21 July Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

What a contrast to yesterday's lazy, hazy summer day! All was quiet this morning and then the reports started to surface. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watch) heard R calls out in Queen Charlottee Strait. The Tuan (Seasmoke Charters) saw the A36s with many, many whales off Donegal Head. Then we were told the super big group was headed east in Blackfish Sound and headed for Blackney. And then: In rushed over 80 whales, spread out across Blackney, excited and in a rush to get to the Strait. In the Strait, the A12s, A4s and the A5s were coming up from the east and Robson Bight to meet the incoming gang. Whales were everywhere! It was a superpod of grand proportions. At last count, 117 (thanks to Graeme Ellis and John Ford of DFO)whales were in the area. There were several G clan groups, the Ds, several R clan groups and of course the same As of the last several weeks. They rushed toward the Ecological Reserve where one group went into the Main rubbing beach for more than an hour. Now, the groups are reorganising for a trip back to the west.
Helena
21 Jul 2006 17:55:31 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The official count is now 127! An opportunity for another look by the DFO came when the whales moved toward CP early this evening. Our day was made complete when,after passing CP with beautiful calls and a glimpse underwater, they entered Blackney and headed northwest to the sunset. The big question is: Will they be back or was this the visit?
Helena
21 Jul 2006 20:51:28 PDT

Add from the comment board:
Hi Jan,The list we got from Graeme Ellis included: The R4/5s, Ws, I31s,G3s,G12s,G31s.G2s,G29s,A36s,A12s,A4s,A5s,Ds,C6s. I will ask if other Rs (R2s,R17s)were present. I hope this helps. It was quite a day!
Helena@Hanson I
21 Jul 2006 22:58:56 PDT

18 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Last night the A12s, A4s and the A5s passed Robson Bight and seemed to keep going. It would be nice if the A36s convinced the D7s to return. They were last seen still headed west near the Jeanette Islands in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
18 Jul 2006 07:23:23 PDT

17 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Well we found the rest of the groups. This morning they came west from the Robson Bight area and passed through Blackney Pass in front of us. The A36s were in the lead with the A24s, A8s, A34s following. behind then came A12 & A33 along with the A35s. The small A11 group with A73 were the last group through. They were travelling with another group who we did not confidently identify - it may have been someone else from the A5 pod. They are all in Blackfish Sound now. A large humpback was in Blackney (and still is ) as the groups went through.
Helena
17 Jul 2006 07:55:28 PDT

No orcas present.

Since this mornings update, the whales continued to the west. A very faint "D" call in the Strait this morning suggests that yesterday's evening arrival into the Strait most likely stayed with the A12s,A36s,A4s and A8s but took Weynton Pass back out to Queen Charlotte where they advanced to the west ahead of the A36s etc. This all happened before 8am and for the rest of the day we followed the reports of their progress on the radio and watched the humpbacks in Blackney Pass and off CP.
Helena
17 Jul 2006 18:37:50 PDT

16 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

An interesting start to the day! The whales are just where they left off at 1am. Just a short while ago we began to hear distant calls. The whales are still east of CP but they are headed west.
Helena
16 Jul 2006 07:13:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sorry I forgot the map. It should be the A36s (in the lead) along with the A4s,A8s and A12s if all the groups are there.
Helena
16 Jul 2006 07:15:45 PDT

No orcas present.

After a lot of back and forth starting just after day break the day ended in some confusion. In the afternoon we heard of new incoming groups.A while later the A12s,A4s,A8s and the A36s became very excited as they trekked west past CP. The reason for their excitment became evident when we heard the distant calls of the Cs and Ds just in via Weynton Passage. Then for some reason the calls dropped. Finally, A32 was seen travelling back to the east and a short while after that a few A4 calls. Unfortunately, those were our only clues and we are not sure where the A12,A8s and those new whales ended up. Time will hopefully tell.
Helena
16 Jul 2006 22:31:59 PDT

14 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We believe that the whales who had been stalled off Robson Bight for several hours finally shifted east of the Ecological Reserve, just after 11pm last night. The rest of the night was quiet
Helena
14 Jul 2006 07:15:19 PDT

No orcas present.

The resident groups (the A12s,A36s,A4s and A8s) stayed far to the east today. Two transients wandered Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Jul 2006 22:41:44 PDT

13 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Living inside a vortex: Yesterday "everyone" came back and headed into Johnstone Strait where they went east briefly. After milling around the Robson Bight area they moved west early this morning. The A36s led the A4s and the A8s into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait and headed into Blackfish Sound. The A36s were all business but the rest were very social, kids playing, mums travelling with mums. A13 has suffered some damage to the top of his fin. The recent wound is showing up white. It makes for quite change in appearance. We did not see the A12s and could not say for sure that the A24s were in this crowd.
Helena
13 Jul 2006 07:13:16 PDT

Superb sounds!!

A long day... the A36s,A4s and A8s headed into Queen Charlotte Strait via Blackney Pass at first light. The A12s elected to head east in Johnstone Strait. While the A12s began their trekk back west toward Robson Bight the sleepy Queen Charlotte gang managed to turn around and head back also.They "drifted" east in Blackfish Sound along the Hanson Island shore, passing Dong Chong Bay (the scene 4 years ago today of Springer's arrival by boat and short stay in the pen),toward Johnstone Strait. After a brief stall in the Johnstone Strait entrance way to Blackney they pushed on and eastward toward the A12s who were coming from the opposite direction. As the A12s passed, the bigger group, turned around and followed. Eventually, everyone turned again and excitedly rushed toward the Ecological Reserve. One "final" move back to west brought them only as far as the area in front of the Bight where they parked themselves for hours, calling, calling, calling. At this stage, one can only guess if the strong ebbing tide will eventually encourage them to go further west.
Helena
13 Jul 2006 23:03:52 PDT

12 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A4s and A5s have come back from the east and are continuing west past Kaikash Creek.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 06:56:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the whales that were headed west in Johnstone Strait went through Weynton Pass and are now headed out into Queen Charlotte Strait, crossing the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 08:44:10 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After travelling Queen Charlotte Strait for most of the day the A12s,A4s and perhaps the A8s returned to the Strait via Weynton Passage. They then travelled east past Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 20:43:57 PDT

I forgot to mention thta the A36s were with the other groups at least as far as Weynton Passage but it was unclear if they continued into the Strait.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 20:45:27 PDT

11 July 2006, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

A quiet day since the A12s,A4s and A8s went east just after midnight. They kept going and this morning were seen near Sayward still eastbound. The whalewatch boats found four humbacks to fill out their day and then in the later part of the afternoon the A36s were found miling off of Lizard Point. We are hoping that they will "drop down" just a bit further and get in range of Flower Island. Finally, rain, real rain, today - you can just about hear the forest sigh with relief. But we need much more and the sky is now lifting.
Helena
11 Jul 2006 16:38:15 PDT

10 July Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Indeed, the A36s made it "in"! They travelled into Blackney just before midnight with the A11s (and maybe the A24s were still there as well) and then continued into Johnstone Strait. By 3am they were passing the Rubbing Beaches. It has been quiet since then.
Helena
10 Jul 2006 08:42:02 PDT

09 July 2006, Orcalab reports

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear A4 calls again on Critical Point. Just before dark last night yesterday's groups (the A12s,A4s,A8s and A36s) started to arrive back from Queen Charlotte Strait via both Blackney Pass and Weynton Pass. The incoming groups met off the entrance to Blackney and then continued to the east. The A11s, the last group, followed a short while later and may be the group now returning to the west.
Helena
09 Jul 2006 07:39:56 PDT


Superb sounds!!

