No orcas present.
It has been a very quiet day. A minke and two humpbacks turned up but no sign of any orcas. There have been very few "no orca" days this season so it is a little hard to get use to the quiet. In July we had only one day without orcas but they were in the east so technically still in the "area". In August there was also one day where the whales stayed east for the entire day. So far in September there have been two totally blank days. All in all the activity level has been fairly constant. The month the I15s were here was particularly intense. We have actually recorded more this year, by this time, than last year. So far we have seen: all the A1s, A4s, A5s,Bs, Cs, Gs and Rs. We have not seen: the Ds, Hs, I1s, I2s, I17 & I18s. The Ds & Hs have been tending to use the Johnstone Strait area less frequently than they did in the 1980s. The Hs after their pod suffered several deaths hooked up with the I17s and I18s, groups which only ever came into the Johnstone Strait area once or twice a season, as have the I1s & I2s. Although the C6s, Ws and R2s showed up they hardly spent anytime in the area and that is somewhat uncharacteristic. What has been interesting this year has been the use of the lower part of the Johnstone Strait (what we call the east) by the groups especially the A4s and the A5s. The A8s (A5s) and the A11s(A4s) seemed to be "down there" forever. The season certainly isn't over yet and it will be interesting to see who comes by while the dog (chum) salmon are running.
Helena
30 Sep 2005 16:38:49 PDT
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Orcas near mics.
A short while ago whales (Gs) arrived back in the Robson Bight area. Tjey sound like they came up from the east and are now westbound.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 07:27:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The G group sounds like it is definitely heading west. This sounds like the group which went east at 4:30am yesterday morning. We have not heard last nights groups yet this morning.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 08:37:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are still milling off the entrance to Blackney, sometimes shifting west and then back to the east. Most of the activity is in the rip just to the west of CP.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 10:22:59 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The Gs have moved from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 13:12:26 PDT
No orcas present.
It has been a while now ( 12:30pm) since the Gs ( the G3s & G18s) left Balckney for Blackfish Sound. Unfortunately it has been a busy "boat" day with lots of heavy traffic in transit through the area. The weather is trying to improve though.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 15:37:37 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since the G3s & G18s headed "out" from Blackfish Sound early this afternoon. We are waiting, and meanwhile, enjoying a star-filled night.
Paul
29 Sep 2005 23:40:53 PDT
A short while ago whales (Gs) arrived back in the Robson Bight area. Tjey sound like they came up from the east and are now westbound.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 07:27:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The G group sounds like it is definitely heading west. This sounds like the group which went east at 4:30am yesterday morning. We have not heard last nights groups yet this morning.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 08:37:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales are still milling off the entrance to Blackney, sometimes shifting west and then back to the east. Most of the activity is in the rip just to the west of CP.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 10:22:59 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The Gs have moved from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 13:12:26 PDT
No orcas present.
It has been a while now ( 12:30pm) since the Gs ( the G3s & G18s) left Balckney for Blackfish Sound. Unfortunately it has been a busy "boat" day with lots of heavy traffic in transit through the area. The weather is trying to improve though.
Helena
29 Sep 2005 15:37:37 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since the G3s & G18s headed "out" from Blackfish Sound early this afternoon. We are waiting, and meanwhile, enjoying a star-filled night.
Paul
29 Sep 2005 23:40:53 PDT
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Orcas near mics.
We were woken up by lots oif G clan calls on Critical Point. We also heard only briefly a few A1 calls as well. The whales sounded like they were already past Cracroft Point and closing in on Robsob Bight. The group we have been listening to now sound as if they are past Critical Point on their way to the east. Were they the last grroup?
Helena
28 Sep 2005 04:42:42 PDT
No orcas present.
We have been trying to sort out the distant A1 calls we heard at 7am. They were over before located. However, the A36s turned up not too far away near Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait later this morning. Captain Wayne on the Lukwa (Stubbs Island) phoned to let us know. The weather is unsettled today so Wayne most likely elected to go west because the Gs that went east in the Strait earlier (4:30 am) have not been seen or heard from since. Wayne lucked out with the A36s. The tide will turn to the ebb around 3pm so perhaps this will encourage the eastern whales to venture back in range.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 12:15:26 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Just a short while ago we started hearing A36s and G clan calls on Flower Island.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 15:31:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The G clan & A1 groups we were listening to in Blackfish Sound earlier have now moved into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. We're listening to them in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
28 Sep 2005 17:21:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups have moved east to opposite the entrance of Blackney Pass in the Strait. The calls remain somewhat distant and therefore we think the whales are closer to the Vancouver Island shore. Visibility is poor due to the rain & low cloud..
Helena
28 Sep 2005 18:12:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are obviously interested in Blackney Pass but they are calling so infrequently it is difficult to know if they are coming into the Pass. The wind has picked up once more and it is impossible to hear if there are blows outside. The Gs have been silent for quite a while now.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 20:29:26 PDT
We were woken up by lots oif G clan calls on Critical Point. We also heard only briefly a few A1 calls as well. The whales sounded like they were already past Cracroft Point and closing in on Robsob Bight. The group we have been listening to now sound as if they are past Critical Point on their way to the east. Were they the last grroup?
Helena
28 Sep 2005 04:42:42 PDT
No orcas present.
We have been trying to sort out the distant A1 calls we heard at 7am. They were over before located. However, the A36s turned up not too far away near Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait later this morning. Captain Wayne on the Lukwa (Stubbs Island) phoned to let us know. The weather is unsettled today so Wayne most likely elected to go west because the Gs that went east in the Strait earlier (4:30 am) have not been seen or heard from since. Wayne lucked out with the A36s. The tide will turn to the ebb around 3pm so perhaps this will encourage the eastern whales to venture back in range.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 12:15:26 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Just a short while ago we started hearing A36s and G clan calls on Flower Island.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 15:31:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The G clan & A1 groups we were listening to in Blackfish Sound earlier have now moved into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. We're listening to them in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
28 Sep 2005 17:21:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups have moved east to opposite the entrance of Blackney Pass in the Strait. The calls remain somewhat distant and therefore we think the whales are closer to the Vancouver Island shore. Visibility is poor due to the rain & low cloud..
Helena
28 Sep 2005 18:12:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are obviously interested in Blackney Pass but they are calling so infrequently it is difficult to know if they are coming into the Pass. The wind has picked up once more and it is impossible to hear if there are blows outside. The Gs have been silent for quite a while now.
Helena
28 Sep 2005 20:29:26 PDT
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Distant calls audible.
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A12s as they make their way north through Blackney Pass, and a short while ago heard what sound like the I15s in Blackfish Sound. The A12s breached several times in Blackney Pass, making us think they might be excited at the prospect of meeting up with incoming orcas!
Paul
27 Sep 2005 06:48:47 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Indeed the A12s and probably the A36s as well have met up with incoming G clan whales! They are currently milling together at the top end of Blackfish Sound undecided at the moment which direction they will choose. Lovely September morning here.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 08:08:04 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think we are hearing the G3s at the moment on Flower Island. The seems to be other G clan whales as well and we are waiting for a bit more clarity. Another boat is moving through Blackfish.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 08:54:04 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to Transients. They're in the entrance of Blackney. On Channel A
Sven
27 Sep 2005 12:33:46 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients who were busy a short while ago in the entrance of Blackney Pass have moved to the east of CP. From the glimpse we had as they passed CP we think they may have been the T18s.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 14:12:50 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s slowly made their way to the Sophia's and after some milling around were last seen heading east along the shore.
Julie @ CP
27 Sep 2005 14:46:43 PDT
No orcas present.
The big group of Gs and A1s have not yet come back to this part of the area. They were last seen well west in Queen Charlotte Strait but they had turned at that time (Naiad Explorer report). We'll have to "see" what tonight brings.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 22:08:16 PDT
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A12s as they make their way north through Blackney Pass, and a short while ago heard what sound like the I15s in Blackfish Sound. The A12s breached several times in Blackney Pass, making us think they might be excited at the prospect of meeting up with incoming orcas!
