05 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Groups are streaming off to the west: First the Rs (they stayed on the Johnstone Strait side going west) and then the A36s with the I15s (who just went north in Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound). An I31 and/ or I11 group is currently approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Johnstone Strait side. All this and a touch of northeern lights too. We have not heard any A4,A5, A12 or A30 calls yet.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 02:39:11 PDT
Hi Paul & Helena, We saw the A36's and the I15's pass Bere Point close to shore, all mostly resting at 17:15. When we left camp they had'nt made it to Black Bluff yet at 18:00. They were eastbound, still real slow as Bill had reported earlier. Take Care Troy & Kate
Troy@Bere Point
05 Sep 2007 21:47:17 PDT
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
03 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Superb sounds!!
The A36s, A4s, A5s and the I15s met up the A30s when they entered the strait. All the whales headed east to the Bight, sounds like having nice time in there.
Tomoko
03 Sep 2007 00:46:16 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We began hearing calls about 5am, & since then have heard the I15s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone, so they're in or near Robson Bight . As well, we're hearing the A12s, who are in Blackfish Sound & seem to be heading towards Johnstone Strait. The I15s, A36s & others (A4s, A5s) were headed east in Johnstone Strait by 1am, so it sounds like at least some of these groups are returning to the west now.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 05:59:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s ventured into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass between 5:45 and 6:15am. There they were greeted by the I15s and the A36s who had come west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. They are still not far from this area and still closer to the Vancouver Island side rather than Cracroft.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 08:13:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're beginning to hear distant "R" clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, as they head quickly towards Johnstone Strait from Queen Charlotte Strait. Begind them are some of the I31s. & meeting them are the A36s, I15s & A12s, who turned back to the west in mid Blackfish a short while ago. This is shaping up to be quite a social day!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 12:47:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It looks like all of R clan has arrived, along with the I11s, so there are now well over 100 orcas heading towards Johnstone Strait. They are stalled at the north end of Weynton Pass, between Stubbs Island & the Plumpers, probably waiting for the ebbing tide to slow or reverse before they head on into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 14:09:41 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Many but not all of the groups are now in Johnstone Strait, heading east. We're listening to very excited "A" & "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It's possible some of the Rs are already in the Strait, but a lot of orcas are still in Weynton Pass, so they probably include most of the Rs. Whichever way you stir it, it's getting to be orca soup in the Strait!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 15:21:48 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the Rs came into the Strait the groups who had preceded became vocal and began to move eastward. We are now listening to the A12s, I11s, A36s, I15s, I31s and Rs. Quite the gang. To the east should still be the A30s, A4sand A5s.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 16:49:53 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The R clan calls are now louder on Critical Point and, with the calls of the G and A clan groups, a lovely mix is happening.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:35:04 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
And rubbing too!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:40:30 PDT
No orcas present.
We think the various groups kept heading to the east in Johnstone Strait after their great session(s) at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 22:15:27 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s, A4s, A5s and the I15s met up the A30s when they entered the strait. All the whales headed east to the Bight, sounds like having nice time in there.
Tomoko
03 Sep 2007 00:46:16 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We began hearing calls about 5am, & since then have heard the I15s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone, so they're in or near Robson Bight . As well, we're hearing the A12s, who are in Blackfish Sound & seem to be heading towards Johnstone Strait. The I15s, A36s & others (A4s, A5s) were headed east in Johnstone Strait by 1am, so it sounds like at least some of these groups are returning to the west now.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 05:59:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s ventured into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass between 5:45 and 6:15am. There they were greeted by the I15s and the A36s who had come west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. They are still not far from this area and still closer to the Vancouver Island side rather than Cracroft.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 08:13:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're beginning to hear distant "R" clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, as they head quickly towards Johnstone Strait from Queen Charlotte Strait. Begind them are some of the I31s. & meeting them are the A36s, I15s & A12s, who turned back to the west in mid Blackfish a short while ago. This is shaping up to be quite a social day!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 12:47:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It looks like all of R clan has arrived, along with the I11s, so there are now well over 100 orcas heading towards Johnstone Strait. They are stalled at the north end of Weynton Pass, between Stubbs Island & the Plumpers, probably waiting for the ebbing tide to slow or reverse before they head on into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 14:09:41 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Many but not all of the groups are now in Johnstone Strait, heading east. We're listening to very excited "A" & "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It's possible some of the Rs are already in the Strait, but a lot of orcas are still in Weynton Pass, so they probably include most of the Rs. Whichever way you stir it, it's getting to be orca soup in the Strait!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 15:21:48 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the Rs came into the Strait the groups who had preceded became vocal and began to move eastward. We are now listening to the A12s, I11s, A36s, I15s, I31s and Rs. Quite the gang. To the east should still be the A30s, A4sand A5s.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 16:49:53 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The R clan calls are now louder on Critical Point and, with the calls of the G and A clan groups, a lovely mix is happening.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:35:04 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
And rubbing too!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:40:30 PDT
No orcas present.
We think the various groups kept heading to the east in Johnstone Strait after their great session(s) at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 22:15:27 PDT
Saturday, September 01, 2007
01 September 2007, Orcalab reports:
Superb sounds!!
