Thursday, September 30, 2010

Multiple pod calls audible.

The As have been joined once again by G clan groups who they (at least the A30s perhaps)met in Blackfish Sound a short while ago.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 06:05:47 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s, along with a group of "Gs" hurried through Blackney Pass & are now in Johnstone Strait, heading east. We're hearing them on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 07:07:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

They've reached the rubbing beaches!
Helena
30 Sep 2010 08:47:25 PDT

No orcas present.

We have been plagued by power problems this morning starting just as the Gs and the A30 got to the rubbing beaches. Things are stable for the time being and sound should be back. Meanwhile, the whales kept going east. The rub was not very long. They were found off Stimpson Reef at 11:45am. They were pointed west but not going anywhere. Thanks to Jamie for the report.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 12:18:34 PDT

No orcas present.

It has been "quiet" all day. The whales here this morning (the A30s & Gs) were seen off Windy Point at 11:45am going east. And at 4:45pm, the A12s and the A36s were spotted going into Nodales Channel from Chatham Point.
Helena
30 Sep 2010 19:12:37 PDT

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we started to hear A1 calls back in Johnstone Strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Earlier, there were occasional humpback vocals.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 05:07:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1s moved on from Robson Bight after and are now off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 08:52:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A1s have turned back to the west & are now in Robson Bight again, calling and doing a little morning fishing.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 09:39:37 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, A12s ad A36s angled over from Izumi Rock directly to CP and then the entrance to Blackney Pass where they are now. Marie reports that the A50s and A54s were in the lead followed by the A34s then A30 with A12 , the A36s and A39 & A38, A55 was in the rear of this parade.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 11:39:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We've been hearing distant calls from the A1s as they travel west in Blackfish Sound, having headed north through Blackney Pass, with A38 & A30 in front, about an hour ago.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 13:27:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s,A12s and the A36s (the A1s) have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. There have been no calls but during a break in the fog CP could see that they had re-entered Johnstone Strait and are now headed east.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 16:40:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It is afternoon nap time! The A30s,A12s and A36s are off shore of Hanson Island, 800 meters to midstrait, opposite Big Bay (half way along Hanson Island) resting together as they continue eastward.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 17:25:12 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1s must be approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass. Boat noise is everywhere!
Helena
29 Sep 2010 17:56:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The a30s hung out off the entrance of Blackney Pass for quite a while and it seemed as if they might come in. But not yet! The A12 and the A36s apparently continued to point east when the A30s decided to stay off the entrance of Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, while they were deciding a humpback very close to Parson Island made things interesting with loud sounds, lots of water swirling. We are in zero/zero fog and the sea lions are all over the place blowing as they forage and swim along. All very interesting in the fog and dimming light.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 19:42:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

sounds like the A30s went east toward the others and Robson Bight.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 20:47:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have passed Critical Point and are moving through the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
29 Sep 2010 21:28:43 PDT

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Orcas relaxing.

We're hearing occasional "resting" calls from the A30s, who have been in Robson Bight for the past several hours.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 01:47:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing "A1" calls in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 08:00:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Still A1 calls (?A34s) in Blackfish Sound as A12 and the A36s make their way slowly through Blackney Pass. A group of 4 transients went north just before A12 and the A36s entered Blackney. Humpbacks and sea lions all over the place. Busy morning!
Helena
28 Sep 2010 09:07:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Still A1 calls (?A34s) in Blackfish Sound as A12 and the A36s make their way slowly through Blackney Pass. A group of 4 transients went north just before A12 and the A36s entered Blackney. Humpbacks and sea lions all over the place. Busy morning!
Helena
28 Sep 2010 09:07:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s and A12 backtracked a while ago and rejoined the others in Blackfish Sound. Yet another humpback wandered through from Johnstone Strait soon after. The A1 calls are quite nice in Blackfish Sound. It does not sound like they are going anywhere in too much of a hurry.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 10:57:21 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have lost track of the A12s and the A36s after calls either stopped or went out of range. The tide has been in ebb ever since 8:22am and this may have influenced their choice of direction.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 12:06:36 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We have now been listening to the A30s coming west from the Ecological Reserve area.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 14:23:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Ahh.... the other A1 groups are returning to Blackfish Sound.And the A30s are making their way into Blackney! Family!
Helena
28 Sep 2010 15:55:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The calls have been amazing as the A30s met up with the A34s where Blackfish and Blackney Pass join. They all then turned and quickly made their way together toward Johnstone Strait. We did not see the A36s and A12 this time.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 17:05:47 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We missed the A36s and A12 this time but Marie and Leah at CP saw them arrive at the tail end of everyone. The "boys" all got together while the others socialized. For a bit they went off to the west but have turned back to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Right now some are pointed east while others are pointed back into Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 17:52:21 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely sounds from the A12s, A36s and A30s who are now all back in Blackfish Sound after travelling through Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Sep 2010 18:53:54 PDT

Monday, September 27, 2010

Distant calls audible.