Paul
27 Sep 2005 06:48:47 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Indeed the A12s and probably the A36s as well have met up with incoming G clan whales! They are currently milling together at the top end of Blackfish Sound undecided at the moment which direction they will choose. Lovely September morning here.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 08:08:04 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think we are hearing the G3s at the moment on Flower Island. The seems to be other G clan whales as well and we are waiting for a bit more clarity. Another boat is moving through Blackfish.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 08:54:04 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to Transients. They're in the entrance of Blackney. On Channel A
Sven
27 Sep 2005 12:33:46 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The transients who were busy a short while ago in the entrance of Blackney Pass have moved to the east of CP. From the glimpse we had as they passed CP we think they may have been the T18s.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 14:12:50 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The T18s slowly made their way to the Sophia's and after some milling around were last seen heading east along the shore.
Julie @ CP
27 Sep 2005 14:46:43 PDT
No orcas present.
The big group of Gs and A1s have not yet come back to this part of the area. They were last seen well west in Queen Charlotte Strait but they had turned at that time (Naiad Explorer report). We'll have to "see" what tonight brings.
Helena
27 Sep 2005 22:08:16 PDT
Monday, September 26, 2005
Distant calls audible.
Overnight, the A12s & A36s went some distance to the east. They are now returning to the west, & are mid-Strait opposite Robson Bight. They are moving slowly, & foraging a lot of the time.
Paul
26 Sep 2005 14:07:33 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
At least some of the A12s are heading across the Strait, towards CP. Channel A.
Paul
26 Sep 2005 16:04:46 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s who earlier ventured all the way through Blackney Pass to the north did a short turna around and came right back to Blackney just after entering Blackfish Sound. They have now almost gone from our view as they head towards the Strait and the A36s once more. We have heard reports of a large group of orcas in the Port Hardy area headed east this afternoon. Tugs & humpbacks have been using Blackney while the A12s have moved around.
Helena
26 Sep 2005 18:18:14 PDT
No orcas present.
It is hard to know just what the A12s and the A36s decided to do once the A12s were back in the Strait. All calls were only distant suggesting they were still some distance from Robson Bight. However, the A12s were last seen resting facing east. The tide has now turned to the flood so perhaps they have drifted along with it to the east.. Hopefully they will give us a stronger clue before morning.
Helena
26 Sep 2005 22:03:47 PDT
Overnight, the A12s & A36s went some distance to the east. They are now returning to the west, & are mid-Strait opposite Robson Bight. They are moving slowly, & foraging a lot of the time.
Paul
26 Sep 2005 14:07:33 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
At least some of the A12s are heading across the Strait, towards CP. Channel A.
Paul
26 Sep 2005 16:04:46 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s who earlier ventured all the way through Blackney Pass to the north did a short turna around and came right back to Blackney just after entering Blackfish Sound. They have now almost gone from our view as they head towards the Strait and the A36s once more. We have heard reports of a large group of orcas in the Port Hardy area headed east this afternoon. Tugs & humpbacks have been using Blackney while the A12s have moved around.
Helena
26 Sep 2005 18:18:14 PDT
No orcas present.
It is hard to know just what the A12s and the A36s decided to do once the A12s were back in the Strait. All calls were only distant suggesting they were still some distance from Robson Bight. However, the A12s were last seen resting facing east. The tide has now turned to the flood so perhaps they have drifted along with it to the east.. Hopefully they will give us a stronger clue before morning.
Helena
26 Sep 2005 22:03:47 PDT
Sunday, September 25, 2005
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (except for boat noise) and are not sure what happened to the A36s after their long foraging session in Blackfish Sound yesterday afternoon. We are waiting, and meanwhile anjoying a lovely calm morning with the prospect of a sunny day ahead.
Paul
25 Sep 2005 08:43:58 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
While we have been watching humpbacks in Blackney Pass we started to hear whales at the beaches rubbing.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 11:39:20 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The orcas at the rubbing beaches are the A36 brothers. It looks like they must have headed into Johnstone Strait at some point during the night, without us being aware of them!
Paul
25 Sep 2005 11:48:12 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are crossing from the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, near Kaikash, towards Blackney Pass. They are visible on Channel A. Meanwhile, a large group of orcas has been sighted eastbound on the north side of Malcolm Island, so there is a good chance that at least some of the orcas that headed "out" a few days ago are now coming back "in".
Paul
25 Sep 2005 15:25:24 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A36s are moving along smartly now. They are moving to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Troy bright has meanwhile let everyone know that he heard & saw a group of whales (As) headed east from Bere Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. It may become busy again!
Helena
25 Sep 2005 15:37:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s kept going to the west after passing CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 17:30:10 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant calls from the A12s on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago... seems like they're heading for Johnstone Strait on the flooding tide.
Paul
25 Sep 2005 18:21:07 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A12s and the A36s have met up in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 21:14:06 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The a12s and the A36s sound as if they are moving closer to the Reserve.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 23:43:23 PDT
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (except for boat noise) and are not sure what happened to the A36s after their long foraging session in Blackfish Sound yesterday afternoon. We are waiting, and meanwhile anjoying a lovely calm morning with the prospect of a sunny day ahead.
Paul
25 Sep 2005 08:43:58 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
While we have been watching humpbacks in Blackney Pass we started to hear whales at the beaches rubbing.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 11:39:20 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The orcas at the rubbing beaches are the A36 brothers. It looks like they must have headed into Johnstone Strait at some point during the night, without us being aware of them!
Paul
25 Sep 2005 11:48:12 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are crossing from the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, near Kaikash, towards Blackney Pass. They are visible on Channel A. Meanwhile, a large group of orcas has been sighted eastbound on the north side of Malcolm Island, so there is a good chance that at least some of the orcas that headed "out" a few days ago are now coming back "in".
Paul
25 Sep 2005 15:25:24 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A36s are moving along smartly now. They are moving to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Troy bright has meanwhile let everyone know that he heard & saw a group of whales (As) headed east from Bere Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. It may become busy again!
Helena
25 Sep 2005 15:37:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s kept going to the west after passing CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 17:30:10 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant calls from the A12s on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago... seems like they're heading for Johnstone Strait on the flooding tide.
Paul
25 Sep 2005 18:21:07 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A12s and the A36s have met up in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 21:14:06 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The a12s and the A36s sound as if they are moving closer to the Reserve.
Helena
25 Sep 2005 23:43:23 PDT
Saturday, September 24, 2005
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've heard no calls overnight, so we are still waiting.
Paul
24 Sep 2005 07:42:50 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It would appear that the A36s who were seen earlier in Queen Charlotte Strait have made their way east enough toward Blackfish Sound for their calls to be heard on Flower Island. The tide is rising and this may encourage the three brothers to venture our way. Fingers crossed!
Helena
24 Sep 2005 15:46:18 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Hard to know which category to place the last calls we heard BUT they were very interesting AND we think that they probably belong to a humpback, perhaps the one that was in Blackfish Sound/Blackney today. This young juvenile spent most of the day roaming the nearby waterways. We are not sure if someone else (perhaps some dolphins) were not also contributing. If this was a humpback it will have been the most sustained bout of vocals we have heard from this species in this area. We do not know what happened to the A36s who had been vocal on Flower Island just before the cruiseship passed through. The tide has now turned to an ebb.
Helena
24 Sep 2005 21:14:43 PDT
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've heard no calls overnight, so we are still waiting.
Paul
24 Sep 2005 07:42:50 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It would appear that the A36s who were seen earlier in Queen Charlotte Strait have made their way east enough toward Blackfish Sound for their calls to be heard on Flower Island. The tide is rising and this may encourage the three brothers to venture our way. Fingers crossed!
Helena
24 Sep 2005 15:46:18 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Hard to know which category to place the last calls we heard BUT they were very interesting AND we think that they probably belong to a humpback, perhaps the one that was in Blackfish Sound/Blackney today. This young juvenile spent most of the day roaming the nearby waterways. We are not sure if someone else (perhaps some dolphins) were not also contributing. If this was a humpback it will have been the most sustained bout of vocals we have heard from this species in this area. We do not know what happened to the A36s who had been vocal on Flower Island just before the cruiseship passed through. The tide has now turned to an ebb.