And the A36s for company. The whales are just coming into Blackney Pass. The full moon is hiding behind the clouds but still casting light on the misty calm ocean.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 00:11:26 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and the I15s are moving quickly to the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 01:19:09 PDT
No orcas present.
Good Morning! The A36s and the I15s continued east to the Reserve. They rubbed from 3:02am to 4:16am. They last calls we heard were at 5:02am. Thank you Yumi for staying with that marathon - all yesterday and through the night. There were audible dolphins in the early morning.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 08:13:50 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s are very close to Cracroft Point, the A4s sound like they are over closer to Vancouver Island. We have also heard A30s, A36s and A5s.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 10:24:13 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Well the whales went west, and then turned at the top end of Hanson Island, and then they went all the way back, past Critical Point and then down to the rubbing beaches where an A1 group is now rubbing.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 13:59:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The eastbound groups, the I15s,the A36s, A5s and A4s are on their way out of the Reserve. Nothing further was heard from the A30s who continued west to Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 22:36:41 PDT
Superb sounds!!
And the A36s for company. The whales are just coming into Blackney Pass. The full moon is hiding behind the clouds but still casting light on the misty calm ocean.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 00:11:26 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and the I15s are moving quickly to the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 01:19:09 PDT
No orcas present.
Good Morning! The A36s and the I15s continued east to the Reserve. They rubbed from 3:02am to 4:16am. They last calls we heard were at 5:02am. Thank you Yumi for staying with that marathon - all yesterday and through the night. There were audible dolphins in the early morning.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 08:13:50 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s are very close to Cracroft Point, the A4s sound like they are over closer to Vancouver Island. We have also heard A30s, A36s and A5s.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 10:24:13 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Well the whales went west, and then turned at the top end of Hanson Island, and then they went all the way back, past Critical Point and then down to the rubbing beaches where an A1 group is now rubbing.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 13:59:41 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The eastbound groups, the I15s,the A36s, A5s and A4s are on their way out of the Reserve. Nothing further was heard from the A30s who continued west to Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 22:36:41 PDT
Thursday, August 30, 2007
30 August 2007, Orcalab reports
No orcas present.
Good morning. We've heard no calls since just after midnight, when we think the A30s were passing the rubbing beaches, heading east. This means that all the A, G, & R clan groups here yesterday are probably still somewhere to the east of us.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 05:50:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s are now close to the CrPt hydrophone. We're also hearing distant "A" calls.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 07:58:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The orcas, the I31s, I15s, A30s and A36s are moving westward through a maze of 300 dolphins ,who are spread out from CP to the Reserve and across the Strait. You can hear the dolphins in behind the orca calls. Most of the whales are coming up to the CP area but there are at least two lingering groups, one off Izumi and one off the rubbing beaches. Are the rest of yesterday's groups coming up from "below"?
Helena
30 Aug 2007 09:37:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Interesting day - aren't they all? The A36s, I15s and I31s may be thinking about catching the ebb through Weynton Pass. This decision happened after a few calls from the A36s. The A30s are still in the Strait probably in seperate groupings. A38/39 are closer to the BIght.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 10:54:02 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are certainly holding down the middle. The A36s, I15s and I31s did go out Weynton and the A30s moved toward the CP area just ahead of the Rs coming up from the east along the Vancouver Island shore. Nick Templeman reports that at 11am the A12s, A4s and A5s were also westbound (isn't everyone?) off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 11:42:59 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s head back eastward (past Kaikash), the Rs (R5s,R17s,R2s and possibly R7s) are carrying on to the west through Pearse Passage. The others, the A36s, I15s and I31s are still westbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide however, is in full flood and it is a big one. Only the A30s are going with the tide.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 15:01:59 PDT
No orcas present.
Good morning. We've heard no calls since just after midnight, when we think the A30s were passing the rubbing beaches, heading east. This means that all the A, G, & R clan groups here yesterday are probably still somewhere to the east of us.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 05:50:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s are now close to the CrPt hydrophone. We're also hearing distant "A" calls.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 07:58:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The orcas, the I31s, I15s, A30s and A36s are moving westward through a maze of 300 dolphins ,who are spread out from CP to the Reserve and across the Strait. You can hear the dolphins in behind the orca calls. Most of the whales are coming up to the CP area but there are at least two lingering groups, one off Izumi and one off the rubbing beaches. Are the rest of yesterday's groups coming up from "below"?
Helena
30 Aug 2007 09:37:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Interesting day - aren't they all? The A36s, I15s and I31s may be thinking about catching the ebb through Weynton Pass. This decision happened after a few calls from the A36s. The A30s are still in the Strait probably in seperate groupings. A38/39 are closer to the BIght.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 10:54:02 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are certainly holding down the middle. The A36s, I15s and I31s did go out Weynton and the A30s moved toward the CP area just ahead of the Rs coming up from the east along the Vancouver Island shore. Nick Templeman reports that at 11am the A12s, A4s and A5s were also westbound (isn't everyone?) off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 11:42:59 PDT
Orcas near mics.
