) finally moved on to the west. A46 returned to the Cracroft Point area with A12. A12's movements were somewhat obscure today as CP lost track of her for a time. Right now, A32 and A37 are on the edge of Blackfish Sound after going through Weynton Pass without A46 or A12. They may have been waiting for the A30s to return. The A30s spent most of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait but are now off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. A32 and A37 have turned back toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 18:50:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A32 and A37 have arrived (from the west) off Cracroft Point. A12 and A46 ,who were there before, have moved to the east of CP. We do not know where the A30s are but we believe the A24s and the A5s contiued east from the Ecological Reserve earlier today.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 20:56:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are finally hearing the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They are moving our direction!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 21:59:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are picking ity up again as they near Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. Next stop - OL? The A36s are vocal every so often in the Strait. CP's last report was that they and A12 were all headed east . Unfortunately, a tug just went south into Johnstone Stait.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 22:39:44 PDT

A4s, A5s, A36s, A30s & A12

Orcas near mics.

There has been quite a lot happening during the night. The A4 group (most likely the A24s) and the A5s returned together from the east around 1am. We are still listening to their calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 04:21:39 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s were just in close to Critical Point. Zero/zero visibility this morning but the sun is trying to break through. There was (a half hour ago) a report of orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait, offshore between Donegal Head and Lizard Point.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:32:14 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are at the beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:52:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Actually there are whales everywhere: the A30s are currently heading south in Blackney Pass following A12's lead (she cleared earlier). The A36s were off of CP (they came west after their bout at critical point at 8am) and the a4 group with the A5s are westbound from boat bay (after their rub earlier). Whew! and an humpback in Blackfish as well!
Helena
29 Jul 2009 11:05:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have gone in for a rub while the A36s and A12 are foraging off of Blinkhorn, east of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 14:43:13 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like the A30s are having a bite in the Bight... lots of echolocation (& calls) close the the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:00:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Beautiful A30 calls on Critical Point! The A30s (and A5s) finally did come a bit further west to around the Kaikash Creek area before turning back to the east. They are in front of Critical Point.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:15:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

CP reports that A46 is foraging in front of Cracroft Point. We have been listening to the A4s,A5s and the A30s at the rubbing beaches. Their calls are getting more distant now.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 20:59:18 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Not really that close yet, but we are hearing clear A36 calls once again in Johnstone Strait. CP reported an hour ago that the A36s with A12 were moving eastward midstrait. We believe, for now, that the A30s,A4s and A5s kept going eastward from their time at the Beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 23:01:58 PDT

A30s & A36s

Distant calls audible.

We're starting to hear distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone, sounds like some of the orcas from the east are getting close to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 10:31:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s came west this morning, past the Reserve, Kaikash Creek and now approaching the area opposite Weynton Pass entrance. The A36s were quite far west off Malcolm Point this morning and are apparently continuing west. The A5s and most likely the A24s are still east of Kelsey Bay.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 13:34:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s made a turn to the east off the Wastell Island (just east of Telegraph Cove) and made a wide turn over to the Hanson Island side. From there they continued east past the entrance to Blackney pas. They are now off the Cracroft Point area continuing eastward.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:03:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So .... just after posting the last note, there were calls on Flower Island,maybe the A36s.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:09:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Recently, both A38 and A39 were spending time foraging off of CP. The other A30 members are closer to Vancouver Island moving westward. We got a great report from the Mackays that A12 was just seen off of Black Bluff heading east by herself. This report came in after Stubbs island reported that the A36s (at least A32 and A37) turned west quickly away from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 20:33:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP called in to say that A39 had disappeared into Blackney Pass at about 9:38pm. The rest of the A30s followed but not until the A36s made their presence known after arriving in Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. A group of dolphins became vocal in Blackney Pass just as the A30s disappeared up into Blackfish Sound. The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 22:28:16 PDT

A4s, A5s, A34s, A36s and A12

Orcas near mics.

How lovely, the A5s are back! Calls are on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. The whales are travelling into Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 01:43:44 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Add A12 and A4 calls to that mix in Blackney Pass!
Helena
27 Jul 2009 02:00:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A5,A4 and A1 groups have moved into Johnstone Strait and are headed east.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 02:34:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just a short while ago, we began to hear the groups returning to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 07:56:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Time to catch up:The A34s are the group travelling westward, now, heading "up" the Hanson Island shore past Big Bay.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 10:37:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

While the A34s (without A12) continue westward, we talked with Nick Templeman and they think they have the A5s,A30s and others near to Kelsey Bay.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 11:07:25 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We are now listening to echo location near Robson Bight. The A34s went out of the area earlier and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 15:27:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It now sounds like the A36s are making their way back to the west. Earlier, (the day has been a bit confusing as not all of the reports and recordings were easy to reconcile for various reasons) A12 may have followed the A34s west in Johnstone Strait, through Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 16:03:59 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, who have spent most of the day in Johnstone Strait and most recently off CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass, are now headed into Blackney Pass, northbound.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 21:47:07 PDT

No orcas present.

The A36s moved on into Blackfish Sound after Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 23:32:48 PDT

A12 still with A36s, A30s joined and the moved to the west

No orcas present.

Not sure we can broaden our impression of what happened overnight. Except for a small power interuption around 3am the night was mostly uneventful. We lost track of the A36s around 11:30pm. Blows were heard about an hour later in Blackney Pass but the conclusion was that it was a humpback. Dolphins were fairly active in Johnstone Strait around the same time.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 08:04:52 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Close echolocation near Robson Bight following a report that the A36s and A12 are heading west from the Boat Bay area. Dolphins were reported in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 12:05:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not only are the A36s with A12 near Robson Bight but we are now picking up calls and echolocation in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:18:54 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are headed south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:57:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s when they entered Johnstone Strait went to the east,Robson Bight. The A36s and A12 seemed to hang back more to the west and now sound quite distant. The A30s, meanwhile, are on their way back west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:01:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Actually, it sounds like all the groups are converging off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:19:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Now the whales have gone off to the west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 21:10:24 PDT

A30s arrived from their trip to the east

Orcas hunting fish.

