Orcas relaxing.
Yes!
Helena
16 Jul 2011 06:03:59 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Closing in on Robson Bight.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 06:29:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sounds like they are back to the Bight, just waiting for more calls.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 08:49:13 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A23s (Corky's family, A43 being Corky's sister,A60 her brother) have been identified now. They are west of Izumi Rock heading west. Lots of Saturday boat noise and quiet whales.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 10:58:13 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A23s are moving closer to Telegraph Cove, still west bound.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 12:24:06 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The whales have become quite vocal now and we are wondering if the A23s turned back to the east after heading to Beaver Cove at 12:15pm (Seasmoke update).
Helena
16 Jul 2011 12:56:44 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sounds like the A23s are back in close to the Bight.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 15:19:12 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A23s are enjoying a good rub at the main beach!
Elizabeth
16 Jul 2011 16:32:38 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
So here is the story: the A23s went into the main rubbing beach at around 4:25pm after visiting one of the other beaches. They were back opposite Robson Bight by 4:54pm and then they continued west to the Western Boundary of the Reserve by 5:34pm where they went to sleep next to the Vancouver Island shore (Marie report). We are assuming they are still gradually moving west but they are silent. The tide will change around at about 6:30pm and this should encourage them further wet.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 18:10:14 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After such a long time, we are hearing A5 calls once again in Johnstone Strait. It may be that they continued all the way west. Very little info to go on however.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 21:09:05 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
They have "disappeared" on us again so we will have to wait and see.
Helena
16 Jul 2011 22:53:04 PDT
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
No orcas present.
Well... the IWC has wrapped up or should I say warped up. Paul has posted his last segment on the OL blog. Meanwhile, we are still in waiting mode. Lots of Dalls porpoise today, dolphins at a distance and a couple of minke whales. Even the humpbacks had somewhere else to hang out. Oh well... it will be great to be busy with orcas again. Apparently, a group of probably northern residents were near Port Hardy yesterday so there is hope. Lots of chinook salmon are being caught.
Helena
14 Jul 2011 17:53:28 PDT
No orcas present.
And the A30s have company! The A43s are now with them. They are are till milling off Scarlet Point. Thanks to the Mackays for keeping us up to date.
Helena
15 Jul 2011 13:48:51 PDT
No orcas present.
Dolphins can be heard chatting away in the distance under a not-so-visible full moon.
Elizabeth
15 Jul 2011 22:44:10 PDT
Well... the IWC has wrapped up or should I say warped up. Paul has posted his last segment on the OL blog. Meanwhile, we are still in waiting mode. Lots of Dalls porpoise today, dolphins at a distance and a couple of minke whales. Even the humpbacks had somewhere else to hang out. Oh well... it will be great to be busy with orcas again. Apparently, a group of probably northern residents were near Port Hardy yesterday so there is hope. Lots of chinook salmon are being caught.
Helena
14 Jul 2011 17:53:28 PDT
No orcas present.
And the A30s have company! The A43s are now with them. They are are till milling off Scarlet Point. Thanks to the Mackays for keeping us up to date.
Helena
15 Jul 2011 13:48:51 PDT
No orcas present.
Dolphins can be heard chatting away in the distance under a not-so-visible full moon.
Elizabeth
15 Jul 2011 22:44:10 PDT
Thursday, July 14, 2011
No orcas present.
Well... the IWC has wrapped up or should I say warped up. Paul has posted his last segment on the OL blog. Meanwhile, we are still in waiting mode. Lots of Dalls porpoise today, dolphins at a distance and a couple of minke whales. Even the humpbacks had somewhere else to hang out. Oh well... it will be great to be busy with orcas again. Apparently, a group of probably northern residents were near Port Hardy yesterday so there is hope. Lots of chinook salmon are being caught.
Helena
14 Jul 2011 17:53:28 PDT
Well... the IWC has wrapped up or should I say warped up. Paul has posted his last segment on the OL blog. Meanwhile, we are still in waiting mode. Lots of Dalls porpoise today, dolphins at a distance and a couple of minke whales. Even the humpbacks had somewhere else to hang out. Oh well... it will be great to be busy with orcas again. Apparently, a group of probably northern residents were near Port Hardy yesterday so there is hope. Lots of chinook salmon are being caught.
Helena
14 Jul 2011 17:53:28 PDT
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Boat noise
A pretty "quiet" day. A little of this and that but no orcas except for a distant far away report of a group near Pine island. Two humpback finally came into Blackney and ahead of them, perhaps, a minke whale. There were a few dolphins and Dalls porpoise. Cetacealab cheered us up when they reported the a43s,R13s,W3 and R12 were all headed south with somewhere to go. Two days before the i11s did the same. Are they coming our way?
Helena
12 Jul 2011 19:47:57 PDT
No orcas present.
I forgot to mention that one of the humpback was Stripe. not sure of the identity of the other.
Helena
12 Jul 2011 20:50:14 PDT
A pretty "quiet" day. A little of this and that but no orcas except for a distant far away report of a group near Pine island. Two humpback finally came into Blackney and ahead of them, perhaps, a minke whale. There were a few dolphins and Dalls porpoise. Cetacealab cheered us up when they reported the a43s,R13s,W3 and R12 were all headed south with somewhere to go. Two days before the i11s did the same. Are they coming our way?