As the A30s head back eastward (past Kaikash), the Rs (R5s,R17s,R2s and possibly R7s) are carrying on to the west through Pearse Passage. The others, the A36s, I15s and I31s are still westbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide however, is in full flood and it is a big one. Only the A30s are going with the tide.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 15:01:59 PDT
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
28 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Add I15, A1 and A4 calls to the list of whales up to Robson Bight.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:08:02 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is really sounding like the whole gang is back, A30s, A36s, A12s, A4s,A5s,I15s, and I33s. Still moving west.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:54:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Actually these groups are spread from Telegraph Cove back to west of the Reserve.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:59:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
I should mention that the A36s are at the western end of Blackfish and so far today the I35s have been seen in the groups furthest west (I15s are included in this group.)
Helena
28 Aug 2007 13:10:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
As the A36s rushed through Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound, the groups to the west of Blackney Pass turned back to the east, a few had ventured well into Weynton Pass before the turn.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 14:35:25 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales are not far off the entrance to Blackney Pass and CP area. Recently, A4s were the loudest. It is only 1/2 hour to the slack tide and then the tide will ebb. Will this be enough to encourage them all out via Blackney? Or will the stay Strait sid?
Helena
28 Aug 2007 17:04:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Definitely stayed Strait side.The calls were distant for so long we began to wonder if they were headed back to the west. Fortunately, calls got louder and we now believe the whales (the A12s,A30s,A4s.A5s,I15s,A36s have been heard) are headed to the Robson Bight area.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 18:43:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Getting even closer to Critical Point. The I31s need to be added to the list. No one left, the A36s came in. The wind has dropped (quite windy today),however, the rain continues.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 19:04:54 PDT
No orcas present.
And east they all went! - some 12 hours after arriving back from the east this morning.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 21:48:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Add I15, A1 and A4 calls to the list of whales up to Robson Bight.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:08:02 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is really sounding like the whole gang is back, A30s, A36s, A12s, A4s,A5s,I15s, and I33s. Still moving west.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:54:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Actually these groups are spread from Telegraph Cove back to west of the Reserve.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:59:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
I should mention that the A36s are at the western end of Blackfish and so far today the I35s have been seen in the groups furthest west (I15s are included in this group.)
Helena
28 Aug 2007 13:10:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
As the A36s rushed through Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound, the groups to the west of Blackney Pass turned back to the east, a few had ventured well into Weynton Pass before the turn.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 14:35:25 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The whales are not far off the entrance to Blackney Pass and CP area. Recently, A4s were the loudest. It is only 1/2 hour to the slack tide and then the tide will ebb. Will this be enough to encourage them all out via Blackney? Or will the stay Strait sid?
Helena
28 Aug 2007 17:04:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Definitely stayed Strait side.The calls were distant for so long we began to wonder if they were headed back to the west. Fortunately, calls got louder and we now believe the whales (the A12s,A30s,A4s.A5s,I15s,A36s have been heard) are headed to the Robson Bight area.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 18:43:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Getting even closer to Critical Point. The I31s need to be added to the list. No one left, the A36s came in. The wind has dropped (quite windy today),however, the rain continues.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 19:04:54 PDT
No orcas present.
And east they all went! - some 12 hours after arriving back from the east this morning.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 21:48:05 PDT
Monday, August 27, 2007
27 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
We heard no calls overnight & think the various groups of orcas in the Strait yesterday are probably somewhere to the east of us (though we're not sure).
Helena
27 Aug 2007 07:17:01 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A radio report of a small group of orcas heading west off Naka Creek about 40' ago suggests that at least one of the groups that has been in the east is returning to our area. We are listening.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 10:39:35 PDT
Orcas near mics.
An A5 group is passing CP, following after the I31s, A12s. The I15s and A36s are further away but also moving westward.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 14:19:29 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Since the last post: We think now that the I15s left via Weynton Pass at the time all the groups were opposite Telegraph Cove around 5pm. The I33s, A36s, A12s and A5s all then went back to the east. The A36s stalled off of the entrance of Blackney and eventually came north through the Pass. They were moving very quickly. The rest continued eastward and are now off Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:10:08 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Hmm... Just when we thought the whales were staging, getting ready to go past Critical Point, they stayed put. AND then the I15s turned up again so perhaps it was all about waiting for the I15s to catch up. Probably they didn't go out afterall. Will they go east now?
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:55:10 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like they may be going to the east afterall.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 22:27:55 PDT
No orcas present.
We heard no calls overnight & think the various groups of orcas in the Strait yesterday are probably somewhere to the east of us (though we're not sure).
Helena
27 Aug 2007 07:17:01 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A radio report of a small group of orcas heading west off Naka Creek about 40' ago suggests that at least one of the groups that has been in the east is returning to our area. We are listening.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 10:39:35 PDT
Orcas near mics.
An A5 group is passing CP, following after the I31s, A12s. The I15s and A36s are further away but also moving westward.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 14:19:29 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Since the last post: We think now that the I15s left via Weynton Pass at the time all the groups were opposite Telegraph Cove around 5pm. The I33s, A36s, A12s and A5s all then went back to the east. The A36s stalled off of the entrance of Blackney and eventually came north through the Pass. They were moving very quickly. The rest continued eastward and are now off Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:10:08 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Hmm... Just when we thought the whales were staging, getting ready to go past Critical Point, they stayed put. AND then the I15s turned up again so perhaps it was all about waiting for the I15s to catch up. Probably they didn't go out afterall. Will they go east now?