Someone is fairly close to Robson Bight, just echo location so far.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 09:02:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls are few and far between and the fog very thick. However, the A36s with A12 have been seen heading westward along the Vancouver Island side moving toward kaikash Creek. Perhaps, this is the group, Norma heard at 3am!
Helena
25 Jul 2009 10:40:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s must be huffing and puffing. they have returned to the Ecological Reserve in record time! The A36s with A12 are waiting in Blackfish Sound after leaving Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass earlier.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 16:12:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are continuing west from the Beaches,meanwhile,the A36s were just calling off Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 17:03:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A very interesting turn of events. A12 left the A36s in Blackfish Sound and travelled to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass by herself where the the A30s were travelling west past the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 19:48:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So this is what we think may have happened. A12 went south through Blackney Pass as the A30s travelled west up the Strait. They continued west and perhaps went out through Weynton Pass, exchanging places with the A36s who came back to Johnstone strait via Weynton. We have only heard the A36s as they moved east toward the entrance of Blackney Pass. What A12 has decided to do is uncertain at this point but perhaps she is still with the A36s. We never did hear the A30s on the "other" side (Blackfish Sound) so we will keep their whereabouts open for now. Interesting possibilities regardless.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 23:51:08 PDT

C10s had 2 new babies!

Distant calls audible.

Sorry, our internet was down for quite a while yesterday. The problem was outside our network. It seems to be working now so time to catch up. Yesterday, after moving back and forth in the Strait, the A30s headed west to Weynton Pass and curled around Hanson Island to meet up with the C10s, who we had heard earlier in the morning. Both groups then came east to Blackney Pass and then Johnstone Strait. They continued east "down" the Strait and past the Ecological Reserve on the Cracroft Island side.By 4pm they were opposite the Adams River and still eastbound. We never heard them return. At 2:30am the A36s came back via Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. They then went east to the Bight. At 7:30am the C10s returned west tight along the Cracroft Island shore. At the moment, there are whales near to Telegraph Cove. It is very,very, foggy. We will find out soon who this might be. There are two new babies in the C10s, one for C10 herself and one for C23 (thanks Jared for that info).
Helena
24 Jul 2009 09:22:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

At about 10:15am the A36s with A12 (!) were headed east to Blinkhorn. They have continued and are now passing Cracroft Point. No sign of the C10s who probably left silently earlier this morning. The fog is slowly lifting out of Blackney Pas.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 12:22:10 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A36s with A12 carried on past critical Point and just now we have heard someone in on the Beaches. They may be turning back west from there. Also, a group of 5 transients went south in Blackney pass and entered Johnstone Strait by 2:10pm. They have gone east.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 14:57:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s and the A12 came away from the beach area and crossed to the Cracroft island side to come west. They are probably between the Sophia Islands and Cracroft Point.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 17:29:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s/A12 have crossed the entrance to Blackney pass and for now are continuing west.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 19:11:19 PDT

Cs arriving in the area

Orcas near mics.

A lot of calling and some movement have brought the A30s back eastward to the Ecological Reserve. The tide is in a strong flood
Helena
23 Jul 2009 03:38:26 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

New visitors! being brought in by an A1 group.
Helena
23 Jul 2009 05:46:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

I forgot to mention that it sounds like the Cs.
Helena
23 Jul 2009 05:51:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These A1 calls are in Johnstone Strait again.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 06:23:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s (there possibly were A12 calls as well) are calling every so often. We also heard a report that there is another group in Queen Charlotte Strait headed east toward Donegal Head.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 07:34:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s are in the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 08:53:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Really, Close and distant calls. The a34s (without A12) are headed east through Blackfish Sound while the A36s (?with A12) are nearer the Bight.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 09:42:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We think the A36s turned west toward Cracroft Point to "meet" up with the incoming whales. After "greeting" the groups have turned east back toward the Bight. They are past Critical point.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:01:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We're hearing rubbing sounds & calls on the rubbing beach hydrophone.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:43:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So...the meet and greet must have resulted in the A36s heading west and the A30s heading east to the beaches and beyond. The question for the day is where are the A34s who were definitely seen earlier off Donegal Head. There was a report that the "Rs" were in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 13:33:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s (with A12) are vocal again off the western end of Hanson Island/Weynton Pass.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 15:14:53 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A36s and A12 are heading north through Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 18:37:41 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like the A30s have made it back to Robson Bight!
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:24:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sorry the last note was a bit confusing. The A36s and A12 were in Blackfish Sound when they first called but then the A30s quickly approached Critical Point in Robson Bight from the east.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:38:44 PDT

No orcas present.

Paul and I were away again for part of yesterday and most of today. And it seems there have been some very exciting developments as some of may already know. We got back tonight to hear that the A34s came in this morning (between 9 and 10am) via Blackney Pass. They "met" up with A12 and the A36s in johnstone Strait. later, everyone went out to the west and were off Donegal Head in Queen Charlotte Strait around 8pm. Sounds like the A34s came in to collect A12! Lovely!
Helena
21 Jul 2009 23:51:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Just over 12 hours since the last reported sighting east of Camp Point, the whales have returned to the Ecological Reserve. Also yesterday, closer to Port Hardy, the Mackays reported seeing the A11s with Springer just after Noon.
Helena
20 Jul 2009 05:45:19 PDT

A12 and A36s left to the east

No orcas present.

A report just in from Nick via marie on the "Cliff" that A12 is in a resting line with the A36s ofrf Camp Point.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 10:48:39 PDT

No orcas present.

Apparently, A12 and the A36s are headed back west after a tour of Nodales Channel. At 4:30pm they were still east of Camp point whhich is where they were found at Noon today.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 19:32:54 PDT

A12 joined the A36s

Boat noise

just hints this morning, nothing obvious. Possibly faint calls around 5:30am and then possible echo location at 8am. Hopefully, the picture will become clearer.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 08:41:33 PDT


Distant calls audible.

Here is sweet image, A12 is with the A36s this morning! She is closest to A46 off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 10:44:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and A12 re-entered Johnstone Strait at about 12:20 pm. They are now east bound. It is unclear where the A30s went last night. It is possible they went out to the west. There was a report today of orcas west bound off Malcolm Island. The boats from Campbell River did not see anything on their way up from the east.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 13:17:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 is ahead of the A36s. She had been with A46 on the Hanson Island side and then shot over to Vancouver Island. The A36s regrouped west of her and finally turned eastwartd again when off the Wastell Islands near Telegraph Cove. As they neared Blinkhorn,A 12 was just west of Kaikash Creek around 3:50pm.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 16:26:31 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait ffor now. We have not heard from A12 for a long while. She was seen heading west from Kaikash Creek at 5:30pm when the A36s were further west near Blinkhorn. It will be interesting to see where everyone ends up by morning.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 22:26:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It may be that the A36s finally decided to go east of Robson Bight.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 23:17:40 PDT

A36s joined the A30s and A12

No orcas present.