Helena
24 Sep 2005 21:14:43 PDT
Friday, September 23, 2005
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls overnight, & once again, are waiting.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 07:54:03 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls today. However, orcas were not very far away. The A36s were sighted by the Naiad Explorer (Mackay Whalewatching) in Goletas Channel near Port Hardy, and a group of transient orcas that included the T2s was sighted by the Gikumi (Stubbs Island Whalewatching) in eastern Baronet Passage, a little to the east of us.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 22:56:16 PD
Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls overnight, & once again, are waiting.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 07:54:03 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls today. However, orcas were not very far away. The A36s were sighted by the Naiad Explorer (Mackay Whalewatching) in Goletas Channel near Port Hardy, and a group of transient orcas that included the T2s was sighted by the Gikumi (Stubbs Island Whalewatching) in eastern Baronet Passage, a little to the east of us.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 22:56:16 PD
Thursday, September 22, 2005
No orcas present.
We heard no calls overnight, and think that the numerous groups (A12s, A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, I31s) that headed "out" yesterday afternoon, after many days of intense socialising, may have moved further to the west. We are hoping that at least some of them will return before long, but meanwhile, we are waiting.
Paul
22 Sep 2005 09:24:05 PDT
No orcas present.
Well this has been the first day all season without orcas in the area. We did receive two reports from MacKay Whale Watching that a very large group of whales were west of Port Hardy this morning: Most likely the same whales as of yesterday. After all the intensity of movement and vocals the quiet takes some adjustment. But the return will be like starting over again!
Helena
22 Sep 2005 22:13:21 PDT
We heard no calls overnight, and think that the numerous groups (A12s, A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, I31s) that headed "out" yesterday afternoon, after many days of intense socialising, may have moved further to the west. We are hoping that at least some of them will return before long, but meanwhile, we are waiting.
Paul
22 Sep 2005 09:24:05 PDT
No orcas present.
Well this has been the first day all season without orcas in the area. We did receive two reports from MacKay Whale Watching that a very large group of whales were west of Port Hardy this morning: Most likely the same whales as of yesterday. After all the intensity of movement and vocals the quiet takes some adjustment. But the return will be like starting over again!
Helena
22 Sep 2005 22:13:21 PDT
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! The wonderful morning chorus of "A1" and "G-I" calls we're listening to is in Robson Bight. Sounds like the groups that were in the Strait yesterday afternoon & last night (A12s, A30s, I15s, I11s. I31s) are probably still together. It's another very foggy morning here... but hopefully it will become clear later this morning.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 07:35:08 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The party in Robson Bight seems to be going on & on, so we've sent an acoustic alert.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 08:54:33 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the crowd have moved off to the east & are at the rubbing beaches... Channel B. Others are still in the Bight.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 09:19:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It seems that at least some of the orcas have moved off to the west & are now in the vicinity of Izumi Rock... we're starting to hear them in the distance on the CP hydrophone.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:01:04 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Some of the orcas are close to CP & are occasionally visible through the fog. Channel A.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:40:28 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A36s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. Others may follow them soon. It's too foggy to see much, but their calls have been clear on the Local Left hydrophone, now on Flower Island as they head into Blackfish Sound. The I15s are in the entrance to Blackney Pass, audible on the Parson Island hydrophone. There are still many orcas in Johnstone Strait, including the A12s & I11s/I31s. We're listening to them on the CP & CrPt hydrophones.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 11:23:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s continued to the west through Blackfish Sound this morning while the other groups (the A12s,A30s,I15s,I11s,and I31s) continued to the west in Johnstone Strait and out through Weynton Pass. They have lingered off the top end of Blackfish and the eastern regions of Queen Charlotte Strait for some time now. From time to time we can hear their distant calls.
Helena
21 Sep 2005 15:50:28 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since mid afternoon, when the various groups of orcas were headed north from Blackfish Sound. We are waiting.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 23:05:34 PDT
Good morning everyone! The wonderful morning chorus of "A1" and "G-I" calls we're listening to is in Robson Bight. Sounds like the groups that were in the Strait yesterday afternoon & last night (A12s, A30s, I15s, I11s. I31s) are probably still together. It's another very foggy morning here... but hopefully it will become clear later this morning.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 07:35:08 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The party in Robson Bight seems to be going on & on, so we've sent an acoustic alert.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 08:54:33 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the crowd have moved off to the east & are at the rubbing beaches... Channel B. Others are still in the Bight.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 09:19:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It seems that at least some of the orcas have moved off to the west & are now in the vicinity of Izumi Rock... we're starting to hear them in the distance on the CP hydrophone.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:01:04 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Some of the orcas are close to CP & are occasionally visible through the fog. Channel A.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:40:28 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A36s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. Others may follow them soon. It's too foggy to see much, but their calls have been clear on the Local Left hydrophone, now on Flower Island as they head into Blackfish Sound. The I15s are in the entrance to Blackney Pass, audible on the Parson Island hydrophone. There are still many orcas in Johnstone Strait, including the A12s & I11s/I31s. We're listening to them on the CP & CrPt hydrophones.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 11:23:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s continued to the west through Blackfish Sound this morning while the other groups (the A12s,A30s,I15s,I11s,and I31s) continued to the west in Johnstone Strait and out through Weynton Pass. They have lingered off the top end of Blackfish and the eastern regions of Queen Charlotte Strait for some time now. From time to time we can hear their distant calls.
Helena
21 Sep 2005 15:50:28 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since mid afternoon, when the various groups of orcas were headed north from Blackfish Sound. We are waiting.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 23:05:34 PDT
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Multiple pod calls audible.
Good morning everyone! It sounds like the crowd that headed south into Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide last evening, and then turned back, has finally made it into Johnstone Strait, this time on the slack. We began hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 6:30 am, & since then have heard the A30s, A12s, I15s, & I11/31s. They are heading east, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait.
Paul
20 Sep 2005 07:10:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s left the other groups andjust passed by the lab in Blackney on their way to Blackfish Sound. Just as they entered Blackfish Sound we could hear the A36s there as well. The calls are now growing distant perhaps going with the ebbing tide. The large group in the Strait have been silent for a while and now there is boat noise.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 08:42:45 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We just had an interesting pass. We think the I35s along with I80 headed to Blackfish from the Strait. They were followed by the A30s and part of the I15s (including I41). It certainly was not all of the I31s nor all of the I15s. Meanwhile, the A36s and the A12s are headed toward the Foster Islands in Queen Charlotte Strait. Where are the other I31s, I15s and I11s?
Helena
20 Sep 2005 10:22:42 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Although they just became quiet. The whales have been making their way through Weynton Pass on the flood tide. The turn in Queen Charlotte Strait started just before the slack tide and by the time the lead group was nearing Weynton Pass the flood was in progress. We are now beginning to hear the first groups arrive in Johnstone Strait. Their calls are very distant. The large number of whales were so spread out that the calls on Flower Island faded at the same time the lead group reached the Strait. If everyone who was here returns (this time including the A36s) there will be near to 60 whales in the area. Acouple of humbacks have added to the spectacular day.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 14:10:19 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The whales have now reached the entrance to Blackney and are soon to cross over to CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 15:21:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s, I31s,I11s, A1s have moved closer to the Reserve. Thunder and lightening have given way to lovely sunshine once more.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 16:58:55 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We just had quite a few whales head east past CP. They were spread out from midstrait to the Vancouver Island shore and they stretched all the way from the Reserve to CP. Everyone seemed to be mixed up but we definitely saw I41 (I15s), I64 (I11s), I42 (I31s), and I46 (I31s), as well as the A30s, A12, and possibly the A36s.
Mary and Julie@CP
20 Sep 2005 17:20:10 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Now the whales are spread out from Critical Point to the Beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 17:51:14 PDT
No orcas present.
We think the whales left for the east after their pass of the beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 21:46:37 PDT
Superb sounds!!
All the groups are making their way back past the Bight and on towards CP. Right now the A30s and the I15s are closest to the Bight but before them the I11s,I31s and A12s already made their way and we are just picking up their calls on CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 23:32:13 PDT
Good morning everyone! It sounds like the crowd that headed south into Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide last evening, and then turned back, has finally made it into Johnstone Strait, this time on the slack. We began hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 6:30 am, & since then have heard the A30s, A12s, I15s, & I11/31s. They are heading east, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait.
