A36 Matriline

2 Brothers with A12

2010-07-03T20:20:00.001-07:00

No calls but orcas nearby

The dolphins have all gone through to Johnstone Strait. meanwhile, the orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait have been identified as A37, A46 (the remaining two brothers of the A36s) and A12. They are till lingering off of Lizard Point. No direction home yet. Still west of Blackfish Sound and out of range. Jared Towers supplied the identification.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 11:19:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s, with A12, are reported to be heading east in Blackfish Sound. They are silent, but there's a good chance we'll see them soon!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 15:08:00 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, with A12, are just now entering Johnstone Strait. They called before entry - so great to hear them again!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 16:47:09 PDT

Superb sounds!!

These lovely calls are from the two A36 brothers as they near Robson Bight. A12 led the brothers into Johnstone Strait at 4:41pm. We have heard her only briefly so far.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 18:58:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Yes! They got to the beaches! First rub of the season.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 19:39:38 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

And now back to Robson Bight!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 20:20:14 PDT

A36s and A12 still together

2010-01-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone, I believe this community would be interested to know that the A36s were in front of our Lab on New Years eve and A12 was with them. It was awesome to see her still traveling with the boys. Best wishes, Hermann&Janie
Cetacealab@Gil Island
02 Jan 2010 08:41:55 PST

A36s still with

2009-12-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

No calls but orcas nearby

Heard great news from Jared Towers tonight! He saw A12 with the A36s near Scarlett Point today. This is not far from Port Hardy. Perhaps, just maybe they will be kind enough to "drop down" our way in the near future. So amazing to think this bond between these whales has lasted so long.
Helena
04 Dec 2009 22:27:18 PST

A36s last heard in Blackfish Sound

2009-08-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

No orcas present.

Sorry, the streaming is gone again for a bit while we sort out new IP addresses. Since yesterday, there is not much to report except around 5pm a group of at least 7 orcas passed CP on their way to the east. These whales were reported to have come in via Weynton Pass although there is some confusion as visual IDs were not available and the whales were not vocal. They passed on to Boat bay and then started to cross over toward the east end of the Reserve. As far as we know the I15s were eastbound on the Vancouver Island shore during this time. They also got to the beaches and from there we thinks they may have carried on to the east. But this is also not 100% clear as there were no calls to give additional clues after 8:08pm. We are waiting to see how the day unfolds. The A36s were the last vocal whales in Blackfish Sound yesterday evening (8pm) and they may still not be too far away as they seemed to not be entirely committed to leaving this area. There was a report a short while ago of 2 whales off of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Sound. Dolphins continue to tour the area and can be heard from time to time.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 09:47:37 PDT

Large crowd

2009-08-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Multiple pod calls audible.

The very large "crowd" that was reported being in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday, is beginning to arrive. This happens several hours after the A8s rushed out of Blackfish Sound. So far we have heard, the A30s, A4s,A5s and I15s.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 03:50:14 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Moving in... using every available route. We now are hearing Bs and possibly I31 calls already in Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass as the A4s move through Blackney on their way to the Strait as well. Getting very crowded!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 04:27:06 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches, others are in Robson Bight, others are headed east past Alert Bay, others are still coming. The movemenr is generally eastward.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 08:37:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Boy, this is busy! First a probable correction is needed. the Bs may not be there. It was a mistake of hearing the word "Bs" for "Ds" in the early morning. What is clear is that the A1s, A4s, and A5s came into Johnstone Strait along with the I15s and I31s between 4 and 5am. The Ds never seemed to come very far to the east so we are not sure where they are now. There is a sleepy group west bound between Alert Bay and Haddington Island on the Vancouver Island pointed toward Malcolm Island. This may be the C6s. There is another large group (whales everywhere today) between Cormorant Island and Malcolm Island heading toward Sointula. The Johnstone Strait whales are west bound from the beaches to Robson Bight spread out from the Cracroft Island shore to Vancouver Island. Whew! hang on to your hats!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 09:59:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We now know a bit more of today's distribution: the C6s and G25s are the westbound,sleepy group headed to haddington island; the Ds (all) and I22/39 are the sointula group;the i33s just went by the Cliff a short while ago following the A36s. It is not clear where the the rest of the As and I15s are at the moment.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 10:44:42 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

the orca shuffle continues: westbound in the Strait are the A30s, A36s,I31s and the I15s. They are spread out from Little Kaikash (west of CP) back to Izumi Rock (the A30s,I15s and maybe part of the I31s along the Vacouver Island side, while the A36s and I33s are on the Cracroft Island side). Eastbound are most likely the A4s,A5s and A12s ,now past the Eve River
Helena
25 Aug 2009 11:12:56 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I33s just went north through Blackney Pass and are now westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 12:12:16 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Here is another correction. The A30s are probably back with their regular company heading east at Hickey Point. (A12s,A4s,A5s and A30s). the two males seen on the Vancouver Island side ahead of the I15s earlier may have been the rest of the I31s (the I33s went north through Blackney Pass). the A36s ended up going through Weynton pass and we heard them as they crossed the top end of Blackfish Sound following the I33s out to the west. The I15s are currently off the entrance to Weynton pass deciding on their next move. The I31s may be with them. Complicated day to say the least.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 14:32:32 PDT

A12s and A36s went north

2009-08-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

No orcas present.

It was pretty "quiet" last night after the A12s and A36s went north through Blackney Pass. Then at 3am, the A5s came back from the east to the Rubbing Beaches. Their rub began at 3:20 and lasted until 3:31am. The A24s and the A30s were heard too but they were further off shore. Everything then shifted to the west and by 3:48am they were opposite Robson Bight. At the change of tide (to the flood) the calls from all three groups became more frequent. Occasionally, there was faint echo location. Just after 6am, the calls were very distant and ended soon afterward.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 08:08:53 PDT

A36s not far from the A12s

2009-08-13T21:42:00.001-07:00

Distant calls audible.

Sorry, the internet on the North Island was down yesterday afternoon & evening, so lets start with what is happening now. We are hearing distant resting calls in Johnstone Strait and despite the fog there was a report at 7:30am from Norm on the Western Moon that there were 2 groups heading west from Blinkhorn. At the same time, the Tyee reported a large group of whales spread out off Lizard Point & heading east. Possibly, these are newcomers! During the night: from 7pm to 8pm we listened as the A30s, A24s and A5s approached and passed Critical Point on their way to the Beaches. From 8:11pm to 8:42, the A5s, A30s and A24s stayed off the east end of the Reserve, enjoying a rub from 8:16pm to 8:26pm. By 10:18pm these groups, led by the A5s and A30s, were passing Robson Bight to the west. After midnight, they turned and once again passed the Bight, just before 2am. It was then back to the beaches for a rub starting at 2:37am. The close calls there ended around 3am, and then it was off to the Bight once again. The A30s arrived there first by 4:10am, with the A24s and A5s lingering further east till 5:04am. After that, there was a general movement west with the A30s remaining close to Robson Bight until 5:30am. The distant westbound calls dropped off by 6:14am and picked up again at 7:50am. By this time the groups were off Blinkhorn as reported. Very foggy out there this morning! Helena
Helena
13 Aug 2009 08:49:42 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

These A1 calls and echo location are on Flower island in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 10:30:23 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We had the nice surprise of seeing the A34s come through Blackney Pass. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier with the A36s. The A36s have not yet come "down". As the A34s entered Johnstone Strait, the resting A30s,A24s and A5s turned quickly next to the Pig Ranch on Cracroft Island (east of the Sophia Islands) and started west to meet the incoming whales. A34 and A12 were a pair, well ahead, of the rest of their group as they came through Blackney Pass. This was a touching picture,for sure.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 12:18:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have just passed north through Blackney Pass with the A36s following (very vocal!).
Helena
13 Aug 2009 21:42:16 PDT

Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon the orcas who were west in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day had turned back and were heading east which is very typical of the pattern that they had been displaying in their movement in the Strait all week long. The pods included the incoming A34’s (A12’s daughter and her family, as well A12 was travelling with them), A30’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and the A24’s. Meanwhile, the A36’s (brothers three) who had been in Blackfish Sound earlier in the morning had disappeared to the west with no sighting of them reported after this. With this in mind we headed to the east as well, hoping that the orcas would turn back as we travelled. They had been moving at a steady pace but then they stalled and as we neared the Ecological Reserve we saw them as they made their way, cutting across the Strait to the rubbing beaches. Keeping outside of the Reserve boundary passengers could only watch from the distance, A39 was foraging intensely, already making his way back to the west and was seen foraging inside the estuary of the Reserve.

A36s and A12 tip-toed out via Blackney pass!

2009-08-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s and A12 are now heading north in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 07:19:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just talked with Marie, the A30s, A5s and possibly the A24s are grouped together mid strait off hte Western Boundary of the Ecological Reserve heading east. We have not heard them since 3am, a long snooze. Perhaps the A36s and A12 didn't want to wake so they tip-toed out again via Blackney pass !
Helena
10 Aug 2009 09:21:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s,A24s,and A5s have been asleep for the entire time, slowly drifting eastward together mid strait until they wee opposite the east end of the Reserve. They are now reported heading west. No sign of the A36s and A12.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 12:36:33 PDT

2009-08-08T20:58:00.001-07:00

Distant calls audible.

After the whales finished at the rubbing beaches around 12;30am, and after their calls became distant by 12:40am, it was a relatively uneventful night. Then just after 6am (6:05) faint calls were heard on Critical Point. These very faint and infrequent calls were last heard about ten minutes ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:00:14

Distant calls audible.

Group of orcas near Blinkhorn going west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:43:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like the A36s are around once more.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 08:29:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP reports seeing the A36s heading east with A12. They came from the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 09:22:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT

Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared as we headed down Johnstone Strait this morning enabling good visibility from a distance. The A36’s with A12 were sighted in Johnstone Strait and our encounter with them began at Izumi Rock. A12 and A46 were travelling together tight against the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was foraging nearby and A32 was also foraging further back to the west. Passengers watched until A12 and A46 entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the western boundary just as A37 crossed from the north side of the boundary. A32 was further back west foraging steadily off the Baron Reefs near to Cracroft Point. It was at this same location at Cracroft Point that we again sighted the A36 brothers (three) and the A12 matriline on our afternoon tour. A37 was foraging back and forth and was joined by his brother A32 and together they foraged intensely. At one point A37 passed nearby chasing a salmon. We had seen him lunge diving previous to this so to see him pass by the boat close was thrilling for all onboard. A12 who was foraging directly at Cracroft Point suddenly turned back and passed by the boat as it sat idle giving everyone a chance to view the 68 year old female orca. It was a wonderful viewing, exciting and special because of the extraordinary dynamics shared between the four orcas.