We did hear "something" in Blackfish Sound starting after 6am. Boat noise and distance have made it difficult to say just what is out there. No morning reports on the A30s yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 08:59:19 PDT

No orcas present.

We have heard that the A36s have been seen off the western end of Malcolm Island recently. They are not yet committed to travelling into this area. Also, the Columbia III reports seeing T20/T21 just west of us. This may have been who we were hearing earlier.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 09:25:27 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s are still moving through Queen Charlotte Strait toward Blackfish Sound as the A30s and A12 move west toward the Ecological Reserve Johnstone Strait from the Eve River. None of the groups are quite "in" yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 12:25:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like A12 and the A30s are now passing the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 14:25:06 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36 brothers are just entering Johnstone Strait, after coming through Blackfish Sound & Blackney Pass. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. They were silent as they traveled slowly, together, through Blackney, so beautiiful to see in the late afternoon sunlight.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 18:55:09 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s "met" up with the A30s and A12 in Johnstone Strait. They are now nearing Robson Bight. Beautiful!
Helena
17 Jul 2009 20:25:42 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s are headed north through Blackney Pass. No boat noise & clear calls. Lovely.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 23:38:23 PDT

A30s and A12 left to the east

Orcas relaxing.

We're hearing A1 "resting" calls on the Flower island hydrophone.
Helena
16 Jul 2009 07:31:36 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s have just entered Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. Lovely calm morning, the A30s passed us in the edges of fog, numerous breaches as they went by. We're hearing the calls on the CP & CrPt hydrophones.
Helena
16 Jul 2009 08:03:13 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are in Robson Bight. We're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone. A short while ago, we also heard a brief rub, possibly by A12.
Helena
16 Jul 2009 09:10:27 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sounds like the A30s are having a rub!
Helena
16 Jul 2009 09:31:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There was a brief power outage in Alert Bay which caused the interruption in streaming. While this was happening, the A30s and A12 moved off the beaches and back to the west. A12 travelled along Cracroft Island, crossed the entrance to Blackney pass and carried on up the Hanson Island shore. The A30s travelled along Vancouver Island and are now nearing Blinkhorn.
Helena
16 Jul 2009 13:18:46 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s and A12 turned off of Telegraph Cove. The are now heading back to the east.
Helena
16 Jul 2009 14:35:15 PDT

No orcas present.

After the turn, the A30s and A12 continued east to the beaches where they rubbed briefly and then continued east out of the Reserve at 5:30pm.
Helena
16 Jul 2009 20:10:21 PDT

A12 following A30s

Distant calls audible.

A busy Johnstone Strait night for the whales. After the last rub, when it sounded like A12 was one of the last ones in, the A30s moved back west toward Cracroft Point. From there there calls became distant probably the whales continued west while making a turn back to Critical Point. More eastward movement has brought them back to the beaches once more.
Helena
15 Jul 2009 05:48:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing occasional distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The A30s are in western Johnstone Strait, in fog off Blinkhorn light, pointed west.
Helena
15 Jul 2009 10:15:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Back and forth and back with streaming audio (the computer did an update and closed the streaming session). After the last rub, the A30s (?+A12) returned to the west again. This time they made it as far as Telegraph Cove. At 10:20 am, they turned back to the east and are now spread out across Johnstone Strait, past Blinkhorn.
Helena
15 Jul 2009 11:18:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s with possibly A12 following just headed north through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Some of their callls were very close to Flower island as they passed but these became quickly distant as they moved on. A38 was in front, a39 was with A30 and the other two groups were further over swimming fairly close to each other. We think A12 was following.
Helena
15 Jul 2009 13:00:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There are now calls in Johnsstone Strait.
Helena
15 Jul 2009 16:38:34 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Sleepy afternoon whales. The got into Johnstone Strait and except for a few calls while one of the males was off Cracroft Point, it has mostly been quiet.
Helena
15 Jul 2009 19:59:28 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s (with A12?) must have turned before those last calls and entered Weynton Pass to head for Blackfish Sound where they are now.
Helena
15 Jul 2009 20:59:56 PDT

A12 joined the A30s

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are travelling north through Blackney Pass after leaving Johnstone Strait.
Helena
14 Jul 2009 01:40:35 PDT

No orcas present.

I thought I may have heard a call before 7am but there has been nothing since. We last heard the A30s at 2:51am while they were still heading west in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
14 Jul 2009 08:15:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Time to catch up. Paul and I had to go to town. While on our way, the A30s were located off Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait before 11am. Soon afterwards, they slowed down and turned back east. By the time they were between Lizard Point and Donegal Head A12 was seen travelling with the A30s. It is not clear when she joined them. A12 led the way into Johnstone Strait around 4:30pm, the others soon followed. They then travelled east and past Robson Bight but then doubled back without going in for a rub. Just now they have been very close to Critical Point and might go back east once more. We will soon know if that is their intention.
Helena
14 Jul 2009 22:31:23 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

They have gone east for a rub!
Helena
14 Jul 2009 22:42:44 PDT

A30s have returned

No calls but orcas nearby

Well...we thought for a while A12 might come into Blackney Pass. She made it to the entrance way and then turned back to johnstone Strait. We believe she carried on to the west against the flooding tide. The A30s are making progress through Queen Charlotte Strait and they should be encouraged by the flooding tide. Another group was seen heading west off Numas a while ago. This may be a transient group. The dolphins went back to Blackfish Sound but the humpback in Blackney continued toward Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 16:21:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Very distant A1 calls at the top of Blackfish Sound!
Helena
13 Jul 2009 18:29:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls we're hearing are on the Critical Point hydrophone. Sounds like the A30s have entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 19:10:23 PDT

Distant calls audible.

I need to correct what happened to A12. After getting to the entrance of Blackney Pass she turned and went back to Johnstone Strait. But instead of going west she went east and was out of sight from the Cliff by 5pm. She never did call! A30 are going east still.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 19:40:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have passed the entrance to Blackney Pass and are continuing to the east.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 20:30:09 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are nearing Robson Bight!
Helena
13 Jul 2009 21:54:51 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have really arrived. Lovely calls at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 22:53:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in Robson Bight!
Helena and Paul
13 Jul 2009 23:15:42 PDT

No orcas present.

Very foggy this morning. The night was fairly quiet, although I thought i heard something just before 6am. But the boat noise took a long time to settle down,after which there were no further sounds. We have heard from CetaceaLab that they have had A5s nearby and further north some of the I31s were seen off of Prince Rupert by DFO.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 08:33:17 PDT

No orcas present.