Helena
12 Jul 2011 19:47:57 PDT
No orcas present.
I forgot to mention that one of the humpback was Stripe. not sure of the identity of the other.
Helena
12 Jul 2011 20:50:14 PDT
Monday, July 11, 2011
No orcas present.
I thought i heard echo location a couple of times starting at 2:20am but nothing much after I got to the Lab. Dolphins in Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound and some really strange noises coming from Critical Point, near to Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 03:28:46 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Four orcas, one male, turned up off Black Bluff this morning. They were heading east and have rounded Donegal Head, past Stubbs Island and now currently pointing toward Pearse Passage. No calls, long dives - ? transients again but perhaps not the T30s of yesterday.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 10:06:41 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned out to be the T101s and they have come into Johnstone Strait and are headed east off Big Bay.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 11:16:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The T101s continued east past the Cliff at 12:30pm. We heard one call at 12pm. The T101s met up with more transients off of the Reserve and participated in a Dalls porpoise kill. After some social moments,the 10-12 orcas then turned back to the west and carried on past Telegraph Cove and continued on towards Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 16:58:13 PDT
No orcas present.
Dolphins are active again tonight as well as that breathy thing near the Bight hmmm..... The other transients today turned out to be the T46Bs and Cs. By 4pm they were actually still only off Blinkhorn so they may not be too far away.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 23:26:18 PDT
I thought i heard echo location a couple of times starting at 2:20am but nothing much after I got to the Lab. Dolphins in Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound and some really strange noises coming from Critical Point, near to Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 03:28:46 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Four orcas, one male, turned up off Black Bluff this morning. They were heading east and have rounded Donegal Head, past Stubbs Island and now currently pointing toward Pearse Passage. No calls, long dives - ? transients again but perhaps not the T30s of yesterday.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 10:06:41 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients turned out to be the T101s and they have come into Johnstone Strait and are headed east off Big Bay.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 11:16:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The T101s continued east past the Cliff at 12:30pm. We heard one call at 12pm. The T101s met up with more transients off of the Reserve and participated in a Dalls porpoise kill. After some social moments,the 10-12 orcas then turned back to the west and carried on past Telegraph Cove and continued on towards Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 16:58:13 PDT
No orcas present.
Dolphins are active again tonight as well as that breathy thing near the Bight hmmm..... The other transients today turned out to be the T46Bs and Cs. By 4pm they were actually still only off Blinkhorn so they may not be too far away.
Helena
11 Jul 2011 23:26:18 PDT
Sunday, July 10, 2011
No orcas present.
It has been an almot quiet day. The T30s turned up this morning around 10am crossing from the Foster Islands to Retreat Inlet. From there they skirted Midsummer Island and are now travelling into knight Inlet. Meanwhile, dolphins have kept us busy. A fairly good sized group rolled into Blackney Pass and then charged out back the way they came. Earlier a humpback (?Stripe) travelled through this morning toward Johnstone Strait. Very pleasant.
Helena
10 Jul 2011 15:22:31 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We just had 3 possibly 4 orca pass. We spotted them when they were well into the Pass and they have left our view for Johnstone Strait. Maybe, the transients (the T30s) who had been seen earlier off Knight Inlet.
Helena
10 Jul 2011 20:45:50 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Chatty dolphins in Johnstone Strait in ear shot of the silent transients.
Helena
10 Jul 2011 21:09:55 PDT
It has been an almot quiet day. The T30s turned up this morning around 10am crossing from the Foster Islands to Retreat Inlet. From there they skirted Midsummer Island and are now travelling into knight Inlet. Meanwhile, dolphins have kept us busy. A fairly good sized group rolled into Blackney Pass and then charged out back the way they came. Earlier a humpback (?Stripe) travelled through this morning toward Johnstone Strait. Very pleasant.
Helena
10 Jul 2011 15:22:31 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We just had 3 possibly 4 orca pass. We spotted them when they were well into the Pass and they have left our view for Johnstone Strait. Maybe, the transients (the T30s) who had been seen earlier off Knight Inlet.
Helena
10 Jul 2011 20:45:50 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Chatty dolphins in Johnstone Strait in ear shot of the silent transients.
Helena
10 Jul 2011 21:09:55 PDT
Saturday, July 09, 2011
No orcas present.
Thanks to Kate and Troy we know that the A34s,C10s,A35s and most likely the A8s and A61 headed around the "corner" at Donegal Head into Queen Charlotte Strait at 9pm. They saw the whales again from Bere Point just before 11pm. While Kate and Troy were busy, Christie on her way home came across a group of 4 transients east of Cracroft Point. These may have been the same transients reported off Ripple Point earlier in the day following T12A perhaps. The night was fairly uneventful except for some very close dolphins.
Helena
09 Jul 2011 07:19:50 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Humpback in Blackfish Sound with dolphins. This is first time in we have heard HB in July!
Helena
09 Jul 2011 17:29:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A report this evening from Mackay Whale Watch (Donna and Bill) that there were about 10 orca crossing the entrance to Arrow Pass in Queen Charlotte Strait headed for Bold Head. Stay tuned.