Paul
20 Sep 2005 07:10:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s left the other groups andjust passed by the lab in Blackney on their way to Blackfish Sound. Just as they entered Blackfish Sound we could hear the A36s there as well. The calls are now growing distant perhaps going with the ebbing tide. The large group in the Strait have been silent for a while and now there is boat noise.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 08:42:45 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We just had an interesting pass. We think the I35s along with I80 headed to Blackfish from the Strait. They were followed by the A30s and part of the I15s (including I41). It certainly was not all of the I31s nor all of the I15s. Meanwhile, the A36s and the A12s are headed toward the Foster Islands in Queen Charlotte Strait. Where are the other I31s, I15s and I11s?
Helena
20 Sep 2005 10:22:42 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Although they just became quiet. The whales have been making their way through Weynton Pass on the flood tide. The turn in Queen Charlotte Strait started just before the slack tide and by the time the lead group was nearing Weynton Pass the flood was in progress. We are now beginning to hear the first groups arrive in Johnstone Strait. Their calls are very distant. The large number of whales were so spread out that the calls on Flower Island faded at the same time the lead group reached the Strait. If everyone who was here returns (this time including the A36s) there will be near to 60 whales in the area. Acouple of humbacks have added to the spectacular day.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 14:10:19 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The whales have now reached the entrance to Blackney and are soon to cross over to CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 15:21:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s, I31s,I11s, A1s have moved closer to the Reserve. Thunder and lightening have given way to lovely sunshine once more.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 16:58:55 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We just had quite a few whales head east past CP. They were spread out from midstrait to the Vancouver Island shore and they stretched all the way from the Reserve to CP. Everyone seemed to be mixed up but we definitely saw I41 (I15s), I64 (I11s), I42 (I31s), and I46 (I31s), as well as the A30s, A12, and possibly the A36s.
Mary and Julie@CP
20 Sep 2005 17:20:10 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Now the whales are spread out from Critical Point to the Beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 17:51:14 PDT
No orcas present.
We think the whales left for the east after their pass of the beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 21:46:37 PDT
Superb sounds!!
All the groups are making their way back past the Bight and on towards CP. Right now the A30s and the I15s are closest to the Bight but before them the I11s,I31s and A12s already made their way and we are just picking up their calls on CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 23:32:13 PDT
Monday, September 19, 2005
Distant calls audible.
Since 2am we have been listening to very relaxed A30s, I11s and I15s in and around the area between the Reserve and the Sophia Islands.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 05:32:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s,I15s,and I11s shifted back to the west. They are currently off the entrance to Blackney Pass (still in the Strait).
Helena
19 Sep 2005 06:29:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales seemed to have moved to the west of CP.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 08:27:50 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I11s, I15s and A30s swept quickly through Weynton Pass and arrived off the top end of Blackfish Sound a short while ago. Some boat noise but nice clear mix of calls.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 09:23:31 PDT
Four sea lions are hanging out just off CP. Channel A.
Mary and Julie@CP
19 Sep 2005 11:30:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It looks like all or most of the groups that headed "out" early this morning are heading back "in". Others, including the G17s, are possibly with them, or following. At the moment, we're listening to the A30s on the Flower Island hydrophone, & we've also heard the I15s. The last of this day & the night ahead could be busy!
Paul
19 Sep 2005 16:56:07 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s have just travelled south throuigh Blackney Pass & are entering Johnstone Strait. A12&33 are in front of the A34s, who are close together in a group. Channel A.
Paul
19 Sep 2005 18:37:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sometimes standing still is the perfect thing to do. This evening in front of the lab the I31s, I33s and I11s passed by mid channel ahead of the I15s and the A30s. When just past the lab in they all suddenly made a loud collective burst . Then as they re-surfaced most were pointing the opposite direction towards Blackfish Sound. After some serious milling they all headed off back to the north silently. The evening colours on the calm sea were wonderful and as the whales disappeared we could hear the A12s moving eastward in the Strait. The A12s had passed us just a short while before only they actually made it to the Strait. So CP too had its treat when the A12s passed closely by. Amazing and wonderful.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 19:53:37 PDT
Since 2am we have been listening to very relaxed A30s, I11s and I15s in and around the area between the Reserve and the Sophia Islands.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 05:32:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s,I15s,and I11s shifted back to the west. They are currently off the entrance to Blackney Pass (still in the Strait).
Helena
19 Sep 2005 06:29:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales seemed to have moved to the west of CP.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 08:27:50 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I11s, I15s and A30s swept quickly through Weynton Pass and arrived off the top end of Blackfish Sound a short while ago. Some boat noise but nice clear mix of calls.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 09:23:31 PDT
Four sea lions are hanging out just off CP. Channel A.
Mary and Julie@CP
19 Sep 2005 11:30:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It looks like all or most of the groups that headed "out" early this morning are heading back "in". Others, including the G17s, are possibly with them, or following. At the moment, we're listening to the A30s on the Flower Island hydrophone, & we've also heard the I15s. The last of this day & the night ahead could be busy!
Paul
19 Sep 2005 16:56:07 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s have just travelled south throuigh Blackney Pass & are entering Johnstone Strait. A12&33 are in front of the A34s, who are close together in a group. Channel A.
Paul
19 Sep 2005 18:37:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sometimes standing still is the perfect thing to do. This evening in front of the lab the I31s, I33s and I11s passed by mid channel ahead of the I15s and the A30s. When just past the lab in they all suddenly made a loud collective burst . Then as they re-surfaced most were pointing the opposite direction towards Blackfish Sound. After some serious milling they all headed off back to the north silently. The evening colours on the calm sea were wonderful and as the whales disappeared we could hear the A12s moving eastward in the Strait. The A12s had passed us just a short while before only they actually made it to the Strait. So CP too had its treat when the A12s passed closely by. Amazing and wonderful.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 19:53:37 PDT
Sunday, September 18, 2005
No orcas present.
Sorry, it has been a busy morning but we should update everyone. There was a lot of movement during the night. The A12s came back to the Strait at the same time the other groups were east of the Reserve. Early this morning the groups "re-grouped" and came back westward in the Strait. They left the area via Weynton and we eventually picked them up in Blackfish Sound as they continued to make their way to the west. We last heard calls (the I15s and the A30s) around 7:30am.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 09:18:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
At least some of the groups that headed north early this morning have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. At the moment, we're hearing the A30s & I15s on the Critical Point hydrophone, as they head to the east. Others are probably there too.
Paul
18 Sep 2005 13:20:16 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A30s have reached the entrance of Blackney Pass & are CP - Channel A. Other orcas are spread out across the Strait to the Vancouver Island side.
Paul
18 Sep 2005 13:44:55 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups have moved down toward the Reserve now. The A30s held off for a while while the I15s and the other groups passed by. We think the A12s, I31s, I11s, I15s and A30s all came in together earlier.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 16:14:18 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Ah Ha! The I15s, A30s and the I11s have come back from the east.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 19:31:00 PDT
No orcas present.
The whales were last heard on the Critical Point hydrophone. We are not sure ,at this point, which direction they decided on. However, the tide is flooding so perhaps they elected to go east.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 22:53:59 PDT
Sorry, it has been a busy morning but we should update everyone. There was a lot of movement during the night. The A12s came back to the Strait at the same time the other groups were east of the Reserve. Early this morning the groups "re-grouped" and came back westward in the Strait. They left the area via Weynton and we eventually picked them up in Blackfish Sound as they continued to make their way to the west. We last heard calls (the I15s and the A30s) around 7:30am.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 09:18:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
At least some of the groups that headed north early this morning have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. At the moment, we're hearing the A30s & I15s on the Critical Point hydrophone, as they head to the east. Others are probably there too.
Paul
18 Sep 2005 13:20:16 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A30s have reached the entrance of Blackney Pass & are CP - Channel A. Other orcas are spread out across the Strait to the Vancouver Island side.