A further note from the north: CetaceaLab identified the A43s,A51s and A35s from their yesterday pictures. Today they are listening to G clan calls, either the I31s or I11s.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 10:20:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 has been seen. She is heading west past the "Cliff" on Cracroft Island opposite Robson Bight. Also! The Mackays report that the A30s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were off Doyle Island near port Hardy around noon. There are also Pacific Whitesided dolphins in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Jul 2009 13:17:39 PDT

A12 and Transients

Boat noise

A12 was reported far to the east this morning; first, off Chatham Point (about as far east as you can go in Johnstone Strait!) at 9:30am, second off Bear Point slowly heading west (11:15 am). There is a possible transient group west of the Fosters in Queen Charlotte Strait, to the west of us, heading east very slowly.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 12:25:41 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It is possible that the group of transients who were in Queen Charlotte Strait have appeared in Blackney Pass. There are 6, in two groups o 4 and 2. They are moving very slowly towards Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 19:45:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Hmmmm...A12 has also made it to Johnstone Strait. She is off boat Bay (opposite Robson Bight) headed west after spending time in the east.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 20:00:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The male and female pair of transients has doubled back through Blackney Pass. They are on their way to Blackfish Sound. So far there is no sign of the other four. A12 gave a couple of calls before the transients exited Johnstone Strait. We have not heard her since so we don't know if she has kept going west. The tide is ebbing and so might encourage her to do so.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 21:33:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The evening gets more and more interesting. We heard transient calls briefly in Johnstone Strait. We were not able to source the calls other than generally.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 22:12:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those last transient calls, a short while ago were in Johnstone Strait. This probably means, the group of four (two females, two juveniles, stayed straitside while the pair travelled north in Blackney Pass. We do not know where A12 might have gotten to..
Helena
12 Jul 2009 23:10:45 PDT

A12 still the only girl in town.

Orcas hunting fish.

Just a short while ago we heard close echo location. It sounded like it was off Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 06:25:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 is headed north in Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 08:47:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 did a circuit around hanson Island to re-enter johnstone Strait at 11:47am. She is now east of Cracroft Point headed to the Ecological Reserve. Being the only whale in town she is getting a lot of attention: 1 whale to at least 7 boats!
Helena
11 Jul 2009 13:31:24 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

A12 has rounded Critical Point (2:34pm) and is still headed east along Vancouver Island.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 14:45:49 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sounds like A12 has arrived at the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 15:40:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sounds like A12 has arrived at the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 16:15:12 PDT

No orcas present.

A12 carried on to the east from the beaches. This is very similar to her movements for the last couple of days,
Helena
11 Jul 2009 16:17:22 PDT

No orcas present.

We did not hear anything overnight.
Helena
10 Jul 2009 08:18:22 PDT

A12 came back and left. Still on her own!

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins this morning,at times very close to Critical Point, in Robson Bight. They very quickly grew distant. There was also another group that went north in Blackney Pass this morning in the wake of a cruise ship going in the same direction.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 09:09:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 just went past the Lab headed north! This was a bit of a surprise as was the sight of jumping salmon close to Hanson Island. Last year we saw only one salmon jump for entire dismal season. This is a good sign.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 09:20:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those last calls (through considerable boat noise) were from A12 as she re-entered Johnstone Strait from Blackney Pass. Sounds like she is headed back east.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 15:06:31 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

A12 is now in Robson Bight, perhaps grabbing a bite to eat. She is still by herself and there are no reports of the A34s yet.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 17:24:32 PDT

No orcas present.

The Cliff research site reported that A12 kept going east along Vancouver Island past the Ecological Reserve at 6:30pm.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 19:56:58 PDT

A12 left toe the east

Boat noise

last night we had the impression A12 went beyond Robson Bight. The rest of the night was quiet. Today, A12 has been sighted far to the east.
Helena
08 Jul 2009 10:29:36 PDT

A12 in the area on her own

No calls but orcas nearby

Another tour completed. A12is once again headed back to Johnstone Strait from Blackfish Sound. This time she travelled south through Blackney Pass to do so.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 06:09:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 is now calling.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 06:30:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like A12 may have decided to head east in the Strait.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 07:03:51 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 turned back west and has come along the Cracroft Island shore to Cracroft Point, has crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and is now travelling close to the Hanson Island shore near Big Bay. Meanwhile, ther has been a report of three orcas near Black Bluff headed west.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 12:30:03 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

A12 has come out of Johnstone Strait and has travelled into Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass. She may be trying to secure a bite to eat!
Helena
07 Jul 2009 14:26:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We can't keep up with A12! She is now in Johnstone Strait after doubling back through Blackney Pass.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 17:09:17 PDT

A12 moving around in the area

Distant calls audible.

Our internet connection has been down for a while today as the result of a huge lightning storm which passed over the area between 11pm and midnight. A12 spent the morning in Johnstone Strait. After her 2:20 am rub she headed back to the west and was calling off Cracroft Point by 4am. Later she was seen off of Big Bay (Hanson Island) at 7:50am. From there she crossed over to the western boundary of the Reserve (9:35) and carried on eastward to the Eve River where she once again turned west. She went past the Cliff opposite Robson Bight at 1:30 pm then straight on to Cracroft Point and Blackney Pass. She travelled energetically through Blackney Pass and is now in Blackfish Sound westbound (4:25 pm). Whew! Quite the tour.
Helena
06 Jul 2009 17:16:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There are distant calls once again in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
06 Jul 2009 21:35:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

It now sounds like A12 has found her way into Robson Bight.
Helena
06 Jul 2009 23:16:34 PDT

A33 Nimpkish is dead, A12 is doing well

Distant calls audible.

