No orcas present.
After a wonderful vocal time together in Robson Bight, and a session at the rubbing beaches, the orcas (I31s A30s) have (probably) continued on to the east in Johnstone Strait. We are waiting.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 01:51:45 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We began hearing the I15s & I31s close to the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. Sounds like they're returning from their trip to the east yestertday afternoon.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 06:49:10 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We're listening to echolocation near the Critical Point hydrophone. It's possibly from the A30s, though we're not sure. It's a very foggy morning here.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 10:23:03 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the I31s most likely left Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. The A30s most likely did not accompany them that far but returned to the Robson Bight area. They may be the group that has been sighted near Izumi Rock westbound. The description fits although we have not had any call that might confirm this information.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 12:14:02 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A38 and A39 passed offshore of CP headed west as the rest of the group continued west along Vancouver Island.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 13:28:51 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to the A30s as they approach Robson Bight. The A36s are in the far distance, traveling with several G clan groups (I15s, I31s, maybe others) who came into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass around 2:30pm & are now headed east.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 16:13:32 PDT
Boat noise
After a rub, the A30s are on the way back to the west again. We're hearing them on the Critical Point hydrophone, unfortunately with lots of boat noise. The other groups are still eastbound on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, now past Kaikash.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 18:13:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We've been listening to the I15s & I31s close to Critical Point, with an A1 group also nearby (probably the A36s). Meanwhile, the A30s have gone back to the beaches for another rub.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 19:16:21 PDT
Boat noise
Back to boat noise. We think all the orcas have headed east, out of the range of our hydrophones. We are waiting.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 21:10:23 PDT
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Distant calls audible.
A short while ago we began to hear A4 calls (possibly the A24s) and then A30s off of the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 05:49:57 PDT
Distant calls audible.
And now distant R clan calls as well.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 05:54:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This is shaping up to be a very interesting morning. The groups in the Strait, the A36s, I15s, I33s have moved into the entrance to Blackney Pass while part of the R7s and R2s and the A24s finished travelling south through Blackney Pass and "met" up with them. A52 and her calf are aslso just about through Blackney Pass while a larger group, the rest of the Rs, A4s and A30s are still in Blackfish Sound. The tide is turning to flood.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 08:48:12 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Crazy busy. After the meeting off the entrance to Blackney Pass the A36s came into Blackney Pass and headed north. A52 and her calf followed part way through the Pass but turned south again after getting half way. As the a36s disappeared into Blackfish a mixed group with A73, R13 and her calf, the rest of the A35s and A56 travelled south through Blackney. Eventually, A13 and A11 followed. We can still hear the A30s and the A36s on Flower Island occassionally. The I15s,A5s, I33s, A24s and the R2s and R7 all went back to the east afte their meeting off of the Blackney entrance.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 10:12:30 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We've been listening to the I15s & A4s at the rubbing beaches for the past while. Meanwhile, the A30s have moved to the north of Blackfish Sound & the A36s are following behind.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 12:22:37 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The day just gets busier. A group of transient (T46s +) who were first seen about an hour ago in Weynton Pass have turned up off cracroft Point heading east. Meanwhile, it appears that the A30s have picked up the rest of the I31s and are headed back east in Queen Charlotte Strait. The A36s never went as far as the A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait have been in range from time to time. And finally (?) the A12s who must have gone east and not followed the big group out to the west two nights ago, are on their way west in Johnstone Strait and have past the Eve River.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 13:39:19 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s & remainder of the I31s (everyone except the I33s) have just traveled south through Blackney Pass, mixed up & spread out, & are now entering Johnstone Strait. Lovely sounds, too bad there's so much boat noise.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 16:05:07 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As you may have guessed, the I31s and the A30s have moved on to the rubbing beaches. I31 calls at the moment. We are also still hearing the A36s at the western end of Hanson Island.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 18:46:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After finishing at the beaches the I31s (first) and the A30s (second) have come west to Robson Bight.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 19:26:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Lovely resting calls from the I31s between more energetic bouts from both the A30s and I31s. It sounds like they are moving back in toward Robson Bight. The A36s were last heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 22:55:54 PDT
A short while ago we began to hear A4 calls (possibly the A24s) and then A30s off of the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 05:49:57 PDT
Distant calls audible.
And now distant R clan calls as well.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 05:54:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This is shaping up to be a very interesting morning. The groups in the Strait, the A36s, I15s, I33s have moved into the entrance to Blackney Pass while part of the R7s and R2s and the A24s finished travelling south through Blackney Pass and "met" up with them. A52 and her calf are aslso just about through Blackney Pass while a larger group, the rest of the Rs, A4s and A30s are still in Blackfish Sound. The tide is turning to flood.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 08:48:12 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Crazy busy. After the meeting off the entrance to Blackney Pass the A36s came into Blackney Pass and headed north. A52 and her calf followed part way through the Pass but turned south again after getting half way. As the a36s disappeared into Blackfish a mixed group with A73, R13 and her calf, the rest of the A35s and A56 travelled south through Blackney. Eventually, A13 and A11 followed. We can still hear the A30s and the A36s on Flower Island occassionally. The I15s,A5s, I33s, A24s and the R2s and R7 all went back to the east afte their meeting off of the Blackney entrance.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 10:12:30 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We've been listening to the I15s & A4s at the rubbing beaches for the past while. Meanwhile, the A30s have moved to the north of Blackfish Sound & the A36s are following behind.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 12:22:37 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The day just gets busier. A group of transient (T46s +) who were first seen about an hour ago in Weynton Pass have turned up off cracroft Point heading east. Meanwhile, it appears that the A30s have picked up the rest of the I31s and are headed back east in Queen Charlotte Strait. The A36s never went as far as the A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait have been in range from time to time. And finally (?) the A12s who must have gone east and not followed the big group out to the west two nights ago, are on their way west in Johnstone Strait and have past the Eve River.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 13:39:19 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s & remainder of the I31s (everyone except the I33s) have just traveled south through Blackney Pass, mixed up & spread out, & are now entering Johnstone Strait. Lovely sounds, too bad there's so much boat noise.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 16:05:07 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As you may have guessed, the I31s and the A30s have moved on to the rubbing beaches. I31 calls at the moment. We are also still hearing the A36s at the western end of Hanson Island.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 18:46:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After finishing at the beaches the I31s (first) and the A30s (second) have come west to Robson Bight.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 19:26:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Lovely resting calls from the I31s between more energetic bouts from both the A30s and I31s. It sounds like they are moving back in toward Robson Bight. The A36s were last heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 22:55:54 PDT
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Distant calls audible.
All the groups headed north through Blackney Pass a short while ago. We're hearing occasional distant calls from some of them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 02:02:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing most of the groups calling occasionaly on the Flower Island Hydrophone, so they are still in or near Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 04:29:23 PDT
Boat noise
The boat noise we've been hearing is from a cruise ship traveling north through Blackney Pass & Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 04:58:53 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since just before 5am & think that the various A & G clan groups we were listening to in Backfish Sound earlier this morning have (probably) moved on to the north. We are waiting.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 07:09:43 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There are three threads we are following this morning. First, a group of transients showed up this morning in Blackfish Sound and continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. Second, we heard A5 calls back in Johnstone Strait fairly close to Critical Point. This group went off to the beaches. There may be another group on the Cracroft side. Third, the majority of the group that went out this morning at 5am is off Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were still going west when fisrt seen this morning but have since turned around and are moving back to the east.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 11:35:01 PDT
No orcas present.
Nice to be in the middle again. The A5s continued east this afternoon and no word, as of now, that they have turned. The BIG group in Queen Charlotte Strait is still eastbound but very slowly and are currently in the area east of Black Bluff
Helena
23 Aug 2007 15:46:52 PDT
Boat noise
The A5s are back and heading west along Cracroft Island opposite Robson Bight. The I15s, I33s, A30s and possibly the A24s are off Lizard Point slowly eastbound and closer to Port Hardy, the R2s & R7s have been picked up by the A11s. They have stalled there for the moment.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 17:10:38 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Nice set of calls from the A5s who are headed back east after cutting in close to CP, crossing the entrance to Blackney Pass & reaching the eastern end of Hanson Island. Were they trying to anticipate the groups from Queen Charlotte Strait?
Helena
23 Aug 2007 19:18:19 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to the I15s & I33s, along with the A36s, as they make their way towards Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the A5s are in Robson Bight, near Critical Point, grabbing a bite (we're hearing constant echolocation from them on the CrPt hydrophone).
Helena
23 Aug 2007 20:38:21 PDT
Boat noise
Once they got into the Strait, the arriving orcas were immersed in persistent boat noise. The I15s, I33s & A36s are headed east towards Robson Bight & the A5s have passed beyond Critical Point, also eastbound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 22:30:52 PDT
No orcas present.
For the moment at least, it looks like the A5s, I15s, I33s & A36s are all headed east. The last calls we heard were from the I15s about half an hour ago, when they touched into the rubbing beaches briefly.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 23:38:19 PDT
All the groups headed north through Blackney Pass a short while ago. We're hearing occasional distant calls from some of them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 02:02:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing most of the groups calling occasionaly on the Flower Island Hydrophone, so they are still in or near Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 04:29:23 PDT
Boat noise
The boat noise we've been hearing is from a cruise ship traveling north through Blackney Pass & Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 04:58:53 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since just before 5am & think that the various A & G clan groups we were listening to in Backfish Sound earlier this morning have (probably) moved on to the north. We are waiting.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 07:09:43 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There are three threads we are following this morning. First, a group of transients showed up this morning in Blackfish Sound and continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. Second, we heard A5 calls back in Johnstone Strait fairly close to Critical Point. This group went off to the beaches. There may be another group on the Cracroft side. Third, the majority of the group that went out this morning at 5am is off Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were still going west when fisrt seen this morning but have since turned around and are moving back to the east.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 11:35:01 PDT
No orcas present.