Paul
18 Sep 2005 13:44:55 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups have moved down toward the Reserve now. The A30s held off for a while while the I15s and the other groups passed by. We think the A12s, I31s, I11s, I15s and A30s all came in together earlier.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 16:14:18 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Ah Ha! The I15s, A30s and the I11s have come back from the east.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 19:31:00 PDT
No orcas present.
The whales were last heard on the Critical Point hydrophone. We are not sure ,at this point, which direction they decided on. However, the tide is flooding so perhaps they elected to go east.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 22:53:59 PDT
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Multiple pod calls audible.
Good morning everyone! Between bouts of boat noise, we've been listening to the A36s, A12s, A30s, I15s & I31s since around 5:30am. The A36s & A12s travelled north through Blackney Pass around 6am. We think the others are still in Johnstone Strait, though it wouldn't be surprising to see them head "out" on the swiftly ebbing tide too.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 07:24:28 PDT
Superb sounds!!
It sounds like the A30s & I31s are together in Robson Bight & are close to the Critical Point hydrophone. For the moment, there is just a little boat noise, so the calls are clear.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 08:03:39 PDT
Superb sounds!!
After hours of silence, the I15s have finally made their continued presence known... they are in Robson Bight with the A30s & I31s.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 08:54:41 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
They are still a bit distant but CP is filming the I15s approaching from the Sophia Islands. The A30s and I31s are not far away but perhaps favouring the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 10:39:39 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The orcas in the entrance of Blackney Pass, visible on Channel A, are the A30s and some of the I31s. The I15s are further to the west, as are the other I31s.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 13:27:05 PDT
Superb sounds!!
A mix of I15s, I31s & A30s is in the entrance of Blackney Pass. Some of them are visible on Channel A. Their calls are clear, and for a nice change, there is very little boat noise, so we've sent an alert.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 14:45:25 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
After a wonderful time off CP and then Critical Point the whales have shifted to the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 18:37:22 PDT
No orcas present.
As you m ay have guessed the whales continued to the east so all is "quiet" now.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 20:09:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like the A12s & possibly the A36s are returning!
Paul
17 Sep 2005 23:39:51 PDT
Good morning everyone! Between bouts of boat noise, we've been listening to the A36s, A12s, A30s, I15s & I31s since around 5:30am. The A36s & A12s travelled north through Blackney Pass around 6am. We think the others are still in Johnstone Strait, though it wouldn't be surprising to see them head "out" on the swiftly ebbing tide too.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 07:24:28 PDT
Superb sounds!!
It sounds like the A30s & I31s are together in Robson Bight & are close to the Critical Point hydrophone. For the moment, there is just a little boat noise, so the calls are clear.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 08:03:39 PDT
Superb sounds!!
After hours of silence, the I15s have finally made their continued presence known... they are in Robson Bight with the A30s & I31s.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 08:54:41 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
They are still a bit distant but CP is filming the I15s approaching from the Sophia Islands. The A30s and I31s are not far away but perhaps favouring the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 10:39:39 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The orcas in the entrance of Blackney Pass, visible on Channel A, are the A30s and some of the I31s. The I15s are further to the west, as are the other I31s.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 13:27:05 PDT
Superb sounds!!
A mix of I15s, I31s & A30s is in the entrance of Blackney Pass. Some of them are visible on Channel A. Their calls are clear, and for a nice change, there is very little boat noise, so we've sent an alert.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 14:45:25 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
After a wonderful time off CP and then Critical Point the whales have shifted to the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 18:37:22 PDT
No orcas present.
As you m ay have guessed the whales continued to the east so all is "quiet" now.
Helena
17 Sep 2005 20:09:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like the A12s & possibly the A36s are returning!
Paul
17 Sep 2005 23:39:51 PDT
Friday, September 16, 2005
Multiple pod calls audible.
From the sounds the whales seem to be making their way back to the west past the Reserve. We have heard so far the A30s, G17s, possibly the A36s and either (or both) the I11s and I31s. The I15s will probably add themselves to the list at some point as well. Lovely morning, lovely whales even with the persistent boat noise.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 07:16:56 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Some of the westbound orcas are on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, passing CP. Channel A. Others are on the Vancouver Island side, near Kaikash. It looks like at least some of them are going to head north through Blackney Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 08:22:08 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're hearing occasional distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as the orcas move to the western end of Johnstone Strait. A few minutes ago, we also heard distant calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, though we're not sure who was making them.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 09:42:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing occasional distant calls from the various groups (A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, G17s) that now spread out across Johnstone Strait at the Weynton Pass end. The sounds we heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago were probably from dolphins.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 11:04:28 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A30s have tuened back to the east and are now heading past CP. Channel A.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 11:43:23 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The close calls we've been hearing are from A54 & A75. The other A30s are further out in the Blackney Pass "gap". All are foraging. Meanwhile, it looks like the other groups near Weynton Pass may be turning back to the east, though we're not yet sure. Orcas have also recently been sighted near Lizard Point, westbound.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 12:38:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s moved off to the west from Blackney Pass a while ago, but have now turned back to the east again. They are visibler on Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island Hydrophone. The other groups decided to head north through Weynton Pass, against the flooding tide. Some of them are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, others are still in Weynton Pass. We're hearing G clan calls in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone. Meanwhile, a group of transients has been sighted off Bold Head... they are now heading towards the Penfolds.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 14:17:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s have moved back towards the west from Blackney Pass, possibly to meet up with the rest of the groups they were with earlier (A12s, A36s, I11s, G17s) now re-entering Johnstone Strait at Weynton Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 15:46:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Just a short while ago we started hearing the A36s and G clan calls (I11s most likely) on Flower Island. Previous reports from the whale watch boats had said that the I11s had doubled backed through Weynton Pass after just reaching the Strait. The impression then was that the other groups including the A12s nd the I15s continued east in the Strait. We have not heard any calls other than the A30s in the Strait so we are waiting to see where the various groups end up tonight. So far today we have heard the A30s, A12s, A36s, G17s, I11s and I15s. The I31s were reported east yesterday.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 18:10:08 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We now believe that all the groups except the A30s went back out Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait where they continued off to the west. The A30s are sleeping west of CP and the I31s are probably to the east.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 19:29:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are currently listening to the A36s and the I15s making their way back closer to Blackfish Sound after venturing into Queen Charlotte Strait with the I11s, A12s and G17s. Too early to tell whether or not the I11s and G17s were "dropped off" and have continued to the west. As far as we know the A30s remained behind in the Strait and were last seen a few hours ago resting off of Blinkhorn.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 21:08:10 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the A12s are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, along with the A36s & I15s. We also heard the A30s in Johnstone Strait a while ago. With the moon shining on a calm ocean, this is shaping up to be a lovely night.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 22:47:31 PDT
From the sounds the whales seem to be making their way back to the west past the Reserve. We have heard so far the A30s, G17s, possibly the A36s and either (or both) the I11s and I31s. The I15s will probably add themselves to the list at some point as well. Lovely morning, lovely whales even with the persistent boat noise.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 07:16:56 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Some of the westbound orcas are on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, passing CP. Channel A. Others are on the Vancouver Island side, near Kaikash. It looks like at least some of them are going to head north through Blackney Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 08:22:08 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're hearing occasional distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as the orcas move to the western end of Johnstone Strait. A few minutes ago, we also heard distant calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, though we're not sure who was making them.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 09:42:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing occasional distant calls from the various groups (A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, G17s) that now spread out across Johnstone Strait at the Weynton Pass end. The sounds we heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago were probably from dolphins.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 11:04:28 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A30s have tuened back to the east and are now heading past CP. Channel A.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 11:43:23 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The close calls we've been hearing are from A54 & A75. The other A30s are further out in the Blackney Pass "gap". All are foraging. Meanwhile, it looks like the other groups near Weynton Pass may be turning back to the east, though we're not yet sure. Orcas have also recently been sighted near Lizard Point, westbound.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 12:38:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s moved off to the west from Blackney Pass a while ago, but have now turned back to the east again. They are visibler on Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island Hydrophone. The other groups decided to head north through Weynton Pass, against the flooding tide. Some of them are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, others are still in Weynton Pass. We're hearing G clan calls in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone. Meanwhile, a group of transients has been sighted off Bold Head... they are now heading towards the Penfolds.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 14:17:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s have moved back towards the west from Blackney Pass, possibly to meet up with the rest of the groups they were with earlier (A12s, A36s, I11s, G17s) now re-entering Johnstone Strait at Weynton Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 15:46:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Just a short while ago we started hearing the A36s and G clan calls (I11s most likely) on Flower Island. Previous reports from the whale watch boats had said that the I11s had doubled backed through Weynton Pass after just reaching the Strait. The impression then was that the other groups including the A12s nd the I15s continued east in the Strait. We have not heard any calls other than the A30s in the Strait so we are waiting to see where the various groups end up tonight. So far today we have heard the A30s, A12s, A36s, G17s, I11s and I15s. The I31s were reported east yesterday.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 18:10:08 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We now believe that all the groups except the A30s went back out Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait where they continued off to the west. The A30s are sleeping west of CP and the I31s are probably to the east.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 19:29:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are currently listening to the A36s and the I15s making their way back closer to Blackfish Sound after venturing into Queen Charlotte Strait with the I11s, A12s and G17s. Too early to tell whether or not the I11s and G17s were "dropped off" and have continued to the west. As far as we know the A30s remained behind in the Strait and were last seen a few hours ago resting off of Blinkhorn.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 21:08:10 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the A12s are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, along with the A36s & I15s. We also heard the A30s in Johnstone Strait a while ago. With the moon shining on a calm ocean, this is shaping up to be a lovely night.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 22:47:31 PDT
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Superb sounds!!