We have heard just two calls and as of yet have not been able to locate where they were coming from. Someone is out there. meanwhile, dolphinsagain.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 08:55:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales (A12s?)are now in Johnstone Strait having come through Weynton Pass.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 09:19:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Today has been a rather interesting day and one that is a cause for reflection. A12 turned up by herself in Johnstone Strait earlier this morning. Her son, Nimpkish (A33) was not with her. Nor had he been with her earlier this Spring when she was sighted furhter north. This was at the same time as when her daughter's family (the A34s) were here in Johnstone Strait. This most likely means he has died. He was her constant companion. So today, we have been sadly trying to follow her solitary movements in the Strait. She has vocalised every so often and between the whale watch boats like the Tuan, Naiad and Lukwa, researcher Marie on the Cliff, Straitwatch and our own recordings, we have been able to follow her through the day. Unlike the other day, when she was with the A34s in Queen Charlotte Strait, she now seems fairly energetic, travelling and foraging in the Strait. She is pretty much the oldest matriarch in the northern resident community and so must hold a special place in her community. We are hoping that it will not be too long before she is joined by her family.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 19:45:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 just went past the Loab headed into Blackfish Sound. She was breaching! and travelling at a good energetic pace. She looked well.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 20:06:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like A12 might be back in Johnstone Strait again. There has been a very dramatic lightening and thunder storm pass overhead. It is quieter now.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 23:14:38 PDT

A12s at Lizard Point

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s are just west of Lizard Point, in Queen Charlotte Strait. This is just to the west of us so perhaps before they day is out they will drop down to these parts.
Helena
04 Jul 2009 14:02:33 PDT

Uncatalogued Transients

No orcas present.

There weren't any resident orcas today but there was some transient activity near Port McNeill. These whales headed off to the west. The Department of Fisheries reported that these were unusual, uncatalogued, transients. This doesn't happen very often so this was exciting and interesting.
Helena
03 Jul 2009 23:19:40 PDT

A24s back from their trip to the east

Distant calls audible.

The A24s may be back from the eastern tour.
Helena
02 Jul 2009 04:59:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Now, a little further to the west.
Helena
02 Jul 2009 07:04:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A24s have headed into Blackfish sound after travelling north through Blackney Pass after leaving Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Jul 2009 08:40:38 PDT

No orcas present.

The A24s carried on into Queen Charlotte Strait (to the west). They had a long afternoon nap going against the tide. The wind has calmed down too so it must have been quite peaceful (hopefully) out there.
Helena
02 Jul 2009 16:11:45 PDT

A24s in Nodales Channel

No orcas present.

Today the A24s were reported far to the east in Nodales Channel. A strong high pressure ridge has kept sea conditions quite rough for the last few days.
Helena
01 Jul 2009 19:16:16 PDT

A24s left to the east

No calls but orcas nearby

We began hearing A4 calls in Johnstone Strait a little before 7am. We're not sure where the calls were located, but we heard them on the Critical Point hydrophone. The orcas are silent now, and there is a lot of water noise from wind, so listening conditions aren't great.
Helena
30 Jun 2009 07:47:13 PDT

No orcas present.

Probably, the A24s were in the Ecological Reserve earlier when we heard the calls. The Lkuwa received a report that there were whales there about 7:45am. They have not yet been found since but it is thought they may have continued eastward from the Reserve.
Helena
30 Jun 2009 10:25:46 PDT

A24s still in the area

No calls but orcas nearby

Stubbs Island Whale Watch had a lucky day. Just as they were coming out of Telegraph Cove they came across the A24s heading east. They left them off Cracroft Point (CP) at about 10:40am still east bound.
Helena
28 Jun 2009 11:22:24 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A24s are fairly close to Robson Bight and seem to have woken up a bit.
Helena
28 Jun 2009 13:52:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Actually, the A24s are still a bit to the west of Robson Bight, closer to the Sophia Islands mid straight. Pretty clear sounds through the boat noise.
Helena
28 Jun 2009 14:19:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sorry! I need to set an alarm, the computer did its noon glitch. This is a programme issue and hopefully we can work it out of the system. Meanwhile, the A24s have really picked it up heading to the east now at a good travel rate.
Helena
28 Jun 2009 14:23:29 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A24s are at the beaches.
Helena
28 Jun 2009 16:44:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

I believe the rub is over now for a while. Perhaps we will be able to figue out which way they head from there.
Helena
28 Jun 2009 17:26:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These A4 calls (?A24s still) are now opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jun 2009 21:18:27 PDT

A24s arrived with a new baby!

No calls but orcas nearby

Stay tuned! Orcas on the move! There have been several reports: yesterday 30 orcas were seen off the Bella Bella area,last night there was a group off Duval Point, this morning off Black Bluff, and later (just recently) orcas easting from Lizard Point. We may get busy! A minke was also reorted off Telegraph Cove this morning. Thanks to Mackay and Stubbs Island Whale Watching for the updates.
Helena
27 Jun 2009 08:38:12 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A23s are on their way in with another group following behind as they head to the top end of Blackfish Sound. (Stubbs Island)
Helena
27 Jun 2009 09:49:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A24s just went south by the Lab, close to Hanson Island. A24 has a new baby too!
Helena
27 Jun 2009 11:37:29 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A24s are just entering Johnstone Strait!
Helena
27 Jun 2009 11:45:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A24s continue to move eastward toward the Ecological Reserve. Not sure about the reports of other groups. Only the A24s have been positively sighted.
Helena
27 Jun 2009 12:42:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A24s went past Critical Point and then turned around and now have gone all the way back west, past CP, Blackney Pass. They are now approaching Big Bay on Hanson Island.
Helena
27 Jun 2009 15:44:02 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A24s have turned back to the east headed now toward the Ecological Reserve: Sounds like summer!
Helena
27 Jun 2009 19:41:20 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A24s might have moved closer to Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Jun 2009 22:47:34 PDT

No orcas present.

Sorry ! we were in town today and so were not here to restart the computer. Apparently, there was a group of orcas near Port Hardy today, perhaps headed east, so this will make listening tonight very important! On the way in to town we saw a minke in Blackfish Sound and on the way back, a humpback entering Johnstone Strait at Weynton Island. It was a gorgeous day, on the water and everywhere.
Helena
26 Jun 2009 22:49:56 PDT

Transients

No calls but orcas nearby

So here is an educated guess about what has happened so far. Perhaps, the calls heard at 2:35am (this morning) were this group entering the area on the flood tide. After being east, they came back this evening and, for now, headed west. The last calls we heard clearly were at 10:40pm. They seemed to be west of the Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
25 Jun 2009 00:30:48 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Good morning! Very nice transient calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Jun 2009 06:06:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Great morning. A good sized group of transients turned up in Blackney Pass. They headed north to blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Jun 2009 07:12:14 PDT

No orcas present.

Thanks for the notes re calls around 2:35am and thanks for all the intense listening. It really helps to have all ears monitoring. I too heard something at that time but became less confident about what I was hearing. Be nice to think there was someone out there and not just weird boat noise. I guess we will all have to continue to wait,perhaps those transients will oblige. Meanwhile, there is a gale blowing through and everyone is hunkering down for the duration.
Helena
24 Jun 2009 13:03:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Surprise! Did you hear that? The calls (possibly the Cs) were very close (too close) to Critical Point/Robson Bight. They have since become quite distant so we are attempting to determine if the whales are going east or west. Hopefully, they will be vocal again soon.
Helena
24 Jun 2009 21:00:49 PDT

Ds have a new calf!