This day started with a nice surprise. Marie looked out this morning only to see the A30s coming from the east and heading to Blackney Pass. They travelled silently through Blackney mid channel and are in Blackfish Sound at the moment. They broke their silence briefly when they got to Blackfish Sound. Looked like they were seriously foraging while in Blackney.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 09:27:17 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s continued past Donegal Head and are in Queen Charlotte Strait with a group of dolphins. The Naiad Explorer is with them. Meanwhile, we are hearing dolphins at the east end of the Reserve. Apparently, a group of 300 or more were in the lower Johnstone Strait yesterday. Humpbacks are in their "favourite' location again today: between Donegal, Hanson Island, Swanson Island and the mouth of Knights Inlet.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 11:36:16 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are travellin back to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass after a long morning and afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait. Thanks to Stubbs Island for the update - the A30s are very quiet.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 15:34:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Nice calls as the A30s travel east after entering Johnstone Strait from Weynton Pass.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 16:02:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Marie at CP reports the A30s, after stopping and starting and foraging between Blinkhorn and Little Kaikash, have begun to cross toward the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 18:00:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s finally decided to leave the entrance to Blackney Pass and head for the Ecological Reserve. Marie reported seeing a sea otter this evening off CP and earlier an elephant seal.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 19:05:18 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s sound like they are closing in on Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Sep 2010 20:33:02 PDT

Sunday, September 26, 2010

No orcas present.

The morning is just so lovely here. The rain has stopped and the sun is out and burning off the low fog. We were not aware of anything (orca) during the night. We will see what the day brings.
Helena
26 Sep 2010 08:26:02 PDT

Saturday, September 25, 2010

No orcas present.

The wind ha dropped, just lots of rain this morning. We didn't hear anything more after the groups headed into Queen Charlotte Strait last night except at 5:13am when we were awakened by a single loud "call" and a few faint sounds afterwards. We were not able to source the sound as it ended as quickly as it began but it did excite a discussion whether or not it was a humpback close to a hydrophone. So we are still left wondering what happened to the Bs of yesterday? We did not hear them amongst the groups going "out". We will have to wait and see.
Helena
25 Sep 2010 09:04:47 PDT

Friday, September 24, 2010

Multiple pod calls audible.

New arrivals! We're listening to what sounds like a lot of "G" clan orcas on the Critical Point hydrophone. Marie at CP can see that they've made it as far as Kaikash on the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait. Probably, they came "in" via Weynton Pass. Not sure where the A30s are at the moment. Windy day, exciting too!
Helena
24 Sep 2010 08:44:11 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A "B-subclan" group is there too, also some "A1s", not yet sure who. The orcas are eastbound, very close to Vancouver Island, now approaching Izumi Rock.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 09:36:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There may have been some rubbing as the whales continue east at the east end of the Reserve. It is a bit difficult to sort out the wave action with this strong southeast wind storm. In the "group" we believe the A30s are travelling with several groups of the G1s,G12s and 1 -2 groups from possibly the Bs and Cs. We will check the tape for details a bit later.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 11:07:43 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Sounds like the very big group that went east this morning are making their way back to the Robson Bight area. This morning we heard in addition to the A30s, the Bs, G3s, G2/12s, G17s, G29s and possibly the I11s as well. Very strong winds are continuing.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 16:11:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It was really hard to hear the calls of some of the morning's big group as they made their way to the west just a short while ago. The A30s were there accompanying at least some of the Gs.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 18:58:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A30, some of the Gs have gone out Weynton Pass to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 19:37:16 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe the groups that crossed Blackfish Sound headed for Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
24 Sep 2010 21:11:49 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have came up to CP and into Blackney Pass where they travelled north to Blackfish Sound. They cleared our view about 5 minutes ago. No calls.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 08:19:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We're finally starting to hear some calls from the A30s, a few "N3s" on the Flower Island hydrophone as the A30s make their way east in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 08:26:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are still in Blackfish Sound, where they've been spread out foraging for several hours. So far as we can tell, they have been quite silent, but we've started hearing a few calls recently. The tide is flooding now, so they may head back towards Johnstone Strait this afternoon.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 13:01:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After hours in Blackfish Sound, the A30s decided to return to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. Thanks to the Lukwa for the update.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 14:58:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s came in via Weynton Pass just before 3pm and continued east to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they are now trying to decide whether to go around Hanson Island one more time!
Helena
23 Sep 2010 17:26:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s did indeed choose to come through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound making their way west once more.
Helena
23 Sep 2010 17:55:40 PDT

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

No orcas present.