We are listening to the I15s, A30s, and A12s on the Critical Point hydrophone. It sounds like the whales are enjoying the relief from boat noise as much as we are.
Mary@the Lab
15 Sep 2005 00:27:58 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A12s and I15s just traveled North through Blackney Pass, we were hearing GI calls on Flower Island before this so perhaps they were going to meet someone. We are not sure what happened to the A30s yet.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 07:28:53 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are listening to the A30s on CP right now. The I15s and A12s and possibly some others are spread out from Bold Head to Stubbs Island. We are waiting to find out which way they are headed.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 09:13:07 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We've got orcas everywhere this morning. The A30s are still hanging out off CP. They are calling occasionally. Up in Blackfish Sound, the A36s, A12s, I15s, and G17s are reported to be nearing Donegal Head. The I31s are to the east, way down near Campbell River. The tide is going to reach maximum flood in about an hour, so we are waiting to see if the big group up to the north will turn and head back this way.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 11:23:53 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The large group have entered the strait through Weynton Passage, we are not sure exactly if everyone came in but if they did, the A12s, A36s, I15s and G17s should now be going east along the Vancouver Island shore. The A30s started going east shortly before they came into the strait.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 14:37:02 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
We have now all the groups in the Strait. Three groups at the Vancouver Island side near Kaikash and the A36´s and some small fins are with them midchannel at little Kaikash...they coming up to CP now...channel A
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 14:52:43 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Now the I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the East of Johnstone Strait, going still east near the Vancouver Island side. The A12´s are now in Blackney Pass after foraging in the Gap. The A36´s are still near CP. Channel A
Paul T and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:01:48 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the Bight now. We can here them close to the Crpt Hydrophone. The A36´s are in Blackney and the A12´s are in Blackfish Sound.
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:46:43 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are calling on Flower Island again. They sound as if they may have turned back towards us. After a quick rub, all is quiet in the Strait. We will have to wait and see where the I15s, G17s, and A30s ended up.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 18:15:52 PDT
We are listening to the I15s, A30s, and A12s on the Critical Point hydrophone. It sounds like the whales are enjoying the relief from boat noise as much as we are.
Mary@the Lab
15 Sep 2005 00:27:58 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A12s and I15s just traveled North through Blackney Pass, we were hearing GI calls on Flower Island before this so perhaps they were going to meet someone. We are not sure what happened to the A30s yet.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 07:28:53 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are listening to the A30s on CP right now. The I15s and A12s and possibly some others are spread out from Bold Head to Stubbs Island. We are waiting to find out which way they are headed.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 09:13:07 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We've got orcas everywhere this morning. The A30s are still hanging out off CP. They are calling occasionally. Up in Blackfish Sound, the A36s, A12s, I15s, and G17s are reported to be nearing Donegal Head. The I31s are to the east, way down near Campbell River. The tide is going to reach maximum flood in about an hour, so we are waiting to see if the big group up to the north will turn and head back this way.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 11:23:53 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The large group have entered the strait through Weynton Passage, we are not sure exactly if everyone came in but if they did, the A12s, A36s, I15s and G17s should now be going east along the Vancouver Island shore. The A30s started going east shortly before they came into the strait.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 14:37:02 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
We have now all the groups in the Strait. Three groups at the Vancouver Island side near Kaikash and the A36´s and some small fins are with them midchannel at little Kaikash...they coming up to CP now...channel A
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 14:52:43 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Now the I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the East of Johnstone Strait, going still east near the Vancouver Island side. The A12´s are now in Blackney Pass after foraging in the Gap. The A36´s are still near CP. Channel A
Paul T and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:01:48 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the Bight now. We can here them close to the Crpt Hydrophone. The A36´s are in Blackney and the A12´s are in Blackfish Sound.
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:46:43 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are calling on Flower Island again. They sound as if they may have turned back towards us. After a quick rub, all is quiet in the Strait. We will have to wait and see where the I15s, G17s, and A30s ended up.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 18:15:52 PDT
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Multiple pod calls audible.
We've been listening to the I31s, who have returned from the east and are in or near Robson Bight. We've been listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone for the past couple of hours. The I15s, and at least some of the "A"s are nearby, also audible on CrPt. Boat noise is dominating the underwater soundscape at present, but hopefully it will end & the orcas will resume calling soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 04:56:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Good morning everyone! There is instense boat noise everywhere this morning, from the fishing "opening" today, and from other traffic, so it's difficult to hear anything else. We think the I15s, I31s & A30s headed east from Robson Bight around 6am, and there is a recent radio report of orcas, not far to the east, who are westbound.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:20:49 PDT
Boat noise
As the boat noise continues, a group of orcas has been sighted heading west, mid Strait, off the Sophias. They may be visible from CP soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:57:30 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The westbound orcas turned out to be a group of transients, the T18s. They have headed into Blackney Pass & are now moving quickly north through it.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 10:51:15 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s & at least some of the "As" are at the Main rubbing beach! Channel B.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:20:33 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s have reached Robson Bight, along with some of the "As", westbound.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:45:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We believe the I15s , A30s and A12s are coming west. Just now they stalled off the western boundry in the Reserve. The I31s are apparently near Kelsey Bay and the transients have continued west toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2005 13:38:35 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
After A30´s, A12´s and the I15´s passed CP one hour ago to the west, the A12´s back at CP going east again...Channel A
Paul and Melanie@CP
14 Sep 2005 17:33:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Although the whales aren't very vocal, we are hearing a couple of A1 calls (probably the A30s) on the Flower Island hydrophone and some very distant calls on Cracroft Point from the A12s and I15s.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 18:43:26 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We actually have the A30s in the Strait with the I15s and A12s. The A36s are calling on Flower Island and we are hoping they will come past the lab before it gets dark.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 19:28:03 PDT
We've been listening to the I31s, who have returned from the east and are in or near Robson Bight. We've been listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone for the past couple of hours. The I15s, and at least some of the "A"s are nearby, also audible on CrPt. Boat noise is dominating the underwater soundscape at present, but hopefully it will end & the orcas will resume calling soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 04:56:36 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Good morning everyone! There is instense boat noise everywhere this morning, from the fishing "opening" today, and from other traffic, so it's difficult to hear anything else. We think the I15s, I31s & A30s headed east from Robson Bight around 6am, and there is a recent radio report of orcas, not far to the east, who are westbound.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:20:49 PDT
Boat noise
As the boat noise continues, a group of orcas has been sighted heading west, mid Strait, off the Sophias. They may be visible from CP soon.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 09:57:30 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The westbound orcas turned out to be a group of transients, the T18s. They have headed into Blackney Pass & are now moving quickly north through it.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 10:51:15 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s & at least some of the "As" are at the Main rubbing beach! Channel B.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:20:33 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s have reached Robson Bight, along with some of the "As", westbound.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:45:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We believe the I15s , A30s and A12s are coming west. Just now they stalled off the western boundry in the Reserve. The I31s are apparently near Kelsey Bay and the transients have continued west toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2005 13:38:35 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
After A30´s, A12´s and the I15´s passed CP one hour ago to the west, the A12´s back at CP going east again...Channel A
Paul and Melanie@CP
14 Sep 2005 17:33:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Although the whales aren't very vocal, we are hearing a couple of A1 calls (probably the A30s) on the Flower Island hydrophone and some very distant calls on Cracroft Point from the A12s and I15s.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 18:43:26 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We actually have the A30s in the Strait with the I15s and A12s. The A36s are calling on Flower Island and we are hoping they will come past the lab before it gets dark.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 19:28:03 PDT
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Good morning everyone! The A30s are back at thr rubbing beaches! They were the first of the groups to come back from the east, around midnight, followed by the A12s, I15s & I31s. By around 4am all the groups had gone back to the east (we think). It now seems that at least some of them are heading west again.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 07:27:21 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
The A30s headed west after their brief rub, and are now back in Ronson Bight, fishing... we're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:01:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Correction to my earlier note - the A12s headed north through Blackney Pass around 2:30am. We've been hearing the A30s in Robson Bight for the past while.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:34:00 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The I15s have surprised us by suddenly appearing close to CP, heading west, foraging as they go. Channel A. other orcas are on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, also westbound, possibly the A30s, though we're not yet sure.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 10:10:25 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A30s and the I15s moved past CP to the west earlier. The A30s had moved up to the Big Bay as part of their stall off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The I15s went a little further west but both groups might now be heading back to the entrance & the area off CP.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 12:33:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and A30s have tuned back to the east at the top of Johnstone Strait. The A12s are also reported to be heading this way from the top of Blackfish Sound. If any of the groups are vocal, we should start to hear them soon.