We are listening to A4 and A36 calls in Blackfish Sound. We will see if the A36s make it all the way in tonight. Last night they retreated to Queen Charlotte Strait after being heard in Blackfish Sound briefly.
Helena
09 Jul 2006 22:39:05 PDT

08 July 2006, Oralab reports:

No orcas present.

Quiet night, nothing seemed to change over night.
Helena
08 Jul 2006 07:42:12 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

"Nothing seemed to change" was not exactly accurate - in fact everything changed overnight! The problem for us was that it all happened silently. The A12s, A4s and A8s travelled west in the Strait and were completely silent until just before the entrance of Weynton Passage. We heard a single call over the boat noise at around 8:30am. This was just about the same moment when Jim Borrowman, looking out from Telegraph Cove saw a single fin near Weynton Passage. When he got over to the whales they were already well into the Pass and heading out to Blackfish Sound and Donegal Head beyond. An interesting split happened. A12 and A33 along with the A8s and the A35s came down into Blackney Pass and Johnstone Strait while the A11s and the rest of the A12s (the A34s) joined the A36s and travelled out through Queen Charlotte Strait. After a short while A12 and A33 led the A35s and the A8s back out through Blackney and on to Queen Charlotte Strait where they are now, several kilometres behind the "other gang". A rather neat day of interesting twists. Warm southeast winds continued to blow.
Helena
08 Jul 2006 16:55:56 PDT

07 July 2006, Orcalab reports

Multiple pod calls audible.

What a night. After circling Hanson Island twice the A12s and the a4s finally headed up into Blackfish Sound where they waited for the A36s to bring in some of the A5s and either the I31s or I11s. The A36s left via Blckney Pass around first light and continued back west into Blackfish. The A12s and the A5s may have continued east (at least for now) while the I11/I31 group sounded like they came up to Craroft Point behind the A36s. however, they never came into Blackney and we wonder if they and one of the A groups continued off to the west in the Strait.
Helena
07 Jul 2006 06:36:22 PDT

No orcas present.

After all the excitment of new groups arriving, the rest of the day was a bit anticlimatic. By 630am the A36s and the I31s (only I46, I80, and the I33s were identified by Jared Towers) took different paths out of the area. We have no idea what happened to the A4s, A12s amd the A5s - did they leave as well via Weynton Pass or did they go east? Time will probably let us in on the secret. For now, boat noise and the sound of the southeast wind.
Helena
07 Jul 2006 22:10:22 PDT

5 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Boat noise

We believe the A12s are making their way west from Critical Point, following the pattern set earlier by the A36s and A4s who may have continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. It was a busy night with a lot of movement in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 08:59:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A further note: The A12s can be heard now on CP as they continue west and we now believe the C10s and A5s were with the A4s and A36s on their trek to Queen Charlotte Strait earlier.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 09:31:36 PDT

4 July 2006 Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We believe that the A12s,A36s,A4s,A5s and Cs are still in the eastern reaches of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
04 Jul 2006 08:41:35 PDT

3 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A12s,A4s and the A36s all continued to the east, passing the Rubbing Beaches around 1am.
Helena
03 Jul 2006 08:04:56 PDT

30 June 2006 Orcalab reports

It has been a lovely day here. Our volunteers arrived yesterday evening and this afternoon they got their first orca calls when the A36s, the A11s and the a12s came back from the east, passed the rubbing beach (quick rub) and headed off to Blinkhorn. They turned and are now past Cracroft Point. The "boys" are leading the way with the A4s sandwiched between them and the A12s.
Helena@Hanson Island
30 Jun 2006 19:55:16 PDT

12 April Cetaceanlab reports

There was just a hint of light at 5:30am when we heard our first A Clan call, most likely the A36s. We had been hoping to hear this orca family all night after the report from Marven of A32 being spotted in a diesel sheen. Coffee was made and by the time we were in the boat there was just enough light to see. We headed for Whale Channel as that was the location of the last few calls. Fortunately the weather was perfect, the water sparkled like glass with not even a hint of a breeze. We traveled a short distance north then shut down, hydrophone in the water, waited and listened. Sure enough we heard a blow before we heard a call. They were spread from one side of the channel to the other, foraging and slowly making their way south. We pulled a good distance ahead of them and put the hydrophone back in the water. WOW..A32 came close by the boat and let out a few fabulous calls that vibrated through the hull of our boat then continued to echo through the channel. He looked very strong and healthy after last nights contact with the diesel sheen. How exciting to have a few acoustic examples of only him We always find it so interesting how these boys can be so spread out yet so in sync with each other. For example they can all take a long dive, looking for fish no doubt, which was evident today with all the echolocation we were listening to, then suddenly one will surface and sure enough the other two will follow. Again a few calls and all three took a sudden turn back from the direction they have come from. We followed, back to Whale Channel and did one huge circle. To us it appeared they were following their own water path that they were familiar with, we were just learning. Certain spots along this path probably have a long history of great fishing others perfect to listen for others families that may be in the area. This was most evident today as they had foraged to a location that was open towards Caamano Sound, stopped and listened, almost as if they were expecting company, then turned back. They followed this route through the morning, doing big circles from Whale Channel towards Squally Channel then back again. On the third turn of the routine A32 suddenly did 3 breaches, to see this huge whale completely out the of the water is most inspiring!!We immediately put our hydrophone back down, there were some definite excitement calls, all three boys joined together and began to travel west, fast and on a mission. We followed from the side. Hermann suddenly became frantic, pointing way ahead of us. Blows...lots of blows, no wonder these whales were so excited!! We watched as these two families joined as one. This interaction was very interesting. To begin the 3 brothers came to a stop, grouped up and appeared to just float on the surface, side by side, about 300 meters from the other group. This group, who we eventually were able to identify as all of the A5s, did the exact same thing. Then slowly the A36s made their was towards the A5s and they broke into 2 groups. Three of the young males from the A5 group had joined the A36s, the rest traveled along very relaxed. A51 was there with her new calf, very playful little thing. The two groups were now 300 meters a part on a slow plot towards the south. We left soon afterwards not wanting to interfere with this reunion.