We did not hear any calls through the night.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 08:40:46 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Well we didn't hear anything but the A30s apparently found their way back to Johnstone Strait and were between the Little Kaikash Creek area and Izumi between 2 and 3 am, heading east. They are now westbound once again. At 7:45am they were off Robson Point and just now they off the Sophias Islands mid strait. They are still very quiet. Thanks to Marie at CP for the great update.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 09:02:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After spending hours off the east end of the Sophia Islands, the A30s have apparently turned back eastward and are moving through the Ecological Reserve along Vancouver Island.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 11:57:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are heading west again off Robson Bight.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 11:59:46 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Just a bit of close echo location as the last of the A30s pass Critical Point to the west.. They have a humpback with them
Helena
22 Sep 2010 12:10:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After some really nice calls in the Bight the A30s have moved on to the west again. For a while there it sounded like the humpback was ready to join the A30 chorus!
Helena
22 Sep 2010 13:27:33 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are revving up again just before the slack tide. Will they come into Blackney Pass like they did yesterday?
Helena
22 Sep 2010 16:25:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s rushed through Blackney Pass. A39 had not followed the others to Izumi Rock earlier but had stayed off the entrance of Blackney Pass. The others turned abruptly back to the west and followed Pointer into the Pass. They are all now in Blackfish Sound after clearing our view at 6:06pm.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 18:33:35 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s made it back to Johnstone Strait and sound like they are going eastward.
Helena
22 Sep 2010 21:42:30 PDT

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

No orcas present.

We last heard calls around 9:30pm yesterday evening, when we think the A30s were heading east from the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 08:06:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear distant calls. This sounds like the A30s travelling back from the east toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 08:40:54 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have arrived in Robson Bight.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 09:26:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved along to the Kaikash Creek area.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 11:14:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s moved on again. After crossing to Blackney Pass from the Kaikash area and stalling off the entrance, they continued west up to Big Bay on Hanson Island, around 12:30pm
Helena
21 Sep 2010 13:00:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s turned just after 1pm, probably when we were hearing the N3s (at 1:02pm). They are moving back toward the rip off the Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 13:19:18 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After a long discussion, and much to-ing and fro-ing, the A30s have finally decided to head north through Blackney Pass!
Helena
21 Sep 2010 16:16:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s at 4:42pm cleared our view into Blackfish Sound. They came in on the slack at 4:15pm.
Helena
21 Sep 2010 17:25:42 PDT

Monday, September 20, 2010

Distant calls audible.

After disappearing from the east end of the Ecological Reserve around 12:30am, the A30s have returned. Their calls are getting stronger as they travel back west. During the night we continued to hear sounds generated by humpbacks.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 06:06:55 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s have made it back to Robson Bight, and judging from the echolocation, are having an early morning bite too.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 07:13:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have continued to the west, and are now traveling fairly close to the Hanson Island shoreline, with A30 & A39 ahead of the rest, off Big Bay.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 10:37:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

About 5 minutes ago the A30s turned back to the east from linkhorn. They are travelling the Vancouver Island shoreline.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 12:49:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have stalled once again off the entrance to Blackney Pass and the area off CP. There is a group of dolphins there too now as well as the humpback, KC. Conger was in Blackfish Sound earlier and the there is another HB near the entrance to Blackney Pass as well. Sea lions and dalls porpoise too make for a pretty full day.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 14:26:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s started to head east from the CP area around 3:45pm. We have heard them approach and possible pass Critical Point since then.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 19:03:53 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s are having a rub.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 19:33:40 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

That was a very short rub.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 19:52:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are calling once again but still off the eastern end of the Reserve, east of Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 20:22:34 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have not heard the A30s for a while. Perhaps they continued east toward Naka Creek. The tide has just started to flood in that direction too.
Helena
20 Sep 2010 22:17:27 PDT

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Orcas near mics.

Since just before midnight we have been listening to a humpback in the Blackfish Sound/Blackney Pass area. This is the first time this year that we have heard humpback vocalizations. Persistent dolphins have been very vocal in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 01:24:39 PDT

No orcas present.

