30 October Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (apart from boat noise) & think that the A1/A4/A5 group of orcas that headed east in Johnstone Strait after their energetic entrance at midnight 2 nights ago, are probably somewhere to the east. We are, of course, hoping they will return soon! Meanwhile, we're enjoying a rather blustery morning here, & all's well... we hope things are going well for you, too, wherever you are.
Paul
30 Oct 2005 10:13:05 PST
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
29 October Orcalab reports:
Superb sounds!!
The A5s & A4s are back! We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone as they head towards Johnstone Strait.
Paul
29 Oct 2005 00:46:36 PDT
No orcas present.
It has been a while now since we heard calls. Possibly the whales (the A4s, A5s and A1s)continued to the east after lingering off Critical Point. Meanwhile Pacific Whitesided dolphins can still be heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 04:08:09 PDT
No orcas present.
We have not heard anything now for a few hours but the whales went east and will come back at some point. We read with interest Cetacealab's report about seeing the A4s a few days ago. They have travelled! And by the sounds of things earlier this morning they still had energy to burn.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 10:36:01 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since early this morning, & think that the large group of orcas (A1s, A4s, A5s) that headed into Johnstone Strait shortly after midnight must have continued to the east. We are waiting for their return!
Paul
29 Oct 2005 18:46:31 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A5s & A4s are back! We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone as they head towards Johnstone Strait.
Paul
29 Oct 2005 00:46:36 PDT
No orcas present.
It has been a while now since we heard calls. Possibly the whales (the A4s, A5s and A1s)continued to the east after lingering off Critical Point. Meanwhile Pacific Whitesided dolphins can still be heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 04:08:09 PDT
No orcas present.
We have not heard anything now for a few hours but the whales went east and will come back at some point. We read with interest Cetacealab's report about seeing the A4s a few days ago. They have travelled! And by the sounds of things earlier this morning they still had energy to burn.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 10:36:01 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since early this morning, & think that the large group of orcas (A1s, A4s, A5s) that headed into Johnstone Strait shortly after midnight must have continued to the east. We are waiting for their return!
Paul
29 Oct 2005 18:46:31 PDT
Friday, October 28, 2005
28 October Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We heard no calls overnight & are not sure what happened to the A12s & A36s. We are waiting, & meanwhile having a very wet morning after yesterday's storm.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 10:37:18 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are off CP at the moment.
Helena
28 Oct 2005 16:04:10 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
It looks like the A36s are heading north into Blackney Pass, taking an easy ride on the ebbing tide. They are silent for the moment & are passing a tug heading south into Johnstone Strait.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 16:30:59 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We've been listening to the A36s at the "top" of Blackfish Sound for more than the past hour... they are silent at the moment, but probably not far away.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 18:56:56 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls for several hours, & think the A36s probably continued to the north from Blackfish Sound. However, we aren't sure. We are waiting.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 22:01:12 PDT
No orcas present.
I just reviewed the tapes from around 6pm after the A36s went into Blackfish Sound and a few additional calls were heard. The A5s are clearly there! This might explain why the A36s were in such a rush.
Helena
28 Oct 2005 23:03:55 PDT
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We heard no calls overnight & are not sure what happened to the A12s & A36s. We are waiting, & meanwhile having a very wet morning after yesterday's storm.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 10:37:18 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are off CP at the moment.
Helena
28 Oct 2005 16:04:10 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
It looks like the A36s are heading north into Blackney Pass, taking an easy ride on the ebbing tide. They are silent for the moment & are passing a tug heading south into Johnstone Strait.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 16:30:59 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We've been listening to the A36s at the "top" of Blackfish Sound for more than the past hour... they are silent at the moment, but probably not far away.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 18:56:56 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls for several hours, & think the A36s probably continued to the north from Blackfish Sound. However, we aren't sure. We are waiting.
Paul
28 Oct 2005 22:01:12 PDT
No orcas present.
I just reviewed the tapes from around 6pm after the A36s went into Blackfish Sound and a few additional calls were heard. The A5s are clearly there! This might explain why the A36s were in such a rush.
Helena
28 Oct 2005 23:03:55 PDT
Thursday, October 27, 2005
27 October Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The whales were active throughout the night and carried on moving around the area. Right now we are hearing very faint calls in the Strait and wonder if the A12s and the A36s are both to the west of CP nearer the "top" end of Hanson Island not far from the entrance of Weynton.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 09:50:49 PDT
Orcas near mics.
So here come the A36s.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 16:58:14 PDT
No orcas present.
We had the impression that the A36s were headed west but the calls have been few.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 19:26:37 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales were active throughout the night and carried on moving around the area. Right now we are hearing very faint calls in the Strait and wonder if the A12s and the A36s are both to the west of CP nearer the "top" end of Hanson Island not far from the entrance of Weynton.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 09:50:49 PDT
Orcas near mics.
So here come the A36s.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 16:58:14 PDT
No orcas present.
