Distant calls audible.

Yes, you are right. It is the A30s. After moving eastward for a bit the A30s have come back in range of Critical Point. Perhaps they are fairly offshore and not as yet close to Robson Bight.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 01:40:14 PDT

Superb sounds!!

This has been just great. The A30s are very much in the Bight and enjoying a good bite to eat by the sounds of it!
Helena
13 Jul 2010 02:41:07 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

In for the rub after the bite in the Bight.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 03:58:09 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in Robson Bight, fishing & calling, sounds like a lovely dawn, without boat noise.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 04:43:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s travelled west after returning to the Bight at 4am. The tide began to ebb at 5am. Stubbs Island reported seeing this group off of Telegraph Cove at 7:30am. They were still moving west toward beaver Cove.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 08:52:55 PDT

No orcas present.

We just heard from the Lukwa that the A30s have gone around Donegal Head and heading into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 09:53:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A while ago we heard some echolocation. It was eventually repeated on the Critical Point hydronphone. The Cliff was able to locate three fins near Robson Point in the Bight. This small group is foraging but quite silent. On the otherside, the A30s gave everyone the slip so everyone wondered if they had back tracked into Blackfish Sound. So far no indication that this is what has happened although the tide is in flood and this might encourage the A30s this direction. Fingers crossed.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 12:19:59 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There was a bit of a mystery today. Three whales headed west through Robson Bight this morning. They were all small fins and difficult to see in the windy conditions. We heard just enough echo location to locate the whales in the Strait. The Cliff later informed us of their journey up Vancouver Island to Little Kaikash. The whale watch boats let us know when they turned back to the east in the afternoon. Meanwhile, we were all scratching our heads wondering who was there in this unusual combination of two female adult fins and a little one. One little call helped to point us in the right direction - Rs. But only one group, the R13s, was anywhere near that small and we still could not explain the third whale. After a phone call to Jared Towers there was some clarification. DFO's Graeme Ellis had encountered the same group earlier and further north. It turns out that W3 after losing another and her last son this year chose to travel with R13 and her little one, R47. They are still eastbound at last report and still very, very quiet. W3 along with A12 are the oldest matriarchs in the community.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 18:05:49 PDT

Helena, thanks for that update. Does this also mean that R7 also died this or last year?
Jan@Netherlands
13 Jul 2010 20:45:16 PDT

Hi Jan, Sorry we were busy here and I didn't see your note. R7 has been missing since 2008.
Helena@Hanson I
13 Jul 2010 22:28:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These distant A1 calls (?A30s) are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Jul 2010 21:33:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago, not sure who, not sure where, but somebody is out there.
Helena
12 Jul 2010 07:04:33 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Some of the mystery may have been solved. At 8am, two males were seen off of Telegraph Cove. A third whale was also reported at the ame time. We heard only distant A12 calls at 6:40am. Perhaps, the A36s with A12 managed to make their way back here from the east on this very strong ebb tide. Very, very windy today so sighting conditions are poor and these whales have disappeared and we have not heard anything since. There is a report of whales to the east still. At 9am they were headed to Thurston Bay. last night Hurricane Jack reprted they were in Cordero Channel at 8pm. Also, from yesterday, Bill and Donna Mackay had an exciting encounter with a very large group of orcas off of Gordon Channel neat Port Hardy. Included in that group were possibly the C10s, Ds, I22s and I18s. All of these are A clan whales. So despite the "silence" there is actually a lot happening. Even the sun is shining!
Helena
12 Jul 2010 10:17:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These distant calls are coming from two different directions. The A34s have come in from Weynton Pass and are quickly heading east. The A36s (A12 has yet to be located) are travellling quickly westward to meet up with the new arrivals.
Helena
12 Jul 2010 15:39:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s just went by the Lab moving very slowly against the strong ebbing tide. But they were not alone. In the late eveing light we watched another group, perhaps the C6s, adjust themselves into the back eddy close to hanson Island. They finally made way towards Johnstone Strait. We have not yet heard them. The tide will turn in about two hours so hopefully it will be come easier,
Helena
12 Jul 2010 22:41:21 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Really don't know what to make of this yet. We have not heard any C like calls but there were a few very loud "R" like calls clsoe to Robson Bight. This probably needs more clues before we can say who beyond the A30s came in tonight,. Stay tuned! They are nearing the Bight now.
Helena
12 Jul 2010 23:43:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A8s are on their way back from the east. The A11s are most likely not too far away from them as well, although, we have not heard them yet. We lost track of the A36s and A12 when they were still not far from the Ecological Reserve around 6pm. At that time they were west bound again after some shuffling back and forth.
Helena
11 Jul 2010 03:41:13 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales are fairly close to Vancouver Island and they have moved further west so despite the constant boat noise the calls are quite clear. I forgot to mention that we first started to hear calls just after 3am.
Helena
11 Jul 2010 03:49:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A11S (WITH A73) are there as well as the groups continue west from the Reserve.
Helena
11 Jul 2010 03:57:59 PDT

No orcas present.

We lost track of the whales around 6am. The A36s/A12 may have joined up with the A8s and A11s just before this and perhaps returned eastward. It is a very foggy morning and all has been quiet for the last few hours.
Helena
11 Jul 2010 08:57:54 PDT

No orcas present.

A recent report of a sighting of orcas near Eve River, heading east in a resting line, suggests that at least some of the A11s, A8s, A36s with A12, are heading back to the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
11 Jul 2010 11:25:08 PDT

No orcas present.

We are very much left in between this morning. A large group of orcas was reported off Pine Is. (Queen Charlotte Strait) this morning. Originally, they were reported eastbound but a later update from the Naiad Explorer corrected this to west bound from the eastern end of Gordon Channel. No firm ids yet. AND, the A8s,A11s, A73 and A12 and the A36s are east bound at Hickey Point (lower Johnstone Strait).
Helena
11 Jul 2010 13:01:37 PDT

No orcas present.