Helena
09 Jul 2011 21:13:37 PDT
Thanks to Kate and Troy we know that the A34s,C10s,A35s and most likely the A8s and A61 headed around the "corner" at Donegal Head into Queen Charlotte Strait at 9pm. They saw the whales again from Bere Point just before 11pm. While Kate and Troy were busy, Christie on her way home came across a group of 4 transients east of Cracroft Point. These may have been the same transients reported off Ripple Point earlier in the day following T12A perhaps. The night was fairly uneventful except for some very close dolphins.
Helena
09 Jul 2011 07:19:50 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Humpback in Blackfish Sound with dolphins. This is first time in we have heard HB in July!
Helena
09 Jul 2011 17:29:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A report this evening from Mackay Whale Watch (Donna and Bill) that there were about 10 orca crossing the entrance to Arrow Pass in Queen Charlotte Strait headed for Bold Head. Stay tuned.
Helena
09 Jul 2011 21:13:37 PDT
Friday, July 08, 2011
No orcas present.
Just a lovely morning here.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 07:48:47 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Yes, distant calls on Flower Island! This after reports of orca heading in from Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 08:40:03 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Orca and dolphins. Might be rusty but sounds like A4s to me, getting louder.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 09:03:49 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
They are still coming! Just quietly at the moment. There is talk that the A5s are there (too?)
Helena
08 Jul 2011 09:41:00 PDT
uperb sounds!!
Great! The A8s plus perhaps A61 led the way into Blackney Pass, close to the Hanson Island shore. They carried on to Johnstone Strait and vocalised as they headed past Cracroft Point. The A35s followed also coming close to Hanson Island. They were very relaxed and just now are vocal as they head east as well. The A34s are also moving toward Johnstone Strait but from Weynton Pass. Busy,busy and sunny too!
Helena
08 Jul 2011 11:05:52 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just two more notes: the C10s have been reported travelling with the A34s. And, the transient, T12A was spotted off the Cliff opposite Robson Bight as the northern residents were headed toward johnstone Strait. He carried on to the west and passed the A34s (and C10s) as they made their way east from Weynton Pass.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 11:40:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A34s are off Cracroft Point heading east while the A35s jumped ahead of the A8s. Both these groups are headed or at the beaches by now. The A8s went past Critical Point (Robson Bight) quite closely. The groups seem to be taking turns vocalizing which is convenient!
Helena
08 Jul 2011 13:00:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are heading west. The A35s and the A8s moved over to Cracroft Island from Vancouver Island and then went right under Marie's Cliff. The A34s may have turned about the same time. The Cs have hardly said anything and are proving difficult to track. The boat noise (poor whales) is awful.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 14:52:38 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sounds like everyone has woken up as they head to the west. The A34s and C10s turned about 10 minutes ago together.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 15:33:08 PDT
Around 7:15 pm we lost track of the whales as they continued to the west. After a couple of hours we began to wonder what happened to them. Finally, Troy was able to let us know that the A34s and C10s were making their way around Donegal Head. Troy thought others might be there too. Fingers crossed they come back soon.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 20:04:34 PDT
Just a lovely morning here.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 07:48:47 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Yes, distant calls on Flower Island! This after reports of orca heading in from Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 08:40:03 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Orca and dolphins. Might be rusty but sounds like A4s to me, getting louder.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 09:03:49 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
They are still coming! Just quietly at the moment. There is talk that the A5s are there (too?)
Helena
08 Jul 2011 09:41:00 PDT
uperb sounds!!
Great! The A8s plus perhaps A61 led the way into Blackney Pass, close to the Hanson Island shore. They carried on to Johnstone Strait and vocalised as they headed past Cracroft Point. The A35s followed also coming close to Hanson Island. They were very relaxed and just now are vocal as they head east as well. The A34s are also moving toward Johnstone Strait but from Weynton Pass. Busy,busy and sunny too!
Helena
08 Jul 2011 11:05:52 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just two more notes: the C10s have been reported travelling with the A34s. And, the transient, T12A was spotted off the Cliff opposite Robson Bight as the northern residents were headed toward johnstone Strait. He carried on to the west and passed the A34s (and C10s) as they made their way east from Weynton Pass.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 11:40:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A34s are off Cracroft Point heading east while the A35s jumped ahead of the A8s. Both these groups are headed or at the beaches by now. The A8s went past Critical Point (Robson Bight) quite closely. The groups seem to be taking turns vocalizing which is convenient!
Helena
08 Jul 2011 13:00:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are heading west. The A35s and the A8s moved over to Cracroft Island from Vancouver Island and then went right under Marie's Cliff. The A34s may have turned about the same time. The Cs have hardly said anything and are proving difficult to track. The boat noise (poor whales) is awful.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 14:52:38 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sounds like everyone has woken up as they head to the west. The A34s and C10s turned about 10 minutes ago together.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 15:33:08 PDT
Around 7:15 pm we lost track of the whales as they continued to the west. After a couple of hours we began to wonder what happened to them. Finally, Troy was able to let us know that the A34s and C10s were making their way around Donegal Head. Troy thought others might be there too. Fingers crossed they come back soon.
