Orcas near mics.
These A36 calls are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
31 Oct 2007 08:31:48 PST
Distant calls audible.
We're listening to the A36s on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like they went "out" via Weynton Pass and are now back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
31 Oct 2007 12:05:08 PST
Superb sounds!!
Trick or treat? Happy Hallow'een!
Helena & Paul
31 Oct 2007 17:54:30 PST
Superb sounds!!
We are about to go back to monitoring. Glad you too could enjoy our noisy neighbours (about 100 now) and their constant chorus.
Helena & Paul
31 Oct 2007 18:35:34 PST
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Superb sounds!!
The G17, A36 and A5 calls are in Blackfish Sound. Lovely foggy sunrise with these calls this morning.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 07:32:55 PST
No orcas present.
The whales were probably in Queen Charlotte Strait during the last calls. They are still there (now out of range) about 2 miles west of Lizard Point. (thanks to Jim and Mary Borrowman for the report).
Helena
30 Oct 2007 13:09:25 PST
Distant calls audible.
It has been rather like playing a game of acoustic tag today. Throughout the day we have heard sporadic distant calls in Blackfish Sound but nothing sustained since earlier this morning when the A36s, A5s and G17s were a lot closer. However, it has been such a lovely day.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 17:27:02 PST
The G17, A36 and A5 calls are in Blackfish Sound. Lovely foggy sunrise with these calls this morning.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 07:32:55 PST
No orcas present.
The whales were probably in Queen Charlotte Strait during the last calls. They are still there (now out of range) about 2 miles west of Lizard Point. (thanks to Jim and Mary Borrowman for the report).
Helena
30 Oct 2007 13:09:25 PST
Distant calls audible.
It has been rather like playing a game of acoustic tag today. Throughout the day we have heard sporadic distant calls in Blackfish Sound but nothing sustained since earlier this morning when the A36s, A5s and G17s were a lot closer. However, it has been such a lovely day.
Helena
30 Oct 2007 17:27:02 PST
Monday, October 29, 2007
No calls but orcas nearby
We heard a report from Stubbs Island Whale Watching that there are whales coming through Weynton Pass towards Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:12:56 PST
Superb sounds!!
These A36, A5 and G17 calls are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:54:29 PST
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like they are coming back. The calls are once again in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 14:08:05 PST
No orcas present.
The whales may have retreated to Queen Charlotte Strait. We have not heard them return to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 21:57:29 PST
We heard a report from Stubbs Island Whale Watching that there are whales coming through Weynton Pass towards Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:12:56 PST
Superb sounds!!
These A36, A5 and G17 calls are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 08:54:29 PST
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like they are coming back. The calls are once again in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 14:08:05 PST
No orcas present.
The whales may have retreated to Queen Charlotte Strait. We have not heard them return to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Oct 2007 21:57:29 PST
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to A& G clan calls on the Cracroft Point, Parson Island & Critical Point hydrophones. Sounds like the A8s, A36s & G17s are off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 07:33:43 PST
Orcas near mics.
The calls are now on the Flower Island hydrophone in Blackfish Sound. Did they go through Weynton Pass from Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 10:17:24 PST
We're listening to A& G clan calls on the Cracroft Point, Parson Island & Critical Point hydrophones. Sounds like the A8s, A36s & G17s are off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 07:33:43 PST
Orcas near mics.
The calls are now on the Flower Island hydrophone in Blackfish Sound. Did they go through Weynton Pass from Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Oct 2007 10:17:24 PST
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Distant calls audible.