A bit of a blank this morning along with a blanket of fog. So far nothing to report. The night was quiet and the Boat Bay crew never heard blows from the A36s/A12 passing the area around Robson Bight so their whereabouts are unknown. We believe the A8s and A11s continued east out of the Reserve yesterday.
Helena
10 Jul 2010 09:10:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The fog is lifting a bit and along with it there is some clarity about the whale movement. As we lost track of the A36s and A12 before 9pm we had the impression that they were in Johnstone Strait. After a few calls this morning we were able to determine that they were still there and finally a report from Angela mentioned that they were off Izumi Rock (west of Robson Bight) heading west. There had been a report of a lone fin off of Donegal Head this morning and this was most likely a minke whale. The other residents ,the A8s and A11s are far to the east in Nodales Channel. The A36s and A12 are only intermittently vocal as they continue westward in the Strait.
Helena
10 Jul 2010 11:22:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and A12 have been parked all day in front of CP. They have been quite spread out and calling only a few times.
Helena
10 Jul 2010 15:05:54 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s along with A12 are now in the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
10 Jul 2010 16:06:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and A12 are going back to the west. They turned at 4:37pm and have been foraging once again in the Bight. Word from "below", the A8s and A11s and A73 are also west bound from Camp Point. Thanks Marie for the reports. We have also been hearing dolphins in Blackfish Sound. Humpbacks in Blackney round out the picture.
Helena
10 Jul 2010 17:50:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It doesn't seem like they are venturing far from the Bight.
Helena
10 Jul 2010 18:39:17 PDT

Performing maintenance

Our connection to the internet is intermittent at this time, so please bear with us (& Keta Cable). Apologies for the inconvenience, & our best wishes to all.
Paul & Helena
10 Jul 2010 21:58:08 PDT

No orcas present.

A quiet night once again! We did hear a couple of "calls" in Johnstone Strait around 10pm buried in boat noise. Nothing developed from this so it left us wondering if it might have been dolphins. Confusing and not much to go on. Lovely morning once again.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 08:20:25 PDT

No orcas present.

I should add that there is a wonderful humpback heading south in Blackney Pass.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 08:40:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We heard a report of orca blows at Naka Creek, from the Maple Leaf, a short while ago, and just now are hearing A4 & A5 calls on the rubbing beach hydrophone, so it sounds like the gang is coming back from the east!
Helena
09 Jul 2010 09:53:04 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to these great calls from the A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone - sounds like the orcas are moving quickly westward.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 10:33:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A36s (w. A12 probably) are travelling fairly quickly to the west along with the A8s and A11a and A73. Stronger A5 calls at the moment.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 10:50:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The orcas are continuing west spread out in the vicinity of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 14:31:48 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The groups came back from the west. A12 and the A36s came into Blackney Pass and headed north after some foraging. meanwhile, the A11s,A8s and A73 continued toward Robson Bight where they are now. Sounds like they too are stopping for dinner. Apparently, A56's new baby was very excited as they travelled eastward. Audio is working again. Sorry, we were working on the batteries, interrupted power and the computer did not boot. We fixed it in time to hear these great sounds from the groups in the Bight.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 17:34:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Sorry, this is a bit late but the A8s went in for a good rub. We never heard the A4s but we know, thanks to Marie, that they were there!. The A36s and A12 disappeared to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 19:13:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the A36s (still with A12 possibly) went around Hanson Island and back into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Jul 2010 20:50:34 PDT

No orcas present.

Hmmmm..... quiet night except for the BIG ants that came out with yesterday's heat. Lovely summer morning, light everywhere.
Helena
08 Jul 2010 07:13:13 PDT

No orcas present.

At 10am the Naiad Explorer received news that all the residents (A11s, A73, A36s, A8s and A12 were headed to Frederick Arm and Sonora Island. Stripe and other humpback continue to go about their business around here.
Helena
08 Jul 2010 12:35:37 PDT

No orcas present.

Here is the report from the east: "We had all the orca down Nodales today I was with them most the day. Jeff found them at Davies Pt by Thurston Bay @ 9ish am then off to Hall Pt easting. They then turned around 11-1130 and headed back west to Davies Pt. I left them there around 1pm I'm sure Hurricane Jack will have an update tonight. Last I heard around 2pm they were past Chatham Pt still westing." AJ@CR
Helena
08 Jul 2010 18:53:15 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight, & think the A36s & A12 are probably somewhere to the east of us. We are waiting.
Helena
07 Jul 2010 08:12:30 PDT

No orcas present.

A daytime report is in: the A36s and A12 are off Camp Pt. in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Jul 2010 09:39:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There is a new incoming group! No positive ids yet but a fisherman reported orcas off of Donegal Head headed to Blackfish Sound. The whale watch boats have arrived on scene and think that the whales are pointing toward Weynton Pass. A group of dolphins came into Blackney Pass just after the orca report. They were vocal. A12 and the brothers are near Kelsey Bay.
Helena
07 Jul 2010 14:16:03 PDT

Superb sounds!!

This is so lovely. A5 and A4 calls in Johnstone Strait continue as they move eastward.
Helena
07 Jul 2010 15:03:11 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We heard a burst of close echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone a few minutes ago... sounds like the orcas are grabbing a bite in the Bight!
Helena
07 Jul 2010 17:00:58 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Someone sounds like they got to the beaches, no calls just yet!
Helena
07 Jul 2010 17:17:00 PDT

No orcas present.

We now know (thanks to Jared Towers and Marie Fournier) that A11, A56 and A73 travelled in today with the A8s. A56 has a new baby! but sadly A13 is missing. They all continued east out of the Ecological Reserve after each group had a silent rub at the beaches. At 7pm A12 and the A36s were seen headed into Nodales Channel. A beautiful minke whale also came in close to CP while Paul and Fiona were there. What a nice day!
Helena
07 Jul 2010 20:41:22 PDT

No orcas present.

We were not aware of any calls during the night so we will wait for the daytime reports. It will be interesting to see where A12 and the A36s are this morning.
Helena
06 Jul 2010 08:09:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing A1 calls off of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
06 Jul 2010 10:33:41 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s and A12 apparently turned back to the east after Boat Bay (10:30am) and they have now passed the Broken Islands and still heading east. Aaron's repot to Marie at the Cliff).
Helena
06 Jul 2010 15:06:43 PDT

No orcas present.