Helena
08 Jul 2011 20:04:34 PDT
Boat noise A lovely cool morning here... the early July weather has been wet so the clearer skies this morning are welcomed. A lone humpback travelled north through the Pass at 5:45am. Yesterday, Stripe wandered back and forth in Blackney Pass so perhaps this was Stripe again. Doris, you were right, there were dolphins throughout the night but sadly no orcas followed. We still do not understand the couple of "A" call bursts that happened in the last few days. No one has seen anything. Curiouser and curiouser as Alice would say in Wonderland. Helena 03 Jul 2011 07:12:32 PDT No orcas present. The sun really did try today and it is a lovely evening. Today 3 humpbacks were in Blackney Pass during the day, Stripe, KC and Chunky. Dolphins and Dalls porpoise were nearby so it was fairly busy. Helena 03 Jul 2011 19:14:29 PDT No orcas present. The dolphins are quite chatty at the moment. Elizabeth 03 Jul 2011 22:34:33 PDT |
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
No orcas present.
Stripe has been in Blackney Pass this morning with two other companions. The sea lions have been lolling on the surface a lot today, sticking their pecs into the air - looking like "dorsal" fins in the fog.
Helena
06 Jul 2011 12:21:22 PDT
No orcas present.
Today our hearts were beating just a bit faster. After hearing about the transients near Campbell River and that they had sunshine as well we were all feeling a bit left out. Then around 2:15pm 4-5 orca were seen off Donegal Head! Of course, everyone thought the residents had come in. It turned out to be transients who skirted around Donegal Head and headed toward the backside of Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) where we were doing our town run. So we were glad we did not miss residents and happy the whale watchers got a break. BUT we are home and waiting, waiting,waiting...
Helena
06 Jul 2011 21:02:29 PDT
Stripe has been in Blackney Pass this morning with two other companions. The sea lions have been lolling on the surface a lot today, sticking their pecs into the air - looking like "dorsal" fins in the fog.
Helena
06 Jul 2011 12:21:22 PDT
No orcas present.
Today our hearts were beating just a bit faster. After hearing about the transients near Campbell River and that they had sunshine as well we were all feeling a bit left out. Then around 2:15pm 4-5 orca were seen off Donegal Head! Of course, everyone thought the residents had come in. It turned out to be transients who skirted around Donegal Head and headed toward the backside of Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) where we were doing our town run. So we were glad we did not miss residents and happy the whale watchers got a break. BUT we are home and waiting, waiting,waiting...
Helena
06 Jul 2011 21:02:29 PDT
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
No orcas present.
The dolphins have been very vocal in Johnstone Strait for the past half hour.
Elizabeth
05 Jul 2011 04:18:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Again, dolphins chatting. They were quite vocal throughout the night, sometimes quite close.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 08:52:29 PDT
No orcas present.
Just a lone humpback heading north today through Blackney Pass around 6pm. Earlier as we watched Dalls porpoise spread out through the Pass we watched a black Bear across on the Swanson shore avoid the neighbour's dog. The sun has been out so we are all feeing optimistic.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 19:20:25 PDT
No orcas present.
Actually the humpback is still out in Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 19:27:47 PDT
Distant calls audible.
There are dolphins in Blackney Pass and they are chatty.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 20:25:06 PDT
The dolphins have been very vocal in Johnstone Strait for the past half hour.
Elizabeth
05 Jul 2011 04:18:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Again, dolphins chatting. They were quite vocal throughout the night, sometimes quite close.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 08:52:29 PDT
No orcas present.
Just a lone humpback heading north today through Blackney Pass around 6pm. Earlier as we watched Dalls porpoise spread out through the Pass we watched a black Bear across on the Swanson shore avoid the neighbour's dog. The sun has been out so we are all feeing optimistic.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 19:20:25 PDT
No orcas present.
Actually the humpback is still out in Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 19:27:47 PDT
Distant calls audible.
There are dolphins in Blackney Pass and they are chatty.
Helena
05 Jul 2011 20:25:06 PDT
Monday, July 04, 2011
Orcas near mics.
These are dolphin close calls. There are dolphins everywhere, in Blackney Pass,in Johnstone Strait. They sound very active in pursuit of something. All of this under a very busy starry night - our first in quite a while!
Helena
04 Jul 2011 00:49:10 PDT
No orcas present.
We just had a nice encounter with a group of dolphins who came into Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound and then turned north, some quite close to Hanson Island and OrcaLab. Two groups came together and then turned suddenly mid channel and charged back towards us cutting in even close to the Lab. They carried on and cleared around the corner only to reappear heading toward Baronet Passage along the Cracroft Island shore. They did this all silently and only just now are chatting a bit. Quite exciting for all the new assistants!
Helena
04 Jul 2011 16:33:34 PDT
These are dolphin close calls. There are dolphins everywhere, in Blackney Pass,in Johnstone Strait. They sound very active in pursuit of something. All of this under a very busy starry night - our first in quite a while!
Helena
04 Jul 2011 00:49:10 PDT
No orcas present.
We just had a nice encounter with a group of dolphins who came into Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound and then turned north, some quite close to Hanson Island and OrcaLab. Two groups came together and then turned suddenly mid channel and charged back towards us cutting in even close to the Lab. They carried on and cleared around the corner only to reappear heading toward Baronet Passage along the Cracroft Island shore. They did this all silently and only just now are chatting a bit. Quite exciting for all the new assistants!
Helena
04 Jul 2011 16:33:34 PDT
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Distant calls audible.
Again we have heard a few mysterious distant "A" calls while we were listening in the house. We started a recording but there has been nothing since and we don't know where the calls were coming from. Such a tease! We do know the A30s were up north recently travelling with some of the Rs. We will be patient. Meanwhile, it has been a busy day. Stripe the humpback is in Blackney and Chunky,KC and two others are near Mitchell Bay along with a Gray Whale and a minke off Donegal Head.