We're listening to distant A & G clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like the orcas who headed "out" last evening (A8s, A36s, G17s) are coming back "in". The tide is ebbing swiftly, so it may take them a while (it will be slack around 11:30am). Soon after we heard the orcas, boat noise intruded in Blackfish Sound, but hopefully it will diminish as the vessel heads into Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 08:15:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Now that the tide has begun to flood the A5s, Gs and A36s are making their way out of Queen Charlotte Strait. Their lovely calls are on the Flower Island .system
Helena
27 Oct 2007 12:39:57 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups have gone through Weynton Passage to reach Johnstone Strait where they presumably will head eastward.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 13:35:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The G17s and the A8s have travelled from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass. We did not see the A36s and are not sure, at this point, whether they came into the Strait earlier with the others, although, we did hear them this morning in Blackfish Sound with the others.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 17:42:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The dolphins are near Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 19:50:39 PDT
We're listening to distant A & G clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone. Sounds like the orcas who headed "out" last evening (A8s, A36s, G17s) are coming back "in". The tide is ebbing swiftly, so it may take them a while (it will be slack around 11:30am). Soon after we heard the orcas, boat noise intruded in Blackfish Sound, but hopefully it will diminish as the vessel heads into Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 08:15:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Now that the tide has begun to flood the A5s, Gs and A36s are making their way out of Queen Charlotte Strait. Their lovely calls are on the Flower Island .system
Helena
27 Oct 2007 12:39:57 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups have gone through Weynton Passage to reach Johnstone Strait where they presumably will head eastward.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 13:35:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The G17s and the A8s have travelled from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass. We did not see the A36s and are not sure, at this point, whether they came into the Strait earlier with the others, although, we did hear them this morning in Blackfish Sound with the others.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 17:42:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The dolphins are near Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Oct 2007 19:50:39 PDT
Friday, October 26, 2007
Superb sounds!!
We began hearing A & G clan calls about 30' ago, on the Critical Point hydrophone. The A clan calls were initially from the A5s and the A36s have chimed in recently. The G clan calls are "GGs", probably at least the G17s. It sounds like the A5s & A36s, who were sighted by DFO reseachers headed west past Malcolm Point late yesterday afternoon (thanks Jared & Graeme) have brought company back to the Strait. Quite possibly, they found enough fish during their visit over the last couple of days to encourage others to return to their old fall-fishing habits... let's hope so!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 07:50:44 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A5s have reached the rubbing beaches... sounds like they're having a great time!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 10:04:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The whales continued to the east after passing the rubbing beaches and are now past Eve River, travelling quickly.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 12:13:17 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales have moved back toward the west. They went east as far as the Eve River before turning. They are now opposite Robson Bight moving against a large flooding tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:09:49 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to A & G clan calls on the CP & PI hydrophones as the orcas continue to make their way to the west. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait off Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:59:33 PDT
Boat noise
We're surrounded by boat noise on all sides & don't know where the orcas at the moment, though we think they are probably in western Johnstone Strait. Hopefully, the boat noise will go away soon & we'll be able to hear orcas calling again.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 16:50:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
They are on their way back to the east. Currently, most are closer to Blinkhorn and the A36s further west nearer Telegraph Cove. (thanks to DFO for the details) It has been quite the day! The weather has been absolutely beautiful.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 18:24:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Possibly the A36s have drawn the others out through Weynton Pass to the western edge of Blackfish Sound on the ebbing tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 19:02:03 PDT
We began hearing A & G clan calls about 30' ago, on the Critical Point hydrophone. The A clan calls were initially from the A5s and the A36s have chimed in recently. The G clan calls are "GGs", probably at least the G17s. It sounds like the A5s & A36s, who were sighted by DFO reseachers headed west past Malcolm Point late yesterday afternoon (thanks Jared & Graeme) have brought company back to the Strait. Quite possibly, they found enough fish during their visit over the last couple of days to encourage others to return to their old fall-fishing habits... let's hope so!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 07:50:44 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A5s have reached the rubbing beaches... sounds like they're having a great time!
Helena
26 Oct 2007 10:04:25 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The whales continued to the east after passing the rubbing beaches and are now past Eve River, travelling quickly.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 12:13:17 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales have moved back toward the west. They went east as far as the Eve River before turning. They are now opposite Robson Bight moving against a large flooding tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:09:49 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to A & G clan calls on the CP & PI hydrophones as the orcas continue to make their way to the west. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait off Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 14:59:33 PDT
Boat noise
We're surrounded by boat noise on all sides & don't know where the orcas at the moment, though we think they are probably in western Johnstone Strait. Hopefully, the boat noise will go away soon & we'll be able to hear orcas calling again.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 16:50:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
They are on their way back to the east. Currently, most are closer to Blinkhorn and the A36s further west nearer Telegraph Cove. (thanks to DFO for the details) It has been quite the day! The weather has been absolutely beautiful.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 18:24:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Possibly the A36s have drawn the others out through Weynton Pass to the western edge of Blackfish Sound on the ebbing tide.