No sign of A12 and the A36s yet this morning BUT orcas have been sighted in Nodales Channel (report from Hurricane Jack) so possibly this will turn out to be A12 and the brothers. A humpback passed by the Lab yesterday evening fairly close to the Lab in the fading light.
Helena
05 Jul 2010 10:50:00 PDT

No orcas present.

I thought to post Aaron's report on this side for the record. Thanks Aaaron so very much! "1pm, left the 3 whales @ Hall Pt. @ the N tip of Sonora Island, well spread out, happily foraging this way then that, close to the shore in calm glittering waters, possibly in Frederick Arm by now. No vocals that I could hear, just clicks. The tide is beginning to turn and they will likely swim back out to the W. with it. " Aaron@sonora@sonora
Helena
05 Jul 2010 15:25:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Good Morning! Sounds like the A36s ( and ? A12) are once again in Blackfish Sound. Wet and foggy this morning.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 05:03:47 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s with A12 cleared into Blackfish Sound at 3:05pm afterforaging for quite a while off of Big Bay in Johnstone Strait. A humpback and minke whale in Blackney Pass complimented another full day today.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 15:33:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and most likely A12 are back in Johnstone Strait. Humpbacks have been in Blackney Pass the entire day. Just now, one fellow was heading north through the Pass.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 21:23:45 PDT

A36s (2 brothers) and A12

No calls but orcas nearby

The dolphins have all gone through to Johnstone Strait. meanwhile, the orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait have been identified as A37, A46 (the remaining two brothers of the A36s) and A12. They are till lingering off of Lizard Point. No direction home yet. Still west of Blackfish Sound and out of range. Jared Towers supplied the identification.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 11:19:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s, with A12, are reported to be heading east in Blackfish Sound. They are silent, but there's a good chance we'll see them soon!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 15:08:00 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, with A12, are just now entering Johnstone Strait. They called before entry - so great to hear them again!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 16:47:09 PDT

Superb sounds!!

These lovely calls are from the two A36 brothers as they near Robson Bight. A12 led the brothers into Johnstone Strait at 4:41pm. We have heard her only briefly so far.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 18:58:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Yes! They got to the beaches! First rub of the season.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 19:39:38 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

And now back to Robson Bight!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 20:20:14 PDT

Humpbacks on Canada Day

No orcas present.

On Canada Day (July 1), Jackie reported: 4 humpbacks in the area yesterday, including "Freckles" the smaller animal with the unique skin condition: "Stripe" BCZ0004 "Twister" BCY0291 "Freckles" BCY0727 "KC" BCY0291 - thank you Marie and Nic!
Helena
02 Jul 2010 07:24:15 PDT

No orcas present.

I just caught up with the comment board and saw Maureen's note Re the A30s! "Thought I'd let you know we saw the A30s at the northwest end of Banks Island on June 6." Cheers Maureen Gordon@Maple Leaf That is really good news. Thanks.
Helena
02 Jul 2010 07:43:11 PDT

T014, T124C, T065A, T065A2, T065A3, T036A1, and CA058.

No calls but orcas nearby

Here is a note for yesterday. Late after noon and early evening 7 transients headed west in Johnstone Strait. The Robson Bight Wardens gave the heads up and this was followed up by Jared Towers who gave the following report: "The transients that left Campbell River early this morning passed Alert Bay still westbound about an hour ago. We witnessed them kill a Dall's porpoise in Weynton prior to this. They were quite a random mix, 7 total. T014, T124C, T065A, T065A2, T065A3, T036A1, and CA058." The Lab was busy following their progress and even our boat, headed home from Alert Bay, managed to catch a glimpse of them as they crossed the entrance of Weynton Pass at the Stephenson Islands. A lone humpback was also in Blackney during the arrival of the June Cove. Quite the day for everyone.
Helena
01 Jul 2010 07:16:33 PDT

A34s spotted

No orcas present.

Cetacealab has seen the A34s recently and Bill and Donna Mackay tried to follow up a report of several "fins" in Fitzhugh Sound. Nothing has shown up as yet west of Port Hardy. Meanwhile, as we wait an wait.... the humpbacks and minke continue their residency in the "core" area much to the delight of the whale watchers.
Helena
29 Jun 2010 08:13:52 PDT

Humpbacks

No orcas present.

Yesterday a very familiar pair of humpbacks, Chunky and Stripe (aka Notchos & Salsa) were going back and forth between Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound. Twister was also around for a loose trio.
Helena
26 Jun 2010 06:34:00 PDT

No orcas present.

Lovely, lovely morning here! A humpback was lazily travelling north this morning in Blackney Pass at 6am. Paul has posted his 3rd IWC comment. There have been problems accessing orcalab.org. Anna thinks it may be the host server. Please be patient and keep trying. It is working again right now. Paul was off this afternoon to the Avaaz presentation of their petition.
Helena
22 Jun 2010 07:57:24 PDT

Humpbacks

No orcas present.

No sign of resident whales yet in this area but several humpbacks continue to be settling in for the season. Recently, there have been large groups of dolphins (200 - 500) quite nearby and small groups of Dalls porpoise have rounded out the increasingly busy scene.
Helena
21 Jun 2010 04:45:59 PDT

No orcas present.

Jackie reports that a new, never seen in this area, humpback is around. We hae had a mum & baby in Blackney for the last few days. The young one delighted everyone by breaching twice. No Ids yet.
Helena
21 Jun 2010 19:46:17 PDT

Performing maintenance

Audio should be working again. Today, humpbacks moving between Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass for most of the day. According to the Tuan (Seasmoke Whale Watching) there were also dolphins in Blackfish Sound earlier. And finally some sun as well.
Helena
19 Jun 2010 16:42:18 PDT

L pod in the area

Distant calls audible.