As far as we know the rest of the night was quiet. The internet was down for part of that time but we are streaming once again. Yesterday, apparently, 3 orca were seen in Queen Charlotte Strait around 3pm - for the record.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 09:33:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The Naiad Explorer found the A30s earlier this morning west of Malcolm Point. They were heading east and have now just past Bere Point and are headed to Lizard Point. Possible schools of Chum salmon showing up in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 13:14:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing the A30s! They must have passed Donegal Head and are off the west end of Blackfish Sound. Raining "cats and dogs" here today.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 17:33:21 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are sounding excited as they make their way east down Blackfish Sound, maybe happy to be home... wonderful calls, no boat noise.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 18:51:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We haven't heard any calls since about 7:50pm, when the A30s were in Blackfish Sound. We don't know if they drifted to the west with the still ebbing tide, or if they are waiting for the slack at 9:50pm, when the ebb flow changes to flood. We are listening.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 20:29:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are still trying to follow the humpback sounds. We first heard sounds (water disturbance , breath) on the Parson Island system. CP reports that there is a humpback trumpeting just off shore of Cracroft. We do not still know what happened to the A30s. The rain in continuing.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 21:01:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have been found! They are travelling east mid strait to the Vancouver Island side opposite Cracroft Point. We think they must have come in through Weynton Pass. The tide will soon be flooding (going their direction)
Helena
19 Sep 2010 21:39:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s just "Opened" up and began to calll as they head east to Robson bight.
Helena
19 Sep 2010 21:45:55 PDT

Saturday, September 18, 2010

No orcas present.

Apart from endless boat noise, this was a quiet night, no calls. We are waiting.
Helena
18 Sep 2010 08:23:04 PDT

No orcas present.

Everyone has been enjoying the humpbacks today.
Helena
18 Sep 2010 15:04:35 PDT

Friday, September 17, 2010

No orcas present.

500 dolphins went flying by CP last night between 11:30pm and midnight. Quiet night otherwise.
Helena
17 Sep 2010 09:50:03 PDT

No orcas present.

It ha been a rather uneventful day. The fog finally lifted this afternoon. It is lovely, warm and sunny - last days of summer! A small group of dolphins went east past CP around 1pm. There have been humpbacks to the west and one off Flower Island. Lots of sea lions too. Hmmmm.... sounds like actually a lot is happening.
Helena
17 Sep 2010 15:08:33 PDT

No orcas present.

We heard from the Mackays who went to the central coast today. Near Rivers Inlet they saw lots of humpbacks and then as they were coming back the found the A30s heading west to Pine Island. Another smaller group were in Goletas Channel also heading west. So the orcas are still in the general vicinity even if they are headed in the "wrong" direction.
Helena
17 Sep 2010 17:50:46 PDT

Thursday, September 16, 2010

No orcas present.

Except for very close dolphins in the night, the night was quiet after the last distant calls in Blackfish Sound at 8pm. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
16 Sep 2010 08:40:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not orcas but dolphins off the east end of the Reserve.
Helena
16 Sep 2010 15:17:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

T14 has just passed CP, and is heading into Blackney Pass - thanks Marie!
Helena
16 Sep 2010 19:12:42 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Not orca but nice dolphins near Robson Bight. T14 continued into Blackfish ound befoe dark this evening.
Helena
16 Sep 2010 21:22:09 PDT

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Boat noise

We haven't heard any calls since about 11:20pm, when there were distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. We weren't sure where the A30s were at that time, and are waiting now, listening to boat noise as a tug makes its way north through Blackney Pass. Lovely first light of this new day.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 06:38:42 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30ss , still in Johnstone Strait. and back to Robson bight a short while ago. They changed their recent pattern a bit and were not as busy going back and forth in the Reserve (at leat not vocal about it) so we had a quiet night from 11:30pm on. Humback in Blackney Pass also this morning and no fog either.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 07:37:33 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

They have gone quiet but we believe they are still moving west from the Bight.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 09:41:21 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After coming west to CP, the A30s are coming into Blackney Pass.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 11:02:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s headed into Blackfish Sound some time ago after travelling north through Blackney Pass. They are currently spread out between the Plumpers and Bold Head foraging.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 13:02:56 PDT

No orcas present.

Just pouring with rain here. The A30s apparently continued into Queen Charlotte Strait and found some company arriving off Lizard Point! Incoming are some of the Gs, G16s and G17s. Thanks to the Gikumi for the report.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 15:51:40 PDT

No orcas present.