A36s in Johnstone Strait

2009-08-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

No calls but orcas nearby

Since the last note, all the groups made it back to Robson Bight, following the A30s lead. Except for the A36s and A12, who made it all the way to the entrance of Blackney Pass by 7:19am, the majority shifted back and forth from Critical Point to a little further west. After great some great excitment when perhaps finding fish, the whales finally decided collectively to rest and move west with the help of the tide. They are slowly moving that direction now opposite the "Cliff".
Helena
06 Aug 2009 09:48:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Believe it or not, there are orcas out there in Johnstone Strait. After the party there is a whole lot of resting going on!. The A30s made it to Blinkhorn and the A24s crossed over towards them, then everyone turned eastward again. The A30s moved away from Vancouver Island on the turn and are mid strait slowly,silently moving east with the A5s. The A24s are past the Baron Reefs. Earlier today, the A36s with A12 were slipped into Blackney Pass around 7:19am. There have been no further reports about their whereabouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 15:44:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups are eastbound moving slowly from midstrait towards Vancouver Island. A39 is lingering off CP doing a bit of foraging. The A36s have been found off of Lizard Point without A12. CP thinks she went by them earlier today.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 16:06:45 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A12 is rushing north through Blackney Pass!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 19:39:40 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Suddenly we heard A12/A36 on Flower Island and we are waiting to see what happens next. After A12 rushed through to the north earlier, the other (the A30s,A4s and A5s) made a move toward Blackney Pass (they had come back quietly to the west) but they decided to turn tail and go back to the Strait. We never saw them but CP was able to keep track of their in and out of Blackney movement. apparently, they were either all tight together or in a long resting line as they moved about. Long resting lines used to be quite common so it is good to see this tradition once again. These groups went west briefly once back in the Strait but then turned east. They are now approaching Robson Bight and have found their voices once again! lovely, like last night.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:12:16 PDT

A36s waiting for other groups returning

2009-08-05T21:55:00.002-07:00

Orcas near mics.

The A36s, who came into Johnstone Strait at 4am, are off Critical Point after travelling eastward in Johnstone Strait. The others, the A30s,A24s,and A5s with A12 following them continued east last night.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 08:33:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After listening to the A36s for quite a while, foraging heavily off of Critical Point and Robson Bight. and hearing them drift eastward toward the east end of the Reserve, we began to hear A5 calls come up from the east. Whales are spread out across from the east end to Forward Bay,all coming west.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 11:59:15 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A little bit of rubbing and a lot of distant calls as the A30s, A24s, A5s head west. Some groups are going through the Ecologial Reserve while others travelling opposite to the Cracroft shore. The A36s probably turned west in advance of the arriving groups and were first back to Robson Bight. After which it was one of the A5 group's turn.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 13:09:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The groups (the A36s, A24s,A5s and the A30s) continued west past CP. A32 and A37 came back to forage off of CP. The mood out there is still very social;spyhops, rolling around, breaches, tail slaps and very mixed groups. Lots of boat noise is the only thing which spoils the fun.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 16:42:52 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like there's a party in the Bight tonight!
Helena
05 Aug 2009 19:53:45 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After the briefest of rubs, the groups have begun a westward trek again, rounding Critical Point with amazing sounds
Helena
05 Aug 2009 21:55:41 PDT

Seasmoke reports
The orcas who had been sighted yesterday were well to the east this morning however, the A36 brothers (A37 and A46) were foraging inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but A32, the oldest brother was outside of the Reserve across on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait foraging. At 45 years old he is of a substanial size and viewing him is always a treat.

2009-08-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Distant calls audible.

A very,very busy night: the A4s,A1s stayed in the Rubbing Beach/Robson Bight area throughout the early morning hours, taking turns at the Beaches then drifting back to Critical Point. We are still working out the details of the movements, but the A5s did come up from the east and joined the others so it was quite the party. Later, the A36s and A12 broke away to come north through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to the west. The A30s followed (just recently) up to the Sophia Islands but then turned back toward the Reserve. The A4s are not too far away but the A5s may have possibly turned back eastward.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:03:08 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s probably had everyone in tow when they travelled up to the Sophias. The report is of about 30 orcas.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:08:47 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And back again to the Beaches!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 10:13:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales got as far as Naka Creek then turned back to the west. The are back in the Ecological Reserve and on the Boat Bay side.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 12:41:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The day so far has been about a progression to the west. The A30s, A5s and A24s moved slowly at first to the west and then when opposite CP (Kaikash Creek area) they began to pick up some speed. They were spread acrosss the Strait in mixed groups. they are now east bound and some even back to the Kaikash Creek area. Meanwhile, the A36s made it back to Blackfish Sound and we were just visited by A12 alone in Blackney Pass. We lost track of her during a long dive when she was directly out front.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 18:08:02 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Lovely calls as the A30s & Co close in on Robson Bight. A12 got herself into Johnstone Strait.The A36s were getting further away but ,at this point, not sure what they might be up to. An interesting note for yesterday: the Sea Otter came upon the W3s off of Donegal Head. And from a later report from Rob and Erin, the Ws went through Pearse Pass at 9:30pm. We never heard them in Johnstone Strait and no evidence today of their presence. So this is a bit of mystery. It was only 2 of the Ws as it looks like W5 might be gone.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 19:43:54 PDT

A36s are again with the A12s

2009-08-03T21:11:00.001-07:00

No orcas present.

All is pretty quiet. CP last reported that there were whales going west. We could hear A30 calls getting more distant but the A36s seemed to be getting louder so we wondered if they went east beyond the Reserve. The A24s were reported eastbound off Naka Creek at around 8pm. There were two whales, a male and a female reported off Donegal Head but we never heard any calls and so can't shed any light on who that may have been.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 00:46:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A pretty quiet night. Katie woke up for the 4:20am calls. This did not last long but then at 6:20am Tomoko started to record the A36s in Johnstone Strait as they moved west. CP saw them go by at 7:20am. At that time, there was a report of two more orca heading across to Blinkhorn. So the orca shuffle continues. The A36s are still only across the entrance to Blackney Pass from CP but they may be crossing toward Blinkhorn as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 08:20:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s with A12 were the only group in western Johnstone Strait this morning. They went past CP at 7:20am and after a while longer off the top end of Hanson Island they travelled past the Plumper Islands to Blackfish Sound. They began calling a short while ago and now may be headed toward Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:01:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s with A12 scooted through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to Johnstone Strait. They were all together. A12 looked lovely in the middle of the big boys. A39 followed a while after and he was followed by all the rest of the A30s who cleared our view at 12:13pm. They are now approaching the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 13:04:54 PDT

Distant calls audible.

With A12 in the lead, the whales are westbound and just abpout the exit the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 15:02:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A24s are arriving back from the east, now off Robson Bight. The A30s & Co went off to the top end of hanson island and beyond but headed back east. At 7:18pm they were east of Kaikash Creek opposite CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:48:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s are off Telegraph Cove while the A30s enter the reserve and Robson Bight. A gathering!
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:53:55 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A24s are at the rubbing beaches. The A30s are not far away and the A36s are moving east too, now past CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 21:11:57 PDT

Seasmoke reports
The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to.

A36s stayed off the CP area

2009-08-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

Orcas near mics.

Interesting night: First of all the A36s actually made it to Johnstone Strait just before 1am. After which there was a fair amount of movement. Right now, the A30s and A24s (after being a short distance east for a while) are not far from Critical Point and Robson Bight. The A5s,however, have not come back from further east yet.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 05:33:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The groups are spread out: off the entrance of Blackney Pass;crossing from Vancouver Island to the entrance and close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 08:22:17 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s with the A24s just passed through Blacknery Pass headed for blackfish Sound. The exciting news!!! is that Springer was with the A24s!!!! This was our first look at the A24s since they came down with the A34s and the A5s in July. When we saw the a24s when they first came in this season, Springer was not with them. This is a bit of a first!!!! We have not heard from the A36s/A12 for quite a while.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 09:32:50 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s are off Cracroft Point with A12.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 10:00:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

These are A4 calls (A24s) in Blackfish Sound while the A36s and A12 remain off of CP.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 13:28:26 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

To catch up: the A30s and the A24s (with A73) stayed at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while after travelling north through Blackney Pass. At 3pm, they travelled on through Weynton Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. Frome there they went east along the Vancouver Island shore and past Critical Point. They are now at the east end of the Reserve and beginning their rub. the A36s, meanwhile, have rremained basically off the CP area for most of the day but they have not been very vocal. A 12 has not been with them since about 11:30am. She was last seen heading eastward. The A5s yesterday went "down" Johnstone Strait in the afternoon to Nodales Channel. This morning at 6am they were out of nodales and near Chatham Point. From there they went west to Camp Point. At 10:47am, they turned sleepily east and began to head toward Amour de Cosmos/Bear Bight. (Nick Templeman report). No word on the morning incoming group from Goletas reported via the Mackays.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 18:00:33 PDT

Seasmoke reports
Today was another wonderful day for viewing orcas in the area. It began this morning with sighting the A36’s and A12 foraging at Cracroft Point. As we watched mezmerized, A12 and A37 began traveling further west along the Hanson Island shore, they were soon joined by A37 and finally A32 who had been foraging steadily back at the Point. We sat and listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone and then began making our way back towards the west. Looking back we could see some tall dorsal fins, likely A32 and A37 foraging back at Cracroft Point in the flood current; we had lost sight of A12 who had been foraging with A46 nearby only moments ago. Suddenly A46 was seen charging alongside and keeping pace parallel with us as we traveled. We slowed to let him go by and surprising us, he crossed over and was headed for the Bauza Islets on Vancouver Island. We headed in the direction of Weynton Passage

A36s+A12 entered JS in the afternoon.