Here is a surprise! A group of yet to be idenified orcas passed through Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass earlier. They are just becoming audible nearing Robson Bight. Still difficult to hear but it does not yet sound like northern residents. 200 dolphin were also seen by Stubbs Island Whale Watch along with three humpbacks.
Helena
17 Jun 2010 15:50:17 PDT

No orcas present.

Yes, the whales today were the Ls (Southern Residents) doing a tour around Vancouver Island. Mary Borrowman at Stubbs Island Whale Watching confirmed the information. Hopefully, they are well on their way back to the San Juans!
Helena
17 Jun 2010 21:35:54 PDT

A32 Cracroft missing

CetaceaLab reports that a large group of northern resident whales were nearby yesterday (June 15). The group included the A5s, A24s, A34s, Cs and Ds. The A36s were also there along with A12. This is the second sighting of the A36s with A12. Sadly, it looks as if A32 (Cracroft) is now gone as he was not seen during either encounter. He will be missed very much. On another track, Paul is off to the IWC. The meeting is being held in Agadir, Morocco this year. We have set up a blog on www.orcalab.org (link at the top right) so that he will be able to post summaries and comments during the meeting. It is a crucial year for the IWC and for whales. The threat to resume commercial whaling is a very real possibility.
Helena
16 Jun 2010 08:27

Audio streaming

Boat noise

Thanks to JStream and Jesse Gordon, we're streaming live audio again. Thanks, too, for your patience!
Paul & Helena
03 Jun 2010 22:19:08 PDT

Chatting dolphins

We had very vocal dolphins on the critical point hydrophone last night from 2230-0545 this morning!! Just now we spotted ~100 dolphins traveling North through Blackney Passage and they were briefly vocal on the Flower island hydrophone.
Marie
30 May 2010 11:22:48 PDT

Minke whale

Spring is definitely in the air around here, yesterday we had a Minke about 75m in front of the lab heading South @ 1715 as well as a humpback about 170m off the lab heading North @1805!
Marie
29 May 2010 11:08:30 PDT

Grey whale in JS

We spotted a Gray whale from the lookout station called Sundance in Johnstone Strait!!! It was 250m offshore heading West @1250.
Marie & Leah
27 May 2010 16:04:33 PDT

Humpback whale

We just spotted a humpback by the Swanson island shoreline slowly heading North!!
Marie
26 May 2010 12:55:13 PDT

T018 and T019s

No orcas present.

Lots of transient movement lately. Jared Towers reported that T18 & T19 were seen travelling west yesterday afternoon past Alert Bay.
Helena
25 May 2010 08:03:30 PDT

Just an update - We have confirmed the the T's we had in Blackney Pass yesterday were T018 and T019's.
Leah
25 May 2010 09:08:58 PDT

T14

No calls but orcas nearby

We had T14 silently pass by the lab at 1835 yesterday. He was only 60m off shore and the water was like glass, a beautiful sight! At 1937 he made a few calls on Flower Island. Then at 0100 this morning we had dolphins on the Parson Island hydrophone.
Leah & Marie
24 May 2010 10:21:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We managed to spot 4 transients,1 male, heading North through Blackney Passage at 1439, despite the strong winds and choppy seas. They took a detour into Parson Bay then turned at 1515 and headed South and out of view by 1600.
Marie & Leah
24 May 2010 16:34:09 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are making some changes to our network, so will be down for a while. Hope to be back live soon. Thanks for your patience, & our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
23 May 2010 15:59:08 PDT

T093, T097

We caught up with T093 and T097 in Blackney Pass yesterday at 1835 on our way to the rubbing beaches to perfrom some maintenance. Jared Towers picked them up in Weyton as they headed west and confirmed their identification. We have also had dolphins on Flower Island since 0300. Things are really picking up around here:)
Leah & Marie
21 May 2010 05:10:27 PDT

We received word from Jim Borrowman that 3 Orcas, including 1 adult male, headed east past Telegraph Cove at 2000hrs last night.
Leah
20 May 2010 15:40:03 PDT

T020, T021, T002C, T002C1 and T002C2

Just a quick note to say the transients from May 15th were T020, T021, T002C, T002C1 and T002C2.
Marie
19 May 2010 10:29:09 PDT

Transients

No calls but orcas nearby

We had 5 Transient's quietly head south in Blackney Pass last night at 2100hrs. We watched them for a short while until they slipped into the fog, what a beautiful sight. The water was flat calm and you could hear their respiration from across the Pass. We would have updated you all then, but we were having problems with the internet:)
Leah & Marie
18 May 2010 07:36:21 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We watched 5 Transient's quietly head south in Blackney Pass last night at 2100hrs as they slipped into the fog. The water was so calm you could hear their blows loud and clear across the Pass. We couldn't update you all in real time as we had no internet, but all is good now.
Leah & Marie
18 May 2010 07:39:09 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are making some technical changes that will interrupt our internet connection commencing around 11am PST on Sunday May 16th. We're not sure how long the changeover will take, but it could be a few days. Please excuse the inconvenience, and thank you for your patience!
Paul & Helena
15 May 2010 22:51:02 PDT

Transients nearby

No calls but orcas nearby

We spotted five transients chasing a sealion off of Parson Island @1330, Southbound!! The same group have now headed North through Blackney Passage.
Marie & Leah
15 May 2010 15:53:26 PDT

Just a quick update on the Southern Residents: K and L pods were seen by Campbell River on Thursday May 13th heading South, so they may have passed by here silently, and yesterday L pod was spotted by San Juan Island!
Marie
15 May 2010 18:58:06 PDT

No orcas present.

Thanks to JStream, we are streaming live audio again. No calls, but the ocean is quiet on this cool & calm morning. Nice.
Paul & Helena
06 May 2010 07:10:57 PDT

Performing maintenance

Hi, Yesterday, an unfortunate bird flew into a power cable in Port McNeill and knocked out the Keta Cable service. We lost our connection for several hours. We have a connection back but there still seems to be problems. At this time, we are unable to stream audio. Hopefully, we will be able to correct the problem and be back streaming again. Thank you for your patience.
Helena & Paul
05 May 2010 11:21:29 PDT

T55s

No orcas present.