Nice to be in the middle again. The A5s continued east this afternoon and no word, as of now, that they have turned. The BIG group in Queen Charlotte Strait is still eastbound but very slowly and are currently in the area east of Black Bluff
Helena
23 Aug 2007 15:46:52 PDT
Boat noise
The A5s are back and heading west along Cracroft Island opposite Robson Bight. The I15s, I33s, A30s and possibly the A24s are off Lizard Point slowly eastbound and closer to Port Hardy, the R2s & R7s have been picked up by the A11s. They have stalled there for the moment.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 17:10:38 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Nice set of calls from the A5s who are headed back east after cutting in close to CP, crossing the entrance to Blackney Pass & reaching the eastern end of Hanson Island. Were they trying to anticipate the groups from Queen Charlotte Strait?
Helena
23 Aug 2007 19:18:19 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to the I15s & I33s, along with the A36s, as they make their way towards Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the A5s are in Robson Bight, near Critical Point, grabbing a bite (we're hearing constant echolocation from them on the CrPt hydrophone).
Helena
23 Aug 2007 20:38:21 PDT
Boat noise
Once they got into the Strait, the arriving orcas were immersed in persistent boat noise. The I15s, I33s & A36s are headed east towards Robson Bight & the A5s have passed beyond Critical Point, also eastbound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 22:30:52 PDT
No orcas present.
For the moment at least, it looks like the A5s, I15s, I33s & A36s are all headed east. The last calls we heard were from the I15s about half an hour ago, when they touched into the rubbing beaches briefly.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 23:38:19 PDT
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. We're not yet sure which group, or where they are. Hopefully, the A30s have continued to the east.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 00:43:18 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The calls are closer to the Critical Point hydrphone now. Sounds like both A & G clan orcas are there, probably the I15s, I33s & A30s. The danger probably isn't as great as it was last night, but we'd still rather the whales were elsewhere.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 00:51:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
It sounds like the A5s & A4s are in Robson Bight as well as the A30s, I15s & I33s. Quite a party, just wish it was happening elsewhere.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 02:39:24 PDT
Boat noise
Sigh. A very beautiful morning with low fog and calm seas. Earlier this morning, the A4s and A5s joined the I15s, I33s and the A30s, before 1am, in the area off Robson Bight. The whales stalled until about 3:15am when their calls grew quickly fainter. They may have shifted toward the Cracroft Island shore before moving back eastward in the short term. Calls ended by 4:30am.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 06:34:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are once again hearing A1 calls approaching Robson Bight.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 07:19:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
In addition to the A1 calls (?A12s) we are hearing A4s as well. The whales are westbound once again, not quite up to the area opposite Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:17:45 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s are there as well.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:30:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is starting to sound like everyone is beginning to file back from the east.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:33:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The various groups have all turned (I15s off CP, others off Big Bay) and are headed back to the east again.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 10:58:10 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
As the "groups" (the A30s, A4s, A5s, I15s, I33s, A12s) continued eastward in Johnstone Strait we began to hear not only the A36s in Blackfish Sound BUT also R clan calls! Never rains but pours.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:28:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry I have to make a correction. I was too excited about the Rs. Apparently, they were heard in johnstone Strait not Blackfish Sound! The A36s are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:51:14 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Whales are back at the beaches. However, others (A11s,A5s,A30s) are very vocal on Critical Point.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 20:19:33 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Recently, the A4s then the A5s have taken a turn at the beaches. The A36s are still vocal in Blackfish Sound. No further R calls - a mystery!
Helena
22 Aug 2007 21:08:33 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A lot of back and forth.! The calls had faded off after the last rub, and for a while, it seemed the whales may have gone east. But they ( A30s, A4s and A5s so far) have returned west and at the moment not far from Critical Point. Today, the whales were in mixed groups for a good portion of the day. It was a very hot day which probably furthered evaporation of the spill. There was still some slick around the eastern end of Hanson Island. But it was a very thin, although greasy layer, by the afternoon. Apparently, no damaged birds have been found and there does not appear to be any more fuel coming from the scene of the accident. Clean-up crews are still at work and DFO scientists are monitoring the whales.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 23:28:36 PDT
We began hearing distant G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. We're not yet sure which group, or where they are. Hopefully, the A30s have continued to the east.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 00:43:18 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The calls are closer to the Critical Point hydrphone now. Sounds like both A & G clan orcas are there, probably the I15s, I33s & A30s. The danger probably isn't as great as it was last night, but we'd still rather the whales were elsewhere.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 00:51:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
It sounds like the A5s & A4s are in Robson Bight as well as the A30s, I15s & I33s. Quite a party, just wish it was happening elsewhere.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 02:39:24 PDT
Boat noise
Sigh. A very beautiful morning with low fog and calm seas. Earlier this morning, the A4s and A5s joined the I15s, I33s and the A30s, before 1am, in the area off Robson Bight. The whales stalled until about 3:15am when their calls grew quickly fainter. They may have shifted toward the Cracroft Island shore before moving back eastward in the short term. Calls ended by 4:30am.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 06:34:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are once again hearing A1 calls approaching Robson Bight.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 07:19:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
In addition to the A1 calls (?A12s) we are hearing A4s as well. The whales are westbound once again, not quite up to the area opposite Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:17:45 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s are there as well.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:30:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is starting to sound like everyone is beginning to file back from the east.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:33:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The various groups have all turned (I15s off CP, others off Big Bay) and are headed back to the east again.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 10:58:10 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
As the "groups" (the A30s, A4s, A5s, I15s, I33s, A12s) continued eastward in Johnstone Strait we began to hear not only the A36s in Blackfish Sound BUT also R clan calls! Never rains but pours.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:28:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry I have to make a correction. I was too excited about the Rs. Apparently, they were heard in johnstone Strait not Blackfish Sound! The A36s are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:51:14 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Whales are back at the beaches. However, others (A11s,A5s,A30s) are very vocal on Critical Point.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 20:19:33 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Recently, the A4s then the A5s have taken a turn at the beaches. The A36s are still vocal in Blackfish Sound. No further R calls - a mystery!
Helena
22 Aug 2007 21:08:33 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A lot of back and forth.! The calls had faded off after the last rub, and for a while, it seemed the whales may have gone east. But they ( A30s, A4s and A5s so far) have returned west and at the moment not far from Critical Point. Today, the whales were in mixed groups for a good portion of the day. It was a very hot day which probably furthered evaporation of the spill. There was still some slick around the eastern end of Hanson Island. But it was a very thin, although greasy layer, by the afternoon. Apparently, no damaged birds have been found and there does not appear to be any more fuel coming from the scene of the accident. Clean-up crews are still at work and DFO scientists are monitoring the whales.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 23:28:36 PDT
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Orcas near mics.
The I15s are opposite CP and moving on toward the entrance to Blackney Pass. The I33s are nearby. The other groups, the A4s and A5s seem like they are further offshore of Cracroft, passing the entrance to Blackney Pass. The A30s are not far ahead.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 00:18:49 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After getting to the entrance of Blackney, and after a few (perhaps some of the I15s) even ventured in to the Pass, the groups have turned around and are now re-approaching the Reserve.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 01:14:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A4s, A5s, I33s, I15s and the A30s seem to have moved eastward from Robson Bight since 3am. We are hearing a few distant calls on the rubbing beach system.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 03:32:58 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since around 3:30am & think the various groups continued to the east. We won't mind at all if they stay there for a while!
Helena
21 Aug 2007 07:57:21 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
"As" are back at the beaches!
Helena
21 Aug 2007 08:37:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s came into Robson Bight and then continued west. The warden boat is monitoring the whales closely. The slick was still present in the Bight and the whales unfortunately surfaced in the thick of it. They seem to behaving "normally", foraging and travelling slowly. They are rather quiet. CP now reports that the A30s are crossing the Strait toward Cracroft. This is good news as the slick seems to be concentrated on the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 10:46:31 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s and most likely soon the I15s have arrived back in the area adjacent to the Ecological Reserve. The A30s turned when between Little Kaikash and Blinkhorn and are headed to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they have stopped to forage. A bit of a surprise, the A12s are reported to be east bound at Camp Point (as of 12pm) travelling with the A35s and the A24s. Other groups were also headed east headed toward Camp Point. This means that the A12s got back to the Strait sometime last night, possibly when the other groups were so excited when off the entrance of Blackney Pass. We never heard A12 calls so their entrance was a quiet one.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 12:50:12 PDT
Distant calls audible.
As the I33s and the I15s continue west from the Sophia Islands, the A30s have slipped through Blackney Pass headed for Blackfish Sound.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 13:30:37 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the I33s crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and are continuing west along the Hanson Island shore. Part of the slick has touched shore along the Johnstone Strait side of Hanson Island and these two groups just swam through a lot of it. Further east, headed for Chatham Point, are the surprising A12s, A4s (all) & A5s (all). The sun is out now and although the last of the afternoon burst, the temperature on the water will apparently help evaporate some of the spilled fuel. Fingers still crossed.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 14:41:11 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s are at the rubbing beaches and the I33s are probably not far behind. We are also, and have been hearing A1 calls in Johnstone Strait. This was occuring while the A30s were in Blackfish Sound. With the A12s reported to the far east we are left wondering what is happening. Stay tuned, hopefully it will become clearer.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 18:42:45 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are travelling back toward Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. The I15s and ? the I33s continued east from the beaches.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 19:55:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are near to the Robson Bight area after travelling past CP to the east.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 21:45:41 PDT
The I15s are opposite CP and moving on toward the entrance to Blackney Pass. The I33s are nearby. The other groups, the A4s and A5s seem like they are further offshore of Cracroft, passing the entrance to Blackney Pass. The A30s are not far ahead.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 00:18:49 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After getting to the entrance of Blackney, and after a few (perhaps some of the I15s) even ventured in to the Pass, the groups have turned around and are now re-approaching the Reserve.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 01:14:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A4s, A5s, I33s, I15s and the A30s seem to have moved eastward from Robson Bight since 3am. We are hearing a few distant calls on the rubbing beach system.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 03:32:58 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since around 3:30am & think the various groups continued to the east. We won't mind at all if they stay there for a while!