No orcas present.

Today, the power was off for most of the North Island (Vancouver Island) because a power pole had to be replaced. The internet was down for a while longer after the repair. We are back now. There are no orcas to report but we did hear from the DFO that the Ds were sighted further north and that they too have a new calf. No mention yet as to who is the mum. Meanwhile, the humpbacks and minke continue to use this area.
Helena
23 Jun 2009 16:54:19 PDT

A34s still around?

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of at least 6 orcas has just passed swiftly northwards through Blackney Pass, on the ebbing tide. They looked like the A34s, though we aren't sure, and they were silent. Hopefully, they will call in Blackfish Sound, & then we'll know.
Helena
21 Jun 2009 08:26:48 PDT

A34s

Superb sounds!!

Most likely the A12s are heading back to the west. It is a lovely morning, a bit misty after yesterday's rain.
Helena
20 Jun 2009 06:37:28 PDTNo orcas present.

After the 6:30am calls off Robson Bight, the A34s disappeared. So, as of now, it is not clear if they went west or east. There was a report of 18 orcas off Campbell River today but there were no confirmed identifications. A smaller group of transients were reported in that area during the day. Keep your ears open, someone may yet turn up!
Helena
20 Jun 2009 23:22:48 PDT

A34s are back and with 2 new baby's!

Photo Jim Borrowman.

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing A1 calls in Johnstone Strait! They are back! We will let you know who when we figure it out.
Helena
19 Jun 2009 15:00:53 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It is the A12s! ... making their way eastward toward the Reserve.
Helena
19 Jun 2009 16:36:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Sounds as if the A12s have gone past Robson Bight to the east.
Helena
19 Jun 2009 18:27:12 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A34s are going through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. A12 and A33 are not with them. Jared and Stubbs Island Whale Watch informed us before they came into Blackney Pass that there are two new babies in the group! A62 and A67 are new mothers!
Helena
19 Jun 2009 20:42:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are again hearing calls back in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Jun 2009 23:33:55 PDT

A5s,Gs and A35s nearby Cetacealab

No orcas present.

Sound is back! Thanks to Linda. Word from CetaceaLab: the A35s are nearby and they have heard A5s, Gs and someone from the B/C/D groups recently, as well as, many humpbacks. There was also a report of the other A11s further south along the coast. Getting closer!
Helena
16 Jun 2009 23:25:10 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are sorry that audio has been down. We are away from Hanson Island at the moment and won't be back for a few more days. We will try to figure out what is wrong and get back on line as soon as possible. Please keep checking from time to time.
Helena & Paul
15 Jun 2009 22:09:21 PDT

Performing maintenance

Streaming has stopped for the moment, will be back up in a couple of hours (by 3pm). Apologies!
Paul & Helena
08 Jun 2009 12:15:49 PDT

No orcas present.

A pair of Humpbacks in Blackney Pass this morning.
Helena
05 Jun 2009 10:55:41 PDT

No orcas present.

We've resumed streaming live audio (apologies for the interruption) and hope to keep it running through the summer. No orcas nearby that we know of, though we did see a small group of Dall's porpoises in Blackney Pass earlier today.
Helena & Paul
03 Jun 2009 15:03:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are listening to dolphins in Blackfish Sound. A large humpback is in Blackney Pass. We wwere down for a while because of a blown transformer on Vancouver Island. We are up and running again.
Helena
02 Jun 2009 12:38:23 PDT

Performing maintenance

Sorry, we've had to stop streaming audio for the moment, will try to start it again tomorrow.
Paul & Helena
02 Jun 2009 22:51:24 PDT

No orcas present.

Lovely morning, a humpback startled us as its breath cracked the morning's stillness close to Hanson Island. Afterwards, a sea lion offshore enjoyed breakfast. No further word so far on the Ls.
Helena
31 May 2009 09:22:36 PDT

No orcas present.

This afternoon, "Twister", the rescued humpback passed through Blackney Pass with another humpback. Thanks to Jackie Hildering for the confirmation. Also, CetaceaLab has had visits by the A4s,Hs, Gs and C10s during the last week.
Helena
31 May 2009 18:21:07 PDT

L pod

No orcas present.

More news: the DFO received photos of the whales off Port Hardy last night: L41,L77,L79,L12,L22,L89 were identified. They were reported heading east. No reports today.
Helena
30 May 2009 16:07:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The Mackays report that a large group of orcas was seen earlier this evening near Port Hardy. The whales were headed this direction.
Helena
29 May 2009 23:41:21 PDT

No orcas present.

I forgot to mention that there has been at least one humpback in Blackney Pass during the last couple of days. The humpback who was rescured is known as "Twister". Twister is a familiar humpback to this area. The crew who rescued Twister were overjoyed that the rescue went so well!
Helena
23 May 2009 12:11:31 PDT

T18s

No calls but orcas nearby

A report from StraightWatch at 11am: a small group of transients are heading west into Robson Bight. Also at 8:15am this morning there was at least one humpback in Blackney Pass travelling south along Parson Island.
Helena
17 May 2009 11:20:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Transient call in Johnstone Strait. At least 3 transients (one male) were seen travelling west from Robson Bight mid strait.
Helena
17 May 2009 11:51:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Straitwatch reports that the 4 transients have been identified by Jared Towers as the T18s. They are continuing west mid strait past Kaikash creek. Straitwatch also reports that the humpback who was in Johnstone Strait has turned back toward Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
17 May 2009 12:18:48 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Jared now reports the T18s are actually turning into Blackney Pass!
Helena
17 May 2009 12:22:02 PDT

The T18s travelled north through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound. T19 B stopped for a while and circled around, looking like he was interested in something but as the final pair approached he continued off to the west. It turns out that there were two humpbacks and as the transients turned into Blackney they were only 200 meters apart, to no consequence. A few sea lions were in the water as the transients passed through.
Helena
17 May 2009 13:08:18 PDT

T100s

No calls but orcas nearby

This is a bit late but this afternoon as we headed into town to vote a small group of orcas crossed our path in Weynton Pass. The whales were headed to Johnstone Strait where they eventually headed east. We didn't really stop but Jim Borrowman was able to get some IDs and is pretty sure it was the T100s. Earlier in the day, there were orcas in Robson Bight again. This has been a fairly busy transient month so far.
Helena
12 May 2009 22:57:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We were just informed that there are 5 orcas in Robson Bight heading east.
Helena
07 May 2009 13:23:04 PDT

From the audience:
Just a note....5 orcas southbound past Cape Mudge on Quadra Island at 1200 today
Haywire@c.r. bc
08 May 2009 13:01:18 PDT

Thanks Haywire, wonder if these were the same as here yesterday.
Helena@Hanson Island
08 May 2009 13:44:51 PDT

Could be.......out with the flood. too far away to confirm but the male looked alot like T-19b....
Haywire@c.r. bc
08 May 2009 13:56:08 PDT

No orcas present.