The transients feeding off of Weynton Island (entrance to Johnstone Strait at Weynton Pass) turned out to be the T55s. Thank for the update Jared and Jackie. Perhap these were the same whales we heard later in the Strait.
Helena
03 May 2010 09:28:38 PDT

Transients calling

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to clear transient calls, amidst persistent boat noise, on the Critical Point hydrophone. Thanks to Jackie Hildering for her report of 4 transients at Weynton Island a couple of hours ago... it sounds like the orcas are heading east now.
Helena
02 May 2010 16:18:17 PDT

T073 and T074

No orcas present.

Apparently, T073 and T074 went west past Alert Bay early yesterday afternoon. Jared Towers left them at 3pm near Port McNeill.
Helena
01 May 2010 07:20:44 PDT

Transients calling

Distant calls audible.

The transient calls are in Blackfish Sound The last calls sounded a bit closer. Dawn just getting going here
Helena
25 Apr 2010 05:21:26 PDT

No orcas present.

Live audio streaming has resumed, thanks to JStream!
Paul & Helena
20 Apr 2010 09:09:31 PDT

We are hearing dolphins on the critical point hydrophone again :)
Marie
16 Apr 2010 19:06:20 PDT

T002C's, T20 and T21

Distant calls audible.

We have heard a few intermittent calls on Flower island this morning!
Marie & Leah
15 Apr 2010 08:14:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We got a report from Jared Towers that T002C's, T20 and T21 were seen in Johnstone Strait just West of Telegraph Cove, heading West @0835.
Marie & Leah
15 Apr 2010 15:52:51 PDT

We heard dolphins vocalizing and echolocating on the critical point hydrophone around 1745 this evening. Its been another beautiful sunny day on Hanson!
Marie
11 Apr 2010 19:17:35 PDT

We spotted our first 2010 Humpback about 70m off of the Lab this morning. The sun is shining and the sea lions are frolicking, it is absolutely glorious!
Leah
10 Apr 2010 10:40:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We heard two brief calls in Johnstone Strait. We are still working on the system and hope to get sound streaming to you all as soon as we can.
Leah & Marie
09 Apr 2010 10:23:25 PDT

Transients calling

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing great transients calls on Critical point! Sorry we are not streaming we are still trying to fix the system.
Marie & Leah
06 Apr 2010 22:17:29 PDT

Just an update to say that we have neither heard nor seen any orca for two solid weeks. However, the sun is shining, the wind has calmed the Hummingbirds have arrived and it has been a beautiful Easter weekend. Happy Easter from Orcalab!
Leah and Marie
05 Apr 2010 11:00:45 PDT

Performing maintenance

We seem to be having some technical difficulties with the internet connection and are working to get everything back on line. However, we haven't heard any calls since our last post.
Leah
29 Mar 2010 14:15:57 PST

Transients calling

Orcas near mics.

We had a group of 4 transients, with 1 male, traveling North in Blackney Passage at 0900AM. We are now hearing transient calls on Flower island!
Marie & Leah
22 Mar 2010 09:14:24 PST

Distant calls audible.

We can hear more Transient calls on Flower Island.
Leah & Marie
22 Mar 2010 10:20:55 PST

Distant calls audible.

Calls have been coming through sporadically over the last couple of hours. The calls are now a little more frequent in Johnstone Strait. A report from Mike Durban also came in early this afternoon of approximately 15 orca heading west from Kelsey Bay.
Leah & Marie
22 Mar 2010 19:36:39 PST

No orcas present.

A quick update of the orca activity over the past few days. The calls we heard on March 18th were transients by Flower island. A group of 4-7 orca were spotted by Blinkhorn in Johnstone Strait heading West @1630 on March 18th.
Marie
20 Mar 2010 10:39:49 PST

Distant calls audible.

We are happy to report there are distant calls on Flower island!
Marie & Leah
18 Mar 2010 01:45:23 PST

No orcas present.

We have not had any orca activity for over a week but we are enjoying a calm & chilly morning here on Hanson island.
Marie
12 Mar 2010 09:27:15 PST

more transient calls

Superb sounds!!

Calls have begun to come through again, but this time they are on Parson Island hydrophone.
Leah
02 Mar 2010 04:33:56 PST

Transient calls

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing transient calls at critical point!
Marie & Leah
01 Mar 2010 22:56:35 PST

Transients passing quietly

No calls but orcas nearby

We just had a group of four transients quietly head South through Blackney Passage!
Marie & Leah
26 Feb 2010 14:04:28 PST

G3s,G16s, G31s. G27s. and G2s

No orcas present.

For the record: Graeme Ellis (DFO) was able to identify that the following groups; the G3's, G16's, G31's, G27's and G2's were present in the area on February 7. This was a good encounter and rare for the Gs to be here in Johnstone Strait during the winter. Although they have been encountered elsewhere on the coast we have not seen them, as a group, since the summer of 2006. Leah and Marie's efforts to get good ID photos were very much appreciated.
Helena & Paul
21 Feb 2010 10:32:34 PST

Transients passing quietly

No calls but orcas nearby

We just had a group of 7 transients quietly heading North through Blackney Passage!
Marie & Leah
20 Feb 2010 10:28:02 PST

Transient calls in JS

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing calls in Johnstone Strait!
Marie
19 Feb 2010 06:53:25 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

The calls from early this morning were transients! A group of 8-10 headed West in Johnstone Strait and went past Ledge Point at 0900 (thanks to Jackie, Bill/Donna and Alex for spotting them). Its another beautiful sunny calm day here on Hanson!
Marie & Leah
19 Feb 2010 11:00:20 PST

Boat noise

Last night around 9pm a few Gclan calls came through on the Critical Point hydrophone. The few calls were quiet and sporadic and very hard to hear with all of the boat noise.
Leah
12 Feb 2010 17:45:43 PST

J pod

No orcas present.