Helena
21 Aug 2007 07:57:21 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
"As" are back at the beaches!
Helena
21 Aug 2007 08:37:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s came into Robson Bight and then continued west. The warden boat is monitoring the whales closely. The slick was still present in the Bight and the whales unfortunately surfaced in the thick of it. They seem to behaving "normally", foraging and travelling slowly. They are rather quiet. CP now reports that the A30s are crossing the Strait toward Cracroft. This is good news as the slick seems to be concentrated on the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 10:46:31 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s and most likely soon the I15s have arrived back in the area adjacent to the Ecological Reserve. The A30s turned when between Little Kaikash and Blinkhorn and are headed to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they have stopped to forage. A bit of a surprise, the A12s are reported to be east bound at Camp Point (as of 12pm) travelling with the A35s and the A24s. Other groups were also headed east headed toward Camp Point. This means that the A12s got back to the Strait sometime last night, possibly when the other groups were so excited when off the entrance of Blackney Pass. We never heard A12 calls so their entrance was a quiet one.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 12:50:12 PDT
Distant calls audible.
As the I33s and the I15s continue west from the Sophia Islands, the A30s have slipped through Blackney Pass headed for Blackfish Sound.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 13:30:37 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the I33s crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and are continuing west along the Hanson Island shore. Part of the slick has touched shore along the Johnstone Strait side of Hanson Island and these two groups just swam through a lot of it. Further east, headed for Chatham Point, are the surprising A12s, A4s (all) & A5s (all). The sun is out now and although the last of the afternoon burst, the temperature on the water will apparently help evaporate some of the spilled fuel. Fingers still crossed.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 14:41:11 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s are at the rubbing beaches and the I33s are probably not far behind. We are also, and have been hearing A1 calls in Johnstone Strait. This was occuring while the A30s were in Blackfish Sound. With the A12s reported to the far east we are left wondering what is happening. Stay tuned, hopefully it will become clearer.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 18:42:45 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are travelling back toward Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. The I15s and ? the I33s continued east from the beaches.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 19:55:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are near to the Robson Bight area after travelling past CP to the east.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 21:45:41 PDT
Superb sounds!!
A30s are very vocal, they are in the bight, sounds very excited for something! The I15s are off BP. We haven't heard I33s for a while but maybe they are with the I15s.
Tomoko
20 Aug 2007 00:53:57 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I15s (and maybe I33s) went north through Blackney Pass. When they got into Blackfish sound, we heard A1 calls with them. Did the A12s come down to pick them up? The A30s are still somewhere near the bight.
Tomoko
20 Aug 2007 02:46:57 PDT
No orcas present.
It was a busy night! After the I15s,A30s, and I33s arrived in Robson Bight and did all that beautiful calling, they stalled off the Ecological Reserve for a while. In the end, the I15s and the I33s peeled away from the A30s and headed to the entrance of Blackney Pass around 12:30am. The I15s and the I33s travelled through Blackney Pass to the north, (they cleared Blackney Pass by 1:30am) leaving the A30s heading further east in the Strait. The last I15/I33 in Blackfish Sound calls were at 2:07am. We also heard a few distant surprise A1 calls in Blackfish Sound. There had beena few A12 like calls in the Strait earlier and we will review these and the A1 calls in Blackfish Sound to see if any of the A12s came back "up" the Strait and out with the I15s/I33s. If so, perhaps that was what all the waiitng off the Reserve was about between 12 and 1 am. The last A30 calls were at 3:13am.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 07:32:58 PDT
No orcas present.
An added note: Apparently the A36s were closer yesterday than we thought. The MacKays report that they were off the Foster Islands (Queen Charlotte Strait) by 3pm. Perhaps, they were who we heard distantly in Blackfish Sound when the I15s and I33 went through at 2am? Nice thought.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 07:50:52 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After a radio report of a group of 15 plus just entering Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass we began to hear, through the horrific boat noise, a few distant I15 calls. They may still have the I33s with them. We may also be hearing As.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:00:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Busy, reports are coming in that there are westbound whales as well as the groups returning and heading east. Possibly, the various A groups (some or even all?) have come up from the east. The scene will get a bit clearer in a while when there is visual information. We are hampered by the constant boat noise. We are hearing As as well as the G clan calls. Exciting!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:10:55 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A lot has been happening. The A12s came up from the east, met up with the I15s off of CP, turned and went back toward Vancouver Island BUT then the A12s pulled away and headed off to the west along Hanson Island. The I15s and the I33s continued toward Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 11:45:17 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
At 11:50am a barge loaded with equipment tipped over in Robson Bight spilling its load of equipment into the water near Critical Point. The authorities are on scene assessing the damage. The I15s and the I33s were close when this happened. They grouped up and headed off to the east. We have heard some of their calls (and recently rubs) on the rubbing beach system since. The A12s, at about 12:20pm, turned around off Turn Point and are now eastbound off Hanson Island.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 12:51:40 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s just travelled north through Blackney Pass into Blackfish Sound. They have just become vocal. The I15s and the I33s continued east.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 14:48:21 PDT
No orcas present.
This is one time I am happy to report that there are no whales calling. The A12s,as far as we know continued west and the I15s and the I33s continued east. There are a lot of whales in the general area and this has to be a concern. The oil slick is growing and the news so far is very troublesome. We will try to keep you updated as information comes in.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 17:11:55 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We just began to hear calls and a rub at the main beach. It sounds like it might be the A30s so far.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 21:01:21 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We've begun hearing the calls of the A30s, & echolocation, on the Critical Point hydrophone. Sounds like the A30s are foraging in Robson Bight. Normally, we would be glad, but tonight we are afraid for them.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 21:18:49 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are now hearing A4 calls off the main rubbing beach. They must be following the A30s west.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:06:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
And now the A5s!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:16:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
And then the I15s and probably the I33s.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:32:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
As this worrisome parade continues we would like to thank the Wardens, the Cliff volunteers, for their constant concern and efforts throughout the day.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:42:07 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s continue to lead the other groups to the west. We have been able to hear them approach the area in range of CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass for the last while. The others are spread "back" to the Reserve.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 23:29:16 PDT
A30s are very vocal, they are in the bight, sounds very excited for something! The I15s are off BP. We haven't heard I33s for a while but maybe they are with the I15s.
Tomoko
20 Aug 2007 00:53:57 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I15s (and maybe I33s) went north through Blackney Pass. When they got into Blackfish sound, we heard A1 calls with them. Did the A12s come down to pick them up? The A30s are still somewhere near the bight.
Tomoko
20 Aug 2007 02:46:57 PDT
No orcas present.
It was a busy night! After the I15s,A30s, and I33s arrived in Robson Bight and did all that beautiful calling, they stalled off the Ecological Reserve for a while. In the end, the I15s and the I33s peeled away from the A30s and headed to the entrance of Blackney Pass around 12:30am. The I15s and the I33s travelled through Blackney Pass to the north, (they cleared Blackney Pass by 1:30am) leaving the A30s heading further east in the Strait. The last I15/I33 in Blackfish Sound calls were at 2:07am. We also heard a few distant surprise A1 calls in Blackfish Sound. There had beena few A12 like calls in the Strait earlier and we will review these and the A1 calls in Blackfish Sound to see if any of the A12s came back "up" the Strait and out with the I15s/I33s. If so, perhaps that was what all the waiitng off the Reserve was about between 12 and 1 am. The last A30 calls were at 3:13am.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 07:32:58 PDT
No orcas present.
An added note: Apparently the A36s were closer yesterday than we thought. The MacKays report that they were off the Foster Islands (Queen Charlotte Strait) by 3pm. Perhaps, they were who we heard distantly in Blackfish Sound when the I15s and I33 went through at 2am? Nice thought.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 07:50:52 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After a radio report of a group of 15 plus just entering Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass we began to hear, through the horrific boat noise, a few distant I15 calls. They may still have the I33s with them. We may also be hearing As.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:00:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Busy, reports are coming in that there are westbound whales as well as the groups returning and heading east. Possibly, the various A groups (some or even all?) have come up from the east. The scene will get a bit clearer in a while when there is visual information. We are hampered by the constant boat noise. We are hearing As as well as the G clan calls. Exciting!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:10:55 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A lot has been happening. The A12s came up from the east, met up with the I15s off of CP, turned and went back toward Vancouver Island BUT then the A12s pulled away and headed off to the west along Hanson Island. The I15s and the I33s continued toward Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 11:45:17 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
At 11:50am a barge loaded with equipment tipped over in Robson Bight spilling its load of equipment into the water near Critical Point. The authorities are on scene assessing the damage. The I15s and the I33s were close when this happened. They grouped up and headed off to the east. We have heard some of their calls (and recently rubs) on the rubbing beach system since. The A12s, at about 12:20pm, turned around off Turn Point and are now eastbound off Hanson Island.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 12:51:40 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s just travelled north through Blackney Pass into Blackfish Sound. They have just become vocal. The I15s and the I33s continued east.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 14:48:21 PDT
No orcas present.