Helena
26 Oct 2007 19:02:03 PDT
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Distant calls audible.
Yea! A36s and A5s this time. The calls are in Blackfish Sound. Steve heard the first hints calls at 2:40am and now the calls seem to be getting clearer and nearer!
Helena
24 Oct 2007 08:04:08 PDT
Performing maintenance
Sorry, the security update shut the encoder and we did not realise we were not broadcasting. The A5s and the A36s were vocal in Blackfish Soundl until 9:45am. They are now in Johnstone Strait after presumably travelling through Weynton Passage.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 10:29:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and the A5s continue to move eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 11:14:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and the A5s have been more or less of the area around the entrance of Blackney Pass since the last post. The tide is now ebbing and this may take them off to the west for a while.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 15:47:08 PDT
No orcas present.
We had a very slow tug make its way against the ebbing tide. The tide has changed and the tug has moved on and all is quiet now. We have not heard any calls since before 5pm but we had a report from the DFO research boat that the A8s (part of A5 pod) and the A36 were heading back to the east from Blinkhorn after 6pm. Here's hoping we get a few more clues before too long.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 21:58:32 PDT
Yea! A36s and A5s this time. The calls are in Blackfish Sound. Steve heard the first hints calls at 2:40am and now the calls seem to be getting clearer and nearer!
Helena
24 Oct 2007 08:04:08 PDT
Performing maintenance
Sorry, the security update shut the encoder and we did not realise we were not broadcasting. The A5s and the A36s were vocal in Blackfish Soundl until 9:45am. They are now in Johnstone Strait after presumably travelling through Weynton Passage.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 10:29:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and the A5s continue to move eastward in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 11:14:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and the A5s have been more or less of the area around the entrance of Blackney Pass since the last post. The tide is now ebbing and this may take them off to the west for a while.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 15:47:08 PDT
No orcas present.
We had a very slow tug make its way against the ebbing tide. The tide has changed and the tug has moved on and all is quiet now. We have not heard any calls since before 5pm but we had a report from the DFO research boat that the A8s (part of A5 pod) and the A36 were heading back to the east from Blinkhorn after 6pm. Here's hoping we get a few more clues before too long.
Helena
24 Oct 2007 21:58:32 PDT
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
No orcas present.
It does seem as if the visit from the A5 group was a too brief event. There have not been any calls or reports since their "departure" early yesterday morning. The humpbacks are still foraging Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 15:04:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A short while ago we began to hear A5 calls once again on Flower Island.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 18:37:21 PDT
It does seem as if the visit from the A5 group was a too brief event. There have not been any calls or reports since their "departure" early yesterday morning. The humpbacks are still foraging Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 15:04:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A short while ago we began to hear A5 calls once again on Flower Island.
Helena
22 Oct 2007 18:37:21 PDT
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Performing maintenance
Sorry, we were unable to connect with the internet for most of the day and so have not been broadcasting. The good news is that of course, resident whales, the A5s and possibly A4s as well, turned up in Johnstone Strait at 4pm! Their calls did not last very long and we imagine they were eastbound past Robson Bight. The sea lions have been feasting all day on large salmon. Maybe a few chum have made it this far after all!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:07:22 PDT
Performing maintenance
Further to the last note - we are now broadcasting again!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:18:08 PDT
Sorry, we were unable to connect with the internet for most of the day and so have not been broadcasting. The good news is that of course, resident whales, the A5s and possibly A4s as well, turned up in Johnstone Strait at 4pm! Their calls did not last very long and we imagine they were eastbound past Robson Bight. The sea lions have been feasting all day on large salmon. Maybe a few chum have made it this far after all!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:07:22 PDT
Performing maintenance
Further to the last note - we are now broadcasting again!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:18:08 PDT
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
No orcas present.
There were dolphins from time to time through the night. Yesterday, a small group of dolphins skipped through the bay in front of the house. Looked like they were chasing fish. Again, if you download the entire humpback file first (www.orcalab.org), the sounds will stream. Rainy day but calm seas today.