Here is a bit of quite interesting news. On January 23rd J pod made an unexpected visit to Johnstone Strait. Leah made a nice recording of their calls and we asked John Ford to confirm who it was. We let Susan Berta of Orca Network Sightings know and she provided the following information: "Wow - that's very interesting! We had them here on Jan. 3/4, then not again until J1 showed up alone at the end of Jan. for a few days, freaking us all out, then the rest of J's showed up Jan. 29th - cool! Thanks so much for the report" Susan Ls and Ks have used this area before but a J pod visit is unique.
Helena & Paul
08 Feb 2010 23:21:14 PST

No orcas present.

Just a catch up from yesterday: the Gs went through Blackney Pass after travelling west from the Bight. They headed into Blackfish Sound with their calls fading off as they moved further away.
Helena
08 Feb 2010 11:43:19 PST

I31s and Gs

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing the I31's and another group in heading West in Johnstone Strait.
Leah & Marie
07 Feb 2010 09:22:50 PST

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like the Gs with the I31s are heading west! Sounding very relaxed this sunny morning.
Leah
07 Feb 2010 09:23:59 PST

I31s also present

Distant calls audible.

Good Morning!! We've got whales in Johnstone Strait heading West.
Leah & Marie
06 Feb 2010 08:12:31 PST

Superb sounds!!

We've confirmed I31's as they travel East in Johnstone Strait. They are very vocal and calls are coming in very clear now on Critical Point.
Leah & Marie
06 Feb 2010 08:57:06 PST

A5s are back!

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing clear calls on critical point hydrophone
Leah & Marie
05 Feb 2010 10:10:00 PST

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing A5 calls in Johnstone Strait, they are heading West.
Leah & Marie
05 Feb 2010 11:20:35 PST

Transients calling in JS

No orcas present.

We still haven't heard any calls. The system has been running quite well with a little bit of sun here and there. It's another calm but cloudy day.
Leah
03 Feb 2010 11:09:29 PST

Distant calls audible.

There were a short duration of calls and the whales have just gone quiet in Johnstone Strait.
Leah and Marie
03 Feb 2010 17:39:45 PST

Orcas near mics.

Transient calls in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
03 Feb 2010 18:04:49 PST

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls for several days, during which our internet connection has been down because of power problems. We're up again, for the moment, but aren't sure for how long. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience. As the days get longer, & sunnier, we should stay better connected (hope so).
Paul & Helena
30 Jan 2010 14:58:30 PST

A5s calling in JS

Orcas near mics.

We are listening to A5 calls once again in Johnstone Striat!
Helena
25 Jan 2010 20:34:17 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Sounds like the A5s have headed past Critical Point after closing in towards Robson Bight.
Helena
25 Jan 2010 21:20:39 PST

orca's vocal

No orcas present.

Yesterday, around 6:30pm there were whales who were very vocal on Parson Island and then on Critical Point.
Helena
24 Jan 2010 21:06:58 PST

I31s moving closer to RB

Distant calls audible.

They are back! At least the I31s. Signal is a bit scratchy but working.
Helena
22 Jan 2010 09:21:07 PST

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the I31s are moving closer to Robson Bight. Must be very restful out there today because pretty much all we have heard all afternoon have been resting calls. Blackney Pass has been calm all day for a change!
Helena
22 Jan 2010 16:33:47 PST

I31s and A5s

Orcas near mics.

Since the last note: the whales were back till about midnight the other night. Right now, I31s are calling in Johnstone Strait! And As (?A8s) too! Something delicious must be encouraging them to stay around.
Helena
18 Jan 2010 12:33:41 PST

I31s A5s

No orcas present.

Compounding our connection problems, power went down in Alert Bay just after we posted our last comment, so we lost our internet connection again (and stopped streaming). Power is back & so is our connection this morning, but we've heard no calls since last evening, when we thought the A5s (A8s) & I31s were headed to the east in Johnstone Strait. We're streaming again, and our hydrophone network is functioning, for the moment, so we are waiting... apologies for the frustration (we're experiencing it too).
Paul & Helena
16 Jan 2010 12:39:10 PST

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like the I31s and A5s (Jared reported yesterday seeing the A8s) are returning again. Stormy seas today but a lovely afternoon sky.
Helena
16 Jan 2010 17:25:27 PST

A5s and A31s calling

Superb sounds!!

Hi everyone!, just had to say this was good even though the calls are fairly distant because it is so lovely to have this winter visit from the A5s and I31s. This morning,just after 11am we started to hear calls and we have been recording ever since while we did some repairs on the system. We should be streaming now so enjoy the sounds!
Helena
15 Jan 2010

Superb sounds!!

The Calls from the I31s and A5s are louder now and still quite frequent. The computer coughed up a security check and so the streaming was interrupted. Would you know it? I just checked and we are streaming now.
Helena
15 Jan 2010 17:45:51 PST 15:02:30 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Yesterday morning, just after it became light, Troy heard "A" and "G" clan calls in Blackney Pass. He wasn't sure what happened to them, but it's exciting to know that we've already had northern resident visitors in 2010!
Paul & Helena
05 Jan 2010 10:05:08 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry, everyone, but our internet connection on Hanson Island is still down, so we are unable to stream live audio for the moment. Troy will get the system running again as soon as possible... we appreciate your patience!
Paul & Helena
30 Dec 2009 21:55:42 PST

Transients calling

Superb sounds!!

We,ve been listening to Transients calls since 23:47. They are brief and fleeting, but so nice to hear. Seem to be coming from LL mic, and the last ones heard at 12:43 seem to be louder. Clouds are starting to hide the moonlight. Calls seem to have stopped for now.
Troy
28 Dec 2009 01:04:55 PST

Performing maintenance

Hello everyone. We have been off line since around 0830. Still working on the issue. Hope to be back on line soon. The Transients that were heard last night were not heard again. No idea where they might be at the moment. We'll keep you posted.
Troy
28 Dec 2009 22:20:04 PST

No orcas present.

Another clear sunny morning, so nice too see. Good morning from Hanson Island.
Troy
27 Dec 2009 09:16:21 PST

No orcas present.