This is one time I am happy to report that there are no whales calling. The A12s,as far as we know continued west and the I15s and the I33s continued east. There are a lot of whales in the general area and this has to be a concern. The oil slick is growing and the news so far is very troublesome. We will try to keep you updated as information comes in.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 17:11:55 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We just began to hear calls and a rub at the main beach. It sounds like it might be the A30s so far.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 21:01:21 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We've begun hearing the calls of the A30s, & echolocation, on the Critical Point hydrophone. Sounds like the A30s are foraging in Robson Bight. Normally, we would be glad, but tonight we are afraid for them.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 21:18:49 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are now hearing A4 calls off the main rubbing beach. They must be following the A30s west.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:06:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
And now the A5s!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:16:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
And then the I15s and probably the I33s.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:32:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
As this worrisome parade continues we would like to thank the Wardens, the Cliff volunteers, for their constant concern and efforts throughout the day.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:42:07 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s continue to lead the other groups to the west. We have been able to hear them approach the area in range of CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass for the last while. The others are spread "back" to the Reserve.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 23:29:16 PDT
Sunday, August 19, 2007
No orcas present.
Good Morning. We believe the groups continued east after passing by the Ecological Reserve last night around 11pm.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 08:18:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard several reports recently & think that at least some of the groups that headed east in Johnstone Strait last night are in Nodales Channel. It also seems that at least some of them turned back to the west. Within the last hour, we heard a report of a group of orcas heading west quickly at Naka Creek, then orcas were sighted in Robson Bight, possibly the A30s, then we heard I 15 calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, and moments ago we heard rubbing sounds on the RB hydrophone. Seems like we have an interesting day already!
Helena
19 Aug 2007 10:20:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The close calls we've been recently have been from the I15s, who were close to Cracroft Point. They are now heading west in Johnstone Strait, past Balckney Pass, with other groups spread out across the Strait to the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 12:11:24 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Around 1:30pm the A30s, I15s and the I33s turned around while near Turn Point (western end of Hanson Island) in Johnstone Strait. They then slowly travelled east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A30s became "stuck" off CP for quite a while but they groups may have moved on a bit with the now flooding tide. Currently we are mostly listening to the I33s.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 16:05:20 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The three groups got as far as Critical Point and then turned around. They are now travelling slowly westward, rather as if they are trying to find the energy for another party but can't quite be bothered. Boat noise continues with the constant traffic in Johnstone Strait. Other than that, it is a simply gorgeous day,one that encourages a relaxed, why bother about anything kind of summer day.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 17:25:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s, the the I33s and possibly the I15s have moved in the direction of CP.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 19:03:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales turned yet again and they are all grouped up, on their own after a busy day being the centre of attention, headed back to the Ecological Reserve. Almost there!
Helena
19 Aug 2007 20:46:00 PDT
Superb sounds!!
They made it!
Helena
19 Aug 2007 21:08:26 PDT
Good Morning. We believe the groups continued east after passing by the Ecological Reserve last night around 11pm.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 08:18:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard several reports recently & think that at least some of the groups that headed east in Johnstone Strait last night are in Nodales Channel. It also seems that at least some of them turned back to the west. Within the last hour, we heard a report of a group of orcas heading west quickly at Naka Creek, then orcas were sighted in Robson Bight, possibly the A30s, then we heard I 15 calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, and moments ago we heard rubbing sounds on the RB hydrophone. Seems like we have an interesting day already!
Helena
19 Aug 2007 10:20:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The close calls we've been recently have been from the I15s, who were close to Cracroft Point. They are now heading west in Johnstone Strait, past Balckney Pass, with other groups spread out across the Strait to the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 12:11:24 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Around 1:30pm the A30s, I15s and the I33s turned around while near Turn Point (western end of Hanson Island) in Johnstone Strait. They then slowly travelled east to the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A30s became "stuck" off CP for quite a while but they groups may have moved on a bit with the now flooding tide. Currently we are mostly listening to the I33s.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 16:05:20 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The three groups got as far as Critical Point and then turned around. They are now travelling slowly westward, rather as if they are trying to find the energy for another party but can't quite be bothered. Boat noise continues with the constant traffic in Johnstone Strait. Other than that, it is a simply gorgeous day,one that encourages a relaxed, why bother about anything kind of summer day.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 17:25:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s, the the I33s and possibly the I15s have moved in the direction of CP.
Helena
19 Aug 2007 19:03:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales turned yet again and they are all grouped up, on their own after a busy day being the centre of attention, headed back to the Ecological Reserve. Almost there!
Helena
19 Aug 2007 20:46:00 PDT
Superb sounds!!
They made it!
Helena
19 Aug 2007 21:08:26 PDT
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Distant calls audible.
The whales are back. We are hearing A4 calls on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
18 Aug 2007 02:34:38 PDT
Orcas near mics.
At 1:34am we heard close echo location on Critical Point. This was followed by a couple of calls and then a long gap. And then just now the A4s have begun calling once more. The return from the east has begun!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 02:34:43 PDT
Boat noise
Johnstone Strait (& everywhere else around us) is full of intense boat noise this morning, as one cruise ship after another passes though on the way north. Eventually, hopefully, the parade will end. Meanwhile, the I15s arrived in Robson Bight a little before 5am, and the A4s are still nearby. We are hearing their calls occasionally, through the boat noise.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 06:51:53 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The boat noise has gone away, at least for the moment. We're listening to the I15s, who have moved further west in the Strait and are close to the CP hydrophone.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 07:12:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s are there as well!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 07:24:10 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone - possibly, more orcas from the east are returning (though we're not sure). Meanwhile, the I15 & I33 groups have continued to the west in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 08:36:07 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A5s have returned from the east & are in Robson Bight, close to the CrPt hydrophone!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 08:49:00 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the a5s arrived in robson Bight, the other groups, who had travelled west, turned off Bauza Cove, before 9am and then proceded east. At least the I15s and I33s returned. At the moment we are not sure where the A4s got to. The I15s and the I33s are just entering the Reserve while the A5s have become somewhat distant on the Critical Point station.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 11:19:49 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
As the sleepy whales (the A5s,I15s and I33s) in Jonhstone Strait continue their rest, the A30s and the A11s have been reported heading west toward Kelesey Bay. There is also a group heading east toward Donegal Head, out of Queen Charlotte Strait. No ids as of yet. The tide will flood in about 1/2 hour. The A36s, by the way, are over by Blunden Harbour.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 13:56:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Nap time might be over. The I15s are vocal on CP so they must be moving back to the west. The A12s are coming in from the west but it is still a bit early to tell which route they will choose. Earlier, the nap seemed to end with a few A4 calls.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 15:03:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
After the boat noise (more cruise ships) was over we began hearing A1 & A4 calls at the rubbing beaches! We're not sure, but the A30s may have returned from their (fast) trip to the east. Possibly, the A4 calls at the beaches are from the A11s. Meanwhile, the I15s, I33s, A5s & A12s are slowly making their way east in the Strait... we're hearing them on the CP & PI hydrophones.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 18:42:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Since the last post: The A30s and the A11s (A11,A56, A13 and A73) travelled to the west from the Bight and showed up off CP around 7:40pm. There they joined the BIG group (the I15s, the rest of the A4s, the A5s, the I33s and the newly arrived back A12s) in a BIG mix-up. Eventually, despite the ebbing tide, they all moved over to the Vancouver Island side and continued east. They are approaching Robson Bight right now. Thanks to everyone for all the reports today; Nick for keeping track of the A30s and A11s, Marie on the "Cliff" for keeping track of movements east of CP, Paul Tixier for watching from CP, and the whale watch boats for keeping everyone up-to-date throughout the day. It may be a busy night!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 21:34:25 PDT
The whales are back. We are hearing A4 calls on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
18 Aug 2007 02:34:38 PDT
Orcas near mics.
At 1:34am we heard close echo location on Critical Point. This was followed by a couple of calls and then a long gap. And then just now the A4s have begun calling once more. The return from the east has begun!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 02:34:43 PDT
Boat noise
Johnstone Strait (& everywhere else around us) is full of intense boat noise this morning, as one cruise ship after another passes though on the way north. Eventually, hopefully, the parade will end. Meanwhile, the I15s arrived in Robson Bight a little before 5am, and the A4s are still nearby. We are hearing their calls occasionally, through the boat noise.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 06:51:53 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The boat noise has gone away, at least for the moment. We're listening to the I15s, who have moved further west in the Strait and are close to the CP hydrophone.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 07:12:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s are there as well!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 07:24:10 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone - possibly, more orcas from the east are returning (though we're not sure). Meanwhile, the I15 & I33 groups have continued to the west in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 08:36:07 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A5s have returned from the east & are in Robson Bight, close to the CrPt hydrophone!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 08:49:00 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the a5s arrived in robson Bight, the other groups, who had travelled west, turned off Bauza Cove, before 9am and then proceded east. At least the I15s and I33s returned. At the moment we are not sure where the A4s got to. The I15s and the I33s are just entering the Reserve while the A5s have become somewhat distant on the Critical Point station.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 11:19:49 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
As the sleepy whales (the A5s,I15s and I33s) in Jonhstone Strait continue their rest, the A30s and the A11s have been reported heading west toward Kelesey Bay. There is also a group heading east toward Donegal Head, out of Queen Charlotte Strait. No ids as of yet. The tide will flood in about 1/2 hour. The A36s, by the way, are over by Blunden Harbour.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 13:56:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Nap time might be over. The I15s are vocal on CP so they must be moving back to the west. The A12s are coming in from the west but it is still a bit early to tell which route they will choose. Earlier, the nap seemed to end with a few A4 calls.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 15:03:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
After the boat noise (more cruise ships) was over we began hearing A1 & A4 calls at the rubbing beaches! We're not sure, but the A30s may have returned from their (fast) trip to the east. Possibly, the A4 calls at the beaches are from the A11s. Meanwhile, the I15s, I33s, A5s & A12s are slowly making their way east in the Strait... we're hearing them on the CP & PI hydrophones.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 18:42:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Since the last post: The A30s and the A11s (A11,A56, A13 and A73) travelled to the west from the Bight and showed up off CP around 7:40pm. There they joined the BIG group (the I15s, the rest of the A4s, the A5s, the I33s and the newly arrived back A12s) in a BIG mix-up. Eventually, despite the ebbing tide, they all moved over to the Vancouver Island side and continued east. They are approaching Robson Bight right now. Thanks to everyone for all the reports today; Nick for keeping track of the A30s and A11s, Marie on the "Cliff" for keeping track of movements east of CP, Paul Tixier for watching from CP, and the whale watch boats for keeping everyone up-to-date throughout the day. It may be a busy night!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 21:34:25 PDT
Friday, August 17, 2007
No orcas present.