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:55:10 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like they may be going to the east afterall.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 22:27:55 PDT
Sunday, August 26, 2007
26 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s are also out there (east of CP, Johnstone Strait) with the I31s.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 12:28:48 PDT
Orcas near mics.
And A36s too?
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:04:21 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Sorry, I am trying to do something else and the groups keep coming! There are more A1 calls and A5s as well. Some of the groups have gone in for a rub on their way west.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:59:06 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
And after awhile the A4s too.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 15:27:33 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
CP reports that the I15s have passed them and are between the bottom end (east) of Hanson Island and Big Bay. They passed fairly close to Cracroft, about 1/4 off. The I65s were first, followed by the I16s who were travelling with A37, and then the I27s. Just now, A11 passed with I33 and I110 very close to the camp. The males were offshore at about 5oom. More whales can be seen headed toward CP from the east.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 16:25:22 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Whales are eastbound once again, headed back to the Bight area.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 20:27:23 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to a wonderful chorus of A & G clan calls in Robson Bight, near Critical Point. Unfortunately, boat noise is intruding & getting louder.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:11:32 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s & others have reached the rubbing beaches.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:57:01 PDT
No orcas present.
We think the various groups are probably on their way to the east in Jonstone Strait. We are waiting (sleeping).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:33:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're stil hearing faint calls on the Critical Point hdrophone, so not all the orcas have headed east (yet).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:55:01 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s are also out there (east of CP, Johnstone Strait) with the I31s.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 12:28:48 PDT
Orcas near mics.
And A36s too?
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:04:21 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Sorry, I am trying to do something else and the groups keep coming! There are more A1 calls and A5s as well. Some of the groups have gone in for a rub on their way west.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:59:06 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
And after awhile the A4s too.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 15:27:33 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
CP reports that the I15s have passed them and are between the bottom end (east) of Hanson Island and Big Bay. They passed fairly close to Cracroft, about 1/4 off. The I65s were first, followed by the I16s who were travelling with A37, and then the I27s. Just now, A11 passed with I33 and I110 very close to the camp. The males were offshore at about 5oom. More whales can be seen headed toward CP from the east.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 16:25:22 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Whales are eastbound once again, headed back to the Bight area.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 20:27:23 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to a wonderful chorus of A & G clan calls in Robson Bight, near Critical Point. Unfortunately, boat noise is intruding & getting louder.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:11:32 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s & others have reached the rubbing beaches.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:57:01 PDT
No orcas present.
We think the various groups are probably on their way to the east in Jonstone Strait. We are waiting (sleeping).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:33:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're stil hearing faint calls on the Critical Point hdrophone, so not all the orcas have headed east (yet).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:55:01 PDT
Saturday, August 25, 2007
25 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to the A30s as they approach Robson Bight. The A36s are in the far distance, traveling with several G clan groups (I15s, I31s, maybe others) who came into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass around 2:30pm & are now headed east.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 16:13:32 PDT
Boat noise
After a rub, the A30s are on the way back to the west again. We're hearing them on the Critical Point hydrophone, unfortunately with lots of boat noise. The other groups are still eastbound on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, now past Kaikash.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 18:13:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We've been listening to the I15s & I31s close to Critical Point, with an A1 group also nearby (probably the A36s). Meanwhile, the A30s have gone back to the beaches for another rub.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 19:16:21 PDT
Boat noise
Back to boat noise. We think all the orcas have headed east, out of the range of our hydrophones. We are waiting.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 21:10:23 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We're listening to the A30s as they approach Robson Bight. The A36s are in the far distance, traveling with several G clan groups (I15s, I31s, maybe others) who came into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass around 2:30pm & are now headed east.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 16:13:32 PDT
Boat noise
After a rub, the A30s are on the way back to the west again. We're hearing them on the Critical Point hydrophone, unfortunately with lots of boat noise. The other groups are still eastbound on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, now past Kaikash.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 18:13:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We've been listening to the I15s & I31s close to Critical Point, with an A1 group also nearby (probably the A36s). Meanwhile, the A30s have gone back to the beaches for another rub.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 19:16:21 PDT
Boat noise
Back to boat noise. We think all the orcas have headed east, out of the range of our hydrophones. We are waiting.