We had the impression that the A36s were headed west but the calls have been few.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 19:26:37 PDT
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
26 October Orcalab reports:
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are foraging off CP at the moment after traveling from Robson Bight. The A12s are reported to be between Penfolds and Bold Head.
Julie @ CP
26 Oct 2005 14:02:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are now up between Big Bay and the top edge of Hanson Island. They are foraging and it looks like one of the brothers is surrounded by Dalls Porpoises. We had the first snow on the mountains last night, while this evening more storms are forecast.
Julie @ CP
26 Oct 2005 15:26:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s have turned back to the east and are crossing towards Blinkhorn Pen. at the moment. Also we had a report that the A12s after foraging in Queen Charlotte Strait grouped up and turned eastward as well before 4pm.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 17:04:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Lovely calls from the A12s as they entered the very noisy Johnstone strait. nice reality there for a while. We think the A36s continued east ahead of the A12s earlier.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 20:03:46 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So.... the A36s left the Strait for Blackfish Sound! This was a surprise and it was quickly done. Now we are not sure where the A12s ended up. The constant boat noise in the Strait is unfortunate.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 22:00:04 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are foraging off CP at the moment after traveling from Robson Bight. The A12s are reported to be between Penfolds and Bold Head.
Julie @ CP
26 Oct 2005 14:02:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are now up between Big Bay and the top edge of Hanson Island. They are foraging and it looks like one of the brothers is surrounded by Dalls Porpoises. We had the first snow on the mountains last night, while this evening more storms are forecast.
Julie @ CP
26 Oct 2005 15:26:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s have turned back to the east and are crossing towards Blinkhorn Pen. at the moment. Also we had a report that the A12s after foraging in Queen Charlotte Strait grouped up and turned eastward as well before 4pm.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 17:04:57 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Lovely calls from the A12s as they entered the very noisy Johnstone strait. nice reality there for a while. We think the A36s continued east ahead of the A12s earlier.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 20:03:46 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So.... the A36s left the Strait for Blackfish Sound! This was a surprise and it was quickly done. Now we are not sure where the A12s ended up. The constant boat noise in the Strait is unfortunate.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 22:00:04 PDT
Monday, October 24, 2005
24 October Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
Good morning. The A36s woke us up once again just after 4am. They sounded this time not too far from Robson Bight. We are waiting to see if they are coming west in Johnstone Strait. A few interesting low grunts (growls) at the moment/
Helena
24 Oct 2005 04:35:38 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s have been sighed heading west towards CP. Possibly, the A36s are there too, though we're not sure at the moment. Channel A. It's another stormy day here!
Paul
24 Oct 2005 08:48:31 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
As the tide moves towards slack, the A12s (& possibly A36s) have finally decided to head north into Blackney Pass.
Paul
24 Oct 2005 10:40:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
While the A12s finish their path through Blackney Pass towards Blackfish Sound we can hear the A36s approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass in the Strait. A tug heading south is providing loud boat noise in the same entrance way. Slack tide (to the ebb) began at 11:15am.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 11:28:20 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Every so often we still catch a few calls in Blackfish Sound so the whales arenot moving off too quickly - most likely a good fishing day.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 16:15:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
I knew I waited too long to post. We are now hearing calls once again in the Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 16:27:49 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We feel a bit like we are chasing the A36s. We certainly can't catch up - they are too fast & too complicated. We have lost track of them again. The a12s certainly have made it a bit easier. After they re-entered Johnstone Strait they vocalised as they moved east to the entrance of Blackney. Just after we got word they were coming into Blackney we suddenly saw the A36s half way through BUT headed south with a group of porpoises. One of them breached. As they moved into the gap between Parson Island and Hanson Island they met up with the waiting, floating A12s. Everyone (orcas and porpoise) took a deep dive. Finally the A12s showed, headed north along Parson Island. The A36s and the porpoise were no where to be seen and everyone was quiet. We are pretty sure the A12s made it to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 19:08:47 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Good morning. The A36s woke us up once again just after 4am. They sounded this time not too far from Robson Bight. We are waiting to see if they are coming west in Johnstone Strait. A few interesting low grunts (growls) at the moment/
Helena
24 Oct 2005 04:35:38 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s have been sighed heading west towards CP. Possibly, the A36s are there too, though we're not sure at the moment. Channel A. It's another stormy day here!
Paul
24 Oct 2005 08:48:31 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
As the tide moves towards slack, the A12s (& possibly A36s) have finally decided to head north into Blackney Pass.