Here we are in the middle again. The groups who headed east after the lovely afternoon rub have not returned yet and he A36s remaine somewhere to the west. We are waiting.
Helena
17 Aug 2007 07:53:13 PDT
No orcas present.
We are still in the middle and still waiting.
Helena
17 Aug 2007 15:22:32 PDT
No orcas present.
We have heard from "below". (Thanks Nick!) Some of the groups are on their way back. The lead group is up to Bear Point. One or two groups stayed behind in Nodales Channel but Nick saw all the A5s and heard "I" calls pass him by on their way west.
Helena
17 Aug 2007 15:44:48 PDT
Here we are in the middle again. The groups who headed east after the lovely afternoon rub have not returned yet and he A36s remaine somewhere to the west. We are waiting.
Helena
17 Aug 2007 07:53:13 PDT
No orcas present.
We are still in the middle and still waiting.
Helena
17 Aug 2007 15:22:32 PDT
No orcas present.
We have heard from "below". (Thanks Nick!) Some of the groups are on their way back. The lead group is up to Bear Point. One or two groups stayed behind in Nodales Channel but Nick saw all the A5s and heard "I" calls pass him by on their way west.
Helena
17 Aug 2007 15:44:48 PDT
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Performing maintenance
We began our 2007 live audio webcast about an hour ago. The sounds are being brought to you courtesy of JSTREAM, who are so kindly donating their services once again. We can't thank JSTREAM enough for their help, and are also very grateful to AXIS, KARHU and SPACEPORT in Japan, and Jesse Gordon in Canada, all of whom played key roles and donated their time and talents, so you can enjoy hearing the voices we love so much! THANKS TO ALL!
LIVE staff
16 Aug 2007 06:30:28 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We have orcas all around us this morning! The I15s, I31s, A36s & A24s are in Blackfish Sound, and at least some of the A4s & A12s are in Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing their calls all night & the sun has just risen on another lovely day.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 06:40:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s and the I33s just travelled south through Blackney Pass and are about to enter Johnstone Strait. Their travels were preceded just a few calls in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile. the A11s and the A5s are still resting in Johnstone Strait and the I15s,A36s and the A24s are to the west.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 12:57:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A24s and the I15sfollowed the A30s and the I33s to Johnstone Strait. They elected to follow the Hanson Island shore with I43 and I16 in the lead.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 13:37:54 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
just to make life interesting: a group has moved into the main rubbing beach! (A4 calls)
Helena
16 Aug 2007 13:50:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Both the A30s and the A5s have gone in for a rub as well as the A4s.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 15:46:01 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The whales have headed off to the east from the rubbing beaches after an incredibly long (4 hours) rubbing session during which all of the groups (A4s, A5s, A30s, I15s, I33s) visited and revisited the Main rubbing beach. What a rub!
Helena
16 Aug 2007 18:40:02 PDT
No orcas present.
It seems that all the groups headed off to the east together after their marathon rub. We last heard a report, around 8pm, that they were at the Adams River, still in a relaxed clump, heading east. We are waiting.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 22:52:33 PDT
We began our 2007 live audio webcast about an hour ago. The sounds are being brought to you courtesy of JSTREAM, who are so kindly donating their services once again. We can't thank JSTREAM enough for their help, and are also very grateful to AXIS, KARHU and SPACEPORT in Japan, and Jesse Gordon in Canada, all of whom played key roles and donated their time and talents, so you can enjoy hearing the voices we love so much! THANKS TO ALL!
LIVE staff
16 Aug 2007 06:30:28 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We have orcas all around us this morning! The I15s, I31s, A36s & A24s are in Blackfish Sound, and at least some of the A4s & A12s are in Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing their calls all night & the sun has just risen on another lovely day.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 06:40:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s and the I33s just travelled south through Blackney Pass and are about to enter Johnstone Strait. Their travels were preceded just a few calls in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile. the A11s and the A5s are still resting in Johnstone Strait and the I15s,A36s and the A24s are to the west.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 12:57:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A24s and the I15sfollowed the A30s and the I33s to Johnstone Strait. They elected to follow the Hanson Island shore with I43 and I16 in the lead.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 13:37:54 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
just to make life interesting: a group has moved into the main rubbing beach! (A4 calls)
Helena
16 Aug 2007 13:50:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Both the A30s and the A5s have gone in for a rub as well as the A4s.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 15:46:01 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The whales have headed off to the east from the rubbing beaches after an incredibly long (4 hours) rubbing session during which all of the groups (A4s, A5s, A30s, I15s, I33s) visited and revisited the Main rubbing beach. What a rub!
Helena
16 Aug 2007 18:40:02 PDT
No orcas present.
It seems that all the groups headed off to the east together after their marathon rub. We last heard a report, around 8pm, that they were at the Adams River, still in a relaxed clump, heading east. We are waiting.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 22:52:33 PDT
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
No orcas present.
We heard a close and intense bout of A12 calls off Cracroft Point at 4:10am. These calls became distant and ended at 5:30am. It's likely that the calls were from the A34s going back into Johnstone Strait and then heading east, though we're not sure, as A12 & A33 were in the Strait yesterday, independently of the A34s.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 07:03:03 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We began hearing echolocation close to the Critical Point hydrophone shortly before 8am. There were also a few "N3" calls, so we think a group of A clan orcas must be heading west in Robson Bight.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 08:04:40 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are back! They are just off Robson Bight. Last night they were in Nodales (about as far east as you can get in Johnstone Strait at 8pm). Do they have company?
Helena
15 Aug 2007 08:57:55 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The parade has begun. There are A4s, G clan calls along with the A30s. All groups are westbound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 09:28:00 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups in Johnstone Strait who continued west, maybe as far as Beaver Cove, turned 40 minutes ago, and are now headed east spread out across Johnstone Strait. The A36s are still in Queen Charlotte Strait but they are reported to be with another group westbound from Lizard Point.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 12:46:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s left Johnstone via Weynton Pass and are at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The extra group with the A36s has yet to be substantiated and the remaining groups in Johnstone Strait are slowly moving to the east still. No word (or calls) on who was in Robson Bight heading west a short whle ago.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 13:38:01 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
While the A30s linger in Blackfish Sound and the A36s remain in Queen Charlotte Strait, on the Johnstone Strait side, the whales (the A4s, A12s and I31s (maybe just the I33s)have headed east to the rubbing beaches. The I15s are still a bit further west and we have not heard A5 calls clearly today, leaving us, wondering if they are still very far east.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 15:54:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
There has been quite a bit of movement. The I15s, A4s, I31s (I33s at least) and A12s moved west in the Strait to the entrance of Blackney Pass while the A30s have moved around in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 17:45:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
In fact the A30s are moving toward Blackney Pass and the others have moved off to the west a bit.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 17:49:44 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The I15s zipped through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. This left the A4s in Johnstone Strait and most likely (until we hear differently) the A12s, I33s as well. The A30s were last heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:43:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
I should have added that we heard from Nick Templeman that all the A5s were in eastern Johnstone Strait but that they were on their way west this evening.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:50:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Another development! The A36s have dropped "down" to Blackfish Sound from their Queen Charlotte Strait perch - perhaps it was the I15s who encouraged them nearer.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:58:08 PDT
We heard a close and intense bout of A12 calls off Cracroft Point at 4:10am. These calls became distant and ended at 5:30am. It's likely that the calls were from the A34s going back into Johnstone Strait and then heading east, though we're not sure, as A12 & A33 were in the Strait yesterday, independently of the A34s.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 07:03:03 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We began hearing echolocation close to the Critical Point hydrophone shortly before 8am. There were also a few "N3" calls, so we think a group of A clan orcas must be heading west in Robson Bight.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 08:04:40 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are back! They are just off Robson Bight. Last night they were in Nodales (about as far east as you can get in Johnstone Strait at 8pm). Do they have company?