Helena
15 Oct 2007 09:58:44 PDT
There were dolphins from time to time through the night. Yesterday, a small group of dolphins skipped through the bay in front of the house. Looked like they were chasing fish. Again, if you download the entire humpback file first (www.orcalab.org), the sounds will stream. Rainy day but calm seas today.
Helena
15 Oct 2007 09:58:44 PDT
Sunday, October 14, 2007
No orcas present.
Once again, we heard no orcas calling overnight. This is (so far) the most unusual October we have ever experiened. Quite possibly, the absence of orcas is related to the poor salmon situation. At this time of year, orcas are usually feasting on chum salmon as they flood into Johnstone Strait, but the chum runs are either very poor or delayed this year. In the orcas' absence, we have been enjoying a wonderful humpback scene happening in Blackney Pass. There are more humpbacks here than ever before, and they are becoming vocal. A few nights ago we recorded what sounded like a humpback "song" in Blackfish Sound that lasted for half an hour. It impressed us so much that we've posted it on our OrcaLab web site for others to enjoy. It's a large file (150MB) so we suggest downloading it fully before playing.
Helena & Paul
14 Oct 2007 15:22:59 PDT
Once again, we heard no orcas calling overnight. This is (so far) the most unusual October we have ever experiened. Quite possibly, the absence of orcas is related to the poor salmon situation. At this time of year, orcas are usually feasting on chum salmon as they flood into Johnstone Strait, but the chum runs are either very poor or delayed this year. In the orcas' absence, we have been enjoying a wonderful humpback scene happening in Blackney Pass. There are more humpbacks here than ever before, and they are becoming vocal. A few nights ago we recorded what sounded like a humpback "song" in Blackfish Sound that lasted for half an hour. It impressed us so much that we've posted it on our OrcaLab web site for others to enjoy. It's a large file (150MB) so we suggest downloading it fully before playing.
Helena & Paul
14 Oct 2007 15:22:59 PDT
Saturday, October 13, 2007
No orcas present.
No residents at home again today. In their place, the humpbacks seem to have it all - lots of feed, calm seas and blue skies. One humpback known as Houdini (BCX0022) has been in Blackney now for quite some time with her calf Arial. The calf is noisy, rambunctious & energetic performing breaches, tail & pec slaps galore. It is quite the sight! Today, there were 4 -6 humpbacks in Blackney proper along with at least two further to the west in Blackfish Sound. The sea birds are going crazy with all the feed around and they are a good alert to where & when the humpbacks nudge in for a bite. The landscape is very rich right now!
Helena
13 Oct 2007 15:10:17 PDT
No residents at home again today. In their place, the humpbacks seem to have it all - lots of feed, calm seas and blue skies. One humpback known as Houdini (BCX0022) has been in Blackney now for quite some time with her calf Arial. The calf is noisy, rambunctious & energetic performing breaches, tail & pec slaps galore. It is quite the sight! Today, there were 4 -6 humpbacks in Blackney proper along with at least two further to the west in Blackfish Sound. The sea birds are going crazy with all the feed around and they are a good alert to where & when the humpbacks nudge in for a bite. The landscape is very rich right now!
Helena
13 Oct 2007 15:10:17 PDT
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Superb sounds!!
It seems that the humpback (?s) have moved on. We began recording at 3:33am which was just a short while after hearing the first sounds. The calls began to subside around 4am, after which, the whale(s) seemed to be farther away as well. Lovely to listen to on a starry, no boat noise night!
Helena
11 Oct 2007 04:43:45 PDT
No orcas present.
We heard no orca calls overnight & have heard no orca reports either. We have heard dolphins in addition to the humpback(s) early this morning. It's a lovely sunny day here, with humpbacks feeding in Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Oct 2007 13:28:55 PDT
It seems that the humpback (?s) have moved on. We began recording at 3:33am which was just a short while after hearing the first sounds. The calls began to subside around 4am, after which, the whale(s) seemed to be farther away as well. Lovely to listen to on a starry, no boat noise night!
Helena
11 Oct 2007 04:43:45 PDT
No orcas present.
We heard no orca calls overnight & have heard no orca reports either. We have heard dolphins in addition to the humpback(s) early this morning. It's a lovely sunny day here, with humpbacks feeding in Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Oct 2007 13:28:55 PDT
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