8 April 2006 Cetaceanlab reports:

We had the pleasure of seeing the orca family of A36s today in Whale Channel right out front of Cetacealab. All three brothres were present!!!!!

We started hearing very faint calls around noon. We thought the whales were at the top part of Whale Channel at that time. At around 4pm the calls started to get closer and we decided to go out to our view-point to look for them. When we first saw them the A36s were very spread out and we initially only saw two. They travelled to the junction of Whale and Squally Channel when they decided to turn around.

It was then that we were able to see all three of them. A37 was in the lead in mid-channel while A32 and A46 were closer to the Gil Island side, trailing by about one mile. They cleared our view at 5:45pm and as far as we know continue north in Whale Channel.

3 April 2006 Cetaceanlab reports

It was yesterday evening at around 10pm when the underwater world of Whale Channel was filled with the amazing calls of the A36s.

We first heard only a few calls on our "Home" station indicating that they might have arrived from Caamano Sound. Just passed midnight the calls got louder and the whales were in Whale Channel as we were able to listen to them on our Borde Island station. Beautiful nice clear A1 calls, lots of N5s and absolutely no boat noise.

The A36s were vocal for about 90minutes and were busy fishing off Borde Island. They took advantage of the flooding tide to travel north in Whale Channel towards Hartley Bay.

It is an amazing feeling to have them back. Now we just have to get a chance to see them and to verify that all three members of the A36s matriline are there.

07 November Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Hello everyone! We're away at the moment, but have heard from Jared Towers that the A4s, A5s & A36s were near Lizard Point 2 days ago, heading west. Andy, who is at at the lab, hasn't heard any calls for the last 2 days, so it looks like we are in a waiting mode once again!
Paul
07 Nov 2005 12:26:49 PST

02 November Orcalab reports

Superb sounds!!

It seems possibly cruel to tell you this, but we hope you'll be happy to know, that we're listening to a wonderful concert from the A4s, including Springer, all the A5s (probably) & the A36s, who are in the entrance of Blackney Pass at the moment, probably foraging. There is no longer a camera at CP, so we can't see what's happening, but the sounds are enough!
Paul
02 Nov 2005 10:03:12 PST

01 November Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

We reviewed the tapes from last night and by early this morning we could hear the A36s along with the A5 group not too far off the Bight. Their calls faded into the distance and we never heard them come to the west in range of CP. This was the same for the A4s earlier. Therefore, we think the groups might have gone back to the east. Meanwhile the dolphins who had come in from Blackfish Sound and travelled through Blackney Pass to the Strait also went east toward the Bight. There sounded like quite a group of dolphins and this morning we have heard reports of a minke in Blackney and humpbacks near Blinkhorn. Sealions and Dalls porpoise have also been out and about.
Helena
01 Nov 2005 13:44:04 PST

Boat noise

We started to hear distant calls on Critical Point at 8:16pm. They are now getting louder. It seems the A4s, A5s, A1s are back from the east.
Julie @ OL
01 Nov 2005 21:21:46 PST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

28 September Orcalab reports

04:42 PDT Orcas near mics.
We were woken up by lots oif G clan calls on Critical Point. We also heard only briefly a few A1 calls as well. The whales sounded like they were already past Cracroft Point and closing in on Robsob Bight. The group we have been listening to now sound as if they are past Critical Point on their way to the east. Were they the last grroup?

12:15 PDT No orcas present.
We have been trying to sort out the distant A1 calls we heard at 7am. They were over before located. However, the A36s turned up not too far away near Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait later this morning. Captain Wayne on the Lukwa (Stubbs Island) phoned to let us know. The weather is unsettled today so Wayne most likely elected to go west because the Gs that went east in the Strait earlier (4:30 am) have not been seen or heard from since. Wayne lucked out with the A36s. The tide will turn to the ebb around 3pm so perhaps this will encourage the eastern whales to venture back in range.

15:31 PDT Distant calls audible.
Just a short while ago we started hearing A36s and G clan calls on Flower Island.

17:21 PDT Distant calls audible.
The G clan & A1 groups we were listening to in Blackfish Sound earlier have now moved into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. We're listening to them in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone.

18:12 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups have moved east to opposite the entrance of Blackney Pass in the Strait. The calls remain somewhat distant and therefore we think the whales are closer to the Vancouver Island shore. Visibility is poor due to the rain & low cloud..

20:29 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s are obviously interested in Blackney Pass but they are calling so infrequently it is difficult to know if they are coming into the Pass. The wind has picked up once more and it is impossible to hear if there are blows outside. The Gs have been silent for quite a while now.

26 September Orcalab reports:

14:07 PDT Distant calls audible.
Overnight, the A12s & A36s went some distance to the east. They are now returning to the west, & are mid-Strait opposite Robson Bight. They are moving slowly, & foraging a lot of the time.

16:04 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
At least some of the A12s are heading across the Strait, towards CP. Channel A.

18:18 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s who earlier ventured all the way through Blackney Pass to the north did a short turna around and came right back to Blackney just after entering Blackfish Sound. They have now almost gone from our view as they head towards the Strait and the A36s once more. We have heard reports of a large group of orcas in the Port Hardy area headed east this afternoon. Tugs & humpbacks have been using Blackney while the A12s have moved around.

22:03 PDT No orcas present.
It is hard to know just what the A12s and the A36s decided to do once the A12s were back in the Strait. All calls were only distant suggesting they were still some distance from Robson Bight. However, the A12s were last seen resting facing east. The tide has now turned to the flood so perhaps they have drifted along with it to the east.. Hopefully they will give us a stronger clue before morning.

25 September Orcalab reports:

08:43 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (except for boat noise) and are not sure what happened to the A36s after their long foraging session in Blackfish Sound yesterday afternoon. We are waiting, and meanwhile anjoying a lovely calm morning with the prospect of a sunny day ahead.

11:39 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
While we have been watching humpbacks in Blackney Pass we started to hear whales at the beaches rubbing.

11:48 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The orcas at the rubbing beaches are the A36 brothers. It looks like they must have headed into Johnstone Strait at some point during the night, without us being aware of them!

15:25 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are crossing from the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, near Kaikash, towards Blackney Pass. They are visible on Channel A. Meanwhile, a large group of orcas has been sighted eastbound on the north side of Malcolm Island, so there is a good chance that at least some of the orcas that headed "out" a few days ago are now coming back "in".

15:37 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A36s are moving along smartly now. They are moving to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Troy bright has meanwhile let everyone know that he heard & saw a group of whales (As) headed east from Bere Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. It may become busy again!