We are still waiting for these groups to drop into range. Sound is back and running. Thanks for the heads up.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 17:19:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Well here they come! Gs, Is and A30s! These calls are on Flower Island.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 18:24:03 PDT

Well the whales floated into Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound but they never made (as yet) past White Beach Pass. It was an incredible evening with rainbows and glowing sunset and whales all mixed up together in different bunches. Lovely sounds from time to time. We saw parts of the A30s, G3s, G17s and G2s. Amazing. They are (for the time being) back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Sep 2010 20:02:25 PDT

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Distant calls audible.

This is turning into a similar event as last night with the A30s moving between their favourite spots, back and forth, sometimes sounding so interesting, especially when off the Bight, as they did just a short while ago.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 00:46:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Again so wonderful in the Bight!
Helena
14 Sep 2010 02:00:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back in Robson Bight, sounds like they're having a bite - close calls & echlocation.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 07:05:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have just traveled north through Blackney Pass, and are now in Blackfish Sound, where they are spread out.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 11:09:46 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s are doing almost the exact routine they did yesterday. They are travelling through the Plumpers back to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 13:13:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in Robson Bight, having circumnavigated Hanson Island, and foraged for a while, around 5pm, off Blackney Pass. Lovely clear calls, no boat noise.
Helena
14 Sep 2010 19:27:12 PDT

Monday, September 13, 2010

Orcas near mics.

Back and forth, Back and forth. The A30s have spent the last several hours moving between Robson Bight and the east end of the Reserve. Right now, they are back in the Bight.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 02:48:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved west from Robson Bight and are now off the entrance to Blackney Pass, probably mid-Strait. It's a very foggy morning here, after a starry night, and the ocean is calm... nice morning.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 07:47:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We believe the A30s have come into Blackney Pass and are making their way north through the fog.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:30:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It turns out the A30s just looked into Blackney Pass and then returned to Johnstone Strait. They are back off the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Johnstone Strait side.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:48:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Some of the A30s have moved west from the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:56:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s may be spread out a bit. We still have calls on CP.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 08:59:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are coming through after all! Just entering Blackney Pass now.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 09:28:10 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide, and are now in Blackfish Sound, foraging. Lovely backlit blows from the 30's as they passed by, all together.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 10:23:07 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s curled around Hanson Island by going through one of the passes in the Plumper Islands. They arrived in Johnstone Strait, according to the Naiad Explorer, at 12:12pm. An hour later later they were all together off Big Bay. A short while ago they were, except A39, all bunched together off the entrance to Blackney. After a couple of calls they appear to be moving east now.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 14:24:30 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are very slowly making their way toward Robson Bight, angling from Cracroft Point toward the Reserve. They are mid strait favouring the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 16:18:45 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The lovely A30s, making lovely calls in the lovely Bight!
Helena
13 Sep 2010 18:05:08 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have "opened" up as they approach Robson Bight from the west.
Helena
13 Sep 2010 21:46:35 PDT

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Distant calls audible.

At 4:30am we heard the A30s approaching Robson Bight. They travelled on to the east end of the Reserve where we are listening now.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 06:54:37 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s have turned back to Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 07:37:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are moving to the west.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 09:31:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s carried on west to Big Bay. The Lukwa reports they may have turned back east. One of the A30 brothers was on the Vancouver Island side.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 10:39:31 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are back to the CP area now.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 12:36:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are still of CP.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 17:18:59 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s are back in the Bight after their stay at Cracroft Point.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 18:58:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s went around the corner at Critical Point and are now at the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 19:46:09 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, after the rub, are back to the west opposite Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2010 21:35:18 PDT

Saturday, September 11, 2010

No calls but orcas nearby

Still no calls heard, but the blows were in the Parson "gap" when a tug came through Blackney, heading north. It's likely the orcas (probably A30s) are now in Johnstone Strait, still silent.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 00:38:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the last report of blows heading south in Blackney Pass we heard calls from the A30s in Johnstone Strait. At 5:45am there was another A30 call but it was not possible to locate the source. There were very loud dophins in Blackfish Sound and moe distant ones in Johnstone Strait at this time. So we are not sure where the A30s are. The tide is in flood.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 06:16:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We just started to hear echo location and close A1 calls near Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 09:07:03 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The T55s have been spotted off Cracroft Point. The most likely came out of Baronet Pass and went around the "corner" to Johnstone Strait. They are now headed east. (Lukwa and Saicone reports)
Helena
11 Sep 2010 10:12:55 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s just passed through Blackney Pass. They were close together travelling mid channel. They are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 11:41:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing distant calls from the A30s on the Critical Point hydrophone, and think they've come back into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. Windy day here, first southeaster of the fall.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 16:29:50 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are moving about a bit. We can now hear them distantly off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 18:42:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
11 Sep 2010 19:02:49 PDT