Helena
15 Aug 2007 08:57:55 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The parade has begun. There are A4s, G clan calls along with the A30s. All groups are westbound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 09:28:00 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups in Johnstone Strait who continued west, maybe as far as Beaver Cove, turned 40 minutes ago, and are now headed east spread out across Johnstone Strait. The A36s are still in Queen Charlotte Strait but they are reported to be with another group westbound from Lizard Point.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 12:46:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s left Johnstone via Weynton Pass and are at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The extra group with the A36s has yet to be substantiated and the remaining groups in Johnstone Strait are slowly moving to the east still. No word (or calls) on who was in Robson Bight heading west a short whle ago.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 13:38:01 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
While the A30s linger in Blackfish Sound and the A36s remain in Queen Charlotte Strait, on the Johnstone Strait side, the whales (the A4s, A12s and I31s (maybe just the I33s)have headed east to the rubbing beaches. The I15s are still a bit further west and we have not heard A5 calls clearly today, leaving us, wondering if they are still very far east.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 15:54:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
There has been quite a bit of movement. The I15s, A4s, I31s (I33s at least) and A12s moved west in the Strait to the entrance of Blackney Pass while the A30s have moved around in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 17:45:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
In fact the A30s are moving toward Blackney Pass and the others have moved off to the west a bit.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 17:49:44 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The I15s zipped through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. This left the A4s in Johnstone Strait and most likely (until we hear differently) the A12s, I33s as well. The A30s were last heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:43:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
I should have added that we heard from Nick Templeman that all the A5s were in eastern Johnstone Strait but that they were on their way west this evening.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:50:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Another development! The A36s have dropped "down" to Blackfish Sound from their Queen Charlotte Strait perch - perhaps it was the I15s who encouraged them nearer.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:58:08 PDT
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
No orcas present.
We last heard the I15s (briefly) at the rubbing beaches around 2:30am. They were heading east, along with the !31s & A12s. It's a lovely & calm sunny morning here. We are waiting.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 07:53:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Interesting day shaping up. The A34s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. Last night they accompanied the I15s and I31s to Blackney Pass. We thought they had continued with the other two groups east in Johnstone Strait. However, at some point they must have pulled away and headed back west to meet up with the A36s again. Right now, the I31s have returned from the east and are moving slowly west (hardly any calls) toward Cracroft Point. The A30s, A12 & A33, the I15s, A4s and A5s are still east of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 12:00:11 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Both the I15s and the I31s travelled west in Johnstone Strait to the western end of Hanson Island. At 1:35pm they turned and are now travelling east along the Hanson Island shore to the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 14:05:34 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the I33s (not all of the I31s were seen today) are in the midst of an afternoon nap, drifting eastward past the Ecological Reserve. The A36s and the A34s stalled off of Lizard Point and spent most of the day foraging.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:38:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A34s and the A36s are now moving. They are at Donegal Head and have yet to decide on Weynton Pass or Blackfish Sound. Just a few calls.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:53:29 PDT
No orcas present.
The A36s and the A34s faded away perhaps back into Queen Charlotte Strait. They had been quite vocal at the "top" end of Blackfish Sound and for a while it sounded like they might venture in. BUT....???
Helena
14 Aug 2007 22:38:07 PDT
We last heard the I15s (briefly) at the rubbing beaches around 2:30am. They were heading east, along with the !31s & A12s. It's a lovely & calm sunny morning here. We are waiting.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 07:53:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Interesting day shaping up. The A34s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. Last night they accompanied the I15s and I31s to Blackney Pass. We thought they had continued with the other two groups east in Johnstone Strait. However, at some point they must have pulled away and headed back west to meet up with the A36s again. Right now, the I31s have returned from the east and are moving slowly west (hardly any calls) toward Cracroft Point. The A30s, A12 & A33, the I15s, A4s and A5s are still east of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 12:00:11 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Both the I15s and the I31s travelled west in Johnstone Strait to the western end of Hanson Island. At 1:35pm they turned and are now travelling east along the Hanson Island shore to the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 14:05:34 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the I33s (not all of the I31s were seen today) are in the midst of an afternoon nap, drifting eastward past the Ecological Reserve. The A36s and the A34s stalled off of Lizard Point and spent most of the day foraging.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:38:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A34s and the A36s are now moving. They are at Donegal Head and have yet to decide on Weynton Pass or Blackfish Sound. Just a few calls.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:53:29 PDT
No orcas present.
The A36s and the A34s faded away perhaps back into Queen Charlotte Strait. They had been quite vocal at the "top" end of Blackfish Sound and for a while it sounded like they might venture in. BUT....???
Helena
14 Aug 2007 22:38:07 PDT
Monday, August 13, 2007
Orcas near mics.
Calls from the I31s,I15s, A4s and A5s gradually faded away until just after 1am. We had the impression these groups were westbound at that time and may have left Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. This morning, after 6am, we have heard (briefly so far) a group come up to Critical Point. We have yet to determine who is there but last night we had lost track of the A30s.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 06:52:16 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
I had forgotten that we also had lost track of A12 and A33 and here they are, travelling north through Blackney Pass quickly!
Helena
13 Aug 2007 08:15:02 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A12 and A33 just rushed south through Blackney Pass. They were located this morning east of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. We have just learned that a couple of whales have been spotted entering the east end of the Reserve heading west. Also, from "below" the A30s, A11s, and some of the A5s are eastbound, heading toward bear Point. Apparently they spent 2 hours off of Camp Point waiting for the tide to turn to flood.. There has been no sighting of the rest of the A12s (the A34s so far today - they left yesterday via Blackfish Sound.)
Helena
13 Aug 2007 13:50:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The group off the eastern end turned out to be the I15s. They went in for a brief rub and presumably kept going west. A12 and A33 are headed toward them and they are calling now. We are having to rethink our impression about what happened last night: instead of going west the A5s, A4s went east with the A30s. The I15s followed suit. Our remaining question, and perhaps it will onn be answered, is what happened to the I31s? The was a reoort this morning of a group of 9 -12 off of Bold Head. We heard no calls and they disappeared into the fog before any boats were out.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 14:14:52 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A12 and A33 apparently stalled off of Cracroft Point after getting into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 14:48:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I31s finally did show up in Johnstone Strait coming west t o CP with the I15s.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 17:34:54 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A busy night! Shooting stars, excited whales. The I15s and the I31s went through Weynton Pass earlier and met up with the A34s. A12 ansd A33 had rushed up to Blackfish earlier as well but they returned back to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass on their own. They continued east and have recently passed Critical Point. Meanwhile, the I15s and Co, after a deep rest off the western end of Blackfish Sound, began to move east into Blackney Pass with the A34s and possibly others. There are a lot of blows going through the Pass. The lead groups are about to enter Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 23:22:28 PDT
Calls from the I31s,I15s, A4s and A5s gradually faded away until just after 1am. We had the impression these groups were westbound at that time and may have left Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. This morning, after 6am, we have heard (briefly so far) a group come up to Critical Point. We have yet to determine who is there but last night we had lost track of the A30s.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 06:52:16 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
I had forgotten that we also had lost track of A12 and A33 and here they are, travelling north through Blackney Pass quickly!
Helena
13 Aug 2007 08:15:02 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A12 and A33 just rushed south through Blackney Pass. They were located this morning east of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. We have just learned that a couple of whales have been spotted entering the east end of the Reserve heading west. Also, from "below" the A30s, A11s, and some of the A5s are eastbound, heading toward bear Point. Apparently they spent 2 hours off of Camp Point waiting for the tide to turn to flood.. There has been no sighting of the rest of the A12s (the A34s so far today - they left yesterday via Blackfish Sound.)
Helena
13 Aug 2007 13:50:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The group off the eastern end turned out to be the I15s. They went in for a brief rub and presumably kept going west. A12 and A33 are headed toward them and they are calling now. We are having to rethink our impression about what happened last night: instead of going west the A5s, A4s went east with the A30s. The I15s followed suit. Our remaining question, and perhaps it will onn be answered, is what happened to the I31s? The was a reoort this morning of a group of 9 -12 off of Bold Head. We heard no calls and they disappeared into the fog before any boats were out.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 14:14:52 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A12 and A33 apparently stalled off of Cracroft Point after getting into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 14:48:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I31s finally did show up in Johnstone Strait coming west t o CP with the I15s.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 17:34:54 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A busy night! Shooting stars, excited whales. The I15s and the I31s went through Weynton Pass earlier and met up with the A34s. A12 ansd A33 had rushed up to Blackfish earlier as well but they returned back to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass on their own. They continued east and have recently passed Critical Point. Meanwhile, the I15s and Co, after a deep rest off the western end of Blackfish Sound, began to move east into Blackney Pass with the A34s and possibly others. There are a lot of blows going through the Pass. The lead groups are about to enter Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 23:22:28 PDT
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Superb sounds!!
The A36s waited for the I15s and the I31s and brought them down Queen Charlotte Strait to the A30s and the A11s. These groups travelled through Blackney Pass and are now on their way to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 00:11:36 PDT
No orcas present.
All the groups that came in just before midight (A36s,I15s & I31s) along with the A30s and A11s) carried on to the east in Johnstone Strait. They were past the Ecological Reserve by just after 2am. They seemed to be in a hurry but a few (I15s + As) had time to touch in at the main rubbing beach on their way. We've heard nothing since & it's a very foggy morning here.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 07:39:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is quite the parade. All the groups are filing up from the east, stopping for a rub or two, moving on to CP and beyond. The A12s have come along for the party and the A5s, the rest of the A4s as well. All the A1s are present, in company with the I15s & I31s. Might be a good exercise to figure out how many whales are here today!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 13:47:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the A30s & A11s finished their rub they came west to the Bight, arriving about the time the others groups turned and headed back to the east. Some of the groups got as far as Hidden Cove (Telegraph Cove area).
Helena
12 Aug 2007 15:48:09 PDT
Boat noise
The A36 brothers have just headed north through Blackney Pass, all together, and are now in Blackfish Sound. The other groups (A11s, A12s, A30s, I31s, I15s) are still in Johnstone Strait, between Blackney Pass & Robson Bight, and headed east. We're listening to their calls amidst persistent boat noise.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 17:27:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Time to catch up. The A36s left the area via Blackney Pass & travelling through Blackfish Sound. The A34s (no one saw A12 and A33!) followed. We think the A30s pulled the I31s and I15s east in Johnstone Strait for a while leaving the A4s and the A5s around the Robson Bight area. The I31s and the I15s have returned to the Bight just a short while ago. The groups are very vocal!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 23:00:27 PDT
The A36s waited for the I15s and the I31s and brought them down Queen Charlotte Strait to the A30s and the A11s. These groups travelled through Blackney Pass and are now on their way to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 00:11:36 PDT
No orcas present.