17:30 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s kept going to the west after passing CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass.

18:21 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant calls from the A12s on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago... seems like they're heading for Johnstone Strait on the flooding tide.

21:14 PDT Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A12s and the A36s have met up in Johnstone Strait.

23:43 PDT Orcas near mics.
The a12s and the A36s sound as if they are moving closer to the Reserve.

24 September Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

It would appear that the A36s who were seen earlier in Queen Charlotte Strait have made their way east enough toward Blackfish Sound for their calls to be heard on Flower Island. The tide is rising and this may encourage the three brothers to venture our way. Fingers crossed!
Helena
24 Sep 2005 15:46:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Hard to know which category to place the last calls we heard BUT they were very interesting AND we think that they probably belong to a humpback, perhaps the one that was in Blackfish Sound/Blackney today. This young juvenile spent most of the day roaming the nearby waterways. We are not sure if someone else (perhaps some dolphins) were not also contributing. If this was a humpback it will have been the most sustained bout of vocals we have heard from this species in this area. We do not know what happened to the A36s who had been vocal on Flower Island just before the cruiseship passed through. The tide has now turned to an ebb.
Helena
24 Sep 2005 21:14:43 PDT

23 September Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls today. However, orcas were not very far away. The A36s were sighted by the Naiad Explorer (Mackay Whalewatching) in Goletas Channel near Port Hardy, and a group of transient orcas that included the T2s was sighted by the Gikumi (Stubbs Island Whalewatching) in eastern Baronet Passage, a little to the east of us.
Paul
23 Sep 2005 22:56:16 PDT

22 September Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight, and think that the numerous groups (A12s, A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, I31s) that headed "out" yesterday afternoon, after many days of intense socialising, may have moved further to the west. We are hoping that at least some of them will return before long, but meanwhile, we are waiting.
Paul
22 Sep 2005 09:24:05 PDT

No orcas present.

Well this has been the first day all season without orcas in the area. We did receive two reports from MacKay Whale Watching that a very large group of whales were west of Port Hardy this morning: Most likely the same whales as of yesterday. After all the intensity of movement and vocals the quiet takes some adjustment. But the return will be like starting over again!
Helena
22 Sep 2005 22:13:21 PDT

21 September Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

Good morning everyone! The wonderful morning chorus of "A1" and "G-I" calls we're listening to is in Robson Bight. Sounds like the groups that were in the Strait yesterday afternoon & last night (A12s, A30s, I15s, I11s. I31s) are probably still together. It's another very foggy morning here... but hopefully it will become clear later this morning.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 07:35:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The party in Robson Bight seems to be going on & on, so we've sent an acoustic alert.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 08:54:33 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the crowd have moved off to the east & are at the rubbing beaches... Channel B. Others are still in the Bight.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 09:19:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It seems that at least some of the orcas have moved off to the west & are now in the vicinity of Izumi Rock... we're starting to hear them in the distance on the CP hydrophone.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:01:04 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Some of the orcas are close to CP & are occasionally visible through the fog. Channel A.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:40:28 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A36s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. Others may follow them soon. It's too foggy to see much, but their calls have been clear on the Local Left hydrophone, now on Flower Island as they head into Blackfish Sound. The I15s are in the entrance to Blackney Pass, audible on the Parson Island hydrophone. There are still many orcas in Johnstone Strait, including the A12s & I11s/I31s. We're listening to them on the CP & CrPt hydrophones.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 11:23:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s continued to the west through Blackfish Sound this morning while the other groups (the A12s,A30s,I15s,I11s,and I31s) continued to the west in Johnstone Strait and out through Weynton Pass. They have lingered off the top end of Blackfish and the eastern regions of Queen Charlotte Strait for some time now. From time to time we can hear their distant calls.
Helena
21 Sep 2005 15:50:28 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since mid afternoon, when the various groups of orcas were headed north from Blackfish Sound. We are waiting.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 23:05:34 PDT

20 September Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning everyone! It sounds like the crowd that headed south into Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide last evening, and then turned back, has finally made it into Johnstone Strait, this time on the slack. We began hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 6:30 am, & since then have heard the A30s, A12s, I15s, & I11/31s. They are heading east, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait.
Paul
20 Sep 2005 07:10:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s left the other groups andjust passed by the lab in Blackney on their way to Blackfish Sound. Just as they entered Blackfish Sound we could hear the A36s there as well. The calls are now growing distant perhaps going with the ebbing tide. The large group in the Strait have been silent for a while and now there is boat noise.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 08:42:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We just had an interesting pass. We think the I35s along with I80 headed to Blackfish from the Strait. They were followed by the A30s and part of the I15s (including I41). It certainly was not all of the I31s nor all of the I15s. Meanwhile, the A36s and the A12s are headed toward the Foster Islands in Queen Charlotte Strait. Where are the other I31s, I15s and I11s?
Helena
20 Sep 2005 10:22:42 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Although they just became quiet. The whales have been making their way through Weynton Pass on the flood tide. The turn in Queen Charlotte Strait started just before the slack tide and by the time the lead group was nearing Weynton Pass the flood was in progress. We are now beginning to hear the first groups arrive in Johnstone Strait. Their calls are very distant. The large number of whales were so spread out that the calls on Flower Island faded at the same time the lead group reached the Strait. If everyone who was here returns (this time including the A36s) there will be near to 60 whales in the area. Acouple of humbacks have added to the spectacular day.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 14:10:19 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The whales have now reached the entrance to Blackney and are soon to cross over to CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 15:21:03 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s, I31s,I11s, A1s have moved closer to the Reserve. Thunder and lightening have given way to lovely sunshine once more.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 16:58:55 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We just had quite a few whales head east past CP. They were spread out from midstrait to the Vancouver Island shore and they stretched all the way from the Reserve to CP. Everyone seemed to be mixed up but we definitely saw I41 (I15s), I64 (I11s), I42 (I31s), and I46 (I31s), as well as the A30s, A12, and possibly the A36s.
Mary and Julie@CP
20 Sep 2005 17:20:10 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Now the whales are spread out from Critical Point to the Beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 17:51:14 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the whales left for the east after their pass of the beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 21:46:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

All the groups are making their way back past the Bight and on towards CP. Right now the A30s and the I15s are closest to the Bight but before them the I11s,I31s and A12s already made their way and we are just picking up their calls on CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 23:32:13 PDT

17 September Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning everyone! Between bouts of boat noise, we've been listening to the A36s, A12s, A30s, I15s & I31s since around 5:30am. The A36s & A12s travelled north through Blackney Pass around 6am. We think the others are still in Johnstone Strait, though it wouldn't be surprising to see them head "out" on the swiftly ebbing tide too.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 07:24:28 PDT


Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like the A12s & possibly the A36s are returning!
Paul
17 Sep 2005 23:39:51 PDT

16 September Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

From the sounds the whales seem to be making their way back to the west past the Reserve. We have heard so far the A30s, G17s, possibly the A36s and either (or both) the I11s and I31s. The I15s will probably add themselves to the list at some point as well. Lovely morning, lovely whales even with the persistent boat noise.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 07:16:56 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Some of the westbound orcas are on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, passing CP. Channel A. Others are on the Vancouver Island side, near Kaikash. It looks like at least some of them are going to head north through Blackney Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 08:22:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing occasional distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as the orcas move to the western end of Johnstone Strait. A few minutes ago, we also heard distant calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, though we're not sure who was making them.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 09:42:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're still hearing occasional distant calls from the various groups (A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, G17s) that now spread out across Johnstone Strait at the Weynton Pass end. The sounds we heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago were probably from dolphins.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 11:04:28 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The close calls we've been hearing are from A54 & A75. The other A30s are further out in the Blackney Pass "gap". All are foraging. Meanwhile, it looks like the other groups near Weynton Pass may be turning back to the east, though we're not yet sure. Orcas have also recently been sighted near Lizard Point, westbound.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 12:38:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s moved off to the west from Blackney Pass a while ago, but have now turned back to the east again. They are visibler on Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Parson Island Hydrophone. The other groups decided to head north through Weynton Pass, against the flooding tide. Some of them are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, others are still in Weynton Pass. We're hearing G clan calls in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone. Meanwhile, a group of transients has been sighted off Bold Head... they are now heading towards the Penfolds.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 14:17:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved back towards the west from Blackney Pass, possibly to meet up with the rest of the groups they were with earlier (A12s, A36s, I11s, G17s) now re-entering Johnstone Strait at Weynton Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 15:46:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just a short while ago we started hearing the A36s and G clan calls (I11s most likely) on Flower Island. Previous reports from the whale watch boats had said that the I11s had doubled backed through Weynton Pass after just reaching the Strait. The impression then was that the other groups including the A12s nd the I15s continued east in the Strait. We have not heard any calls other than the A30s in the Strait so we are waiting to see where the various groups end up tonight. So far today we have heard the A30s, A12s, A36s, G17s, I11s and I15s. The I31s were reported east yesterday.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 18:10:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We now believe that all the groups except the A30s went back out Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait where they continued off to the west. The A30s are sleeping west of CP and the I31s are probably to the east.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 19:29:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are currently listening to the A36s and the I15s making their way back closer to Blackfish Sound after venturing into Queen Charlotte Strait with the I11s, A12s and G17s. Too early to tell whether or not the I11s and G17s were "dropped off" and have continued to the west. As far as we know the A30s remained behind in the Strait and were last seen a few hours ago resting off of Blinkhorn.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 21:08:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A12s are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, along with the A36s & I15s. We also heard the A30s in Johnstone Strait a while ago. With the moon shining on a calm ocean, this is shaping up to be a lovely night.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 22:47:31 PDT

15 September Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

We've got orcas everywhere this morning. The A30s are still hanging out off CP. They are calling occasionally. Up in Blackfish Sound, the A36s, A12s, I15s, and G17s are reported to be nearing Donegal Head. The I31s are to the east, way down near Campbell River. The tide is going to reach maximum flood in about an hour, so we are waiting to see if the big group up to the north will turn and head back this way.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 11:23:53 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The large group have entered the strait through Weynton Passage, we are not sure exactly if everyone came in but if they did, the A12s, A36s, I15s and G17s should now be going east along the Vancouver Island shore. The A30s started going east shortly before they came into the strait.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 14:37:02 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

We have now all the groups in the Strait. Three groups at the Vancouver Island side near Kaikash and the A36´s and some small fins are with them midchannel at little Kaikash...they coming up to CP now...channel A
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 14:52:43 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Now the I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the East of Johnstone Strait, going still east near the Vancouver Island side. The A12´s are now in Blackney Pass after foraging in the Gap. The A36´s are still near CP. Channel A
Paul T and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:01:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the Bight now. We can here them close to the Crpt Hydrophone. The A36´s are in Blackney and the A12´s are in Blackfish Sound.
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:46:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s are calling on Flower Island again. They sound as if they may have turned back towards us. After a quick rub, all is quiet in the Strait. We will have to wait and see where the I15s, G17s, and A30s ended up.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 18:15:52 PDT

14 September Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

We actually have the A30s in the Strait with the I15s and A12s. The A36s are calling on Flower Island and we are hoping they will come past the lab before it gets dark.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 19:28:03 PDT

12 September Orcalab reports:

07:50 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the I15s & A30s in Johnstone Strait for the past several hours, sometimes in Robson Bight & sometimes more distant. At the moment, they are westbound, with the A30s close to CP. Channel A. We think the A12s may have headed north through Blackney Pass around 3am. We don't know where the A36s are, or what happened to the "incoming" orcas sighted heading east from Port Hardy yesterday afternoon. It's a foggy morning here, and the ocean is calm... looks like another fine day ahead.

08:51 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
At least some of the orcas that were near CP a short while ago are heading north into Blackney Pass. The list of groups present in Johnstone Strait this foggy morning is the same as yesterday - A30s, A36s, A12s, I15s. We think the A12s must have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass silently. The calls we're listening to are on the Parson Island hydrophone.

10:09 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
This morning is so foggy, it's hard to see what's happening. However, we are fairly sure that the I15s & all the "A1" groups (A30s, A12s, A36s) are in or near the entrance of Blackney Pass. Occasionally, from glimpses in fog, some of them look like they want to head north through Blackney, & others seem to be heading west.

12:37 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The world's greatest pingers, the I31s, have arrived on the scene! Quite possibly, they were part of the large group of orcas sighted heading west from Port Hardy yesterday, though we're not sure. They are presently heading east in Blackfish Sound, so we hope to see them soon. It looks like the I15s, who travelled north through Blackney Pass about an hour ago, may have joined them. Meanwhile, the A12s & A36s are foraging at the "top" of Blackfish, & the A30s are slowly headed east from CP, angling towards Robson Bight.

14:39 PDT Orcas near mics.
we had a visit from some of the I31s, others remained in Blackfish Sound. The small group included I46, I80 and I62 spread out in Blackney, lingered, foraged and milled before turning back to the west to join the rest of their family & the I15s. The A12 s and the A36s moved on to Queen Charlotte Strait. The I15s moved over toward the Hanson Island side of Blackfish Sound putting them between the I31s and the A12s. The A30s as far as we know remaind in the Strait.

16:13 PDT Boat noise
The I15s went back to the Strait via a small passage adjacent to Weynton Pass. The AS30s gave a brief but intense burst of calls just prior to this move. We do not, at this moment, know what happened to the A12s, A36s and the I31s. The A12s were vocal for a time in Blackfish just before the I15s made their move.