Another quiet day at the lab. Clear skies throughout. The evening is calm again, with bright moonlight.
Troy
27 Dec 2009 21:03:11 PST

No orcas present.

Good morning OL,ers. Nice & clear sunrise this morning, presently it,s clear to the blue. Moderate southeast wind blowing. Nice to see the sun, good for the power system, and the human spirit. Who knows what the day may bring.
Troy
26 Dec 2009 10:07:27 PST

No orcas present.

Lovely winter day on Hanson Island. At sunset the winds are calming, and the half moon shines brightly.
Troy
26 Dec 2009 18:16:29 PST

No orcas present.

It,s a beautiful Christmas day, sunshine, with blue sky & light clouds. Light southeast winds bring a fresh winter air, good time get out and gather some firewood. You never know when Orca may present themselves. Christmas cheers from the lab.
Troy
25 Dec 2009 13:35:29 PST

No orcas present.

it,s been a nice day here at the lab. no sign of Orca so far. Have,nt seen the Sea Lions today at all. The southeast picks up again at night fall, moderate gusts. Hope all are enjoying the day & this evening. Half moon is bright in the sky, with stars.
Troy
25 Dec 2009 17:51:12 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry, everyone, but we're having problems connecting again. Troy will try to solve the problem today. Meanwhile, we hope you're all enjoying a happy Christmas & holiday season... take good care, please!
Paul & Helena
24 Dec 2009 08:08:44 PST

Performing maintenance

Looks like we're streaming live audio again... thanks Troy!
Paul & Helena
24 Dec 2009 13:22:08 PST

We are back on line, as Paul & Helena posted. Cold southeast winds today, with what seems like outflow winds from the inlets. A bit chilly, the sunny breaks were nice, and it,s not raining. Winter beauty on Hanson. As the sun goes down, the wind picks up. No Orca seen or heard today that we know of. The Sea Lions are still out of sight. A quiet day. Merry Christmas from the Orcalab, may you all enjoy the holiday season.
Troy
24 Dec 2009 16:47:37 PST

The day started with a beautiful sunrise, and flat calm. The Sea Lions have still been out of sight all day. Very calm waters made for a pleasant day around the lab, and the sunshine was great while it lasted. At night fall it,s started to clear with the quarter moon shining bight, and stars starting to appear. No Orca seen or heard today. Maybe through the night or tommorrow.
Troy
22 Dec 2009 18:15:28 PST

Northeast/Northwest wind throughout the day, though by nightfall it has calmed down somewhat. Orca have not been seen or heard today in the area as far as we now. The Sea Lions have been out of sight today, but the Harliquin Ducks are a pleasure to watch when their around. Hoping for a little sunshine on Hanson in the next few days, and maybe Orca.
Troy
21 Dec 2009 20:01:14 PST

Southeast wind has calmed down this evening. It,s presently raining, with calm waters. We wait, and see what develops. It,s quiet for now.
Troy
20 Dec 2009 20:40:23 PST

Performing maintenance

We lost our internet connection yesterday, & were not able to stream live audio. We're back again for the moment. We are not sure how long it will last, as our batteries aren't in very good shape just now. Apologies in advance if we lose our connection again over the holidays! However, here is wishing everyone a wonderful & safe holiday. All the best.
Paul & Helena
18 Dec 2009 17:35:01 PST

T77s, T23s, T18s, T2s, T55s. and 2 new calves!

Superb sounds!!

Several small transient groups have been making their way through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait. The groups were spread out across the Pass. The last group which includes a young male is off Parson Island now slowly following the other two groups. They are vocal. Lots of birds have been following them. A seal has been keeping an eye on them while safely hauled out on rocks this side.
Helena
10 Dec 2009 12:44:19 PST

Orcas near mics.

The transients, possibly the same groups as earlier, sound like they are now closer to Robson Bight. The Critical Point hydrophone battery is low so the signal is not very stable.
Helena
10 Dec 2009 14:52:50 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

for the record: Jared Towers went out and found the whales (still in small groups) between Cracroft Point and Swain point (Boat Bay). Jared identified 16; the T77s, T23s,T18s,T2s and the T55s. There were two new calves (T23C3 and T77D). Five members from these various groups were missing and Jared wondered if yet another group was further ahead. Generally, the whales were going eastward very slowly. Jared heard calls as well and noted the groups were very social.
Helena
10 Dec 2009 16:07:53 PST

A12 still with A36s

No calls but orcas nearby

Heard great news from Jared Towers tonight! He saw A12 with the A36s near Scarlett Point today. This is not far from Port Hardy. Perhaps, just maybe they will be kind enough to "drop down" our way in the near future. So amazing to think this bond between these whales has lasted so long.
Helena
04 Dec 2009 22:27:18 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

I got busy chopping wood and forgot to post the report of today's orcas. Six orcas (transients), including a young male and a calf made their way into Telegraph Cove before heading east "down" Johnstone Strait around 12:30pm. We didn't hear any calls. Thanks to the Mackays and the Borrowmans for their reports today.
Helena
03 Dec 2009 18:22:13 PST

No orcas present.

We've had no orcas nearby recently, so far as we know (hydrophones have been intermittent) but a humpback was in Blackney Pass this morning, and the sun is shining, so our whole hydrophone network is working again!
Helena
30 Nov 2009 13:44:45 PST

Performing maintenance

Sorry, but our entire hydrophone network is now down, partly because of transmitter problems & partly because of battery problems. We will do our best to be back soon. Our best wishes to you all.
Paul & Helena
28 Nov 2009 14:17:52 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

Hi, we are streaming again, at least for now! The weather is still making maintenance difficult but today the good efforts of Paul and Paul got charged batteries to the right place and the system reconnected. This morning, at 11:15, there was a groups of transients who went slowly through Blackney Pass without any calls. The disappeared in the direction of Johnstone Strait without disturbing the hauled out sea lions.
Helena
21 Nov 2009 18:06:49 PST

Bad weather

Performing maintenance

The bad weather has taken its toll. The system is down until the weather clears and some batteries replaced. Hopefully, soon! In the meantime, where ever you might be we hope it is warm.
Helena
19 Nov 2009 12:53:13 PST

No orcas present.