Helena
02 Jul 2011 11:43:34 PDT
Again we have heard a few mysterious distant "A" calls while we were listening in the house. We started a recording but there has been nothing since and we don't know where the calls were coming from. Such a tease! We do know the A30s were up north recently travelling with some of the Rs. We will be patient. Meanwhile, it has been a busy day. Stripe the humpback is in Blackney and Chunky,KC and two others are near Mitchell Bay along with a Gray Whale and a minke off Donegal Head.
Helena
02 Jul 2011 11:43:34 PDT
Friday, July 01, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
No calls but orcas nearby
Just a few further details about last night. There were only a very few calls, a teaser it seems, in Blackfish Sound. All was quiet before 11:30pm but Elizabeth may have heard something on the "right" which means they may have gone into Johnstone Strait. None of this was clear as the calls disappeared as quickly as they happened. It sounded like "As" and possibly A1s. The day certainly seems brighter!
Helena
30 Jun 2011 10:27:14 PDT
Just a few further details about last night. There were only a very few calls, a teaser it seems, in Blackfish Sound. All was quiet before 11:30pm but Elizabeth may have heard something on the "right" which means they may have gone into Johnstone Strait. None of this was clear as the calls disappeared as quickly as they happened. It sounded like "As" and possibly A1s. The day certainly seems brighter!
Helena
30 Jun 2011 10:27:14 PDT
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
No orcas present.
It has been a quiet, wet day here on the water. A little while ago a few porpoises swam by and at the moment around two dozen dolphins are foraging their way down the pass.
Elizabeth
29 Jun 2011 18:58:49 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Some orcas have arrived!
Elizabeth
29 Jun 2011 23:21:28 PDT
It has been a quiet, wet day here on the water. A little while ago a few porpoises swam by and at the moment around two dozen dolphins are foraging their way down the pass.
Elizabeth
29 Jun 2011 18:58:49 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Some orcas have arrived!
Elizabeth
29 Jun 2011 23:21:28 PDT
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Performing maintenance
Hi we are doing a small maintenance job in the Lab and the broadcast will be off for a short while. Very quiet day here, misty, calm and very pretty. Dalls Porpoise out front.
Helena
28 Jun 2011 13:06:31 PDT
No orcas present.
We are back streaming. Also a humpback is out in Blackney Pass right now.
Helena
28 Jun 2011 14:35:07 PDT
No orcas present.
Apparently 5 orca passed Alert Bay this morning at 7:15 am. Ther was one male and four smaller fins. There had been an additional report of 3 orca and two humpbacks near Mitchell Bay this morning.
Helena
28 Jun 2011 18:56:34 PDT
Hi we are doing a small maintenance job in the Lab and the broadcast will be off for a short while. Very quiet day here, misty, calm and very pretty. Dalls Porpoise out front.
Helena
28 Jun 2011 13:06:31 PDT
No orcas present.
We are back streaming. Also a humpback is out in Blackney Pass right now.
Helena
28 Jun 2011 14:35:07 PDT
No orcas present.
Apparently 5 orca passed Alert Bay this morning at 7:15 am. Ther was one male and four smaller fins. There had been an additional report of 3 orca and two humpbacks near Mitchell Bay this morning.
Helena
28 Jun 2011 18:56:34 PDT
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
No orcas present.
It's barely past noon and the day has already been quite busy.The dolphins have decided to intermittently make calls near the hydrophones and two humpbacks are foraging their way south on the far side of the pass About an hour ago several Dall's and harbour porpoises swam by, also on their way south.
Elizabeth
19 Jun 2011 12:29:54 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
5 transients have been spotted heading west in Johnstone Strait.
Elizabeth
19 Jun 2011 16:33:09 PDT
No orcas present.
It turns out that there were two groups of transients travelling up the strait. Unfortunately they decided to remain quiet while in range of the hydrophones. Marie and company were able to identify them as the T10s and T26s as well as T18 and the T19s.
Elizabeth
19 Jun 2011 18:08:21 PDT
It's barely past noon and the day has already been quite busy.The dolphins have decided to intermittently make calls near the hydrophones and two humpbacks are foraging their way south on the far side of the pass About an hour ago several Dall's and harbour porpoises swam by, also on their way south.
Elizabeth
19 Jun 2011 12:29:54 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
5 transients have been spotted heading west in Johnstone Strait.
Elizabeth
19 Jun 2011 16:33:09 PDT
No orcas present.
It turns out that there were two groups of transients travelling up the strait. Unfortunately they decided to remain quiet while in range of the hydrophones. Marie and company were able to identify them as the T10s and T26s as well as T18 and the T19s.
Elizabeth
19 Jun 2011 18:08:21 PDT
Saturday, June 18, 2011
No orcas present.
We have a few dolphins (6-10) milling about in Blackney Pass at the moment, and that might explain a few sounds we heard a short while ago.
Helena
18 Jun 2011 10:31:08 PDT
No orcas present.
Another familiar humpback, KC, was spotted foraging in the southern end of Weynton Passage earlier this afternoon. The rain has given way to sun, and it has turned out to be a beautiful day.