Mary @ the Lab
13 Sep 2005 16:25:53 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The Johnstone Strait groups (the A30s and the I15s) are passing CP at the moment. only a few calls from the A12s up in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 16:57:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s are making their way down Blackfish Sound, towards Blackney Pass & Johnstone Strait. We're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 18:02:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We believe the a12s are on their way toward Blackney but we are not sure what happened to the I15s. We had a report that they had turned at the same time as the A30s but CP only saw the A30s. We are also waiting to determine if the A36s are with the A12s. So lots still to figure out!
Helena
13 Sep 2005 18:15:39 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We have had quite a few calls. The I15s let us know that they did get down to the Reserve from the west not long ago. There they joined the A30s. While they were chatting it up the A12s came into Blackney Pass and our view. They are still making their way slowly to the south & Johnstone Strait. They are very spread out content so far to take their time.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 19:50:18 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The a12s took a long time getting to the Strait but once they did they did not take long to pass Cracroft Point and head east. We heard the A36s briefly and are not sure if they went "in" or went back out. Perhaps we will know in a while.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 21:30:58 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We re still hearing faint calls in the Strait. generally the whales seemed to be headed east, perhaps taking the Cracroft side instead of going through the Reserve.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 23:07:13 PDT
Good morning everyone! The A30s are back at thr rubbing beaches! They were the first of the groups to come back from the east, around midnight, followed by the A12s, I15s & I31s. By around 4am all the groups had gone back to the east (we think). It now seems that at least some of them are heading west again.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 07:27:21 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
The A30s headed west after their brief rub, and are now back in Ronson Bight, fishing... we're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:01:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Correction to my earlier note - the A12s headed north through Blackney Pass around 2:30am. We've been hearing the A30s in Robson Bight for the past while.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:34:00 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The I15s have surprised us by suddenly appearing close to CP, heading west, foraging as they go. Channel A. other orcas are on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, also westbound, possibly the A30s, though we're not yet sure.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 10:10:25 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A30s and the I15s moved past CP to the west earlier. The A30s had moved up to the Big Bay as part of their stall off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The I15s went a little further west but both groups might now be heading back to the entrance & the area off CP.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 12:33:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and A30s have tuned back to the east at the top of Johnstone Strait. The A12s are also reported to be heading this way from the top of Blackfish Sound. If any of the groups are vocal, we should start to hear them soon.
Mary @ the Lab
13 Sep 2005 16:25:53 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The Johnstone Strait groups (the A30s and the I15s) are passing CP at the moment. only a few calls from the A12s up in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 16:57:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s are making their way down Blackfish Sound, towards Blackney Pass & Johnstone Strait. We're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 18:02:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We believe the a12s are on their way toward Blackney but we are not sure what happened to the I15s. We had a report that they had turned at the same time as the A30s but CP only saw the A30s. We are also waiting to determine if the A36s are with the A12s. So lots still to figure out!
Helena
13 Sep 2005 18:15:39 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We have had quite a few calls. The I15s let us know that they did get down to the Reserve from the west not long ago. There they joined the A30s. While they were chatting it up the A12s came into Blackney Pass and our view. They are still making their way slowly to the south & Johnstone Strait. They are very spread out content so far to take their time.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 19:50:18 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The a12s took a long time getting to the Strait but once they did they did not take long to pass Cracroft Point and head east. We heard the A36s briefly and are not sure if they went "in" or went back out. Perhaps we will know in a while.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 21:30:58 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We re still hearing faint calls in the Strait. generally the whales seemed to be headed east, perhaps taking the Cracroft side instead of going through the Reserve.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 23:07:13 PDT
Monday, September 12, 2005
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the I15s & A30s in Johnstone Strait for the past several hours, sometimes in Robson Bight & sometimes more distant. At the moment, they are westbound, with the A30s close to CP. Channel A. We think the A12s may have headed north through Blackney Pass around 3am. We don't know where the A36s are, or what happened to the "incoming" orcas sighted heading east from Port Hardy yesterday afternoon. It's a foggy morning here, and the ocean is calm... looks like another fine day ahead.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 07:50:58 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
At least some of the orcas that were near CP a short while ago are heading north into Blackney Pass. The list of groups present in Johnstone Strait this foggy morning is the same as yesterday - A30s, A36s, A12s, I15s. We think the A12s must have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass silently. The calls we're listening to are on the Parson Island hydrophone.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 08:51:29 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This morning is so foggy, it's hard to see what's happening. However, we are fairly sure that the I15s & all the "A1" groups (A30s, A12s, A36s) are in or near the entrance of Blackney Pass. Occasionally, from glimpses in fog, some of them look like they want to head north through Blackney, & others seem to be heading west.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 10:09:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The world's greatest pingers, the I31s, have arrived on the scene! Quite possibly, they were part of the large group of orcas sighted heading west from Port Hardy yesterday, though we're not sure. They are presently heading east in Blackfish Sound, so we hope to see them soon. It looks like the I15s, who travelled north through Blackney Pass about an hour ago, may have joined them. Meanwhile, the A12s & A36s are foraging at the "top" of Blackfish, & the A30s are slowly headed east from CP, angling towards Robson Bight.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 12:37:44 PDT
Orcas near mics.