2009-08-01T22:30:00.001-07:00

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have heard a steady progression of whales pass through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. We think the A36s might have been in the lead, followed by a large group that included the A30s and spme of the A5s. It was not clear if the A24s were tucked in with this group. The A51s seemed to be the last group into Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 01:08:56 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s with A12 entered Johnstone Strait around 3:15pm. They are now eastbound. The A30s and the A24s are closer to the Vancouver Island shore off the Telegragh Cove area.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 15:48:38 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s (+A12) went rushing through Blackney Pass around 6pm. The A30s have just followed. We are not sure where the A24s have gone but they may have stayed in the Strait. Earlier the A5s went east past the Reserve.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 18:47:23 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Echo location close to Critical Point.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 19:23:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are heading back south through Blackney Pass very slowly. The A24s sounded like they went east past Critical Point earlier. No sign of the A36s since they were last reported off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound foraging.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 20:07:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s finally made it fully into Johnstone Strait and passed CP (Cracroft Point). There were also a few distant calls on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound, perhaps the A36 group.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 22:30:26 PDT

Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon it was not long before passengers on both vessels were in sight of orcas east of Blinkhorn. There were two Matrilines and their offspring: the A30’s and the A24’s. The mothers and calves were traveling along Vancouver Island and very close to shore, foraging as they went while A38 and A39 were well spread out, A39 being the greatest distance across the Strait from the others. With the hydrophones deployed it was a treat to sit and listen to their A-Clan calls. The viewing had already been wonderful when we learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were entering Johnstone Strait through Weynton Passage. It was very moving to watch as the four orcas entered the Strait altogether as a family group. As they surfaced together it was wonderful seeing A12 in this manner, surrounded by the boys, her being in the middle and all of them very much at ease. They commenced to travel east down the Strait while the A30’s and the A24’s who had been foraging and resting at the top end of the Strait around the Bauza Islets, also turned and commenced to travel back east.

A36s and A12 spend the day in JS

2009-07-31T19:19:00.003-07:00

Orcas hunting fish.

Last night: As the A36s with A12 shifted east of Cracroft Point, the A30s, made a try for Blackney Pass. By 10:16pm they were nearing Blackney Pass but then retreated. At 10:56pm they made Blackney again but again only made it partially through the Pass before returning to Blackfish Sound. Their calls grew increasingly distant as they moved westward by 11:30pm. After midnight (12:40am), there were just a few distant calls in the Strait so it is unclear if that was the A30s or the A36s. The rest of the night was quiet except for boat noise, of course. At 8:12am ,we began to hear faint calls followed by (just now) closer echo location in Robson Bight. This will most likely be a returning group from the east.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 09:01:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s are headed west from Robson Bight. A46 is still with A12 and A32 and A37 are together following.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 10:20:47 PDT

We have whales on the Rubbing Beaches... most likely the A30's... they were last heard heading east in johnstone straight. The A36's and A12 are hanging around the entrance of Blackney Pass and CP. They have been moving around in this area for a few hours.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 18:31:11 PDT

Superb sounds!!

This is A30's on Critical Point... the A36's are still hovering around CP and the entrance of Blackney
Katie
31 Jul 2009 19:19:04 PDT

This morning we headed in the direction of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and it was not so long to wait before we could see the distinctive tall dorsal fin of an approaching adult male orca. The A36 brothers were on their way back to the west foraging steadily, they were well spread out across Johnston Strait. A12 was also sighted, she was foraging very close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was parallel to her while A32 and A46 were over on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait. The three brothers converged together at Cracroft Point and continued to forage in the flood current. It was exciting to see them feeding, moving back and forth with powerful strokes in chase of salmon. On the afternoon tour passengers enjoyed their time viewing the same A36 brothers and the A12 matriline who had continued to travel further west and were foraging west of Blinkhorn and our encounter with them on this tour was while sailing. The experience of moving quietly along with them under sail was wonderful and passengers were able to listen to their A-Clan calls via the trailing hydrophone.

A36s split. A32 and A37 moved together. A46 on his own with A12

2009-07-30T23:10:00.001-07:00

Distant calls audible.

Quite a bit going on. The A30s,A4s and the A5s came west from the Ecological Reserve to around the entrance of Blackney Pass. They may have turned back east. We are also hearing the A36s opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 07:14:04 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, A5s,A4s and A36s (A12) are nearing Robson Bight as they head back eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 08:14:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Nothing like having the fog clear to make everything a bit clearer. We had assumed that the A30s had stayed with the A4s and the A5s (with whom they had come west around 4:30am this morning) as those two groups turned and went back eastward. Instead, the A30s carried on to the west and left Johnstone Strait at around 8:10am via Weynton Passage. Kingfisher, camped near the entrance of Weynton Pass saw them disappear to the west through Weynton. They have since been located (10 am) very close to Donegal Head still moving slowly out west. Meanwhile, the A36s have parked themselves in front of Cracroft Point (CP) foraging and taking deep dives. An A5 group went past the Rubbing Beaches as the A24s moved into Robson Bight. For now, that is it!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 10:34:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s with A12 finally decided to shift further east. Right now we are listening to them off the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:30:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Here is another interesting development. A32,A37 and A12 never made it past Izumi Rock (west of Robson Bight), however, A46 did! and so it was his voice alone that we were listening to off of the Rubbing Beaches. The others were pointed east but have, for now, turned back toward Cracroft Point.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:54:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Here is a catch-up: the A36s (even A46) finally moved on to the west. A46 returned to the Cracroft Point area with A12. A12's movements were somewhat obscure today as CP lost track of her for a time. Right now, A32 and A37 are on the edge of Blackfish Sound after going through Weynton Pass without A46 or A12. They may have been waiting for the A30s to return. The A30s spent most of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait but are now off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. A32 and A37 have turned back toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 18:50:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A32 and A37 have arrived (from the west) off Cracroft Point. A12 and A46 ,who were there before, have moved to the east of CP. We do not know where the A30s are but we believe the A24s and the A5s contiued east from the Ecological Reserve earlier today.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 20:56:57 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are finally hearing the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They are moving our direction!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 21:59:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are picking ity up again as they near Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. Next stop - OL? The A36s are vocal every so often in the Strait. CP's last report was that they and A12 were all headed east . Unfortunately, a tug just went south into Johnstone Stait.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 22:39:44 PDT

Seasmoke reports
Passengers on the Motor Cruise this afternoon enjoyed viewing the A36 brothers and A12. They had been foraging off Cracroft Point for most of the day and were well spread out in Johnstone Strait, from Izumi Rock to Big Bay on Hanson Island and later, further west to Blinkhorn. Their A-Clan calls as always, were beautiful to listen to.

A36s hanging around with A12

2009-07-29T23:01:00.001-07:00

Orcas near mics.

The A36s were just in close to Critical Point. Zero/zero visibility this morning but the sun is trying to break through. There was (a half hour ago) a report of orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait, offshore between Donegal Head and Lizard Point.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:32:14 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are at the beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:52:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Actually there are whales everywhere: the A30s are currently heading south in Blackney Pass following A12's lead (she cleared earlier). The A36s were off of CP (they came west after their bout at critical point at 8am) and the a4 group with the A5s are westbound from boat bay (after their rub earlier). Whew! and an humpback in Blackfish as well!
Helena
29 Jul 2009 11:05:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have gone in for a rub while the A36s and A12 are foraging off of Blinkhorn, east of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 14:43:13 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like the A30s are having a bite in the Bight... lots of echolocation (& calls) close the the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:00:17 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

CP reports that A46 is foraging in front of Cracroft Point. We have been listening to the A4s,A5s and the A30s at the rubbing beaches. Their calls are getting more distant now.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 20:59:18 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Not really that close yet, but we are hearing clear A36 calls once again in Johnstone Strait. CP reported an hour ago that the A36s with A12 were moving eastward midstrait. We believe, for now, that the A30s,A4s and A5s kept going eastward from their time at the Beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 23:01:58 PDT

Seasmoke reports
Today was an exceptional day for viewing marine mammals in the area and it had to be again one of the warmest days of the summer. The fog was clearing as we neared the Stephenson Islands and Johnstone Strait stretched ahead of us looking like a mill pond.It was so beautiful and already blows could be seen down at Cracroft Point. Two of the A36 brothers: A37 and A38 were foraging back and forth, lunge feeding at times, their A-Clan calls were wonderful to listen to as well their ecolocations via the hydrophone. A12 was reported further back in Blackfish Sound but ahead of the A30’s who were also en route. We traveled a little further east where we could see numerous blows and orcas heading to the west, the A23’s passed by, close to the West Cracroft Island shoreline, the other groups of A5’s (and possible A24’s) were seen at a distance, they were resting and then they turned and headed back east. Meanwhile the A30’s, with A30 and A38 in the lead had entered the Strait at Blakney Passage and were headed to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve; A50 and her calves followed next and then A54 and her calves with a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins interacting with them as they did yesterday. Dalls Porpoise were also active, feeding nearby. The A36’s were still foraging at Cracroft Point when we headed into Blackfish Sound.

A36s without A12

2009-07-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Distant calls audible.

We're starting to hear distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone, sounds like some of the orcas from the east are getting close to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 10:31:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s came west this morning, past the Reserve, Kaikash Creek and now approaching the area opposite Weynton Pass entrance. The A36s were quite far west off Malcolm Point this morning and are apparently continuing west. The A5s and most likely the A24s are still east of Kelsey Bay.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 13:34:13 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s made a turn to the east off the Wastell Island (just east of Telegraph Cove) and made a wide turn over to the Hanson Island side. From there they continued east past the entrance to Blackney pas. They are now off the Cracroft Point area continuing eastward.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:03:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So .... just after posting the last note, there were calls on Flower Island,maybe the A36s.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:09:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Recently, both A38 and A39 were spending time foraging off of CP. The other A30 members are closer to Vancouver Island moving westward. We got a great report from the Mackays that A12 was just seen off of Black Bluff heading east by herself. This report came in after Stubbs island reported that the A36s (at least A32 and A37) turned west quickly away from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 20:33:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

CP called in to say that A39 had disappeared into Blackney Pass at about 9:38pm. The rest of the A30s followed but not until the A36s made their presence known after arriving in Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. A group of dolphins became vocal in Blackney Pass just as the A30s disappeared up into Blackfish Sound. The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 22:28:16 PDT

A36s headed north trough Blackney Pass

2009-07-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

Orcas hunting fish.

We are now listening to echo location near Robson Bight. The A34s went out of the area earlier and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 15:27:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It now sounds like the A36s are making their way back to the west. Earlier, (the day has been a bit confusing as not all of the reports and recordings were easy to reconcile for various reasons) A12 may have followed the A34s west in Johnstone Strait, through Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 16:03:59 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, who have spent most of the day in Johnstone Strait and most recently off CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass, are now headed into Blackney Pass, northbound.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 21:47:07 PDT

No orcas present.

The A36s moved on into Blackfish Sound after Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 23:32:48 PDT

A36s and A12 still together and moved with the A30s to the west

2009-07-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

No orcas present.