Elizabeth
18 Jun 2011 15:59:34 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The dolphins have been vocalizing sporadically very close to the hydrophones for the past half hour.
Elizabeth
18 Jun 2011 23:49:53 PDT
We have a few dolphins (6-10) milling about in Blackney Pass at the moment, and that might explain a few sounds we heard a short while ago.
Helena
18 Jun 2011 10:31:08 PDT
No orcas present.
Another familiar humpback, KC, was spotted foraging in the southern end of Weynton Passage earlier this afternoon. The rain has given way to sun, and it has turned out to be a beautiful day.
Elizabeth
18 Jun 2011 15:59:34 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The dolphins have been vocalizing sporadically very close to the hydrophones for the past half hour.
Elizabeth
18 Jun 2011 23:49:53 PDT
Friday, June 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
No orcas present.
This came in from Marie: Wanted to let you know Christie & I ran into Lance in TC yesterday and he said he saw Springer with A11, A56 and her little one. It would have been on Sat or Sun and they were heading up Smith Inlet, He said they were quiet and they scanned for a long time and didn't see anybody else." So.... getting closer and closer! North coast,central coast....next southern coast! - " Just around the corner!"
Helena
15 Jun 2011 10:43:08 PDT
No orcas present.
Two humpbacks have been sauntering through Blackney Pass this morning, first heading north and now almost through heading south to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
15 Jun 2011 12:48:19 PDT
This came in from Marie: Wanted to let you know Christie & I ran into Lance in TC yesterday and he said he saw Springer with A11, A56 and her little one. It would have been on Sat or Sun and they were heading up Smith Inlet, He said they were quiet and they scanned for a long time and didn't see anybody else." So.... getting closer and closer! North coast,central coast....next southern coast! - " Just around the corner!"
Helena
15 Jun 2011 10:43:08 PDT
No orcas present.
Two humpbacks have been sauntering through Blackney Pass this morning, first heading north and now almost through heading south to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
15 Jun 2011 12:48:19 PDT
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
The dolphins are really chatty in Johnstone Strait!!
Leah
13 Jun 2011 00:21:51 PDT
No orcas present.
Twister was by this morning not long an energetic group of dolphins raced through Blackney Pass heading north mid channel.
Helena
13 Jun 2011 12:29:45 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Dolphins once more - gone silent now but they were vocal off the Ecological Reserve just a short while ago. Earlier a group passed through Blackney pass heading north silently. There are a lot of dolphins around.
Helena
13 Jun 2011 15:29:03 PDT
We heard Twister heading north in Blackney just before dark. Calm, quiet evening with a waxing moon overhead.
Leah
13 Jun 2011 23:10:52 PDT
Leah
13 Jun 2011 00:21:51 PDT
No orcas present.
Twister was by this morning not long an energetic group of dolphins raced through Blackney Pass heading north mid channel.
Helena
13 Jun 2011 12:29:45 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Dolphins once more - gone silent now but they were vocal off the Ecological Reserve just a short while ago. Earlier a group passed through Blackney pass heading north silently. There are a lot of dolphins around.
Helena
13 Jun 2011 15:29:03 PDT
We heard Twister heading north in Blackney just before dark. Calm, quiet evening with a waxing moon overhead.
Leah
13 Jun 2011 23:10:52 PDT
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Busy morning here in Blackney Pass. At 0930 100+ Pacific White-sided dolphins came leaping and porpoising from the north while calling the whole time. Some stopped and foraged while the majority continued to quickly transit to the south. Then at 1000 Twister arrived from the same direction! Looks as though some feed is moving through the pass with the flood current. The sun is intermittently peaking out of the clouds and the sea is calm.
Leah
12 Jun 2011 10:44:13 PDT
Twister is still foraging off Parson Island. Looks to be a regular routine for him/her. His/her favourite spots is also a favourite fishing hole for the Steller's throughout the winter.
Leah
12 Jun 2011 12:45:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Helena called to say that a small group of transients headed east past the end of Alert Bay. Wonder who they are and if we will hear them later...
Leah
12 Jun 2011 14:11:29 PDT
Well this day just hasn't stopped...a Grey whale just headed north 70 m off the lab. In the meantime Twister was making a small circle back to her/his fishing hole. Jim Borrowman of Stubbs just reported that 5 transients were headed NW is Queen Charlotte Strait, so I guess we won't hear those ones unless they turn around. Bill MacKay from MacKay whale watching also reported that there were other orcas at the mouth of Arrow Pass. It's a busy day for cetaceans in the area!!!
Leah
12 Jun 2011 15:48:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Dolphins not orcas - in Johnstone Strait on the heels of the Gray whale and Twister travelling Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound. We saw the transients off Alert Bay, right below the cliff at the eastern end of Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) at 12:30pm. They we heading through Pearse Pass - nice.
Helena & Paul
12 Jun 2011 16:46:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Dolphins again...they appear to be stretched out in Johnstone Strait. To top it off Twister was breaching off Parson Island at dusk before heading over this way and surfacing 70m off the lab. What a day!
OL Crew!
12 Jun 2011 23:41:03 PDT
Leah
12 Jun 2011 10:44:13 PDT
Twister is still foraging off Parson Island. Looks to be a regular routine for him/her. His/her favourite spots is also a favourite fishing hole for the Steller's throughout the winter.