Helena
25 Aug 2007 21:10:23 PDT
Friday, August 24, 2007
24 August, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
This is shaping up to be a very interesting morning. The groups in the Strait, the A36s, I15s, I33s have moved into the entrance to Blackney Pass while part of the R7s and R2s and the A24s finished travelling south through Blackney Pass and "met" up with them. A52 and her calf are aslso just about through Blackney Pass while a larger group, the rest of the Rs, A4s and A30s are still in Blackfish Sound. The tide is turning to flood.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 08:48:12 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Crazy busy. After the meeting off the entrance to Blackney Pass the A36s came into Blackney Pass and headed north. A52 and her calf followed part way through the Pass but turned south again after getting half way. As the a36s disappeared into Blackfish a mixed group with A73, R13 and her calf, the rest of the A35s and A56 travelled south through Blackney. Eventually, A13 and A11 followed. We can still hear the A30s and the A36s on Flower Island occassionally. The I15s,A5s, I33s, A24s and the R2s and R7 all went back to the east afte their meeting off of the Blackney entrance.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 10:12:30 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We've been listening to the I15s & A4s at the rubbing beaches for the past while. Meanwhile, the A30s have moved to the north of Blackfish Sound & the A36s are following behind.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 12:22:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As you may have guessed, the I31s and the A30s have moved on to the rubbing beaches. I31 calls at the moment. We are also still hearing the A36s at the western end of Hanson Island.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 18:46:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Lovely resting calls from the I31s between more energetic bouts from both the A30s and I31s. It sounds like they are moving back in toward Robson Bight. The A36s were last heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 22:55:54 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This is shaping up to be a very interesting morning. The groups in the Strait, the A36s, I15s, I33s have moved into the entrance to Blackney Pass while part of the R7s and R2s and the A24s finished travelling south through Blackney Pass and "met" up with them. A52 and her calf are aslso just about through Blackney Pass while a larger group, the rest of the Rs, A4s and A30s are still in Blackfish Sound. The tide is turning to flood.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 08:48:12 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Crazy busy. After the meeting off the entrance to Blackney Pass the A36s came into Blackney Pass and headed north. A52 and her calf followed part way through the Pass but turned south again after getting half way. As the a36s disappeared into Blackfish a mixed group with A73, R13 and her calf, the rest of the A35s and A56 travelled south through Blackney. Eventually, A13 and A11 followed. We can still hear the A30s and the A36s on Flower Island occassionally. The I15s,A5s, I33s, A24s and the R2s and R7 all went back to the east afte their meeting off of the Blackney entrance.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 10:12:30 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We've been listening to the I15s & A4s at the rubbing beaches for the past while. Meanwhile, the A30s have moved to the north of Blackfish Sound & the A36s are following behind.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 12:22:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As you may have guessed, the I31s and the A30s have moved on to the rubbing beaches. I31 calls at the moment. We are also still hearing the A36s at the western end of Hanson Island.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 18:46:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Lovely resting calls from the I31s between more energetic bouts from both the A30s and I31s. It sounds like they are moving back in toward Robson Bight. The A36s were last heard in Blackfish Sound a while ago.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 22:55:54 PDT
Thursday, August 23, 2007
23 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
All the groups headed north through Blackney Pass a short while ago. We're hearing occasional distant calls from some of them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 02:02:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing most of the groups calling occasionaly on the Flower Island Hydrophone, so they are still in or near Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 04:29:23 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since just before 5am & think that the various A & G clan groups we were listening to in Backfish Sound earlier this morning have (probably) moved on to the north. We are waiting.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 07:09:43 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There are three threads we are following this morning. First, a group of transients showed up this morning in Blackfish Sound and continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. Second, we heard A5 calls back in Johnstone Strait fairly close to Critical Point. This group went off to the beaches. There may be another group on the Cracroft side. Third, the majority of the group that went out this morning at 5am is off Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were still going west when fisrt seen this morning but have since turned around and are moving back to the east.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 11:35:01 PDT
No orcas present.
Nice to be in the middle again. The A5s continued east this afternoon and no word, as of now, that they have turned. The BIG group in Queen Charlotte Strait is still eastbound but very slowly and are currently in the area east of Black Bluff
Helena
23 Aug 2007 15:46:52 PDT
Boat noise
The A5s are back and heading west along Cracroft Island opposite Robson Bight. The I15s, I33s, A30s and possibly the A24s are off Lizard Point slowly eastbound and closer to Port Hardy, the R2s & R7s have been picked up by the A11s. They have stalled there for the moment.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 17:10:38 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to the I15s & I33s, along with the A36s, as they make their way towards Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the A5s are in Robson Bight, near Critical Point, grabbing a bite (we're hearing constant echolocation from them on the CrPt hydrophone).
Helena
23 Aug 2007 20:38:21 PDT
Boat noise
Once they got into the Strait, the arriving orcas were immersed in persistent boat noise. The I15s, I33s & A36s are headed east towards Robson Bight & the A5s have passed beyond Critical Point, also eastbound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 22:30:52 PDT
No orcas present.
For the moment at least, it looks like the A5s, I15s, I33s & A36s are all headed east. The last calls we heard were from the I15s about half an hour ago, when they touched into the rubbing beaches briefly.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 23:38:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
All the groups headed north through Blackney Pass a short while ago. We're hearing occasional distant calls from some of them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 02:02:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We're still hearing most of the groups calling occasionaly on the Flower Island Hydrophone, so they are still in or near Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 04:29:23 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since just before 5am & think that the various A & G clan groups we were listening to in Backfish Sound earlier this morning have (probably) moved on to the north. We are waiting.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 07:09:43 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
There are three threads we are following this morning. First, a group of transients showed up this morning in Blackfish Sound and continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. Second, we heard A5 calls back in Johnstone Strait fairly close to Critical Point. This group went off to the beaches. There may be another group on the Cracroft side. Third, the majority of the group that went out this morning at 5am is off Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were still going west when fisrt seen this morning but have since turned around and are moving back to the east.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 11:35:01 PDT
No orcas present.