we had a visit from some of the I31s, others remained in Blackfish Sound. The small group included I46, I80 and I62 spread out in Blackney, lingered, foraged and milled before turning back to the west to join the rest of their family & the I15s. The A12 s and the A36s moved on to Queen Charlotte Strait. The I15s moved over toward the Hanson Island side of Blackfish Sound putting them between the I31s and the A12s. The A30s as far as we know remaind in the Strait.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 14:39:57 PDT
Boat noise
The I15s went back to the Strait via a small passage adjacent to Weynton Pass. The AS30s gave a brief but intense burst of calls just prior to this move. We do not, at this moment, know what happened to the A12s, A36s and the I31s. The A12s were vocal for a time in Blackfish just before the I15s made their move.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 16:13:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think the a30s have arrived at the beaches while the others make their way east along the Vancouver Island shore from Kaiakash to east of Blinkhorn.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 17:17:11 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s have finished their rub abd headed off to the west. The I31s are passing CP to the east. Others are following.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 17:44:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s have returned to the Bight while the I31s, I15s and A12s continue east toward them.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 18:06:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have arrived at the beaches again. (?As first)
Helena
12 Sep 2005 19:49:05 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls for several hours & think A30s, A12s, I15s, & I31s have headed to the east in Johnstone Strait. The A36s are probably somewhere to the north/west of us. We are waiting.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 22:53:11 PDT
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the I15s & A30s in Johnstone Strait for the past several hours, sometimes in Robson Bight & sometimes more distant. At the moment, they are westbound, with the A30s close to CP. Channel A. We think the A12s may have headed north through Blackney Pass around 3am. We don't know where the A36s are, or what happened to the "incoming" orcas sighted heading east from Port Hardy yesterday afternoon. It's a foggy morning here, and the ocean is calm... looks like another fine day ahead.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 07:50:58 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
At least some of the orcas that were near CP a short while ago are heading north into Blackney Pass. The list of groups present in Johnstone Strait this foggy morning is the same as yesterday - A30s, A36s, A12s, I15s. We think the A12s must have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass silently. The calls we're listening to are on the Parson Island hydrophone.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 08:51:29 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This morning is so foggy, it's hard to see what's happening. However, we are fairly sure that the I15s & all the "A1" groups (A30s, A12s, A36s) are in or near the entrance of Blackney Pass. Occasionally, from glimpses in fog, some of them look like they want to head north through Blackney, & others seem to be heading west.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 10:09:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The world's greatest pingers, the I31s, have arrived on the scene! Quite possibly, they were part of the large group of orcas sighted heading west from Port Hardy yesterday, though we're not sure. They are presently heading east in Blackfish Sound, so we hope to see them soon. It looks like the I15s, who travelled north through Blackney Pass about an hour ago, may have joined them. Meanwhile, the A12s & A36s are foraging at the "top" of Blackfish, & the A30s are slowly headed east from CP, angling towards Robson Bight.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 12:37:44 PDT
Orcas near mics.
we had a visit from some of the I31s, others remained in Blackfish Sound. The small group included I46, I80 and I62 spread out in Blackney, lingered, foraged and milled before turning back to the west to join the rest of their family & the I15s. The A12 s and the A36s moved on to Queen Charlotte Strait. The I15s moved over toward the Hanson Island side of Blackfish Sound putting them between the I31s and the A12s. The A30s as far as we know remaind in the Strait.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 14:39:57 PDT
Boat noise
The I15s went back to the Strait via a small passage adjacent to Weynton Pass. The AS30s gave a brief but intense burst of calls just prior to this move. We do not, at this moment, know what happened to the A12s, A36s and the I31s. The A12s were vocal for a time in Blackfish just before the I15s made their move.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 16:13:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think the a30s have arrived at the beaches while the others make their way east along the Vancouver Island shore from Kaiakash to east of Blinkhorn.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 17:17:11 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s have finished their rub abd headed off to the west. The I31s are passing CP to the east. Others are following.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 17:44:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s have returned to the Bight while the I31s, I15s and A12s continue east toward them.
Helena
12 Sep 2005 18:06:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have arrived at the beaches again. (?As first)
Helena
12 Sep 2005 19:49:05 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls for several hours & think A30s, A12s, I15s, & I31s have headed to the east in Johnstone Strait. The A36s are probably somewhere to the north/west of us. We are waiting.
Paul
12 Sep 2005 22:53:11 PDT
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! It's another lovely September morning here, after a very interesting night, not the least of which was a spectacular display of Northern Lights. The A12s headed north through Blackney Pass a little before 11pm, leaving the A30s, A36s & I15s in Johnstone Strait. We heard these groups off & on during the night, sometimes close to the hydrophone in Robson Bight. There were a couple of rubs. At dawn we were listening to the A36s close to the Critical Point hydrophone, and another "A1" group at the beaches. The A1s are now also in Robson Bight. It's possible they are the A30s, though the A12s could have come back into the Strait silently. We think the I15s may be a little to the east, though we're not sure. Altogether, this is shaping up to be another fine day.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 06:53:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the I15s are back in the Bight, as are the A30s & A36s.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 07:10:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s, A30s & A36s are heading west past CP. Channel A.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 09:11:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s turned up at the top end (western end) of Blackfish Sound. They are headed east. The Johnstone Strait groups (the I15s, A30s and A36s are east bound with some angling straight for CP. CP is filming.
Helena
11 Sep 2005 12:29:50 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A12s are heading south through Blackney Pass, swimming quietly in a group, amidst intense boat noise from 2 tugs and other vessels. Meanwhile, the A30s are hanging about at the entrance of Blackney Pass. Channel A.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 13:15:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Afte exchanging places with the A12s the A30s travelled north through Blackney Pass and stalled at the western edge of Blackfish Sound. The A12s carried on to the Bight area & the I15s. The A36s followed after pausing at CP. The A30s have since turned and are making their way back toward Blackney Pass. We heard reports today of a large group (including the G17s & the I11s).
Helena
11 Sep 2005 16:18:28 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A30s turned around in Blackfish Sound & are heading back south through Blackney Pass. They will probably be within sight of CP soon. Meanwhile, a group of orcas is hurrying westward along the Vancouver Island shoreline, presently off Kaikash. Possibly, these are the I15s. Further to the west, a large group of orcas, possibly including the I11s & G17s is heading to the east from Port Hardy, & should be approaching Malcolm Point around now.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 16:47:45 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A1s are making thei way toward Cracroft Point.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 22:11:41 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think all the A1s (A30s, A36s, A12s) are in western Johnstone Strait. At the moment, we're listening to the I15s & A30s, on the Critical Point hydrophone, but the other groups are probably not far away.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 23:05:31 PDT
Good morning everyone! It's another lovely September morning here, after a very interesting night, not the least of which was a spectacular display of Northern Lights. The A12s headed north through Blackney Pass a little before 11pm, leaving the A30s, A36s & I15s in Johnstone Strait. We heard these groups off & on during the night, sometimes close to the hydrophone in Robson Bight. There were a couple of rubs. At dawn we were listening to the A36s close to the Critical Point hydrophone, and another "A1" group at the beaches. The A1s are now also in Robson Bight. It's possible they are the A30s, though the A12s could have come back into the Strait silently. We think the I15s may be a little to the east, though we're not sure. Altogether, this is shaping up to be another fine day.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 06:53:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the I15s are back in the Bight, as are the A30s & A36s.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 07:10:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s, A30s & A36s are heading west past CP. Channel A.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 09:11:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s turned up at the top end (western end) of Blackfish Sound. They are headed east. The Johnstone Strait groups (the I15s, A30s and A36s are east bound with some angling straight for CP. CP is filming.
Helena
11 Sep 2005 12:29:50 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A12s are heading south through Blackney Pass, swimming quietly in a group, amidst intense boat noise from 2 tugs and other vessels. Meanwhile, the A30s are hanging about at the entrance of Blackney Pass. Channel A.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 13:15:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Afte exchanging places with the A12s the A30s travelled north through Blackney Pass and stalled at the western edge of Blackfish Sound. The A12s carried on to the Bight area & the I15s. The A36s followed after pausing at CP. The A30s have since turned and are making their way back toward Blackney Pass. We heard reports today of a large group (including the G17s & the I11s).
Helena
11 Sep 2005 16:18:28 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A30s turned around in Blackfish Sound & are heading back south through Blackney Pass. They will probably be within sight of CP soon. Meanwhile, a group of orcas is hurrying westward along the Vancouver Island shoreline, presently off Kaikash. Possibly, these are the I15s. Further to the west, a large group of orcas, possibly including the I11s & G17s is heading to the east from Port Hardy, & should be approaching Malcolm Point around now.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 16:47:45 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A1s are making thei way toward Cracroft Point.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 22:11:41 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think all the A1s (A30s, A36s, A12s) are in western Johnstone Strait. At the moment, we're listening to the I15s & A30s, on the Critical Point hydrophone, but the other groups are probably not far away.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 23:05:31 PDT
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