Leah
12 Jun 2011 12:45:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Helena called to say that a small group of transients headed east past the end of Alert Bay. Wonder who they are and if we will hear them later...
Leah
12 Jun 2011 14:11:29 PDT
Well this day just hasn't stopped...a Grey whale just headed north 70 m off the lab. In the meantime Twister was making a small circle back to her/his fishing hole. Jim Borrowman of Stubbs just reported that 5 transients were headed NW is Queen Charlotte Strait, so I guess we won't hear those ones unless they turn around. Bill MacKay from MacKay whale watching also reported that there were other orcas at the mouth of Arrow Pass. It's a busy day for cetaceans in the area!!!
Leah
12 Jun 2011 15:48:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Dolphins not orcas - in Johnstone Strait on the heels of the Gray whale and Twister travelling Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound. We saw the transients off Alert Bay, right below the cliff at the eastern end of Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) at 12:30pm. They we heading through Pearse Pass - nice.
Helena & Paul
12 Jun 2011 16:46:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Dolphins again...they appear to be stretched out in Johnstone Strait. To top it off Twister was breaching off Parson Island at dusk before heading over this way and surfacing 70m off the lab. What a day!
OL Crew!
12 Jun 2011 23:41:03 PDT
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Twister is back again this morning! S/he's slowly heading north at the moment. Beautiful, calm morning here :)
Leah
11 Jun 2011 08:36:21 PDT
Twister has been foraging off Parson Island for over 2 hours now and at one point s/he could be heard trumpeting. S/he is slowly making her/his way south at the moment. The sun is shining and there is a light NW breeze.
Leah
11 Jun 2011 12:59:47 PDT
Leah
11 Jun 2011 08:36:21 PDT
Twister has been foraging off Parson Island for over 2 hours now and at one point s/he could be heard trumpeting. S/he is slowly making her/his way south at the moment. The sun is shining and there is a light NW breeze.
Leah
11 Jun 2011 12:59:47 PDT
Friday, June 10, 2011
The dolphins are super chatty in Robson Bight this evening; calling and echolocating! Sometimes, you can even hear their bodies swooshing past the hydrophone.
Leah
10 Jun 2011 00:28:46 PDT
Twister is back this morning working the flood current along Parson Island shoreline, while slowly heading south.
Leah
10 Jun 2011 10:36:31 PDT
Leah
10 Jun 2011 00:28:46 PDT
Twister is back this morning working the flood current along Parson Island shoreline, while slowly heading south.
Leah
10 Jun 2011 10:36:31 PDT
Thursday, June 09, 2011
The dolphins continued to call and echolocate throughout most of the night. Quiet morning here on the cetacean front, but the eagles sure have a lot to say! Drizzly skies and calm, glassy water in Blackney this morning.
Leah
09 Jun 2011 09:18:41 PDT
No orcas present.
Just signed us up on Twitter as OrcaLab1 in the hope we can send out alerts when there are calls. It is an bit of an experiment and hopefully it will help everyone. So follow us on Twitter too!
Helena & Paul
09 Jun 2011 11:13:35 PDT
Twister arrived back in Blackney at 1800 this evening. S/he is making the regular rounds, between Parson and Harbledowne Island, working the flood current.
Leah
09 Jun 2011 20:03:47 PDT
Leah
09 Jun 2011 09:18:41 PDT
No orcas present.
Just signed us up on Twitter as OrcaLab1 in the hope we can send out alerts when there are calls. It is an bit of an experiment and hopefully it will help everyone. So follow us on Twitter too!
Helena & Paul
09 Jun 2011 11:13:35 PDT
Twister arrived back in Blackney at 1800 this evening. S/he is making the regular rounds, between Parson and Harbledowne Island, working the flood current.
Leah
09 Jun 2011 20:03:47 PDT
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
The dolphins made it to Critical Point last night by 2000. They could also be heard, quite distantly, throughout the night. They are now very vocal, but distant on Flower Island. Happy Ocean's Day everyone!
Leah
08 Jun 2011 09:13:52 PDT
Twister is foraging in the Blackney current this morning under a very thin layer of fog. It is lovely that s/he is finding food and that it is all within the view from the lab :)
Leah
08 Jun 2011 12:11:28 PDT
There are a bunch of super chatty dolphins in Robson Bight rooting for the Canucks. Go Canucks Go!
Leah
08 Jun 2011 17:49:37 PDT
Leah
08 Jun 2011 09:13:52 PDT
Twister is foraging in the Blackney current this morning under a very thin layer of fog. It is lovely that s/he is finding food and that it is all within the view from the lab :)
Leah
08 Jun 2011 12:11:28 PDT
There are a bunch of super chatty dolphins in Robson Bight rooting for the Canucks. Go Canucks Go!
Leah
08 Jun 2011 17:49:37 PDT
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
A humpback is foraging off Parson Island at the moment. S/he hasn't fluked yet, so I can't be sure who it is. Sunny, windy day here :)
Leah
07 Jun 2011 12:34:52 PDT
There are dolphins chatting on Flower Island. All of a sudden things are getting busy out there :) Here's hoping some orcas show up ;)
Leah
07 Jun 2011 12:44:12 PDT
The HB headed south into Johstone and Jim Borrowman was able to catch up with her/him on the Lukwa...it's Twister!