All the groups that came in just before midight (A36s,I15s & I31s) along with the A30s and A11s) carried on to the east in Johnstone Strait. They were past the Ecological Reserve by just after 2am. They seemed to be in a hurry but a few (I15s + As) had time to touch in at the main rubbing beach on their way. We've heard nothing since & it's a very foggy morning here.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 07:39:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is quite the parade. All the groups are filing up from the east, stopping for a rub or two, moving on to CP and beyond. The A12s have come along for the party and the A5s, the rest of the A4s as well. All the A1s are present, in company with the I15s & I31s. Might be a good exercise to figure out how many whales are here today!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 13:47:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the A30s & A11s finished their rub they came west to the Bight, arriving about the time the others groups turned and headed back to the east. Some of the groups got as far as Hidden Cove (Telegraph Cove area).
Helena
12 Aug 2007 15:48:09 PDT
Boat noise
The A36 brothers have just headed north through Blackney Pass, all together, and are now in Blackfish Sound. The other groups (A11s, A12s, A30s, I31s, I15s) are still in Johnstone Strait, between Blackney Pass & Robson Bight, and headed east. We're listening to their calls amidst persistent boat noise.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 17:27:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Time to catch up. The A36s left the area via Blackney Pass & travelling through Blackfish Sound. The A34s (no one saw A12 and A33!) followed. We think the A30s pulled the I31s and I15s east in Johnstone Strait for a while leaving the A4s and the A5s around the Robson Bight area. The I31s and the I15s have returned to the Bight just a short while ago. The groups are very vocal!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 23:00:27 PDT
Saturday, August 11, 2007
No orcas present.
Another busy night with the A4s, A5s and A30s continuing to move back and forth in Johnstone Strait. In the end, the A30s and an A4 (?A11) group followed the rest of the A4s and A5s (who had disappeared east of the Reserve before midnight) back to Critical Point and beyond. This morning there have been reports of whales, east of the Reserve, asof a couple of hours ago.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 09:03:51 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the A11s continued west as far as Blinkhorn and then turned around to the east. They were quite spread out across the Strait before the turn.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 16:00:51 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After a few nice and interesting calls off the entrance to Blackney Pass, the A30s and the A11s (A13,A11,A73,A56) travelled through Blackney Pass to the north.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 18:01:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are finally beginning to hear the incoming groups on Flower Island. They sound like they are still not moving very fast but they have the slack and then soon the flood tide with them.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 22:52:38 PDT
Another busy night with the A4s, A5s and A30s continuing to move back and forth in Johnstone Strait. In the end, the A30s and an A4 (?A11) group followed the rest of the A4s and A5s (who had disappeared east of the Reserve before midnight) back to Critical Point and beyond. This morning there have been reports of whales, east of the Reserve, asof a couple of hours ago.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 09:03:51 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the A11s continued west as far as Blinkhorn and then turned around to the east. They were quite spread out across the Strait before the turn.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 16:00:51 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After a few nice and interesting calls off the entrance to Blackney Pass, the A30s and the A11s (A13,A11,A73,A56) travelled through Blackney Pass to the north.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 18:01:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are finally beginning to hear the incoming groups on Flower Island. They sound like they are still not moving very fast but they have the slack and then soon the flood tide with them.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 22:52:38 PDT
Friday, August 10, 2007
Multiple pod calls audible.
At 2:15am whales, starting with the A30s and followed by A5s and A4s, rounded the corner at Critical Point, to the Robson Bight area. They have basically stalled in the general area east of Cracroft Point and the Ecological Reserve since then. The calls have been at times quite lovely and continuous. We have not yet so far heard A12s but the A11s may have come back.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 06:19:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A11s led the A30s, the A5s and possibly the A24s through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound just a short while ago. There looked like there was a least one other group in the crowd. Very few calls and prior to coming in only the A30s were vocal. Earlier we heard A4s,A30s and A5s, starting after 2am (see previous notes).
Helena
10 Aug 2007 11:11:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This morning's groups have, after spending time off the top end of Blackfish Sound, gone through Weynton Passage and east in Johnstone Strait. The A35s were added to the list of A11s, A30s, all the A5s and A24s.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 16:08:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Awhile ago the A30s headed off to the west. The A11s were following but turned around again. Soon after all the rest of the groups began a trek up Johnstone Strait. As they did so, the A30s "appeared" acoustically once again. All the groups are not far from the CP and entrance to Blackney Pass. The calls have been quite continuous and are only now slowing down.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 22:18:16 PDT
At 2:15am whales, starting with the A30s and followed by A5s and A4s, rounded the corner at Critical Point, to the Robson Bight area. They have basically stalled in the general area east of Cracroft Point and the Ecological Reserve since then. The calls have been at times quite lovely and continuous. We have not yet so far heard A12s but the A11s may have come back.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 06:19:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A11s led the A30s, the A5s and possibly the A24s through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound just a short while ago. There looked like there was a least one other group in the crowd. Very few calls and prior to coming in only the A30s were vocal. Earlier we heard A4s,A30s and A5s, starting after 2am (see previous notes).
Helena
10 Aug 2007 11:11:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This morning's groups have, after spending time off the top end of Blackfish Sound, gone through Weynton Passage and east in Johnstone Strait. The A35s were added to the list of A11s, A30s, all the A5s and A24s.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 16:08:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Awhile ago the A30s headed off to the west. The A11s were following but turned around again. Soon after all the rest of the groups began a trek up Johnstone Strait. As they did so, the A30s "appeared" acoustically once again. All the groups are not far from the CP and entrance to Blackney Pass. The calls have been quite continuous and are only now slowing down.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 22:18:16 PDT
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the I11s are trekking back west from the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 07:28:47 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
As the A30s and the I11s continue west another group has rounded the corner from the east at Critical Point.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 08:00:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It was the A12s who turned up off Critical Point. Can the A4s and the A5s be far behind?
Helena
09 Aug 2007 08:31:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are converging at the eastern end of Hanson Island in Johnstone Strait. The A12s, A4s andA5sall came up from the east and headed to Cracroft Point. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s, after turning around off Blinkhorn, headed east along the Hanson Island side. Right now the A30s and the I11s are quiet (and have been so for a while after the turn) and the A12s, A5s and A4s are sproadically vocal.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 10:39:51 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s and the I11s have "merged" with the A25s and the A23s off of CP while the A12s cross over toward the Bight from the Sophias. So far we have not actually heard any A4s and Nick Templeman reports that the A8s and the A11s (? all of them) stayed east last night and are not far from Rock Point (Chatham Point area.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 11:14:19 PDT
Boat noise
This has been our most complicated day to date. After the A25s and the A23s socialised with the A30s and the I11s there was a split, with the A5s turning east and the I11s and A30s turning west. The A12s and the A24s never did make it to CP at this time. Instead they turned east and crossed over from the Sophias. They went all the way to the eastern boundary where they turned west once more. By 3pm they were opposite Robson Bight. From there they moved up to the CP area (only the A12s were vocal) and crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s had continued west toward Telegraph Cove. From there the A30s turned back east before 5pm while the I11s moved into Weynton Pass. The A12s had moved back east as well and just before 6pm they were opposite Robson Bight once again. By this time, the groups had begun to shut down for a rest. The A23s and A25s may have gone all the way to the beaches for a very short rub and by 5:30pm they were back off Critical Point. The short of this is that the groups are in their various groups heading east in different locations throughout the Strait. The I11s are still undecided in the entrance to Weynton Passage. The A36s are still likely in Queen Charlotte Strait, way to the west. And the A8s and A11 are still westbound in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 18:26:53 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After all of the activity today the end of the day held one more surprise! The T100s came out of White Beach Pass and travelled south through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait. There were no calls and the IDs were provided by Jared Towers. The I11s may have finally made up their minds by heading out toward Queen Charlotte Strait just a short while ago. All the whales in the Strait may have drifted east. The last we heard was echo location on Critical Point (Robson Bight). at 8:33pm.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 21:05:40 PDT
The A30s and the I11s are trekking back west from the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 07:28:47 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
As the A30s and the I11s continue west another group has rounded the corner from the east at Critical Point.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 08:00:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It was the A12s who turned up off Critical Point. Can the A4s and the A5s be far behind?