Nice to be in the middle again. The A5s continued east this afternoon and no word, as of now, that they have turned. The BIG group in Queen Charlotte Strait is still eastbound but very slowly and are currently in the area east of Black Bluff
Helena
23 Aug 2007 15:46:52 PDT
Boat noise
The A5s are back and heading west along Cracroft Island opposite Robson Bight. The I15s, I33s, A30s and possibly the A24s are off Lizard Point slowly eastbound and closer to Port Hardy, the R2s & R7s have been picked up by the A11s. They have stalled there for the moment.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 17:10:38 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to the I15s & I33s, along with the A36s, as they make their way towards Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. Meanwhile, the A5s are in Robson Bight, near Critical Point, grabbing a bite (we're hearing constant echolocation from them on the CrPt hydrophone).
Helena
23 Aug 2007 20:38:21 PDT
Boat noise
Once they got into the Strait, the arriving orcas were immersed in persistent boat noise. The I15s, I33s & A36s are headed east towards Robson Bight & the A5s have passed beyond Critical Point, also eastbound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 22:30:52 PDT
No orcas present.
For the moment at least, it looks like the A5s, I15s, I33s & A36s are all headed east. The last calls we heard were from the I15s about half an hour ago, when they touched into the rubbing beaches briefly.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 23:38:19 PDT
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
22 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
As the "groups" (the A30s, A4s, A5s, I15s, I33s, A12s) continued eastward in Johnstone Strait we began to hear not only the A36s in Blackfish Sound BUT also R clan calls! Never rains but pours.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:28:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry I have to make a correction. I was too excited about the Rs. Apparently, they were heard in johnstone Strait not Blackfish Sound! The A36s are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:51:14 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Recently, the A4s then the A5s have taken a turn at the beaches. The A36s are still vocal in Blackfish Sound. No further R calls - a mystery!
Helena
22 Aug 2007 21:08:33 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
As the "groups" (the A30s, A4s, A5s, I15s, I33s, A12s) continued eastward in Johnstone Strait we began to hear not only the A36s in Blackfish Sound BUT also R clan calls! Never rains but pours.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:28:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry I have to make a correction. I was too excited about the Rs. Apparently, they were heard in johnstone Strait not Blackfish Sound! The A36s are in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:51:14 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Recently, the A4s then the A5s have taken a turn at the beaches. The A36s are still vocal in Blackfish Sound. No further R calls - a mystery!
Helena
22 Aug 2007 21:08:33 PDT
Monday, August 20, 2007
20 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
An added note: Apparently the A36s were closer yesterday than we thought. The MacKays report that they were off the Foster Islands (Queen Charlotte Strait) by 3pm. Perhaps, they were who we heard distantly in Blackfish Sound when the I15s and I33 went through at 2am? Nice thought.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 07:50:52 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After a radio report of a group of 15 plus just entering Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass we began to hear, through the horrific boat noise, a few distant I15 calls. They may still have the I33s with them. We may also be hearing As.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:00:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Busy, reports are coming in that there are westbound whales as well as the groups returning and heading east. Possibly, the various A groups (some or even all?) have come up from the east. The scene will get a bit clearer in a while when there is visual information. We are hampered by the constant boat noise. We are hearing As as well as the G clan calls. Exciting!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:10:55 PDT
No orcas present.
An added note: Apparently the A36s were closer yesterday than we thought. The MacKays report that they were off the Foster Islands (Queen Charlotte Strait) by 3pm. Perhaps, they were who we heard distantly in Blackfish Sound when the I15s and I33 went through at 2am? Nice thought.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 07:50:52 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After a radio report of a group of 15 plus just entering Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass we began to hear, through the horrific boat noise, a few distant I15 calls. They may still have the I33s with them. We may also be hearing As.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:00:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Busy, reports are coming in that there are westbound whales as well as the groups returning and heading east. Possibly, the various A groups (some or even all?) have come up from the east. The scene will get a bit clearer in a while when there is visual information. We are hampered by the constant boat noise. We are hearing As as well as the G clan calls. Exciting!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:10:55 PDT
Saturday, August 18, 2007
18 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
As the sleepy whales (the A5s,I15s and I33s) in Jonhstone Strait continue their rest, the A30s and the A11s have been reported heading west toward Kelesey Bay. There is also a group heading east toward Donegal Head, out of Queen Charlotte Strait. No ids as of yet. The tide will flood in about 1/2 hour. The A36s, by the way, are over by Blunden Harbour.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 13:56:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
As the sleepy whales (the A5s,I15s and I33s) in Jonhstone Strait continue their rest, the A30s and the A11s have been reported heading west toward Kelesey Bay. There is also a group heading east toward Donegal Head, out of Queen Charlotte Strait. No ids as of yet. The tide will flood in about 1/2 hour. The A36s, by the way, are over by Blunden Harbour.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 13:56:17 PDT
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
16 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