Not sure we can broaden our impression of what happened overnight. Except for a small power interuption around 3am the night was mostly uneventful. We lost track of the A36s around 11:30pm. Blows were heard about an hour later in Blackney Pass but the conclusion was that it was a humpback. Dolphins were fairly active in Johnstone Strait around the same time.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 08:04:52 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Close echolocation near Robson Bight following a report that the A36s and A12 are heading west from the Boat Bay area. Dolphins were reported in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 12:05:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Not only are the A36s with A12 near Robson Bight but we are now picking up calls and echolocation in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:18:54 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are headed south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:57:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s when they entered Johnstone Strait went to the east,Robson Bight. The A36s and A12 seemed to hang back more to the west and now sound quite distant. The A30s, meanwhile, are on their way back west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:01:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Actually, it sounds like all the groups are converging off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:19:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Now the whales have gone off to the west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 21:10:24 PDT

Seasmoke reports
Distant A-Clan orca calls had been reported as being heard out in the Queen Charlotte Strait near the White Cliff Islands and while several boats were looking and listening at various locations, the orcas could not been seen or their blows heard through the heavy fog. With a report that the A36 (three) brothers and A12 were heading west at Boat Bay, we headed in their direction through Blackfish Sound. The fog was still heavy behind us as we travelled and it was not until we neared Burnt Point that it began to disperse. We entered Johnstone Strait and into a beautiful clear and sunny day and headed in the direction of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We sighted two orcas outside of the Reserve and watched as they made their way further west, A12 was in the lead. It was at Izumi Rock that we encountered and enjoyed the company of A12 and A37 foraging steadily together back and forth; A46 and A32 were further back inside the Reserve boundary. The viewing of A12 and A37 was simply beautiful, the light that was shining upon them at Izumi Rock and the trailing kelp forest was exquisite. A12 and A37 looked very much at home in the company of each other at the time of our viewing. It was reported that the A30’s, the pod that had been obscured from sight all morning by the heavy fog were at last sighted in Blackfish Sound approaching Flower Island.

A12 left the A36s?

2009-07-25T23:51:00.001-07:00

Orcas hunting fish.

Someone is fairly close to Robson Bight, just echo location so far.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 09:02:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The calls are few and far between and the fog very thick. However, the A36s with A12 have been seen heading westward along the Vancouver Island side moving toward kaikash Creek. Perhaps, this is the group, Norma heard at 3am!
Helena
25 Jul 2009 10:40:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s must be huffing and puffing. they have returned to the Ecological Reserve in record time! The A36s with A12 are waiting in Blackfish Sound after leaving Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass earlier.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 16:12:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are continuing west from the Beaches,meanwhile,the A36s were just calling off Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 17:03:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A very interesting turn of events. A12 left the A36s in Blackfish Sound and travelled to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass by herself where the the A30s were travelling west past the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 19:48:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So this is what we think may have happened. A12 went south through Blackney Pass as the A30s travelled west up the Strait. They continued west and perhaps went out through Weynton Pass, exchanging places with the A36s who came back to Johnstone strait via Weynton. We have only heard the A36s as they moved east toward the entrance of Blackney Pass. What A12 has decided to do is uncertain at this point but perhaps she is still with the A36s. We never did hear the A30s on the "other" side (Blackfish Sound) so we will keep their whereabouts open for now. Interesting possibilities regardless.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 23:51:08 PDT

Seasmoke reports
The fog was heavy this morning and seemed to hang in far longer than usual however, it did not prevent us from viewing orcas and today’s viewing was no exception as passengers and crew alike were treated to some beautiful visuals of the A36’s (three brothers) and Matriline A12. As we made our way down Johnstone Strait following alongside of the Vancouver Island shoreline we listened for blows and as we approached Kaikash Beach we began to hear them. The first orca sighted was A46, his fin appearing through the blanket of white was an awesome sight. He was foraging steadily along, traveling west and close to the VI shore. We could hear other blows parallel and also from behind and as we waited in anticipation, the distinctive dorsal fin of A12 appeared. A32 appeared next, he had been foraging parallel at a distance further out and as we watched, he crossed over behind our stern and was seen moving towards the shoreline at Blinkhorn foraging as he went. It was at this point when suddenly A37 also appeared. The four orcas were intent on feeding and while ecolocation was heard via the hydrophone, no A-Clan calls were heard. We observed them make their turn and begin to slowly angle back towards the east, A46 and A12 had surfaced together following a long dive. As we continued west and homeward bound, Johnstone Strait was almost clear of fog and the sun and a bright blue sky had appeared.

A36s still with A12

2009-07-24T19:11:00.001-07:00

Distant calls audible.

Sorry, our internet was down for quite a while yesterday. The problem was outside our network. It seems to be working now so time to catch up. Yesterday, after moving back and forth in the Strait, the A30s headed west to Weynton Pass and curled around Hanson Island to meet up with the C10s, who we had heard earlier in the morning. Both groups then came east to Blackney Pass and then Johnstone Strait. They continued east "down" the Strait and past the Ecological Reserve on the Cracroft Island side.By 4pm they were opposite the Adams River and still eastbound. We never heard them return. At 2:30am the A36s came back via Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. They then went east to the Bight. At 7:30am the C10s returned west tight along the Cracroft Island shore. At the moment, there are whales near to Telegraph Cove. It is very,very, foggy. We will find out soon who this might be. There are two new babies in the C10s, one for C10 herself and one for C23 (thanks Jared for that info).
Helena
24 Jul 2009 09:22:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

At about 10:15am the A36s with A12 (!) were headed east to Blinkhorn. They have continued and are now passing Cracroft Point. No sign of the C10s who probably left silently earlier this morning. The fog is slowly lifting out of Blackney Pas.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 12:22:10 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A36s with A12 carried on past critical Point and just now we have heard someone in on the Beaches. They may be turning back west from there. Also, a group of 5 transients went south in Blackney pass and entered Johnstone Strait by 2:10pm. They have gone east.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 14:57:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s and the A12 came away from the beach area and crossed to the Cracroft island side to come west. They are probably between the Sophia Islands and Cracroft Point.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 17:29:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s/A12 have crossed the entrance to Blackney pass and for now are continuing west.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 19:11:19 PDT

Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared rapidly this morning and not long after our departure, orcas were sighted off the Bauza Islets, they were well spread out and foraging and were identified as being the A36 brothers and A12. A46 was the first orca we came upon at the Islets followed by A37. It was a while before we sighted A12, she was much further to the east and mid-strait, and as we watched she crossed over, making her way to Blinkhorn on the Vancouver Island shore where A38 was also sighted. When they made their turn they all angled back towards Cracroft Point and made their way slowly against the ebb current in that direction.

2009-07-22T22:38:00.001-07:00

Distant calls audible.

These A1 calls are in Johnstone Strait again.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 06:23:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s (there possibly were A12 calls as well) are calling every so often. We also heard a report that there is another group in Queen Charlotte Strait headed east toward Donegal Head.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 07:34:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s are in the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 08:53:52 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Really, Close and distant calls. The a34s (without A12) are headed east through Blackfish Sound while the A36s (?with A12) are nearer the Bight.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 09:42:19 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We think the A36s turned west toward Cracroft Point to "meet" up with the incoming whales. After "greeting" the groups have turned east back toward the Bight. They are past Critical point.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:01:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We're hearing rubbing sounds & calls on the rubbing beach hydrophone.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:43:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So...the meet and greet must have resulted in the A36s heading west and the A30s heading east to the beaches and beyond. The question for the day is where are the A34s who were definitely seen earlier off Donegal Head. There was a report that the "Rs" were in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 13:33:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s (with A12) are vocal again off the western end of Hanson Island/Weynton Pass.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 15:14:53 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A36s and A12 are heading north through Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 18:37:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sorry the last note was a bit confusing. The A36s and A12 were in Blackfish Sound when they first called but then the A30s quickly approached Critical Point in Robson Bight from the east.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:38:44 PDT

Seasmoke reports
On the afternoon tour the viewing was also exciting as the A36 brothers and A12 were traveling back to the west in Johnstone Strait, they were spread out and foraging intensely. Our entire time spent with the orcas on this tour was under sail using our main sail, passengers enjoyed the experience of sailing quietly with them and while trailing our hydrophone, their A-Clan calls could be heard from time to time.

A36s, A12 and A34s all together

2009-07-21T21:00:00.001-07:00

Seasmoke reports
We headed out this morning in the direction of Johnstone Strait and as we travelled, a report came in that a group of orcas were east bound in Blackfish Sound. We had also learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were at the west end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and were west bound along the Vancouver Island shoreline. Arriving at Blackney Passage we were just in time to hear the blows of approaching orcas through a curtain of fog that was wafting out from Blackfish Sound and then in a moment, ‘ there they were’! With the engine cut and the hydrophone deployed, it was beautiful to listen to the chorus of their A-Clan calls, signaling the arrival of the A34’s into the Strait. Just prior to their entering, it was observed that the A36 brothers became excited with breaching and spy-hopping activity and A12 had been seen making her way towards Cracroft Point. It was an extremely moving sight to witness and a privilege to share with others as the rest of the Matriline A12’s family: her daughter and her daughters offspring, 8 orcas which included A62’s newest calf A91 and A67’s first calf A92, made their way into the Strait on a flood current. We watched spellbound, the antics of A62’s two calves calves playing together spy-hopping and tail lobbing, as they travelled with their mother A62 and uncle A55. The A36 brothers were closest to this small group especially so A46 while the rest of the A34’s had travelled more quickly to the east down the West Cracroft Island shore.

A12 and A36s near Lizard Point

2009-07-20T22:35:00.001-07:00

Orcas near mics.

Just over 12 hours since the last reported sighting east of Camp Point, the whales have returned to the Ecological Reserve. Also yesterday, closer to Port Hardy, the Mackays reported seeing the A11s with Springer just after Noon.
Helena
20 Jul 2009 05:45:19 PDT

Seasmoke reports
When a fisherman reported seeing orcas in the fog at Lizard Point we headed in that direction. The fog was clearing quickly and soon the Queen Charlotte Strait was open before us. We found the orcas foraging extensively at Lizard Point, they were well spread out. A12 and A37 were foraging in close proximity together while A32 & A46 were foraging back and forth together. At the time of our viewing, passengers enjoyed sailing quietly with them, ecolation was heard via the trailing hydrophone but there were no vocals.

A36s left to the east with A12

2009-07-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

No orcas present.