Paul
24 Oct 2005 10:40:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
While the A12s finish their path through Blackney Pass towards Blackfish Sound we can hear the A36s approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass in the Strait. A tug heading south is providing loud boat noise in the same entrance way. Slack tide (to the ebb) began at 11:15am.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 11:28:20 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Every so often we still catch a few calls in Blackfish Sound so the whales arenot moving off too quickly - most likely a good fishing day.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 16:15:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
I knew I waited too long to post. We are now hearing calls once again in the Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 16:27:49 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We feel a bit like we are chasing the A36s. We certainly can't catch up - they are too fast & too complicated. We have lost track of them again. The a12s certainly have made it a bit easier. After they re-entered Johnstone Strait they vocalised as they moved east to the entrance of Blackney. Just after we got word they were coming into Blackney we suddenly saw the A36s half way through BUT headed south with a group of porpoises. One of them breached. As they moved into the gap between Parson Island and Hanson Island they met up with the waiting, floating A12s. Everyone (orcas and porpoise) took a deep dive. Finally the A12s showed, headed north along Parson Island. The A36s and the porpoise were no where to be seen and everyone was quiet. We are pretty sure the A12s made it to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 19:08:47 PDT
Sunday, October 23, 2005
23 October Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to distant "A1" calls, amidst persistent boat noise, on the Critical Point hydrophone for the past hour. Possibly, both the A12s & A36s have come back into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. However, there is so much boat noise that we're not sure if both groups are there.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 10:25:51 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are approaching the Blackney Pass "gap" & are visible on Channel A. The A12s are further behind, on the Vancouver island side of the Strait.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 11:08:20 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
It looks like the A12s & A36s are heading north into Blackney Pass. Some of them are still visible on Channel A.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 11:49:25 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s & A36s have travelled north through Blackney Pass & are now in Blackfish Sound - A55 & A46 were together. The calls we're listening to are on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 12:38:51 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still listening to the A12s & A36s... sounds like they are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 13:49:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're up again, & hearing distant calls from the A12s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like they have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass & are heading east.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 17:28:21 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s and the A36s have circled around Hanson Island via Weynton Passage once more and are moving east toward the area off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 17:43:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It sounds like the whales have decided to stay in the Strait for now. We are hearing calls on the Critical Point station.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 20:14:22 PDT
No orcas present.
We are back to guessing what direction the A12s and the A36s chose in the end. The A36s were the last group heard and as the tide is now ebbing it is tempting to think that they went back out to the west but when they were last calling the tide was still pushing eastward. So now we wait and hopefully they will give up a few more clues before long.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 23:08:43 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to distant "A1" calls, amidst persistent boat noise, on the Critical Point hydrophone for the past hour. Possibly, both the A12s & A36s have come back into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. However, there is so much boat noise that we're not sure if both groups are there.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 10:25:51 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are approaching the Blackney Pass "gap" & are visible on Channel A. The A12s are further behind, on the Vancouver island side of the Strait.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 11:08:20 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
It looks like the A12s & A36s are heading north into Blackney Pass. Some of them are still visible on Channel A.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 11:49:25 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s & A36s have travelled north through Blackney Pass & are now in Blackfish Sound - A55 & A46 were together. The calls we're listening to are on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 12:38:51 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still listening to the A12s & A36s... sounds like they are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 13:49:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're up again, & hearing distant calls from the A12s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like they have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass & are heading east.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 17:28:21 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s and the A36s have circled around Hanson Island via Weynton Passage once more and are moving east toward the area off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 17:43:27 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It sounds like the whales have decided to stay in the Strait for now. We are hearing calls on the Critical Point station.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 20:14:22 PDT
No orcas present.
We are back to guessing what direction the A12s and the A36s chose in the end. The A36s were the last group heard and as the tide is now ebbing it is tempting to think that they went back out to the west but when they were last calling the tide was still pushing eastward. So now we wait and hopefully they will give up a few more clues before long.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 23:08:43 PDT
Thursday, October 20, 2005
20 October Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
The a12s came back from the east just a little while ago. Julie and Andy can see two blows in the direction of Izumi Rock (just west of the Ecological Reserve. John Ford reported the A36s are off Lizard Point foraging.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 12:11:05 PDT
No orcas present.
Well, the A12s may have headed out to Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide is ebbing (strong currents) and this may have encouraged them. The A36s were out that direction earlier today so perhaps they also went to find them.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 20:52:29 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The a12s came back from the east just a little while ago. Julie and Andy can see two blows in the direction of Izumi Rock (just west of the Ecological Reserve. John Ford reported the A36s are off Lizard Point foraging.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 12:11:05 PDT
No orcas present.
Well, the A12s may have headed out to Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide is ebbing (strong currents) and this may have encouraged them. The A36s were out that direction earlier today so perhaps they also went to find them.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 20:52:29 PDT
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
18 October Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
How cool is this? The birthday boy A55, all by himself, came into Blackney and foraged mid channel opposite the Lab! AND he was vocal! - now what did Dave just say to Libby? While alone in Blackney his family continued to call in Blackfish Sound. Eventually he turned north to rejoin his group. The are calling now in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, we heard the A36s again in the Strait. Just for interest sake, A55 did a variety of calls while opposite us. Its all on the tape!
Helena
18 Oct 2005 12:28:31 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
While we continue to hear the A12s at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, we're watching the A36s, who are now foraging mid-Strait off Blackney Pass, on Channel A.