Leah
07 Jun 2011 15:04:06 PDT
100+ dolphins just headed south, loosely grouped and traveling fast, in Blackney. The wind has calmed and the sun setting to the west is casting a beautiful light on the islands across the pass.
Leah
07 Jun 2011 19:35:02 PDT
Leah
07 Jun 2011 12:34:52 PDT
There are dolphins chatting on Flower Island. All of a sudden things are getting busy out there :) Here's hoping some orcas show up ;)
Leah
07 Jun 2011 12:44:12 PDT
The HB headed south into Johstone and Jim Borrowman was able to catch up with her/him on the Lukwa...it's Twister!
Leah
07 Jun 2011 15:04:06 PDT
100+ dolphins just headed south, loosely grouped and traveling fast, in Blackney. The wind has calmed and the sun setting to the west is casting a beautiful light on the islands across the pass.
Leah
07 Jun 2011 19:35:02 PDT
Dolphins were calling and echolocating in Johnstone Strait at 2237 last night. Then at some point in the wee hours of the morning, I could hear them alongside a cruise ship heading north in Blackney. This particular ship was not as loud as other cruise ships underwater, but was emitting a high pitch noise intermittently. It made the same sound as the last cruise ship that I heard the dolphins traveling with. Hmmm.
Leah
06 Jun 2011 09:52:17 PDT
Leah
06 Jun 2011 09:52:17 PDT
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Good news! With much perseverance the rubbing beaches hydrophone has been reinstalled and is up and running! I awoke to a strange dolphin like call, that came through loud and clear, and found that it was coming from the rubbing beaches hydrophone. The calls now sound like Pacific White-Sided dolphins, so perhaps the original calls were of them checking out the new hydrophone???
Leah
05 Jun 2011 01:16:11 PDT
Twister and Arial are still accompanying one another as they work the current between Blackney Pass and Johnstone Strait this afternoon. As Jackie of MERS was observing these two at CP a third HB was slapping its tail to the east in Robson Bight. Wonder if it was Canuck or another individual coming in to the area?
Leah
05 Jun 2011 17:12:27 PDT
Leah
05 Jun 2011 01:16:11 PDT
Twister and Arial are still accompanying one another as they work the current between Blackney Pass and Johnstone Strait this afternoon. As Jackie of MERS was observing these two at CP a third HB was slapping its tail to the east in Robson Bight. Wonder if it was Canuck or another individual coming in to the area?
Leah
05 Jun 2011 17:12:27 PDT
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Two humpbacks headed north in Blackney at 1400 this afternoon. One of them appears to be Twister, but will await confirmation from MERS. Dolphins have also been traveling in groups of 10-100 from QCS to JS. Beautiful, calm weather has made for a very picturesque scene today! Go Canucks Go!
Leah
04 Jun 2011 17:14:30 PDT
Twister and Arial, the two HB's from earlier today, are back in Blackney. Arial and Twister just fluked side by side, respectively in the last of the sunset shining on Harbledowne Hump. Thank goodness for them the tug with its log tow is heading east in Johnstone Strait around the corner. Thanks Jackie for the ID's :)
Leah
04 Jun 2011 21:05:03 PDT
Leah
04 Jun 2011 17:14:30 PDT
Twister and Arial, the two HB's from earlier today, are back in Blackney. Arial and Twister just fluked side by side, respectively in the last of the sunset shining on Harbledowne Hump. Thank goodness for them the tug with its log tow is heading east in Johnstone Strait around the corner. Thanks Jackie for the ID's :)
Leah
04 Jun 2011 21:05:03 PDT
Thursday, June 02, 2011
There are dolphins chatting and echolocating in Johnstone Strait this morning. They were also on Critical Point at 2222 last night. It seems as though they are starting to make their way out of Knight Inlet, according to Lindsay of Tide Rip Tours.
Leah
02 Jun 2011 02:34:22 PDT
Twister the humpback is making his/her regular circuit in Blackney today. There is no wind to speak of, so you can here her/his blows clearly across the Pass. Ahhhh!
Leah
02 Jun 2011 13:57:12 PDT
Just an update...the humpback that was traveling south in Blackney on May 31st was Twister. Thanks to Christie McMillan of MERS for the confirmation.
Leah
02 Jun 2011 14:22:55 PDT
Canuck, the new humpback to the area, was spotted at the Stephensons this afternoon. S/he was first spotted in Blackney Pass on May 24th, just before the Canucks won game 5 against the Sharks. Also, Twister is still making his/her regular rounds between Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. It is so wonderful to have these guys stick around in the area!
Leah
02 Jun 2011 20:13:24 PDT
Leah
02 Jun 2011 02:34:22 PDT
Twister the humpback is making his/her regular circuit in Blackney today. There is no wind to speak of, so you can here her/his blows clearly across the Pass. Ahhhh!
Leah
02 Jun 2011 13:57:12 PDT
Just an update...the humpback that was traveling south in Blackney on May 31st was Twister. Thanks to Christie McMillan of MERS for the confirmation.
Leah
02 Jun 2011 14:22:55 PDT
Canuck, the new humpback to the area, was spotted at the Stephensons this afternoon. S/he was first spotted in Blackney Pass on May 24th, just before the Canucks won game 5 against the Sharks. Also, Twister is still making his/her regular rounds between Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. It is so wonderful to have these guys stick around in the area!
Leah
02 Jun 2011 20:13:24 PDT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)