A report just in from Nick via marie on the "Cliff" that A12 is in a resting line with the A36s ofrf Camp Point.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 10:48:39 PDT

The A36s and A12 have been spotted at Humpback Bay heading eastbound. Moving along in a tight group.
Jessica@Campbell River Whale Watching
19 Jul 2009 11:07:23 PDT

No orcas present.

Apparently, A12 and the A36s are headed back west after a tour of Nodales Channel. At 4:30pm they were still east of Camp point whhich is where they were found at Noon today.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 19:32:54 PDT

A36s and A12 at bear point @ 615pm west bound
Aaron Webber@Campbell river
19 Jul 2009 22:59:34 PDT

Hi Helena, just an update. A-36s and A-12 were westing hard with the ebb tide at Bear Bight just to the west of Ripple Pt. at 1900hrs. Be interesting to see how long it takes them to get to the reserve!
Haywire@c.r. bc
19 Jul 2009 23:06:48 PDT

A36s joined with A12

2009-07-18T23:17:00.001-07:00

Boat noise

just hints this morning, nothing obvious. Possibly faint calls around 5:30am and then possible echo location at 8am. Hopefully, the picture will become clearer.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 08:41:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Here is sweet image, A12 is with the A36s this morning! She is closest to A46 off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 10:44:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and A12 re-entered Johnstone Strait at about 12:20 pm. They are now east bound. It is unclear where the A30s went last night. It is possible they went out to the west. There was a report today of orcas west bound off Malcolm Island. The boats from Campbell River did not see anything on their way up from the east.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 13:17:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 is ahead of the A36s. She had been with A46 on the Hanson Island side and then shot over to Vancouver Island. The A36s regrouped west of her and finally turned eastwartd again when off the Wastell Islands near Telegraph Cove. As they neared Blinkhorn,A 12 was just west of Kaikash Creek around 3:50pm.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 16:26:31 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait ffor now. We have not heard from A12 for a long while. She was seen heading west from Kaikash Creek at 5:30pm when the A36s were further west near Blinkhorn. It will be interesting to see where everyone ends up by morning.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 22:26:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It may be that the A36s finally decided to go east of Robson Bight.
Helena
18 Jul 2009 23:17:40 PDT

Seasmoke reports
Todays tour was a very special one, made so by the beautiful dynamics displayed between a matriline who has in recent months lost her son and of three brothers who lost their mother several years ago. We encountered the A36 brothers with A12 near to Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. All of the orcas were very relaxed, some were seen resting while others were foraging, moving very slowly to the west yet not going any distance. A12 was observed spending time very close to A46, A32 was closest to Swanson Island and A37 was not so far from A12 and A46. Passengers enjoyed listening to their A-Clan calls via the hydrophone as we drifted in the current. The orcas rested, drifting towards Donegal Head while A32 continued to forage.
All the while numerous Bald Eagles were working a herring ball and some wonderful viewing of the Eagles swooping low to pick up herring in their talons was observed, along with Rhinoceros Auklets who were also diving and feeding. As we neared the orcas again, a single Pacific White-sided Dolphin was seen amongst them and then the orcas disappeared for a long dive, resurfacing, they were seen to have grouped altogether. With A12 traveling between A46 and A32 and A37 alongside; it really was quite wonderful to see. Their movement carried them towards Weynton Passage and it was at Stubbs Island that they finally were seen to have made up their minds to head in that direction into Johnston Strait with the flood current pushing them along. Even in the distance as we watched, the four orcas made their way into Johnstone Strait, they were relaxed, swimming alongside in traveling sequence with A12 tight between A32 and A46 with A37 to the left of A32. Having watched A12 solo and alone for several days not so long ago, it truly was heartwarming to see her in this way today.

A36s arrived in JS and met the A30s & A12

2009-07-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

No orcas present.

We did hear "something" in Blackfish Sound starting after 6am. Boat noise and distance have made it difficult to say just what is out there. No morning reports on the A30s yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 08:59:19 PDT

No orcas present.

We have heard that the A36s have been seen off the western end of Malcolm Island recently. They are not yet committed to travelling into this area. Also, the Columbia III reports seeing T20/T21 just west of us. This may have been who we were hearing earlier.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 09:25:27 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s are still moving through Queen Charlotte Strait toward Blackfish Sound as the A30s and A12 move west toward the Ecological Reserve Johnstone Strait from the Eve River. None of the groups are quite "in" yet.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 12:25:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like A12 and the A30s are now passing the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 14:25:06 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36 brothers are just entering Johnstone Strait, after coming through Blackfish Sound & Blackney Pass. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island hydrophone. They were silent as they traveled slowly, together, through Blackney, so beautiiful to see in the late afternoon sunlight.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 18:55:09 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s "met" up with the A30s and A12 in Johnstone Strait. They are now nearing Robson Bight. Beautiful!
Helena
17 Jul 2009 20:25:42 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s are headed north through Blackney Pass. No boat noise & clear calls. Lovely.
Helena
17 Jul 2009 23:38:23 PDT

A36s reported by Cetacealab

2009-04-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

No calls but orcas nearby

The plot thickens. Cetacealab just reported that they have had the A36s up near them. We never heard the A4s again but the A5s carried on into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
15 Apr 2009 09:03:10 PDT

2008-11-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

Distant calls audible.

This morning we continued to hear the A36s, then the Gs and now the As once again. Possibly they took the ebb to the west this morning.
Helena
03 Nov 2008 12:03:26 PST

A36s are back

2008-11-02T19:43:00.001-08:00

Orcas near mics.

They are back! For the last while we have been listening to the A36s and the G17s in Blackfish Sound. It has been two weeks. The humpbacks and sea lions continue to be a presence in Blackney Pass as well.
Helena
02 Nov 2008 17:27:35 PST

No calls but orcas nearby

It sounds like at least the A36s made it to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
02 Nov 2008 19:43:28 PST

A36s appear in Blackfish Sound

2008-10-02T21:58:00.001-07:00

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are slowly making their way to the east in Johnstone Strait & are mid-strait off Kaikash pointing towards the western boundary of the Reserve. They are silent. Meanwhile, the A36 brothers have just been sighted at the "top" of Blackfish Sound & are slowly heading east towards Blackney Pass & Johnstone Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 17:30:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We most likely are hearing the A36s in Blackfish Sound while the A30s continue in Johnstone Strait. Dolphins are vocal as well in the Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 19:25:50 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s are still in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
02 Oct 2008 21:58:52 PDT

A36s came back from the east with A30s

2008-09-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Multiple pod calls audible.

Right now we are listening to the A30s, A36s, A12s and the I31s. Earlier today the A12s went west into Queen Charlotte Strait and picked up the I31s while the A30s hooked up with the A36s who possibly arrived back from the east. Before the A12s returned with the I31s via Weynton Pass this afternoon, the A30s and the A36s paced Johnstone Strait. As they all got togethereast of the entrance to Weynton Pass a small group of transients decided the Strait was too crowded and they turned back east just shy of Cracroft Point. The resident groups are now east bound as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2008 17:28:51 PDT

A30s and A36s at Blinkhorn early this morning

2008-09-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

Seasmoke reports

We encountered the A30’s and the A36 boys at Blinkhorn on our tour early this morning. They were well spread out foraging, working their way to the west with the ebb current, the A36’s going the furtherest west. At one point the A30’s stopped to rest, as did A37 and A46. A-Clan vocals were heard via the hydrophone, resting calls and then calls where we observed A30 (the matriarch) to begin moving further west and soon the A30 pod had formed a resting line, moving slowly west in the ebb current.

A36s reported up north near Pile Island

2008-09-01T22:24:00.001-07:00

Ellen reports

Down at the backside of Malcolm Island we meet up with the A30s, and a whole bunch of their friends, I id A60 and A66 in there, also A24s, so it seems the same bunch we saw last week. They were in resting mode, but we had a few spyhops and lots of tailslaps, so lots to see.
The whales went off toward Fife Sound as we watched just off Lizard Point and the A36s were reported up north near Pile Island, so we are wondering if they escorted the I11s out and are bringing new ones back with them.
Ellen@Port McNeill
01 Sep 2008 17:12:49 PDT

A36s foraging at Blinkhorn

2008-08-28T22:16:00.001-07:00

Seasmoke reports
Heading out on tour this afternoon passengers were thrilled to see orcas early on in the tour, they were foraging in the flood current near Turn Point in Johnstone Strait and across to the Vancouver Island shore, well spread out. The three A36 boys had been foraging at Blinkhorn for quite some time ahead of our arrival while the A12’s traveled to the west, foraging along the Hanson Island shore. As they made their way closer to Weynton Passage the A12’s worked their way into the heavy current providing some wonderful viewing. They were observed foraging, resting, spyhopping and pectoral and tail slapping was also seen.
We stayed with the A12’s and watched as they made their way slowly into Weynton Passage traveling at just 2 knots against the flood current, the viewing was superb.

2008-08-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Ellen reports:
We rounded Malcolm Point we saw the first Orcas. I was able to id I64 right away and there was an awful lot of familiar tall dorsal fins in there... I had a feeling we had the A36s there. The whales were heading for the beaches at Bere Pt and we witnessed a short rub there, amazing! Lots of socialization, amazing vocals, spyhops, breaches, everything in the orca manual book :) All in all I was positively able to id the A30s, A24s, A23's, A8s, A36s, I11s I hope I didn't miss anyone.
Ellen@Port McNeill
27 Aug 2008 17:20:02 PDT

The 3 brothers heading east in Blackfish Sound

2008-08-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

Seasmoke reports
The A36’s were headed to the east in Blackfish Sound, they were traveling grouped together the three brothers: A32 (44 years old) A37 (31 years old) and A46 (26 years old).