Paul
18 Oct 2005 15:07:31 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After foraging off of CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass the A36s have moved on to the west.
Helena
18 Oct 2005 17:47:24 PDT
Distant calls audible.
How cool is this? The birthday boy A55, all by himself, came into Blackney and foraged mid channel opposite the Lab! AND he was vocal! - now what did Dave just say to Libby? While alone in Blackney his family continued to call in Blackfish Sound. Eventually he turned north to rejoin his group. The are calling now in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, we heard the A36s again in the Strait. Just for interest sake, A55 did a variety of calls while opposite us. Its all on the tape!
Helena
18 Oct 2005 12:28:31 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
While we continue to hear the A12s at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, we're watching the A36s, who are now foraging mid-Strait off Blackney Pass, on Channel A.
Paul
18 Oct 2005 15:07:31 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After foraging off of CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass the A36s have moved on to the west.
Helena
18 Oct 2005 17:47:24 PDT
Saturday, October 15, 2005
15 October Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
We're listening to A & G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The orcas are probably mostly on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, near Robson Bight. Sounds like the same groups as yesterday. They re-entered Johnstone Strait around midnight & have been making their way to the east since then.
Paul
15 Oct 2005 03:50:36 PDT
No orcas present.
(Maintenance complete) The A12's, A36's and the G's were vocal till about 6am and then headed farther east. We heard no calls since then.
Sven
15 Oct 2005 12:35:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We're listening to A & G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The orcas are probably mostly on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, near Robson Bight. Sounds like the same groups as yesterday. They re-entered Johnstone Strait around midnight & have been making their way to the east since then.
Paul
15 Oct 2005 03:50:36 PDT
No orcas present.
(Maintenance complete) The A12's, A36's and the G's were vocal till about 6am and then headed farther east. We heard no calls since then.
Sven
15 Oct 2005 12:35:46 PDT
Friday, October 14, 2005
14 October Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
We began to hear distant A1 and G clan calls on Flower Island hydrophone. Yesterday evening the whales remained at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while, so we'll see if they decide to come 'in' this time.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 01:20:39 PDT
No orcas present.
Obviously they G's and A1's decided not to come east this time. We heard no calls for more than one hour now.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 02:46:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Just before 9am we once again heard the "gang" arrive within range of the Flower Island hydrophone. Once again they seemed to have stalled at the top end of Blackfish Sound no doubt enjoying hopefully a good feast of salmon. Yesterday Paul saw the largest group of finning chums he has ever seen. Finning is when the chum rise to the surface exposing their dorsal fin as they move along. It can be quite the sight. very often their heads poke up as well. So far we have heard both the A12s, A36s and the same G clan groups of the last several days. Still waiting to have a peek to confirm just who is out there. The offshores were last seen near Port Hardy. Graeme Ellis of DFO was up in the area and had the day & good conditions to get the ID photos. Very exciting.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 09:34:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are not going to get our "peek". The whales decided to go into the Strait via Weynton Passage. We just started to pick up their calls way to the west of CP. Quite a miserable day out there - wind and rain.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 10:51:25 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to the A12s, A36s and several G's on the CP and Parson Island hydrophones. They're foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass for quite a while already. The weather is rainy and windy again, so it's difficult to identify them.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 12:53:11 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The orcas (A12s, A36s, G18s, maybe others)have just travelled north through Blackney Pass & are heading west in Blackfish Sound. We're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
14 Oct 2005 15:01:34 PDT
No orcas present.
Good evening. It has been quiet for hours ever since the orcas headed off to the west. We had a wonderful surprise this afternoon just as the storm eased off . Many flocks of geese passed overhead. The Snow geese flew over Blackney Pass stark white against the dark green island shapes.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 21:48:06 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We began to hear distant A1 and G clan calls on Flower Island hydrophone. Yesterday evening the whales remained at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while, so we'll see if they decide to come 'in' this time.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 01:20:39 PDT
No orcas present.
Obviously they G's and A1's decided not to come east this time. We heard no calls for more than one hour now.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 02:46:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Just before 9am we once again heard the "gang" arrive within range of the Flower Island hydrophone. Once again they seemed to have stalled at the top end of Blackfish Sound no doubt enjoying hopefully a good feast of salmon. Yesterday Paul saw the largest group of finning chums he has ever seen. Finning is when the chum rise to the surface exposing their dorsal fin as they move along. It can be quite the sight. very often their heads poke up as well. So far we have heard both the A12s, A36s and the same G clan groups of the last several days. Still waiting to have a peek to confirm just who is out there. The offshores were last seen near Port Hardy. Graeme Ellis of DFO was up in the area and had the day & good conditions to get the ID photos. Very exciting.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 09:34:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are not going to get our "peek". The whales decided to go into the Strait via Weynton Passage. We just started to pick up their calls way to the west of CP. Quite a miserable day out there - wind and rain.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 10:51:25 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We're listening to the A12s, A36s and several G's on the CP and Parson Island hydrophones. They're foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass for quite a while already. The weather is rainy and windy again, so it's difficult to identify them.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 12:53:11 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The orcas (A12s, A36s, G18s, maybe others)have just travelled north through Blackney Pass & are heading west in Blackfish Sound. We're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
14 Oct 2005 15:01:34 PDT
No orcas present.