We have orcas all around us this morning! The I15s, I31s, A36s & A24s are in Blackfish Sound, and at least some of the A4s & A12s are in Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing their calls all night & the sun has just risen on another lovely day.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 06:40:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s and the I33s just travelled south through Blackney Pass and are about to enter Johnstone Strait. Their travels were preceded just a few calls in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile. the A11s and the A5s are still resting in Johnstone Strait and the I15s,A36s and the A24s are to the west.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 12:57:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We have orcas all around us this morning! The I15s, I31s, A36s & A24s are in Blackfish Sound, and at least some of the A4s & A12s are in Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing their calls all night & the sun has just risen on another lovely day.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 06:40:14 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s and the I33s just travelled south through Blackney Pass and are about to enter Johnstone Strait. Their travels were preceded just a few calls in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile. the A11s and the A5s are still resting in Johnstone Strait and the I15s,A36s and the A24s are to the west.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 12:57:08 PDT
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
15 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups in Johnstone Strait who continued west, maybe as far as Beaver Cove, turned 40 minutes ago, and are now headed east spread out across Johnstone Strait. The A36s are still in Queen Charlotte Strait but they are reported to be with another group westbound from Lizard Point.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 12:46:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s left Johnstone via Weynton Pass and are at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The extra group with the A36s has yet to be substantiated and the remaining groups in Johnstone Strait are slowly moving to the east still. No word (or calls) on who was in Robson Bight heading west a short whle ago.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 13:38:01 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
While the A30s linger in Blackfish Sound and the A36s remain in Queen Charlotte Strait, on the Johnstone Strait side, the whales (the A4s, A12s and I31s (maybe just the I33s)have headed east to the rubbing beaches. The I15s are still a bit further west and we have not heard A5 calls clearly today, leaving us, wondering if they are still very far east.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 15:54:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Another development! The A36s have dropped "down" to Blackfish Sound from their Queen Charlotte Strait perch - perhaps it was the I15s who encouraged them nearer.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:58:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups in Johnstone Strait who continued west, maybe as far as Beaver Cove, turned 40 minutes ago, and are now headed east spread out across Johnstone Strait. The A36s are still in Queen Charlotte Strait but they are reported to be with another group westbound from Lizard Point.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 12:46:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s left Johnstone via Weynton Pass and are at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The extra group with the A36s has yet to be substantiated and the remaining groups in Johnstone Strait are slowly moving to the east still. No word (or calls) on who was in Robson Bight heading west a short whle ago.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 13:38:01 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
While the A30s linger in Blackfish Sound and the A36s remain in Queen Charlotte Strait, on the Johnstone Strait side, the whales (the A4s, A12s and I31s (maybe just the I33s)have headed east to the rubbing beaches. The I15s are still a bit further west and we have not heard A5 calls clearly today, leaving us, wondering if they are still very far east.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 15:54:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Another development! The A36s have dropped "down" to Blackfish Sound from their Queen Charlotte Strait perch - perhaps it was the I15s who encouraged them nearer.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:58:08 PDT
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
14 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Interesting day shaping up. The A34s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. Last night they accompanied the I15s and I31s to Blackney Pass. We thought they had continued with the other two groups east in Johnstone Strait. However, at some point they must have pulled away and headed back west to meet up with the A36s again. Right now, the I31s have returned from the east and are moving slowly west (hardly any calls) toward Cracroft Point. The A30s, A12 & A33, the I15s, A4s and A5s are still east of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 12:00:11 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the I33s (not all of the I31s were seen today) are in the midst of an afternoon nap, drifting eastward past the Ecological Reserve. The A36s and the A34s stalled off of Lizard Point and spent most of the day foraging.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:38:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A34s and the A36s are now moving. They are at Donegal Head and have yet to decide on Weynton Pass or Blackfish Sound. Just a few calls.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:53:29 PDT
No orcas present.
The A36s and the A34s faded away perhaps back into Queen Charlotte Strait. They had been quite vocal at the "top" end of Blackfish Sound and for a while it sounded like they might venture in. BUT....???
Helena
14 Aug 2007 22:38:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Interesting day shaping up. The A34s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. Last night they accompanied the I15s and I31s to Blackney Pass. We thought they had continued with the other two groups east in Johnstone Strait. However, at some point they must have pulled away and headed back west to meet up with the A36s again. Right now, the I31s have returned from the east and are moving slowly west (hardly any calls) toward Cracroft Point. The A30s, A12 & A33, the I15s, A4s and A5s are still east of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 12:00:11 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The I15s and the I33s (not all of the I31s were seen today) are in the midst of an afternoon nap, drifting eastward past the Ecological Reserve. The A36s and the A34s stalled off of Lizard Point and spent most of the day foraging.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:38:38 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A34s and the A36s are now moving. They are at Donegal Head and have yet to decide on Weynton Pass or Blackfish Sound. Just a few calls.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:53:29 PDT
No orcas present.
The A36s and the A34s faded away perhaps back into Queen Charlotte Strait. They had been quite vocal at the "top" end of Blackfish Sound and for a while it sounded like they might venture in. BUT....???
Helena
14 Aug 2007 22:38:07 PDT
Sunday, August 12, 2007
12 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Superb sounds!!
The A36s waited for the I15s and the I31s and brought them down Queen Charlotte Strait to the A30s and the A11s. These groups travelled through Blackney Pass and are now on their way to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 00:11:36 PDT
No orcas present.