A36s went out through Blackney Pass

2008-08-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

We have the A12´s, A24´s and all the A5´s in the strait going west again. They do everyday the same, going up and down the strait. Nice to have them around. The A36´s came back from the east last night around 10pm and went out through Blackney this morning at 4am. We hearing very distant calls on CP now. A lot of strange imitation calls today. So sad you cannot hear them. But hopefully soon. Cross your fingers.
Melanie
16 Aug 2008 14:21:04 PDT

A36s coming up from the east

2008-08-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

We are so sorry that the live audio is still not working.But the internet is still on and off. A short update. The A12´s, all A5´s and the A24´s are in the bight, close to the hydrophone we can hear A12calls. A55, A62, A67 and A83 were a bit far off the others. All going east. We had a report of the A36´s coming up from the east. So maybe they join the others soon. This morning we had the A30´s with the I31´s in Blackfish Sound, after the A30´s went out last night they brought the I31´s back in. But they went already out again to the west.
Melanie
15 Aug 2008 15:42:25 PDT

A36 left to the east

2008-08-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Just try to give you an update. Our connection is still on and off. We had the A30s, A36s, A12s and A11s yesterday joining the A5s and A24s in Johnstone Strait. The A36s and A12s went far to the east. Today we have the A12s, A30s, A5s and A24s in the strait, going back and forth. The A11s went out yesterday evening. We saw the new calf of A35 and A64. They looking great. It's so good to see new babys. Now somebody is rubbing without calling. The rest is still in the bight. We had a report that all groups going slowly to the east. Maybe they will pick up the A36s, which were on the way back to the west. Lets see.
Melanie
14 Aug 2008 18:40:25 PDT

A1s all together near Malcolm Island

2008-08-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Seasmoke reports:

The A36’s were sighted at the top end of Malcolm Island, they were foraging and then turned east with other incoming pods who were also sighted close-by, the A30’s and the A12’s. All pods were moving steadily eastbound.
Spy-hopping, tail slapping and breaching was observed. On the afternoon tour, passengers aboard the SV Tuan were delighted to view the same incoming pods as they headed east from Lizard Point, foraging and resting behavior was observed, some resting calls were heard via the hydrophone.

A36s still with A24s and A5s

2008-08-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

Distant calls audible.

Hello,our internet connection is going on and off and just now I will give you a short update. Last night the A36´s, A24´s and the A5´s came into Blackney went north very slow. After about an hour the A24´s and A5´s turned and went back south to the strait. The A36´s went out. So we had the night and today the same game like the last two weeks, the A24´s and the A5´s are going back and forth in the Johnstone Strait. Now we are listing to the A5´s distant on Crpt. We will see how long the internet connection keeps going this time.
Melanie
11 Aug 2008 18:47:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A5´s and prob. the A24´s were in the Johnstone Strait going back and forth. Sounds like they went east. But probably not long. We had short calls from the A36´s in Blackfish Sound. Do they call them? We will see.
Melanie
11 Aug 2008 21:20:27 PDT

A36s pay a visit in JS with A4s and A5s

2008-08-10T17:21:00.001-07:00

Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Finally we have internet connection again. The A5´s, A24´s and the A36´s (who came last night in throught Blackney) are in Johnstone Strait probably still eastbound. We expecting them on the Rubbing Beaches. Hopefully everthing works good and we are online.
Melanie
10 Aug 2008 16:16:28 PDT

No orcas present.

The A5´s and the A24´s passed the eastern boundary of the reserve, still eastbound. We don´t know exactly what happend to the A36´s, it is not important that they went out through Weynton. Lot of boatnoise in Blackfish Sound.
Melanie
10 Aug 2008 17:21:18 PDT

Seasmoke reports
It began with the initial sighting of A46 (youngest of the three brothers of the A36 pod) he was foraging ahead of his brothers and close to the VI shore while A32 and A37 were foraging centre strait. The other orcas, the A8’s, A23’s and A24’s were further behind; most of the A24’s were on the Hanson Island shore.

On the afternoon tour, the A36’s were again sighted. The other pods had made their way back to the east and into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. The A36’s meanwhile continued to forage intensively at Cracroft Point, working their way towards the west in the ebb current. Their A-Clan vocals were superb to listen to and it was wonderful to view these three majestic brothers, alive and seemingly well in Johnstone Strait once again.

A36s headed east

2008-07-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

Multiple pod calls audible.

It seems we're connected again, after being down most of the night. Sorry about that, as it has been very exciting vocally & socially. There has been a lot of movement since yesterday. The groups that were in the east came quickly back to the west in the afternoon & met up with the I15s/I31s, who had spent hours resting in western Johnstone Strait yesterday afternoon before heading into the beaches for an excited rub just before the A11s & co met them around 7pm. The A12s & A36s came back into the Strait via Weynton Pass & headed east just before dark. Most of the groups headed north via Blackney Pass around midnight & then headed back into the Strait around 3am. At the moment, the A30s & I31s are in Blackfish Sound. We think the A12s headed east from Robson Bight around 3am.
Helena
29 Jul 2008 06:18:23 PDT

A36s traveling ahead of the I15s and I31s

2008-07-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Good morning everyone! After a sleepy night (for us) we began hearing calls on the rubbing beaches hydrophone a short while ago... sounds like the I15s/I31s & an "A1" group are returning from the east.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 07:28:28 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

We're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like some of the orcas are having a bite in the Bight on their way west.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 07:58:02 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s have turned into Blackney Pass ahead of the I15s and I31s who are just making their way out of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 10:39:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Actually, the I15s and the I31s have not yet made it into Blackney Pass proper. They fell asleepand are still between CP and the bottom (east) end of Hanson Island. (Jared Towers report)
Helena
28 Jul 2008 11:19:03 PDT

The boys are back!!

2008-07-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Orcas near mics.

Indeed, the plot thickens! It is the A36s who are the A1s in Johnstone Strait! Right now they are off Cracroft Point.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 08:21:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales have moved on toward the Ecological Reserve. The "Cliff" is trying to figure out who all is there.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 09:03:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A11s, A36s & others have turned back to the west & are spread out across the Strait opposite Naka Creek. They are moving slowly but should be within range of our hydrophones again before long.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 14:10:48 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After passing the Beaches, the I15s, I31s and the A36s turned back to the west. They have now passed CP and are on their way west. The A11s, who were seen earlier have not been yet identified as part of this western run. Meanwhile, the A30s,A5s, A12s and A24s were in the Lower Johnstone Strait where at least some, if not all, went southeast of Nodales Channel.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 17:15:14 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sorry, a bit late but these good calls have been (and are) on Flower Island, Blackfish Sound. The i31s, I15s and A36s left Johnstone Strait earlier and went through Weynton Passage until they got to the other side.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 19:43:51 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, I15s & I31s have been making their way south through Blackney Pass over the last while, and are now entering Johnstone Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 20:30:07 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

And now, of course eastbound to the Reserve.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 21:29:10 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

That was a nice all pod rub!
Helena
27 Jul 2008 22:31:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The rub seems to be over. What now? The tide is still flooding for an hour. Will this encourage them to go looking for the other groups to the east?
Helena
27 Jul 2008 22:53:55 PDT

2008-06-23T23:29:00.001-07:00

23 june 2008, Cetaceanlab reports:

Since about two weeks we are listening to a whole new part of the north coast, as we installed a new hydrophone station at the north east side of Aristabazal Island. We are now able to listen to Caamano and Estevan Sound which the whales use quite often during their travels through this area. The timing of installation could not have been better as late last night the under water world of Caamano Sound was filled by the excited calls from A, G and R-Clan members of the northern resident orcas. The whales were first vocal on our “Home station” as they traveled south in Squally Channel at about 11pm. By that time the ocean was totally quiet below the surface after another noise polluted day filled with up by 100 sport fishing lodge boats operating day after day during the summer months in this area. We got the impression that the whales really enjoyed the silence underwater as their calls were so absolutely excited and did not stop for another four (!) hours. It was one of these rare occasions where no man-made noise interrupted their “All-Clan” meeting. Acoustically, we were able to make out the: A36, A4, A5, a B,C,D group, G and R-Clan matrilines, this may have been well over 100 whales. The whales were very close to the hydrophone at Aristazabal Island at 4:10am before fading away towards perhaps Laredo Channel.

2008-06-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

20 June 2008, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Just heard from CetaceaLab that they have seen the A36s travelling with the A24s and the A51s! All three were there.
Helena
20 Jun 2008 15:05:36 PDT

A36s audible off Ashdown Island

2008-02-06T22:17:00.001-08:00

06 February 2008, Cetacealab reports:

After a long, silent winter, the new whale year is here. At exactly midnight of February 5th we started to hear faint resident Orca calls which soon turned out to be the A36s!!!!

As I am writing this at1230am the brothers are audible on our “Home” station. They are most likely off Ashdown Island, where Squally Channel and Whale Channel meet.

It is such a blessing to listen to them, no boat noise, just their pure calls and the sound of waves from a diminishing storm.

Who knows, maybe we’ll even get a chance to see them tomorrow….

Distant calls audible

2007-11-01T04:43:00.001-07:00

01 November 2007, Orcalab reports:

We're hearing distant A5 & A36 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 00:37:24 PST

Orcas near mics.

The whales are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Nov 2007 04:43:35 PST

2007-10-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

31 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-10-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

30 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-10-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

29 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

28 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-10-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

27 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-10-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

26 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-10-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

25 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

No further clues about what happened to the A36s and A5s. We were not aware of any calls during the night.
Helena
25 Oct 2007 09:04:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The distant calls are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Oct 2007 10:25:18 PDT

2007-10-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

24 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-10-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

03 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

There haven't been any orca reports this morning and that leaves us with last night's impression that the A36s continued through Blackfish Sound to the west and the A30s still in the Strait. However, the last A30 calls at 10:40pm were very distant and it may be that they were headed for Weynton Pass to follow the A36s. This morning, grey and damp, there are several humpbacks in Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound. At night the ocean is full of breaths, from humpbacks and sea lions and sometimes the orcas too. Hard to feel alone and isolated.
Helena
03 Oct 2007 09:50:59 PDT

2007-10-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

02 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We are still unfortunately not broadcasting as we are still doing some maintenance on the system. In the menatime, the A30s and the A36s went east. The A30s have returned (waiting to hear if the A36s are with them) and are westbound past the Ecological Reserve. Today, we also had a huge downpouring of rain followed by the fullest and most beautiful rainbow over Blackney Pass ever.
Helena
02 Oct 2007 20:11:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A36s have turned up in Blackfish Sound. Perhaps they travelled through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. The A30s have grown quiet but may still be in the Strait.
Helena
02 Oct 2007 22:45:31 PDT

2007-10-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

01 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s have made it back to Johnstone Strait after a long absence. Just now they were off Cracroft Point with a group of dolphins. Both have now become quiet. It will be interesting to find out where the A30s are and if the A36s will stay around for a bit.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 04:32:03 PDT

Boat noise

Between 6:30am and 7am we heard both the A30s and the A36s in johnstone Strait. Our impression was that they were eastbound through the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. There was a lot of boat noise in the Strait (there is a rare fishing opening today) and so the direction the whales took is still not absolute.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 09:00:34 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this morning & understand that the A30s & A36s were still headed east in Johnstone Strait in mid afternoon (past Eve River). Hopefully, they'll come back before too long.
Helena
01 Oct 2007 22:36:55 PDT