We have not had any activity lately, although, there have been a couple of transient orca sightings and briefly we even heard a sea lion on the hydrophone. We have been streaming and will continue to do so. We also had our first humpback (quite small) in Blackney Pas the other day.
Helena
06 May 2009 21:37:34 PDT

No orcas present.

A very beautiful morning! Warm & sunny. We will take another streaming break today. Streaming will be back on later tonight.
Helena
28 Apr 2009 09:34:27 PDT

Transients T20, T21, T2s T123s

No calls but orcas nearby

Today, two faily sizable transient groups travelled into Johnstone Strait from the west. Jim Boprrowman managed to get IDs. Here is a list of some of today's orcas:T20, T21, T2, T2C, T2C1, T2C2, T123 and T023D
Helena
27 Apr 2009 17:40:34 PDT


Performing maintenance

We're stopped streaming live audio again (still over bandwidth allocation) but will start again tonight, just in case something happens while we're asleep that we miss, & you notice..
Helena & Paul
27 Apr 2009 10:59:28 PDT

No orcas present.

We haven't heard any calls today, but wondered if we might have missed something last night, while we were sleeping. Just in case, we're streaming live audio tonight, thinking it might help to have more ears listening than our own.
Paul & Helena
26 Apr 2009 22:17:45 PDT

Performing maintenance

Hi everyone; sorry, but we have used up our bandwidth allocation for April & have stopped streaming live audio for the moment. We'll resume again at the beginning of May. Meanwhile, if something especially interesting occurs, we'll post a comment & stream live audio while it's happening. Please accept our apologies, along with our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
22 Apr 2009 13:34:40 PDT

A4s and A5s in JS, A36s near Cetacealab

Multiple pod calls audible.

This time, we are listening to A4 and A5 calls in Johnstone Strait! What an April!
Helena
15 Apr 2009 06:02:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We had all the A5s head north through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Apr 2009 07:05:53 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The plot thickens. Cetacealab just reported that they have had the A36s up near them. We never heard the A4s again but the A5s carried on into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
15 Apr 2009 09:03:10 PDT

A5s audible and went to the east

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing A5 calls in Johnstone Strait. Sounds like they may be just west of the entrance to Blackney Pass heading east.
Helena
10 Apr 2009 12:46:21 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Not to be too confusing but these whales maybe further east than we first thought.
Helena
10 Apr 2009 13:02:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A5 group is near Robson Bight by now.
Helena
10 Apr 2009 13:46:46 PDT

No orcas present.

We know that at least the A25s were there and we believe they carried on to the east around 2pm.
Helena
10 Apr 2009 18:51:37 PDT

I31s returned from the east

Distant calls audible.

After a gap of a day or so, we are again hearing I31 type calls in Johnstone Strait. Perhaps they are making their way back to the west.
Helena
08 Apr 2009 13:49:52 PDT

No orcas present.

Thanks to the Mackays we know that 4 orcas have been seen headed toward Haddington Island (between Sointula, Alert Bay and Port McNeill. This might be the whales we heard earlier.
Helena
08 Apr 2009 17:45:04 PDT

C6s and I31s

Distant calls audible.

There are faint calls through the heavy boat noise in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
05 Apr 2009 05:05:15 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Most likely the group that was off the Bight early this morning has headed west into Queen Charlotte Strait via Blackney Pass. At this point we think the C6s were part of this group.
Helena
05 Apr 2009 12:15:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are now hearing calls in Johnstone strait, perhaps, the groups who were east are now beginning to file back. All this activity is extraordinary for April which is usually the quietest month of the calendar year.
Helena
05 Apr 2009 14:32:16 PDT

Orcas near mics.

These I31 type calls are closer to Robson Bight now. Unfortunately, the boat noise continues. The new BC ferry, replacement for the Queen of the North, went north through Blackney Pass about an hour ago. The boat noise has been constant through last night and today. But it is a lovely day, nevertheless. The ocean has calmed down, the evening light nice and soft and the temperature is more Spring like.
Helena
05 Apr 2009 18:14:09 PDT

I31s also passed the area and left to the east

Distant calls audible.

We are now hearing distant G clan calls and echo location, in Johnstone Strait,off the entrance to Blackney Pass!
Helena
04 Apr 2009 14:06:58 PST

Distant calls audible.

Possibly, the calls are from the I31s and it seems like they are eastbound.
Helena
04 Apr 2009 14:37:53 PST

No orcas present.

The whales probably continued east past Robson Bight around 5pm.
Helena
04 Apr 2009 17:09:53 PST

A1s are back!

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to A1 calls in Johnstone Strait this morning!
Helena
03 Apr 2009 07:41:14 PST

Boat noise

Sorry about the sound. The Lab's computer glitched but it should be back now. The calls lasted about 10 minutes and we think the whales went east so hopefully, they will come back soon. Lovely day here, sunny AND warm for the first time in ages.
Helena
03 Apr 2009 16:34:37 PST

T44 found dead, floating near Port Hardy

No orcas present.

A couple of days ago, the MacKays were told of a sighting of a dead orca floating near Hope Island (near Port Hardy). The DFO was alerted and with the help of a Coast Guard boat, that was in the vicinity, the whale was secured. DFO was able to identify the 31 year old transient male as T44. A necropsy will be performed in the next day or so. Finding a whale, soon after death, is a very rare occurrence and presents an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge.
Helena
01 Apr 2009 08:24:18 PST

Humpbacks are back

No orcas present.

Spring may finally be on its way! Stubbs Island, based in Telegraph Cove, saw a humpback passing the other day. Hint of what's to come!
Helena
27 Mar 2009 12:53:42 PST

Transients in JS

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. Sounds like there are transient orcas in Johnstone Strait. The calls are getting louder, so the orcas may be headed east, or possibly towards Blackney Pass.
Helena & Paul
20 Mar 2009 04:34:32 PST

Transients!