Helena
09 Aug 2007 08:31:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are converging at the eastern end of Hanson Island in Johnstone Strait. The A12s, A4s andA5sall came up from the east and headed to Cracroft Point. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s, after turning around off Blinkhorn, headed east along the Hanson Island side. Right now the A30s and the I11s are quiet (and have been so for a while after the turn) and the A12s, A5s and A4s are sproadically vocal.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 10:39:51 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s and the I11s have "merged" with the A25s and the A23s off of CP while the A12s cross over toward the Bight from the Sophias. So far we have not actually heard any A4s and Nick Templeman reports that the A8s and the A11s (? all of them) stayed east last night and are not far from Rock Point (Chatham Point area.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 11:14:19 PDT
Boat noise
This has been our most complicated day to date. After the A25s and the A23s socialised with the A30s and the I11s there was a split, with the A5s turning east and the I11s and A30s turning west. The A12s and the A24s never did make it to CP at this time. Instead they turned east and crossed over from the Sophias. They went all the way to the eastern boundary where they turned west once more. By 3pm they were opposite Robson Bight. From there they moved up to the CP area (only the A12s were vocal) and crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s had continued west toward Telegraph Cove. From there the A30s turned back east before 5pm while the I11s moved into Weynton Pass. The A12s had moved back east as well and just before 6pm they were opposite Robson Bight once again. By this time, the groups had begun to shut down for a rest. The A23s and A25s may have gone all the way to the beaches for a very short rub and by 5:30pm they were back off Critical Point. The short of this is that the groups are in their various groups heading east in different locations throughout the Strait. The I11s are still undecided in the entrance to Weynton Passage. The A36s are still likely in Queen Charlotte Strait, way to the west. And the A8s and A11 are still westbound in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 18:26:53 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After all of the activity today the end of the day held one more surprise! The T100s came out of White Beach Pass and travelled south through Blackney Pass toward Johnstone Strait. There were no calls and the IDs were provided by Jared Towers. The I11s may have finally made up their minds by heading out toward Queen Charlotte Strait just a short while ago. All the whales in the Strait may have drifted east. The last we heard was echo location on Critical Point (Robson Bight). at 8:33pm.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 21:05:40 PDT
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Multiple pod calls audible.
Good Morning! Early this morning, just after 4am, we began to hear calls in Blackfish Sound. These turned out to be A1 (?A30) and A4 (?A11). Calls ended one hour later. Then at 6am calls started once again. This time it was A5 and A4. The whales are just now in sight, making their way south through Blackney, just ahead of the ebb (to flood) tide.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 06:48:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A11 and A13 were the last two through from Blackfish Sound. Everyone is now in Johnstone Strait heading east toward or in the Ecological Reserve. The groupings were very mixed and spread out as they went through but we believe all the A5s were there and the two A11 matriines (including Springer).
Helena
08 Aug 2007 08:43:12 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As the A11s and the A5s enjoy themselves at the rubbing beaches the A30s and the I11s (following) passed slowly and silently through Blackney Pass. These two groups are in Johnstone Strait now. The rub continues.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 09:58:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s went for a rub and then travelled off to the eastern boundary of the Reserve. The I11s followed and currently we can hear them off the main beach. The A5s and the A4s disappeared out of range to the east a while ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 13:58:25 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s and the I11s have turned around and are back off Robson Bight. Houdini and her calf (the most famous humpback of this area!) is in the Bight as well.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 14:25:17 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s and the I11s continue to the west past Kaikash Creek, the A36s have turned up inside Robson Bight.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 16:39:39 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
After the A36s turned up in the Bight the A30s and the I11s turned around off the western end of Johnstone Strait and went east along the Vancouver Island shore. The A36s hurried westward and entered Blackney Pass just after 7pm. They continued into Blackfish Sound and beyond. The A30s and the I11s continued east toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 21:26:18 PDT
Good Morning! Early this morning, just after 4am, we began to hear calls in Blackfish Sound. These turned out to be A1 (?A30) and A4 (?A11). Calls ended one hour later. Then at 6am calls started once again. This time it was A5 and A4. The whales are just now in sight, making their way south through Blackney, just ahead of the ebb (to flood) tide.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 06:48:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A11 and A13 were the last two through from Blackfish Sound. Everyone is now in Johnstone Strait heading east toward or in the Ecological Reserve. The groupings were very mixed and spread out as they went through but we believe all the A5s were there and the two A11 matriines (including Springer).
Helena
08 Aug 2007 08:43:12 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As the A11s and the A5s enjoy themselves at the rubbing beaches the A30s and the I11s (following) passed slowly and silently through Blackney Pass. These two groups are in Johnstone Strait now. The rub continues.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 09:58:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s went for a rub and then travelled off to the eastern boundary of the Reserve. The I11s followed and currently we can hear them off the main beach. The A5s and the A4s disappeared out of range to the east a while ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 13:58:25 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s and the I11s have turned around and are back off Robson Bight. Houdini and her calf (the most famous humpback of this area!) is in the Bight as well.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 14:25:17 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s and the I11s continue to the west past Kaikash Creek, the A36s have turned up inside Robson Bight.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 16:39:39 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
After the A36s turned up in the Bight the A30s and the I11s turned around off the western end of Johnstone Strait and went east along the Vancouver Island shore. The A36s hurried westward and entered Blackney Pass just after 7pm. They continued into Blackfish Sound and beyond. The A30s and the I11s continued east toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 21:26:18 PDT
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
No orcas present.
Early this morning, the A12s continued west in Johnstone Strait and turned into Blackney Pass. By 2:30am they were heading through Blackfish Sound. It was unclear whether the A24s stayed with the A12s. We last heard their calls around 11:30pm when they were still in the Strait. The A30s were ahead of both these groups having entered Blackfish Sound by 10:30pm. The A36s are most likely still east in Johnstone Strait. This morning whales were seen in Queen Charlotte Strait around 6am.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 08:02:01 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s just turned up, almost exactly where they left off 12 hours ago! They are travelling south through Blackney Pass at the moment. We cannot see them because of the thick fog but we can hear their calls and blows. The A12s AND the A24s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait headed for Donegal Head (east end of Malcolm Island).
Helena
07 Aug 2007 11:32:47 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s and the A24s continued east once in johnstone strait. They came in via Weynton Pass. The A30s took themselves off to the rubbing beaches. When finished there they returned west, first to Robson Bight, and then further where they connected with A12 and A33 (the A34s and the A24s were pretty preoccupied with each other all day long). The A30s then continued west and are currently between Bauza and Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) on the Vancouver Island side. The A12s and Co are off the Ecological Reserve heading east. There was a rumour that the little R7 group might be tucked in with the A24s and the A34s. An interesting note was when the A12s and the A24s came into the Strait the A24s did most of the talking west of Cracroft Point and then when the groups were east of Cracroft Point the A12s were most vocal.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 18:22:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are back at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The A36s at 7:30pm were westbound at Ripple Point (still very far east) and the A12s and the A24s most likely continued east from the rubing beaches.
helena
07 Aug 2007 21:19:12 PDT
Early this morning, the A12s continued west in Johnstone Strait and turned into Blackney Pass. By 2:30am they were heading through Blackfish Sound. It was unclear whether the A24s stayed with the A12s. We last heard their calls around 11:30pm when they were still in the Strait. The A30s were ahead of both these groups having entered Blackfish Sound by 10:30pm. The A36s are most likely still east in Johnstone Strait. This morning whales were seen in Queen Charlotte Strait around 6am.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 08:02:01 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s just turned up, almost exactly where they left off 12 hours ago! They are travelling south through Blackney Pass at the moment. We cannot see them because of the thick fog but we can hear their calls and blows. The A12s AND the A24s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait headed for Donegal Head (east end of Malcolm Island).
Helena
07 Aug 2007 11:32:47 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s and the A24s continued east once in johnstone strait. They came in via Weynton Pass. The A30s took themselves off to the rubbing beaches. When finished there they returned west, first to Robson Bight, and then further where they connected with A12 and A33 (the A34s and the A24s were pretty preoccupied with each other all day long). The A30s then continued west and are currently between Bauza and Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) on the Vancouver Island side. The A12s and Co are off the Ecological Reserve heading east. There was a rumour that the little R7 group might be tucked in with the A24s and the A34s. An interesting note was when the A12s and the A24s came into the Strait the A24s did most of the talking west of Cracroft Point and then when the groups were east of Cracroft Point the A12s were most vocal.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 18:22:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are back at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The A36s at 7:30pm were westbound at Ripple Point (still very far east) and the A12s and the A24s most likely continued east from the rubing beaches.
helena
07 Aug 2007 21:19:12 PDT
Monday, August 06, 2007
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A36s were at he rubbing beach a little while ago.
Tomoko
06 Aug 2007 00:06:49 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
After moving eastward last night there are whales back near Critical Point.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 08:05:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are back from the east. From the echolocation we're been hearing, it sounds like they're finding a bite to eat in Robson Bight!
Helena
06 Aug 2007 08:21:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
At 11:55am the A30s, who had continued west to Telegraph Cove and the entrance of Weynton Pass from Robson Bight, turned and crossed over to the Hanson Island side and proceded eastward. They have just past Cracroft Point.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 13:56:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Ataround 3:30pm the a30s turned while in the Ecological Reserve and headed west. They passed CP and continued west. After a gap in calls they have once again begun calling. Perhaps they are on their way east again?
Helena
06 Aug 2007 19:33:21 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A rather interesting development. Possibly both the A12s and the A24s have made it back to Robson Bight from the east while the A30s may have ended up in Blackfish Sound. The tracking continues to be difficult as the whales are creating large gaps between calling bouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 23:24:39 PDT
The A36s were at he rubbing beach a little while ago.
Tomoko
06 Aug 2007 00:06:49 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
After moving eastward last night there are whales back near Critical Point.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 08:05:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are back from the east. From the echolocation we're been hearing, it sounds like they're finding a bite to eat in Robson Bight!
Helena
06 Aug 2007 08:21:15 PDT
Orcas near mics.
At 11:55am the A30s, who had continued west to Telegraph Cove and the entrance of Weynton Pass from Robson Bight, turned and crossed over to the Hanson Island side and proceded eastward. They have just past Cracroft Point.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 13:56:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Ataround 3:30pm the a30s turned while in the Ecological Reserve and headed west. They passed CP and continued west. After a gap in calls they have once again begun calling. Perhaps they are on their way east again?
Helena
06 Aug 2007 19:33:21 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A rather interesting development. Possibly both the A12s and the A24s have made it back to Robson Bight from the east while the A30s may have ended up in Blackfish Sound. The tracking continues to be difficult as the whales are creating large gaps between calling bouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 23:24:39 PDT
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