17:17 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
We think the a30s have arrived at the beaches while the others make their way east along the Vancouver Island shore from Kaiakash to east of Blinkhorn.

17:44 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A30s have finished their rub abd headed off to the west. The I31s are passing CP to the east. Others are following.

18:06 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A30s have returned to the Bight while the I31s, I15s and A12s continue east toward them.

19:49 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have arrived at the beaches again. (?As first)

22:53 PDT No orcas present.
We've heard no calls for several hours & think A30s, A12s, I15s, & I31s have headed to the east in Johnstone Strait. The A36s are probably somewhere to the north/west of us. We are waiting.

11 September Orcalab reports:

06:53 PDT Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! It's another lovely September morning here, after a very interesting night, not the least of which was a spectacular display of Northern Lights. The A12s headed north through Blackney Pass a little before 11pm, leaving the A30s, A36s & I15s in Johnstone Strait. We heard these groups off & on during the night, sometimes close to the hydrophone in Robson Bight. There were a couple of rubs. At dawn we were listening to the A36s close to the Critical Point hydrophone, and another "A1" group at the beaches. The A1s are now also in Robson Bight. It's possible they are the A30s, though the A12s could have come back into the Strait silently. We think the I15s may be a little to the east, though we're not sure. Altogether, this is shaping up to be another fine day.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 06:53:31 PDT

07:10 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the I15s are back in the Bight, as are the A30s & A36s.

09:11 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s, A30s & A36s are heading west past CP. Channel A.

12:29 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s turned up at the top end (western end) of Blackfish Sound. They are headed east. The Johnstone Strait groups (the I15s, A30s and A36s are east bound with some angling straight for CP. CP is filming.


13:15 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A12s are heading south through Blackney Pass, swimming quietly in a group, amidst intense boat noise from 2 tugs and other vessels. Meanwhile, the A30s are hanging about at the entrance of Blackney Pass. Channel A.

16:18 PDT Distant calls audible.
After exchanging places with the A12s the A30s travelled north through Blackney Pass and stalled at the western edge of Blackfish Sound. The A12s carried on to the Bight area & the I15s. The A36s followed after pausing at CP. The A30s have since turned and are making their way back toward Blackney Pass. We heard reports today of a large group (including the G17s & the I11s).
Helena
11 Sep 2005 16:18:28 PDT

16:47 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A30s turned around in Blackfish Sound & are heading back south through Blackney Pass. They will probably be within sight of CP soon. Meanwhile, a group of orcas is hurrying westward along the Vancouver Island shoreline, presently off Kaikash. Possibly, these are the I15s. Further to the west, a large group of orcas, possibly including the I11s & G17s is heading to the east from Port Hardy, & should be approaching Malcolm Point around now.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 16:47:45 PDT

22:11 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A1s are making their way toward Cracroft Point.

23:05 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
We think all the A1s (A30s, A36s, A12s) are in western Johnstone Strait. At the moment, we're listening to the I15s & A30s, on the Critical Point hydrophone, but the other groups are probably not far away.

10 September Orcalab reports:

08:25 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since around 3:30am, when the A36s & a "G" group of orcas were in Robson Bight. We're not sure what happened to them after that, or what happened to the A30s & A12s after we lost track of them late yesterday afternoon. We are waiting, & enjoying a lovely September morning.

11:54 PDT No orcas present.
We heard a report this morning that the I15s were off Cedarstedt Creek (east of the Reserve) in Johnstone Strait. Just recently, Robson Bight Charters spotted blows not far from Naka Creek which is a bit further to the west of cedarstedt creek. It looks like they may be heading west. Also Discovery Expeditions found a large group of whales near Wells Passage in Queen Charlotte Strait. There has been mention of the A11s. A73, A8s, A12s and possibly I11s as well. This sounds like the group which went west two days ago. We have not had any reports of the A36s, A30s & G17s this morning. There are also lots of humpbacks in the area this morning and 3 harlequin ducks arrived back from their summer haunts.

12:22 PDT Orcas near mics.
The whales have entered the rubbing beaches.

12:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
We can hear the A30s and the I15s at the beaches.

13:08 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The whales did a hurried but intense rub and then quickly left for the west. They are spread out and besides the A30s & I15s we now think the A12s and the A36s are there as well.

14:43 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s, I15s, A12s, & A36s are continuing to the west after passing CP.

16:26 PDT Distant calls audible.
The whales got as far as the wastell Islands just shy of telegraph Cove and turned back to the east. We began hearing the A36s (probably furthest east) first and then the I15s who turned out into mid strait from the Hanson shore. (Stubbs Island report)

19:08 PDT Superb sounds!!
The I15s and the A1s must be in the Bight now. Next stop the beaches?

20:42 PDT Distant calls audible.
It really doesn't sound like any of the whales went to the beaches afterall. We are now mostly hearing the A30s and the I15s. The tide is ebbing and that may be enough to bring them back to the west.

09 September Orcalab reports:

23:15 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A36s and someone from the G clan are travelling south through Blackney Pass!

30 August Orcalab reports:

10:25 PDT No orcas present.
The A36s and Bs are off Camp point(east of Kelsey), heading west.

20:08 PDT Superb sounds!!
We can see a group of whales going east to the Bight. we think it must be the I15s who have turned to the east around 1630. We are listening to the A30s and I15s on CRPT hydrophone.

20:26 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A36s are there too!

22:49 PDT Superb sounds!!
We have been listening to beautiful sounds of A30s, A36s and I15s in the Bight.

28 August Orcalab reports

13:24 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're beginning to hear distant calls from the I15s at the "top" of Blackfish Sound. Others are with them, and others yet are following as far back as Lizard Point. It's shaping up to be a busy afternoon!

15:07 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
We just had a small group of transients go by, headed north, mid channel. They breached as they left our view and then apparently gave chase to a minke in Blackfish Sound. The residents were coming east in Blackfish at the time. The hunt is continuing opposite Bold Head. The Bs are not far away.

15:40 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The i15s and the a36s are moving very quickly through the last part of Blackney on their way to the Strait.

16:32 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s followed the A36s and the i15s into the strait and at about the same time the Bs came in via Weynton Pass (4pm). the B had been following the rest into Blackfih sound when the transient/minke whale encounter happened. They turned and went through the "Blow-hole to Weynton Pass and then on to the Strait. from eye witness accounts the transients were unable to catch the minke.

27 August Orcalab reports:

03:40 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
We think the A11s along with A73 & the A8s have come up from the east and joined the I15s, A30s and the A36s off Robson Bight and are now heading west toward CP.