Distant calls audible.

There are vocal transients in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Mar 2009 17:15:40 PST

No orcas present.

We are streaming audio once again. Thank you for your patience.
Helena & Paul
13 Mar 2009 19:07:16 PST

Performing maintenance

Our audio is not streaming at the moment. We should be back and up in a few days. Thanks for your continued interest and patience.
Helena and Paul
07 Mar 2009 07:17:55 PST

Gs in the area!

Distant calls audible.

Well, well,well! Just after 8am we began to hear calls in Blackfish Sound. Stay tuned!
Helena
03 Mar 2009 08:21:09 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Not sure what to think at this point. We just got two reports of orcas (large group) heading west this morning in Johnstone Strait and through Pearse Passage. Slack tide to the ebb was at 7:20am. Thanks to Wendy,Bill and Barb for the reports. The OL audience began to hear calls as early as 3am so perhaps a group came in and then left "quickly". We finally picked up on calls just after 8am on the Flower Island station which might mean they are continuing to the west for now.To add to all of this, we thought we heard very distant transient calls around 11:38pm. This is a lot of sudden activity!
Helena
03 Mar 2009 08:44:27 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Another quick update, Bill MacKay in Port McNeill says they can see the whales heading to Sointula.
Helena
03 Mar 2009 08:54:29 PST

No orcas present.

The MacKays went out this morning and followed the big group to Pulteney Point (western tip of Malcolm Island) at 10 am. They saw 25+ whales spread out in about 6 groups. G38 was there. They only heard G clan calls when the whales were vocal. Thanks Donna and Bill, this was a great report! When they left, the whales were still west bound , headed toward the Port Hardy airport. Thanks also to the vigilant OL'ers who heard the calls in the morning. Thank goodness we were streaming!
Helena
03 Mar 2009 17:20:50 PST

No orcas present.

It's been back to winter here lately, wind & more wind, cold & colder, no calls heard... we're fine though, hope you are too.
Paul& Helena
02 Mar 2009 15:38:47 PST

No orcas present

No orcas present.

Great sunny days! But not too much orca activity recently.
Helena
20 Feb 2009 09:05:49 PST

Dolphins calling

No orcas present.

This sounds familiar. At 11:45pm there were close dolphin calls. The morning is sunny and bright and the sea lions are lollying about.
Helena
17 Feb 2009 10:08:45 PST

No orcas present.

Last night around 11pm there were close dolphin calls in the area. Lovely sunny day here today with lots of sea lions enjoying the sunshine too.
Helena
13 Feb 2009 09:40:58 PST

Distant calls audible.

Around 10:15am we heard what sounded like echo location and possible very faint calls. It has not been repeated since so we were not able to source the sounds. There is now boat noise in the Strait.
Helena
11 Feb 2009 10:47:14 PST

A4s and A5s still at the east?

No orcas present.

Sound is back. We have not heard the A4s and A5s again but the DFO found some of the southern residents off Nanaimo yesterday.
Helena & Paul
09 Feb 2009 10:00:22 PST

A4s and A5s in the area

Orcas near mics.

There are A5 calls once again in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
07 Feb 2009 19:35:49 PST

Orcas near mics.

I think there are A4 calls as well.
Helena
07 Feb 2009 19:40:35 PST

Orcas near mics.

I think that they are actually closer to the Ecological Reserve!
Helena
07 Feb 2009 19:49:05 PST

No orcas present.

We are so sorry about the connection. There were not a lot of calls if that is any consolation, and as we think the whales went to the east, perhaps we may be able to solve the problem before they return. Fingers crossed again!
Helena
07 Feb 2009 23:06:59 PST

The A8s went off to the west

No orcas present.

Well it feels as if the A8s may have disappeared off to the west. We did not hear them come through Weynton Pass and into Blackfish Sound so we are left wondering. It would be nice if they have not gone totally away. Regardless, it was lovely to hear them.
Helena
05 Feb 2009 21:57:58 PST

A8s return to JS area

Superb sounds!!

This might be them! Close and distant calls on Critical Point.
Helena
05 Feb 2009 15:27:07 PST

Orcas near mics.

Definitely A5 calls, they are now off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Feb 2009 16:33:48 PST

No orcas present.

Yesterday, the DFO reported that the A8s were still in Georgia Strait but further north than before. They may perhaps make their way back to Johnstone Strait before too long so we will need to keep all ears sharp!
Helena
04 Feb 2009 15:55:26 PST

A8s still in the west?

No orcas present.

We have been waiting for the A8s to make their way back to the west but so far we have not heard them. In fact,it has been "quiet". We heard from CetaceaLab that the A25s and A23s are up north.
Helena
29 Jan 2009 22:18:29 PST

Transients in Blackfish Sound

Superb sounds!!

We're hearing calls from transient orcas in Blackfish Sound, on the Flower Island hydrophone. There is no boat noise & the calls are clear. The ocean is calm & there is a light dusting of snow all around.
Helena & Paul
25 Jan 2009 03:13:29 PST

Pacific Whitesided Dolphins in JS

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing faint pacific whitesided dolphins in johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Jan 2009 13:35:32 PST

Orca-live is up and running!!

No calls but orcas nearby

Surprise,We are back! After what seems like an age, we have managed to reconstruct the system: All new radios. After so many trials and errors we are cautiously optomistic. It is possible that the signal will be intermittent until we solve one last problem but we will do our best to continue streaming live audio. Keep your fingers crossed! The last month has been incredibly busy with orcas - wouldn't you know it? The area has been visted by several transient groups, as well as, the I31s and A5s, from the northern resident community. On January 11th, the 131s were first heard coming into the area. During the following two weeks, they have travelled the entire length of Johnstone Strait. Recently, the I33 matriline has been heard and seen going back and forth from the Ecological Reserve to Telegraph Cove. Possibly, last night they were joined by the other I31s. We finally lost track of the calls, (still in the Strait), around midnight. Today, we got word that the A8s were near Pender Harbour! We had heard them come in and head east early January 20th. Pender Harbour is where Corky and 5 other A5 pod members were captured and taken away in 1969 - 39 years ago! Although the A5s have been known to travel Georgia Strait, this is an historic return to this location.
Helena and Paul
23 Jan 2009 21:37:26 PST

No orcas present.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
Paul& Helena
02 Jan 2009 15:27:33 PST