Good evening. It has been quiet for hours ever since the orcas headed off to the west. We had a wonderful surprise this afternoon just as the storm eased off . Many flocks of geese passed overhead. The Snow geese flew over Blackney Pass stark white against the dark green island shapes.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 21:48:06 PDT
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
12 October Orcalab reports:
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Good morning everyone! It's a cool, wet & windy morning here, with the A36s in front of CP, heading east. Channel A. We're also hearing G clan calls further away.
Paul
12 Oct 2005 09:13:43 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s sound like they went ahead toward Critical Point with the various G clan groups while this time the A12s followed behind. Currently we are listening to the A12s on CP and the others on Critical Point.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 10:44:20 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Interesting that, although I thought I had selected the map highlight for the area including CP and Critical Point last time, only the CP area came up! Just after that the whales (the A36s and Gs) who had gone east of CP came back & joined up with the A12s off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 11:58:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing distant "A" & "G" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, and think that the various groups that were foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier have moved off to the west. We're not sure about their exact location because it's raining too hard for CP to see. Boat noise is still very persistent in Johnstone Strait.
Paul
12 Oct 2005 15:24:42 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is exciting! We had received reports around 3:30pm of a large group of whales moving through Pearse Passage (between Alert Bay and Pearse Islands) headed for the Strait. We had been listening to the A12s,A36s and various G groups all morning and when they headed off to the west we thought that they might be going to meet the incoming group. As the new group moved east in the Strait we started to understand that they were Offshores. The northern residents have been very quiet - listening too no doubt. The weather is very wet and quite dark. The boat noise is not making it very easy either.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 16:40:05 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The offshore calls are getting stronger as they move closer toward the Bight.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 18:30:04 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Good morning everyone! It's a cool, wet & windy morning here, with the A36s in front of CP, heading east. Channel A. We're also hearing G clan calls further away.
Paul
12 Oct 2005 09:13:43 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s sound like they went ahead toward Critical Point with the various G clan groups while this time the A12s followed behind. Currently we are listening to the A12s on CP and the others on Critical Point.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 10:44:20 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Interesting that, although I thought I had selected the map highlight for the area including CP and Critical Point last time, only the CP area came up! Just after that the whales (the A36s and Gs) who had gone east of CP came back & joined up with the A12s off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 11:58:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing distant "A" & "G" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, and think that the various groups that were foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier have moved off to the west. We're not sure about their exact location because it's raining too hard for CP to see. Boat noise is still very persistent in Johnstone Strait.
Paul
12 Oct 2005 15:24:42 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is exciting! We had received reports around 3:30pm of a large group of whales moving through Pearse Passage (between Alert Bay and Pearse Islands) headed for the Strait. We had been listening to the A12s,A36s and various G groups all morning and when they headed off to the west we thought that they might be going to meet the incoming group. As the new group moved east in the Strait we started to understand that they were Offshores. The northern residents have been very quiet - listening too no doubt. The weather is very wet and quite dark. The boat noise is not making it very easy either.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 16:40:05 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The offshore calls are getting stronger as they move closer toward the Bight.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 18:30:04 PDT
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
11 October Orcalab reports:
10:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
just a short while ago we started to hear A1 and G calls on Critical Point. CP has seen one male mid strait off to the far west so most likely the whales came in via Weynton on the last of the flood and are making their way to the east.
10:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
We have heard the A36s along with the Gs. They are getting closer and are now in range of CP but still to the west.
12:34 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s and Gs have passed CP and are heading into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. They are traveling mid strait and along the Vancouver Island shore,we didn't get a clear look at the group this time and so we are not sure which Gs are present yet.
12:37 PDT Distant calls audible.
The Gs and the A36s have moved on closer to the Bight. They can still be heard even with the constant boat noise. They sound pretty relaxed & social. There are a lot of "quiet" calls with a few slightly more energetic bursts from time to time.
13:06 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
It is beginning to sound like the A12s are there as well. Also there have been a few I31 type calls as well. Perhaps the same groups of the last week are again together in the Strait.
13:43 PDT Orcas near mics.
The groups have moved into the area near to Robson Bight.
14:27 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas are rubbing.
15:28 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
It looks like the orcas have left the rubbing beaches and are returning to the west... possibly, we'll soon hear them again on the Critical Point hydrophone.
15:36 PDT Distant calls audible.
At least some of the orcas returning to the west have reached the area off Robson Bight. We're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone, along with a lot of boat noise.
16:13 PDT Superb sounds!!
Some of the orcas are closer to the Critical Point hydrophone now... we've heard the A36s & possibly G3s so far, along with another "G-G" group, and with others likely to come.
16:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
The whales after stalling near the Bight for a while may now be moving "up" the Strait to the west. We are hearing calls in the CP range.
17:19 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
As they move westward, some of the orcas are coming within range of the surface camera at CP. Channel A.
18:46 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A36s are taking up the rear. They finally left the area off the Bight and are now approaching CP & the entrance to Blackney Pass area. We can still hear the others to the west of the A36s from time to time.
20:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
The distant A1 and G clan calls we're hearing are still on Critical Point. We just started to hear them on CP again after they disappeared there for about an hour. Sounds like they have turned on their way west and going east now with the flooding tide.
22:16 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A1's and G's went into Blackney Pass and we're now listening to them on the Local Left hydrophone as they're heading north.
10:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
just a short while ago we started to hear A1 and G calls on Critical Point. CP has seen one male mid strait off to the far west so most likely the whales came in via Weynton on the last of the flood and are making their way to the east.
10:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
We have heard the A36s along with the Gs. They are getting closer and are now in range of CP but still to the west.
12:34 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s and Gs have passed CP and are heading into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. They are traveling mid strait and along the Vancouver Island shore,we didn't get a clear look at the group this time and so we are not sure which Gs are present yet.
12:37 PDT Distant calls audible.
The Gs and the A36s have moved on closer to the Bight. They can still be heard even with the constant boat noise. They sound pretty relaxed & social. There are a lot of "quiet" calls with a few slightly more energetic bursts from time to time.
13:06 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
It is beginning to sound like the A12s are there as well. Also there have been a few I31 type calls as well. Perhaps the same groups of the last week are again together in the Strait.
13:43 PDT Orcas near mics.
The groups have moved into the area near to Robson Bight.
14:27 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas are rubbing.
15:28 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
It looks like the orcas have left the rubbing beaches and are returning to the west... possibly, we'll soon hear them again on the Critical Point hydrophone.
15:36 PDT Distant calls audible.
At least some of the orcas returning to the west have reached the area off Robson Bight. We're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone, along with a lot of boat noise.
16:13 PDT Superb sounds!!
Some of the orcas are closer to the Critical Point hydrophone now... we've heard the A36s & possibly G3s so far, along with another "G-G" group, and with others likely to come.
16:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
The whales after stalling near the Bight for a while may now be moving "up" the Strait to the west. We are hearing calls in the CP range.
17:19 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
As they move westward, some of the orcas are coming within range of the surface camera at CP. Channel A.
18:46 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A36s are taking up the rear. They finally left the area off the Bight and are now approaching CP & the entrance to Blackney Pass area. We can still hear the others to the west of the A36s from time to time.
20:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
The distant A1 and G clan calls we're hearing are still on Critical Point. We just started to hear them on CP again after they disappeared there for about an hour. Sounds like they have turned on their way west and going east now with the flooding tide.
22:16 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A1's and G's went into Blackney Pass and we're now listening to them on the Local Left hydrophone as they're heading north.
Friday, October 07, 2005
07 October Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
Good morning everyone! We're listening to A1 and G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It sounds like the A36s, A12s & at least part of the I31s (probably I46 & I80) are back in Robson Bight. We're not sure what route they took to get there, or if the "G-G" groups that have been with them lately are also there, but silent, or if they have separated. Nice way to start another rainy day!
08:42 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard no calls for over 2 hours, and think that the orcas we were listening to earlier were headed east past Robson Bight. They're probably not too far away, and though they could keep going, they might turn back to the west soon. We are waiting, and meanwhile enjoying what has turned out to be a lovely morning.
10:10 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
It turned out that the orcas were headed east early this morning, and did turn around not too far away. They are now headed west, spread out across from Robson Bight, approaching the Sophias, and should be within sight of the CP camera soon. Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The large group sounds like it has the same members as it has over the last few days, i.e. A12s, A36s, I46+I80, G3s, G18s, though it's possible others are there too.
11:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
The orcas (A12s, A36s, I46+I80, G3s, G29s, not sure if the G18s are still with them) are now in Blackfish Sound, heading west, having passed quickly through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. We're listening to them in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Orcas near mics.
Good morning everyone! We're listening to A1 and G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It sounds like the A36s, A12s & at least part of the I31s (probably I46 & I80) are back in Robson Bight. We're not sure what route they took to get there, or if the "G-G" groups that have been with them lately are also there, but silent, or if they have separated. Nice way to start another rainy day!
08:42 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard no calls for over 2 hours, and think that the orcas we were listening to earlier were headed east past Robson Bight. They're probably not too far away, and though they could keep going, they might turn back to the west soon. We are waiting, and meanwhile enjoying what has turned out to be a lovely morning.
10:10 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
It turned out that the orcas were headed east early this morning, and did turn around not too far away. They are now headed west, spread out across from Robson Bight, approaching the Sophias, and should be within sight of the CP camera soon. Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The large group sounds like it has the same members as it has over the last few days, i.e. A12s, A36s, I46+I80, G3s, G18s, though it's possible others are there too.
11:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
The orcas (A12s, A36s, I46+I80, G3s, G29s, not sure if the G18s are still with them) are now in Blackfish Sound, heading west, having passed quickly through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. We're listening to them in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
06 October Orcalab reports:
09:29 PDT Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A36s in Blackfish Sound for the last couple of hours, and recently, to the A12s & Gs as well (probably the G3s & G18s). They all came back from the east last evening, and headed through Weynton Pass around midnight. Since then, they've been hanging out at or near the "top" of Blackfish Sound. Now, because the calls are getting closer to the Flower Island hydrophone, we think they may be heading back towards Johnstone Strait.
15:24 PDT No orcas present.
Rain, Rain & Rain. It is a wet one today! The ocean is calm and we were hoping that the whales would come down this way but there were just too many ebbing tide hours to go while they were off the top end of Blackfish Sound. Their collective sounds faded off our systems around 10:30am. At that point it wasn't clear if they were moving further into Weynton Passage or heading "out". It turned out that they were moving west into Queen Charlotte Strait. The Naiad Explorer saw the large group off Lizard Point later that morning. They have not yet returned on the flood. We are waiting.
09:29 PDT Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A36s in Blackfish Sound for the last couple of hours, and recently, to the A12s & Gs as well (probably the G3s & G18s). They all came back from the east last evening, and headed through Weynton Pass around midnight. Since then, they've been hanging out at or near the "top" of Blackfish Sound. Now, because the calls are getting closer to the Flower Island hydrophone, we think they may be heading back towards Johnstone Strait.
15:24 PDT No orcas present.
Rain, Rain & Rain. It is a wet one today! The ocean is calm and we were hoping that the whales would come down this way but there were just too many ebbing tide hours to go while they were off the top end of Blackfish Sound. Their collective sounds faded off our systems around 10:30am. At that point it wasn't clear if they were moving further into Weynton Passage or heading "out". It turned out that they were moving west into Queen Charlotte Strait. The Naiad Explorer saw the large group off Lizard Point later that morning. They have not yet returned on the flood. We are waiting.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
05 October Orcalab reports:
11:18 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning! Other than the brief weird sounds at 5am (sealion close to hydrophone?) it was a quiet night. We lost track of the whales around 11pm when they were still vocal in the Strait. The tide was still ebbing at the time but due to turn withing an hour. So it is possible they went either direction with ease. The guess around here is split. It will be interesting to find out who guessed correctly. Any bets?
19:09 PDT Orcas near mics.
They are back! Clear A1 and G calls off Robson Bight. They sound like they are coming from the east.
20:48 PDT Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the whales have moved west up the Strait to the entrance of Blackney Pass. So far this evening we have heard both the A36s and the A12s along with the Gs of yesterday and the I31s (maybe still just I46 & I80).
21:51 PDT Distant calls audible.
They have kept to the Strait so far asnd we think they may have gone west past CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass. Still quite windy out but not as bad as last night.
11:18 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning! Other than the brief weird sounds at 5am (sealion close to hydrophone?) it was a quiet night. We lost track of the whales around 11pm when they were still vocal in the Strait. The tide was still ebbing at the time but due to turn withing an hour. So it is possible they went either direction with ease. The guess around here is split. It will be interesting to find out who guessed correctly. Any bets?
19:09 PDT Orcas near mics.
They are back! Clear A1 and G calls off Robson Bight. They sound like they are coming from the east.
20:48 PDT Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the whales have moved west up the Strait to the entrance of Blackney Pass. So far this evening we have heard both the A36s and the A12s along with the Gs of yesterday and the I31s (maybe still just I46 & I80).
21:51 PDT Distant calls audible.
They have kept to the Strait so far asnd we think they may have gone west past CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass. Still quite windy out but not as bad as last night.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
04 October Orcalab reports:
09:10 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s, A36s & I46+I80 are heading west in Blackfish Sound, after travelling north through Blackney Pass. They are mostly silent, but made a few calls as they headed through Blackney Pass.
12:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" and "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like at least some of the orcas who headed north through Blackney Pass earlier this morning have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
14:05 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s, A36s & I46+I80 are heading east in Johnstone Strait, now opposite Blackney Pass. They are mostly on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, but may be crossing over towards Cracroft Island. Channel A.
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
14:25 PDT A "G-G" group of orcas, including the G18s, has just headed into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass & are in front of CP. Channel A.
16:22 PDT Superb sounds!!
After lots of foraging and playful behaviour all the groups for the time being at least have passed CP and are now going east.
17:31 PDT Superb sounds!!
The various groups of orcas are in or near Robson Bight... we're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone.
18:36 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches - Channel B.
19:10 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The orcas have left the rubbing beaches and headed east. The sounds of pebbles moving that we're hearing are from waves crashing on shore at low tide, not from orcas rubbing. Apologies to those who logged on after we sent an alert, only to find the (brief) rub was over.