04:48 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A30s have already come up to CP and have turned into Blackney Pass. We can hear their blows. Boat noise in the Strait has quietened the others (the A11s,A8s,A36s and I15s for now):

10:23 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s came back from Blackfish Sound via Blackney pass and re-entered the Strait shortly afterwards. they are now headed east. The I15s were quite close to critical just before this so they are not too far away in the Strait. Earlier this morning we lost track of the A4s and the A5s and the a36s and think they may have returned east from the Bight around 4:30am.

26 August Orcalab reports:

04:01 PDT Orcas near mics.
We began hearing "A1" calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago. There's a good chance they're from the A36s, but we're not yet sure.

05:35 PDT Orcas near mics.
The calls we heard around 4am were probably from the A30s. They have now moved up to the entrance of Blackney Pass - we're hearing them on the CP & PI hydrophones.

07:31 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
A group of orcas is foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass. Channel A. We're hearing echolocation & A clan "resting" calls, so most likely they are the A30s.

07:47 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Both the A30s & A36s are foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass.

11:06 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s joined the I15s on the Vancouver Island shore off Kaikash and then both groups carried on up toward the Bauza Islets. The A30s are still on the opposite side near Weynton Island. I41 is right in the middle of the I15s. the whales just turned back to the east.

15:02 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A30s are opposite the Bight mid strait. The I15s and the A36s are still together. They moved away from the Vancouver Island shore at Izumi and angled toward the "Pig Ranch" (east of the Sophia Islands). The A36s are apparently paying the I15s a lot of attention. All groups,for now, are continuing on aneastward trend, across and against the ebb flow. The A8s, A11s and A73 are still in the "lower "Johnstone Strait area.

16:10 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s, A30s and the a36s have moved past critical Point looking like they were thinking about the beaches.

16:29 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches! Channel B.

17:18 PDT Superb sounds!!
As the rub continued between some of the A36s and the I15s we also tuned into Critical Point where other members of the I15s are foraging and some A1s (A30s) offshore. Since then the rub maybe over and all the whales headed to the west again.

21:19 PDT No orcas present.
We are not sure where the whales decided to go after returning to Critical Point. The boat noise was very loud for a good hour during which we lost track of the whales. There were no reports of whales coming further west than the Bight. perhaps they went east again. We will have to wait & see. Great day with reports of both the A30 males and the A36s paying particular attention to some of the I15s.

25 August Orcalab reports

19:34 PDT Distant calls audible.
We just started to hear the A36s in Blackfish Sound. The I15s continue in the Strait.

21:26 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s have begun to travel to Blackney Pass. The I15s are still in the Strait.

23:31 PDT Distant calls audible.
The a36s made it to the Strait and are now east bound toward the Reserve. We think the I15s may have never come very far west. We lost track of them acoustically around 8:30pm. Perhaps they slipped back to the east.

23 August Orcalab reports:

07:01 PDT Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! After as busy night, during which the I15s, A30s & A36s came back into Johnstone Strait on the flooding tide, we're hearing echolocation and I15 calls close to the Critical Point hydrophone. "A" calls are there too, so we think all 3 groups are probably still together, now in Robson Bight. There is no boat noise, so we're sent an alert.

12:13 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
the a36s are approaching CP. Will be on CH. B

13:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s are travelling north through Blackney Pass while the i15s and the A30s are moving west along Vancouver Island.

15:48 PDT Superb sounds!!
The lovely chorus we've been listening to for the last while is coming from the A30s & I15s via the Critical Point hydrophone... they are in Robson Bight. We're also hearing the A36s, occasionally, in Blackfish Sound.

22 August Orcalab reports

11:38 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
Short lived event. The A30s took off to the west. The I15s are still westbound in the fog off Lizard Point and the a11s and the A8s are possibly not far from Kelsey Bay. Last report was Race Passage headed east. The A36s are currently off Kelsey Bay headed west. They came west from Bear Point this morning.

20:35 PDT Orcas near mics.
The calls are on CP! The A30s and the i15s have picked up the A36s and all are westbound now.

21:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s and the I15s definitley went north through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait and carried on to Blackfish Sound. We are still trying to determine if the A30s have gone with them.

21:35 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A30s are definitely in Blackfish along with the I15s and the A36s.

22:50 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The calls of the I15s, mixed with those of the A30s & A36s, are on the Flower Island hydrophone.

19 August Orcalab reports

00:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
we are listening to the A36s. sounds like they are in the Bight.

02:28 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A36s are at the beaches

04:08 PDT Distant calls audible.
After A36s left the beaches, we started hearing A30 calls (at least) on CRPT hydrophone.

12:47 PDT Orcas near mics.
Despite the boat noise the A30s are sounding great in the Bight. They crossed from Boat Bay and are in the reserve now fishing. Reports from Robson Bight Charters via the Naiad: the a11s and the A8s are back in Nodales, the A36s are headed east from Hickey Point and the I15s are west bound at Camp Point. The t18s are in Chancellor Channel. fog is rolling back in but the sun keeps trying.

18 August Orcalab reports

14:27 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the A30s conrinued quickly to the east. They are now well past Naka Creek. Meanwhile, the transients of earlier this morning travelled back to the west & the Sophia Islands where they killed a Dalls porpoise. They vocalised briefly and then headed off to the east again. The Naiad Explorer found the A36s off the White Cliff Islets just north of Swanson Island in Queen Charlotte Strait.

18:40 PDT Distant calls audible.
For the latter part of the afternoon we have been listening to the A36s in blackfish Sound.

22:19 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A36s are travelling through a moon drenched Blackney Pass on their way to Johnstone Strait.

16 August Orcalab reports:

10:52 PDT Distant calls audible.
here is a surprise. Around 10am Stubbs Island Whale Watching and the Bluefjord reported that the Bs popped up, unanounced, in the middle of Blackfish Sound! This was as the A12s/A35s/C10s moved westward through Blackfish. We think it is the A5s (A8s+) and A11s who are still in the Strait. Noone has seen the A30s and A36s this morning. Are they still to the east in Johnstone Strait?

16:15 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
After A4s, Bs and A8s finished rubbing, the A36s suddenly showed up in the Bight. they are probably going to west, but very quiet now.

16:47 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're hearing occasional distant calls from the A36s as they make their way to the west. They are on the Vancouver Island side of theStrait, opposite Blackney Pass. The calls are audible on the CP hydrophone.

23:34 PDT No orcas present.
We've heard no calls so far this evening, and are not sure what happened to the A36s as they headed west in Johnstone Strait this afternoon. We think the A11s, A8s, & Bs all headed east after an intense rub, and that the A12s, A35s & C10s headed north into Queen Charlotte Strait. We are waiting.