2007-09-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

30 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago. Sounds like the A36s, though we're not sure yet.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 03:52:19 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard nothing further after a brief bout of A1 calls in Blackfish Sound that ended around 4am. Yesterday's storm is over, & a humpback is breathing in Blackney Pass. Lovely morning here.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 08:46:44 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We just started to hear A1 calls again in Blackfish Sound. It just may be the A36s!
Helena
30 Sep 2007 09:23:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It is the A36s!
Helena
30 Sep 2007 09:23:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s popped up suddenly in front of CP a short while ago. They then entered Blackney Pass silently and travelled north. They are now in Blackfish Sound. The A36s, earlier, around 10:40am, headed off to the west in Queen Charlotte Strait. It is not clear at the moment whether they continued westward or if they might be waiting for the A30s to catch-up.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 13:50:40 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this afternoon & have nothing new to report. Our imprression was that the A30s probably headed north into Queen Charlotte Strait, as did the A36s earlier in the day. However, we aren't sure. We are waiting.
Helena
30 Sep 2007 22:41:53 PDT

2007-09-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

23 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Recently there has been a fairly vocal group of dolphins close to Robson Bight. To the west the A30s were offfshore of Malcolm Island travelling toward the Mainland. The A36s were off Pine Island and another group of whales were westbound toward Goletas Channel.
Helena
23 Sep 2007 21:54:19 PDT

2007-09-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

22 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Ah hah! The A30s are not to the east. We heard from the Naiad Explorer that the A30s are with the A36s off Doyle Island (near Port Hardy) foraging. Nice to know.
Helena
22 Sep 2007 12:00:41 PDT

2007-09-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

05 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Groups are streaming off to the west: First the Rs (they stayed on the Johnstone Strait side going west) and then the A36s with the I15s (who just went north in Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound). An I31 and/ or I11 group is currently approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Johnstone Strait side. All this and a touch of northeern lights too. We have not heard any A4,A5, A12 or A30 calls yet.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 02:39:11 PDT

Hi Paul & Helena, We saw the A36's and the I15's pass Bere Point close to shore, all mostly resting at 17:15. When we left camp they had'nt made it to Black Bluff yet at 18:00. They were eastbound, still real slow as Bill had reported earlier. Take Care Troy & Kate
Troy@Bere Point
05 Sep 2007 21:47:17 PDT

2007-09-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

03 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, A4s, A5s and the I15s met up the A30s when they entered the strait. All the whales headed east to the Bight, sounds like having nice time in there.
Tomoko
03 Sep 2007 00:46:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We began hearing calls about 5am, & since then have heard the I15s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone, so they're in or near Robson Bight . As well, we're hearing the A12s, who are in Blackfish Sound & seem to be heading towards Johnstone Strait. The I15s, A36s & others (A4s, A5s) were headed east in Johnstone Strait by 1am, so it sounds like at least some of these groups are returning to the west now.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 05:59:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s ventured into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass between 5:45 and 6:15am. There they were greeted by the I15s and the A36s who had come west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. They are still not far from this area and still closer to the Vancouver Island side rather than Cracroft.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 08:13:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're beginning to hear distant "R" clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, as they head quickly towards Johnstone Strait from Queen Charlotte Strait. Begind them are some of the I31s. & meeting them are the A36s, I15s & A12s, who turned back to the west in mid Blackfish a short while ago. This is shaping up to be quite a social day!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 12:47:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It looks like all of R clan has arrived, along with the I11s, so there are now well over 100 orcas heading towards Johnstone Strait. They are stalled at the north end of Weynton Pass, between Stubbs Island & the Plumpers, probably waiting for the ebbing tide to slow or reverse before they head on into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 14:09:41 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Many but not all of the groups are now in Johnstone Strait, heading east. We're listening to very excited "A" & "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It's possible some of the Rs are already in the Strait, but a lot of orcas are still in Weynton Pass, so they probably include most of the Rs. Whichever way you stir it, it's getting to be orca soup in the Strait!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 15:21:48 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the Rs came into the Strait the groups who had preceded became vocal and began to move eastward. We are now listening to the A12s, I11s, A36s, I15s, I31s and Rs. Quite the gang. To the east should still be the A30s, A4sand A5s.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 16:49:53 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The R clan calls are now louder on Critical Point and, with the calls of the G and A clan groups, a lovely mix is happening.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:35:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And rubbing too!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:40:30 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the various groups kept heading to the east in Johnstone Strait after their great session(s) at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 22:15:27 PDT

2007-09-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

01 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

And the A36s for company. The whales are just coming into Blackney Pass. The full moon is hiding behind the clouds but still casting light on the misty calm ocean.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 00:11:26 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s and the I15s are moving quickly to the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 01:19:09 PDT

No orcas present.

Good Morning! The A36s and the I15s continued east to the Reserve. They rubbed from 3:02am to 4:16am. They last calls we heard were at 5:02am. Thank you Yumi for staying with that marathon - all yesterday and through the night. There were audible dolphins in the early morning.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 08:13:50 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are very close to Cracroft Point, the A4s sound like they are over closer to Vancouver Island. We have also heard A30s, A36s and A5s.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 10:24:13 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Well the whales went west, and then turned at the top end of Hanson Island, and then they went all the way back, past Critical Point and then down to the rubbing beaches where an A1 group is now rubbing.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 13:59:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The eastbound groups, the I15s,the A36s, A5s and A4s are on their way out of the Reserve. Nothing further was heard from the A30s who continued west to Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 22:36:41 PDT

2007-08-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

30 August 2007, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

Good morning. We've heard no calls since just after midnight, when we think the A30s were passing the rubbing beaches, heading east. This means that all the A, G, & R clan groups here yesterday are probably still somewhere to the east of us.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 05:50:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are now close to the CrPt hydrophone. We're also hearing distant "A" calls.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 07:58:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The orcas, the I31s, I15s, A30s and A36s are moving westward through a maze of 300 dolphins ,who are spread out from CP to the Reserve and across the Strait. You can hear the dolphins in behind the orca calls. Most of the whales are coming up to the CP area but there are at least two lingering groups, one off Izumi and one off the rubbing beaches. Are the rest of yesterday's groups coming up from "below"?
Helena
30 Aug 2007 09:37:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Interesting day - aren't they all? The A36s, I15s and I31s may be thinking about catching the ebb through Weynton Pass. This decision happened after a few calls from the A36s. The A30s are still in the Strait probably in seperate groupings. A38/39 are closer to the BIght.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 10:54:02 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s are certainly holding down the middle. The A36s, I15s and I31s did go out Weynton and the A30s moved toward the CP area just ahead of the Rs coming up from the east along the Vancouver Island shore. Nick Templeman reports that at 11am the A12s, A4s and A5s were also westbound (isn't everyone?) off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 11:42:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

As the A30s head back eastward (past Kaikash), the Rs (R5s,R17s,R2s and possibly R7s) are carrying on to the west through Pearse Passage. The others, the A36s, I15s and I31s are still westbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide however, is in full flood and it is a big one. Only the A30s are going with the tide.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 15:01:59 PDT

2007-08-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

28 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Add I15, A1 and A4 calls to the list of whales up to Robson Bight.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:08:02 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is really sounding like the whole gang is back, A30s, A36s, A12s, A4s,A5s,I15s, and I33s. Still moving west.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:54:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Actually these groups are spread from Telegraph Cove back to west of the Reserve.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:59:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

I should mention that the A36s are at the western end of Blackfish and so far today the I35s have been seen in the groups furthest west (I15s are included in this group.)
Helena
28 Aug 2007 13:10:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the A36s rushed through Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound, the groups to the west of Blackney Pass turned back to the east, a few had ventured well into Weynton Pass before the turn.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 14:35:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales are not far off the entrance to Blackney Pass and CP area. Recently, A4s were the loudest. It is only 1/2 hour to the slack tide and then the tide will ebb. Will this be enough to encourage them all out via Blackney? Or will the stay Strait sid?
Helena
28 Aug 2007 17:04:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Definitely stayed Strait side.The calls were distant for so long we began to wonder if they were headed back to the west. Fortunately, calls got louder and we now believe the whales (the A12s,A30s,A4s.A5s,I15s,A36s have been heard) are headed to the Robson Bight area.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 18:43:10 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Getting even closer to Critical Point. The I31s need to be added to the list. No one left, the A36s came in. The wind has dropped (quite windy today),however, the rain continues.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 19:04:54 PDT

No orcas present.

And east they all went! - some 12 hours after arriving back from the east this morning.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 21:48:05 PDT

2007-08-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

27 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight & think the various groups of orcas in the Strait yesterday are probably somewhere to the east of us (though we're not sure).
Helena
27 Aug 2007 07:17:01 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A radio report of a small group of orcas heading west off Naka Creek about 40' ago suggests that at least one of the groups that has been in the east is returning to our area. We are listening.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 10:39:35 PDT

Orcas near mics.

An A5 group is passing CP, following after the I31s, A12s. The I15s and A36s are further away but also moving westward.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 14:19:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Since the last post: We think now that the I15s left via Weynton Pass at the time all the groups were opposite Telegraph Cove around 5pm. The I33s, A36s, A12s and A5s all then went back to the east. The A36s stalled off of the entrance of Blackney and eventually came north through the Pass. They were moving very quickly. The rest continued eastward and are now off Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:10:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Hmm... Just when we thought the whales were staging, getting ready to go past Critical Point, they stayed put. AND then the I15s turned up again so perhaps it was all about waiting for the I15s to catch up. Probably they didn't go out afterall. Will they go east now?
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:55:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like they may be going to the east afterall.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 22:27:55 PDT

2007-08-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

26 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s are also out there (east of CP, Johnstone Strait) with the I31s.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 12:28:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

And A36s too?
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:04:21 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sorry, I am trying to do something else and the groups keep coming! There are more A1 calls and A5s as well. Some of the groups have gone in for a rub on their way west.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:59:06 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

And after awhile the A4s too.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 15:27:33 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

CP reports that the I15s have passed them and are between the bottom end (east) of Hanson Island and Big Bay. They passed fairly close to Cracroft, about 1/4 off. The I65s were first, followed by the I16s who were travelling with A37, and then the I27s. Just now, A11 passed with I33 and I110 very close to the camp. The males were offshore at about 5oom. More whales can be seen headed toward CP from the east.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 16:25:22 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Whales are eastbound once again, headed back to the Bight area.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 20:27:23 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to a wonderful chorus of A & G clan calls in Robson Bight, near Critical Point. Unfortunately, boat noise is intruding & getting louder.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:11:32 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s & others have reached the rubbing beaches.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:57:01 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the various groups are probably on their way to the east in Jonstone Strait. We are waiting (sleeping).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:33:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're stil hearing faint calls on the Critical Point hdrophone, so not all the orcas have headed east (yet).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:55:01 PDT

2007-08-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

25 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

24 August, Orcalab reports:

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

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.