09:10 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s, A36s & I46+I80 are heading west in Blackfish Sound, after travelling north through Blackney Pass. They are mostly silent, but made a few calls as they headed through Blackney Pass.
12:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" and "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like at least some of the orcas who headed north through Blackney Pass earlier this morning have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
14:05 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s, A36s & I46+I80 are heading east in Johnstone Strait, now opposite Blackney Pass. They are mostly on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, but may be crossing over towards Cracroft Island. Channel A.
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
14:25 PDT A "G-G" group of orcas, including the G18s, has just headed into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass & are in front of CP. Channel A.
16:22 PDT Superb sounds!!
After lots of foraging and playful behaviour all the groups for the time being at least have passed CP and are now going east.
17:31 PDT Superb sounds!!
The various groups of orcas are in or near Robson Bight... we're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone.
18:36 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches - Channel B.
19:10 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The orcas have left the rubbing beaches and headed east. The sounds of pebbles moving that we're hearing are from waves crashing on shore at low tide, not from orcas rubbing. Apologies to those who logged on after we sent an alert, only to find the (brief) rub was over.
Monday, October 03, 2005
03 October Orcalab reports:
00:13 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" and "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago... sounds like the A12s, A36s, & at least some of the I31s have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
03:10 PDT Superb sounds!!
We're still listening to very clear A1 and G-I calls now in the Robson Bight area on the Critical Point hydrophone.
05:32 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The whales that had been in the Strait changed direction just before the slack tide and travelled back to the entrance of Blackney Pass and then travelled north to Blackfish Sound where they vocalised briefly. We had heard both A1 and I31 calls in the Strait but only clearly heard A12s in Blackfish Sound. However there were enough blows heard in Blackney to possibly account for all the A12s, the I31 pair of I46 & I80 as well as the A36s. All has been quiet since just before 5am. We believe they kept going west into Queen Charlotte Strait with the ebb tide.
13:48 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard no calls since early this morning, but the A12s, A36s, & part of the I31s (I46, I80) are not far away. They spent the morning just to the north of Blackfish Sound, & are presently near Lizard Point. It's possible they will come back "in" on the flooding tide this afternoon.
20:33 PDT No orcas present.
It apppears that the A12s, A36s and I46 & I80 stayed in Queen Charlotte Strait for the day.
00:13 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" and "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago... sounds like the A12s, A36s, & at least some of the I31s have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.
03:10 PDT Superb sounds!!
We're still listening to very clear A1 and G-I calls now in the Robson Bight area on the Critical Point hydrophone.
05:32 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The whales that had been in the Strait changed direction just before the slack tide and travelled back to the entrance of Blackney Pass and then travelled north to Blackfish Sound where they vocalised briefly. We had heard both A1 and I31 calls in the Strait but only clearly heard A12s in Blackfish Sound. However there were enough blows heard in Blackney to possibly account for all the A12s, the I31 pair of I46 & I80 as well as the A36s. All has been quiet since just before 5am. We believe they kept going west into Queen Charlotte Strait with the ebb tide.
13:48 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard no calls since early this morning, but the A12s, A36s, & part of the I31s (I46, I80) are not far away. They spent the morning just to the north of Blackfish Sound, & are presently near Lizard Point. It's possible they will come back "in" on the flooding tide this afternoon.
20:33 PDT No orcas present.
It apppears that the A12s, A36s and I46 & I80 stayed in Queen Charlotte Strait for the day.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
02 October Orcalab reports:
12:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're listening to A1 and G-clan calls on the entrance of Blackney Pass area, mid-Strait to the Vancouver Island side.
15:23 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A36s are heading south through Blackney Pass, and will probably soon meet up with the A12s & I46/I80. We're presently listening to the A36s & A12s on the Parson Island & CP hydrophones.
18:16 PDT Distant calls audible.
On the ebb tide: With A33 in the lead, I46 following and I80 with the A34s & A12s and finally the A36s in the rear, the scene quickly shifted from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney. The whales are still in range in Blackfish Sound.
22:12 PDT No orcas present.
It seems that the A12s, I46, I80 and eventually the A36s continued travelling west into +Queen Charlotte Strait.
12:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're listening to A1 and G-clan calls on the entrance of Blackney Pass area, mid-Strait to the Vancouver Island side.
15:23 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A36s are heading south through Blackney Pass, and will probably soon meet up with the A12s & I46/I80. We're presently listening to the A36s & A12s on the Parson Island & CP hydrophones.
18:16 PDT Distant calls audible.
On the ebb tide: With A33 in the lead, I46 following and I80 with the A34s & A12s and finally the A36s in the rear, the scene quickly shifted from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney. The whales are still in range in Blackfish Sound.
22:12 PDT No orcas present.
It seems that the A12s, I46, I80 and eventually the A36s continued travelling west into +Queen Charlotte Strait.
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