14 August Orcalab reports

10:03 PDT No orcas present.
Another foggy morning here. We think the A12s continued up into Queen Charlotte Strait after passing through blackney pass at 4:30am. There has been a report of whales off Lizard Point milling. As of now there has been no identifications. Down to the east the A36s are off Kelsey Bay (Robson Bight Charters report). They are headed east with others yet to be identified. We thought that after the 1:30am rub the A30s, A4s, A5s, Cs and A36s went off to the east. The A5s we believe came up from the east to have the rub and encourage the others to follow them back to the east. We will keep you updated when the information comes in. meanwhile, we are waiting for the thick fog to lift and begin our day.

13 August Orcalab reports

06:10 PDT Distant calls audible.
the A12s and the A4s became quiet. now we are listening to the A36s, on CP hydrophone. Foggy morning.

08:17 PDT Distant calls audible.
We think we are getting the next wave of orcas coming up out of the east. We are now listening to the cs and possibly the A5s as well. The A36s,A11s and the A12s faded off to the west a short while ago. Very foggy this morning.

09:34 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s have arrived back in the Strait and have met up with the A12s,A4s,A36s and Cs. they are eastbound from the west end of Hanson Island. meanwhile the very big group of transients of the last couple of days just went through Blackney to blackfish Sound after passing CP.

10:01 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The whales have moved down the hanson shore and approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass. We may be filming soon.

11:30 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
It is certainly one of those days - very intense. The transients are continuing west from the west end of Blackfish Sound while the residents (the A36s, Cs (C10s,C6s), A4s (A11s at least) and A30s continue to move into the Reserve. The A12s turned back to the west at the Sophias and are moving towards CP once more.

15:01 PDT rcas (may be) approaching cameras.
the A12s are up to (but not in) Weynton Passage and the A36s & Cs are moving west towards CP. Surface camera is on Ch. B

17:46 PDT Distant calls audible.
all the groups have turned. Spread out, heading to the east.

19:16 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Old news by now- but the whales are having a lovely rub this evening. A30s first.

21:16 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
It is getting very dark at the beaches but the A36s and the C10s are very much there, taking their turn after the A4s and A30s. Perhaps they will go back and join in again.

22:27 PDT Distant calls audible.
Westbound? The night begins!

12 August Orcalab reports

15:58 PDT No orcas present.
Over the afternoon there have been a few developments: a group of orcas may be nearing the Eve River on their way to the west. This may be the C10s who were reported earlier going west from Camp Point. The a36s apparently turned up in Nodales! We lost track of them days ago and they must have gone east and not out to the west as first guessed. The other surprise is that there have been persistent reports of the A12s off Campbell River. Earlier it was reported that they and the A4s and A5s were in Nodales.The latest report has them and the A11s heading north through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River).

9 August Orcalab reports

16:31 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
After the rub the a12s headed out from the beaches fairly quickly to the west. They crossed over to the Cracroft side and are currently of the Boat Bay light at Swaine Point. It looks like they are again choosing to come up the Cracroft shore towrd CP. The naiad and the Lukwa reported that the A36s are in Queen Charlotte Strait near the Penfolds along with an as yet undintified group at Lizard Point.

19:09 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
Time to catch up. The A12s came up to Blackney in time to meet up with the A36s who came in via Weynton passage. Both groups are now eastbound.

20:04 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s and the A36s are nearing the Bight.

20:32 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Back to the beaches.

21:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
After a beautiful rub by sunset the A36s appeared to head to the east. The A12s didn't make it that far yet and light is fading.

8 August Orcalab reports

13:28 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s have hardly made any calls today but upon entering Robson Bight they did call. It may only be a brief event however they are fairly near the hydrophone. The a12s earlier came west near to the Cracroft side, then moved up the Hanson shore, crossed to Vancouver Island and then returned to the Reserve where they are now. No word on the A36s today so far. Yesterday they were seen up in Queen Charlotte Strait for part of the afternoon and early evening.

20:11 PDT Distant calls audible.
The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) let us know that the A36s are coming towards Blackfish Sound slowly. Meanwhile we are continuing to listen to the A12s in the Strait. Jackie remarked on how A62 and her little one (A83) were with Dalls porpoise. The A12s are probably still near the western end of Hanson Island/Blinkhorn in Johnstone Strait.

21:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're hearig distant calls from the A36s on the Flower Island hydrophone... sounds like they may be coming down Blackfish Sound.

22:18 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
Not sure at this point where the A12s and the A36s are - very hard to track because of the infrequent calling.

6 August Orcalab reports:

09:59 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s continued west and are passing Kaikash at the moment. We are not sure what the A36s did after entering the Strait via Weynton last night so we will have to wait and see where they turn up. The sun is struggling to break through the clouds and the wind is stirring.

10:34 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
Apparently the A36s doubled back to Blackfish after poking their noses into Johnstone Strait last night. They were seen headed towards Bold Head around 8:30pm. This morning, we just received the report, the researchers off Malcolm Island saw the A36s headed west near Black Bluff. The report came via the Naiad Explorer. The Lukwa ,meanwhile informed us that the A12s are still making their way to the west nering Blinkhorn.

11:56 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s just turned and are moving back to towads the Wastells (just east of Telegraph Cove). The A34s are close to Vancouver Island shore while a12 and A33 are more centre Strait. The Naiad Explorer also relayed that the A36s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait approaching Lizard Point.

15:16 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s are in the Bight. The A36s apparently turned back to the west after getting to Lizard Point.

4 August Orcalab reports,

09:08 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
We just received a report from the Wardens that there are 3 groups going back and forth near Boat Bay. Currently the whales are moving eastward. This maybe the A30s, A12s, A36s and A8s. 13:05 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The whales have moved to the west. They are spread out from Telegraph Cove to the entrance of Weynton Pass. They have not made it easy to make identifications. They are not very vocal now and they are taking long dives while travelling fast. We need them to put on the breaks and turn!

14:38 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s and the A36s have turned and are eastbound along the Hanson Island shore. The G1s,I11s and the A30s are continuing west, still travelling fast approaching Alert Bay.

14:50 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s and the A12s are getting closer to the bottom end of Hanson Island. We are filming. I'll send an alert ahead of time. Sorry if you never got the previous alert. I forgot to push the button.

16:38 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A36s and the A12s are in the Bight after travelling east spread out between both shores. The other groups are still westing.

17:40 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
the A12s are at the beaches, the A36s not too far away.

19:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s are west bound once more and are travelling along the Vancouver Island shore headed toward Kaikash Creek (opposit CP). Its too far to film in the afternoon glare.

20:05 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s "did a little turn and to everyone's satisfaction" are headed toward CP. The A12s are eastbound again opposite the Reserve on the Cracroft side of mid strait.

20:52 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s have gone off to Blackfish Sound to find the sunset while the A12s continued in the direction of tomorrow's sunrise.