The A12s and A36s just vanished on us just after 6am on the 15th. But considering the tide was in full ebb we imagine that they left the area. We heard from CetaceaLab that the A30s, I31s (both recently here) and the A5s were in their area. Always nice to think that the whales can be tracked over the large area. The heavy rains here abated and we actually have fine weather at the moment which is almost as exciting as whales.
Helena
16 Nov 2009 15:59:17 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. Sounds like at least the A36s are in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
15 Nov 2009 05:14:47 PST

Superb sounds!!

These, mostly A12 calls are still off the entrance to Blackney Pass but with the horrible boat noise gone. Sounds like they are about to use Blackney Pass, moving in. Stormy night out there.
Helena
15 Nov 2009 06:07:54 PST

Distant calls audible.

We've been listening to the A36s in Johnstone Strait since about 7:40am, and also heard them earlier, around 1am. The calls are on the Critical Point and Parson Island hydrophones, so we think the A36s are a little to the west of Blackney Pass.
Helena
13 Nov 2009 08:29:43 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are there too, with the A36s, and are now in Robson Bight,close to the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
13 Nov 2009 09:47:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

We have now been listening to the A12s (in particular) offshore of the eastern end of the Ecological Reserve. There is so much water noise from the gale force northwester that it is difficult to tell if they are having a rub. Very, very wet today with even some sleet! brrrr
Helena
13 Nov 2009 10:51:38 PST

No orcas present.

Sorry, our internet was down for all of yesterday and most of today. The connection was just re-established and audio is working again. While we were "away" the whales were (of course) very active. The A34s began the day by coming west from east of the eastern end of the Ecological Reserve. Their timing was perfect for incoming from Blackfish Sound were the A30s and I31s. A12 might have been there too (she is seen later with the other orcas). The A30s and the I31s rushed into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass on the last of the flooding tide to meet up with the A34s. They did not linger long and before we knew it the whales were booting it north through Blackney Pass. Possibly, the A34s were in the lead. We never saw them but, the first whale we saw head into Blackfish Sound, was possibly A12. The A30s and the I31s (now quite mixed up with all male groups prominent) hurried through. By 2:30pm they were all well into Blackfish Sound and on their way to Queen Charlotte Strait where Jared Towers confirmed that all the A12s,A30s,I31s were present. In addition, he saw the G25s (part of the G17s). We did not hear or see this group. Jared mentioned that the all male groups were still going strong when he encountered the groups off the Penfold Islands. Quite the day, sorry again, that there wasn't any internet. Dolphins were heard distantly through the night. There had been dolphins with the orcas as they travelled north.
Helena
11 Nov 2009 15:24:13 PST

Orcas near mics.

We started hearing "A1" calls on the Parson Island hydrophone a short while ago (at midnight). It's a stormy night & some of our stations are down, so we're not yet sure which direction the whales are headed in.
Helena
09 Nov 2009 00:14:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

We're now hearing the calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as well as Parson Island, so it's likely the whales have entered Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass & are now heading east. Sounds like at least the A12s are there (possibly other A1s as well).
Helena
09 Nov 2009 00:31:10 PST

Orcas near mics.

The calls are closer to the Critical Point hydrophone now, so the orcas are in or near Robson Bight. Sounds like the A30s may be there too.
Helena
09 Nov 2009 03:25:28 PST

Orcas near mics.

Sounds lie the A30s have moved back westward. We were, for a while hearing A1 calls offshore of the eastend of the Ecological Reserve. Earlier than that the whales had been moving east after their entry (via Blackney Pass) around midnight.
Helena
09 Nov 2009 11:30:47 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

We believe that A12 just went by, by herself, heading north into Blackfish Sound!
Helena
09 Nov 2009 15:18:35 PST

No orcas present.

We did hear briefly some midrange, possible transient calls, around 12:20PM, in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Nov 2009 14:19:03 PST

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A36s & A12s are back in Johnstone Strait & are getting close to Robson Bight. We started hearing their calls on the Critical Point hydrophone about half an hour ago.
Helena
05 Nov 2009 03:58:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

A nice surprise! Earlier, started to hear what sounded like the A30s! And when I checked the recording the calls were close on Parson Island and the whales back near the entrance to Balckney Pass. Then they came in very quickly on the ebbing tide. The A30s were in the lead all together followed by all the A34s and I think that A12 might have been in amongst them. Both groups are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
05 Nov 2009 07:43:30 PST

No orcas present.

All "quiet" after the A36s and A12s did their far too brief tour. Hopefully, it won't be too long between visits. Meanwhile, sea lions and humpbacks continue to be around.
Helena
04 Nov 2009 17:29:25 PST

Distant calls audible.

The flood tide has brought the A1s back into this area. There are calls both in Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound and so far at least the A36s have been heard. It is too windy to hear blows.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 00:13:47 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and A36s are now in Johnstone Strait after travelling through Blackney Pass. For a while the calls were quite good but have since become distant again.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 01:42:45 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12 and A36 calls have been moving closer to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 08:46:18 PST

Distant calls audible.

We are waiting to see which way the whales have decided to go. The tide has just turned to flood again which means it is pushing towards the east.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 09:47:00 PST

Distant calls audible.

It seems that they decided to head west. We can hear them off the entrance to Blackney Pass now.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 10:21:10 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

There must be a Murphy law at work here. just when the whales get interesting the internet glitches. This time it was outside of our network. Fortunately, Telus seems to have worked out the problem and we are back on line. So..... while we were away, the A34s came into Blackney Pass and headed north to Blackfish Sound. This was just a short while ago, at the same time as the tide turned to an ebb. While they were moving through we continued to hear the A36s in Johnstone Strait. Possibly, they have gone toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 15:40:26 PST

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A36s went out via Weynton Pass after all. We are now hearing them crossing the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
02 Nov 2009 15:52:36 PST