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

2007-08-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

23 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

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

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

2007-08-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

22 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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.

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

2007-08-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

20 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

18 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

August 17 2007, Orcalab reports

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

2007-08-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

16 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

15 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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.

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

2007-08-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

14 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

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

2007-08-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

12 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

11 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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.

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

2007-08-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

09 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

08 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

7 August 2007, Orcalab reports

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

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

2007-08-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

06 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

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

2007-08-05T22:55:00.001-07:00

05 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Early this morning there were A4 calls (?A24s) in Johnstone Strait. Tracking was difficult thanks to the boat noise and the distant nature of the calls. We did not hear the A12s or A36s once they disappeared to the west yesterday evening. No word about the A30s who most likely are still to the east.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 07:52:50 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As the A12s and the A36s make their way east out of Queen Charlotte Strait we began to hear a few rubs at the main beach in the Ecological Reserve. No calls yet so we are not sure if it is the A30s or the A24s or both coming from the east.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 15:21:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It turned out to be the A24s who was rubbing just after 3pm. Now they are heading west, we just started picking up their calls on CP hydrophone. The A12s came into the Strait through Weynton Pass, going east.
Tomoko
05 Aug 2007 18:11:52 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Here is what has been happening today. The A24s came up from the east and headed west. The a12s travelled eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait with the A36s, however, only the A12s went through Weynton Pass and into Johnstone Strait. They then travelled east. After going west the A24s turned in time to join the A34s and head east together. As they were so engaged, the A36s, decided to finally come all the way through Blackney Pass and enter Johnstone Strait. This was about 6:30 pm. Some of the whales are now going through the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 20:37:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After a long and wonderful rub the A12s and the A24s headed back west to Robson Bight. The A36s may still be nearby. The ebbing tide might encourage a bigger move west. At 4:30pm, Nic Templeman reported that the A30s were westbound off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 22:55:53 PDT

2007-08-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

2007-08-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

04 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A36s headed north through Blackney Pass. We are not sure if the A24s were with them.
Tomoko
04 Aug 2007 03:00:59 PDT

No orcas present.

Last night the A36s were heard accompanying the A12s to the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A12s definitely went through Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound and it is possible the A36s were still with them. The story is less clear for the A24s as their calls ended for us much earlier while they were still in Johnstone Strait so they too may or may not have continued with the A12s to the west. For us, the A1 calls faded just before 3am when they became distant in Blackfish Sound. We will see what develops this morning.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 07:39:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The a12s are on their way back to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass while the A36s (yes, they must have gone west with the A12s earlier) are foraging at the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 10:12:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s did the unusual move of not heading east once in the Strait. Instead they went west and are near Beaver Cove (west of Telegraph Cove). The A36s are still off the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 13:11:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s moved toward Robson Bight and the beaches beyond. All of the group did not have a rub as they most likely were spread out across the Strait as they went east. We have not heard the A36s in Blackfish Sound for quite a while.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 17:59:58 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have returned west to the Robson Bight area. The A36s are apparently still in Blackfish Sound, still foraging off the very western end.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 19:06:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s are travelling (but also foraging) north through Blackney Pass. Just before they entered, the A36s dropped down closer to Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound BUT did not come into view.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 21:28:37 PDT

2007-08-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

03 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are foraging in Blackfish Sound. The A36s are off Lizard Point.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 09:25:39 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have gone in for a rub. The A24s and hte A12s are hurrying up from the east and have now passed St Vicents Bight. The A36s are still to the west.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 17:17:20 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s finally made it to Johnstone Strait BUT they went through Weynton Pass and NOT past us. We have yet to see them in the daytime. They are headed east. The A12s have also made back to these parts and are currently headed west past Critical Point. Sooooo?... where are the A30s? They were at the beaches just a while ago. AND where are the A24s. Perhaps these questions will be answered soon.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 20:33:13 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A24s have arrived back from the east and have rejoined the A12s and the A36s off of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 22:50:43 PDT

2007-08-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

02 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A36s have been foraging in Blackfish Sound for the past several hours. Meanwhile, the A30s are in western Johnstone Strait. We're hearing occasional calls from them on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 07:23:10 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, who have been moving around Johnstone Strait since 3am, are eastbound once again toward Robson Bight. We have not heard the A36s, who earlier flirted twice with coming into Blackney Pass, since around 6am. No word on the A24s, Rs or A12s so far this morning.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 09:44:03 PDT

No orcas present.

It is always interesting being around the residents. Last night, there was an exchange. The A24s and the R7s went off with the waiting A36 brothers. They have been spotted in Queen Charlotte Strait by Seasmoke Charters this morning. This all happened without any noticeable acoustic exchanges. This left the A30s to turn eastward by themselves. As they move further east there has been a report of a group (?the A12s) moving westward from Camp Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 12:38:22 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have been busy trying to keep track of the various groups in the area. The A24s, true to form, were silent until they reached Johnstone Strait. And it wasn't until they reached the beaches that they actually made any noises at all. The A36s keep waxing and waning toward Blackney Pass, never quite making it (so far at least) and the A30s have returned from the east and hooked up with the A24s off the Ecologial Reserve. The R7s, we believe, kept going west in Queen Charlotte Strait after spending part of the morning with the A24s and the A36s. All of this would be easier if the whales kept in range and vocal but then it wouldn't be as interesting or challenging.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 20:23:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At least the A30s just travelled north through Blackney Pass, perhaps to visit with the entrenched A36s in Blackfish Sound. We have lost track of the A24s since their turn at the beaches earlier. The A12s have not yet showed up from the east either. Time will tell.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 22:44:34 PDT

2007-07-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

29 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Hmmm.... we just had the A5s and the A12s go through Blackney pass in very mixed fashion. They have headed east and may have been joined by the A36s.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 12:12:36 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After the A36s merged with the A35s (who had been sitting off Blinkhorn before moving east to Kaikash Creek) the whales crossed over to the entrance oF Blackney Pass and for a while everyone went west. Behind them the A12s and the A5s were moving west as well. After reaching the entrance to Blackney Pass they all looked like they were going to head back east but they then stalled. Although drifting and changing direction they have been very vocal. Word has reached us that there are other groups in Queen Charlotte Strait heading this direction. Despite the constant boat noise the calls have been constant and clear, everyone chatting at once.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 15:50:25 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After shuffling back and forth in Johnstone Strait all the groups (the A5s, A35s and the A12s) finally left via Blackney Pass on the ebb. Prior to this,the A36s left the strait via Weynton Pass and headed to Blackfish Sound where they acoustically interacted with the small A11 group (including Springer) as they made their way through Blackfish Sound toward Blackney Pass. The a36s continued west by themselves. Just after the A11s came into our view we became aware of the whales exiting Johnstone Strait. The A11s turned and led everyone away into Blackfish Sound. There were not many calls during all of this. way. The A30s apparently continued eastward to Nodales Channel. We do not know where the A24s are at the moment.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 20:22:42 PDT

2007-07-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

28 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A30s are off Lizard Point. The A24s and the A36s are west bound recently out of Nodales. Dolphins are leaping all over Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Jul 2007 20:14:39 PDT

2007-07-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

27 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

For us it was a quiet night butasmall group of orcas managed to slip by silently this morning. They headed north out of Johnstone Strait and through Blackney Pass. Last night, the A24s were last seen still heading east (could it have been them this morning?) and the A36s were still hanging out just inside Nodales Channel.
Helena
27 Jul 2007 07:58:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It has been a slow day for the A24s. They were the group who went through Blackney Pass before 7am. They spent the day in Queen Charlotte Strait.They are in Blackney Pass right now working their way slowly through against the current. They are taking advantage of the tide by foraging as they go. "Progress" is slow and relaxed. A78 breached just before they started to slip backwards towards the north again. it may be a while before we find out how determined they are to get back to Johnstone Strait or whether they bide their time until the turn of the tide at 11pm. They are not vocal, not even echol locating so far. The A36s were reported to have left Nodales Channel at 1pm and sort of moving west although they were still not far from Chatham Point.
Helena
27 Jul 2007 20:51:22 PDT

2007-07-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

26 July 2007, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

Between 12:25amand 3:30 am the A24s travelled west in Johnstone Strait and north through Blackney Pass. We believe the A36s are still east as the last report (thanks, Nick) said that they were last seen yesterday evening in Nodales Channel.
Helena
26 Jul 2007 07:47:24 PDT

No orcas present.

A further morning update: 7 orcas were seen this morning heading west through Queen Charlotte Strait at Black Bluff. There were apparently males in the group so we wonder now if the A36s joined up with the A24s rather than remaining east as we first thought. The MacKays also report that acruiseship sighted two large groups heading east just south of Port Hardy. Itmay get busy yet!
Helena
26 Jul 2007 08:17:10 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It has turned out that the A36s did remain east and this morning the A24s turned around and are now eastbound from Lizard Point.
Helena
26 Jul 2007 10:38:06 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A24s made it all the way back to the Strait via blackney Pass. They headed quickly to the east and are now off the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
26 Jul 2007 16:46:27 PDT

2007-07-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

25 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We have fixed our internet problem and so can once again post comments. The morning before last the A36s came back to the area. They travelled through Blackney Pass and on to eastern Johnstone Strait. Following several hours behind were the A24s. Prior to these visits, we had the C10s, C6s and D7s pass through. They followed (by a day or so) the A12s, A11s, A35s, A43s and A51s back out past Port Hardy. All in all it has been busy but with considerable gaps in the action around these parts.
Helena & Paul
25 Jul 2007 13:51:12 PDT

Boat noise

The A36s and the A24s are together BUT they only got 1/2 the way back to Kelsey Bay (Ripple Point) before turning and heading back toward Nodales Channel at the eastern end of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Jul 2007 15:06:02 PDT

2007-03-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

05 March 2007, Cetaceanlab reports:

In the morning of March 5th, we started hearing A-calls on our “Home” station. The whales were most likely traveling north in Squally Channel. It may have been a fairly large group and we were able to determine that an A1 group was present (most likely the A36s), and a B,C,D group. It was a pleasant surprise for us to listen to the B,C,D Orcas as we never had them this early in the season in our study area.