All the groups that came in just before midight (A36s,I15s & I31s) along with the A30s and A11s) carried on to the east in Johnstone Strait. They were past the Ecological Reserve by just after 2am. They seemed to be in a hurry but a few (I15s + As) had time to touch in at the main rubbing beach on their way. We've heard nothing since & it's a very foggy morning here.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 07:39:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is quite the parade. All the groups are filing up from the east, stopping for a rub or two, moving on to CP and beyond. The A12s have come along for the party and the A5s, the rest of the A4s as well. All the A1s are present, in company with the I15s & I31s. Might be a good exercise to figure out how many whales are here today!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 13:47:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the A30s & A11s finished their rub they came west to the Bight, arriving about the time the others groups turned and headed back to the east. Some of the groups got as far as Hidden Cove (Telegraph Cove area).
Helena
12 Aug 2007 15:48:09 PDT
Boat noise
The A36 brothers have just headed north through Blackney Pass, all together, and are now in Blackfish Sound. The other groups (A11s, A12s, A30s, I31s, I15s) are still in Johnstone Strait, between Blackney Pass & Robson Bight, and headed east. We're listening to their calls amidst persistent boat noise.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 17:27:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Time to catch up. The A36s left the area via Blackney Pass & travelling through Blackfish Sound. The A34s (no one saw A12 and A33!) followed. We think the A30s pulled the I31s and I15s east in Johnstone Strait for a while leaving the A4s and the A5s around the Robson Bight area. The I31s and the I15s have returned to the Bight just a short while ago. The groups are very vocal!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 23:00:27 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s waited for the I15s and the I31s and brought them down Queen Charlotte Strait to the A30s and the A11s. These groups travelled through Blackney Pass and are now on their way to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 00:11:36 PDT
No orcas present.
All the groups that came in just before midight (A36s,I15s & I31s) along with the A30s and A11s) carried on to the east in Johnstone Strait. They were past the Ecological Reserve by just after 2am. They seemed to be in a hurry but a few (I15s + As) had time to touch in at the main rubbing beach on their way. We've heard nothing since & it's a very foggy morning here.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 07:39:46 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It is quite the parade. All the groups are filing up from the east, stopping for a rub or two, moving on to CP and beyond. The A12s have come along for the party and the A5s, the rest of the A4s as well. All the A1s are present, in company with the I15s & I31s. Might be a good exercise to figure out how many whales are here today!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 13:47:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the A30s & A11s finished their rub they came west to the Bight, arriving about the time the others groups turned and headed back to the east. Some of the groups got as far as Hidden Cove (Telegraph Cove area).
Helena
12 Aug 2007 15:48:09 PDT
Boat noise
The A36 brothers have just headed north through Blackney Pass, all together, and are now in Blackfish Sound. The other groups (A11s, A12s, A30s, I31s, I15s) are still in Johnstone Strait, between Blackney Pass & Robson Bight, and headed east. We're listening to their calls amidst persistent boat noise.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 17:27:10 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Time to catch up. The A36s left the area via Blackney Pass & travelling through Blackfish Sound. The A34s (no one saw A12 and A33!) followed. We think the A30s pulled the I31s and I15s east in Johnstone Strait for a while leaving the A4s and the A5s around the Robson Bight area. The I31s and the I15s have returned to the Bight just a short while ago. The groups are very vocal!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 23:00:27 PDT
Saturday, August 11, 2007
11 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are finally beginning to hear the incoming groups on Flower Island. They sound like they are still not moving very fast but they have the slack and then soon the flood tide with them.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 22:52:38 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are finally beginning to hear the incoming groups on Flower Island. They sound like they are still not moving very fast but they have the slack and then soon the flood tide with them.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 22:52:38 PDT
Thursday, August 09, 2007
09 August 2007, Orcalab reports:
Boat noise
This has been our most complicated day to date. After the A25s and the A23s socialised with the A30s and the I11s there was a split, with the A5s turning east and the I11s and A30s turning west. The A12s and the A24s never did make it to CP at this time. Instead they turned east and crossed over from the Sophias. They went all the way to the eastern boundary where they turned west once more. By 3pm they were opposite Robson Bight. From there they moved up to the CP area (only the A12s were vocal) and crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s had continued west toward Telegraph Cove. From there the A30s turned back east before 5pm while the I11s moved into Weynton Pass. The A12s had moved back east as well and just before 6pm they were opposite Robson Bight once again. By this time, the groups had begun to shut down for a rest. The A23s and A25s may have gone all the way to the beaches for a very short rub and by 5:30pm they were back off Critical Point. The short of this is that the groups are in their various groups heading east in different locations throughout the Strait. The I11s are still undecided in the entrance to Weynton Passage. The A36s are still likely in Queen Charlotte Strait, way to the west. And the A8s and A11 are still westbound in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 18:26:53 PDT
Boat noise
This has been our most complicated day to date. After the A25s and the A23s socialised with the A30s and the I11s there was a split, with the A5s turning east and the I11s and A30s turning west. The A12s and the A24s never did make it to CP at this time. Instead they turned east and crossed over from the Sophias. They went all the way to the eastern boundary where they turned west once more. By 3pm they were opposite Robson Bight. From there they moved up to the CP area (only the A12s were vocal) and crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s had continued west toward Telegraph Cove. From there the A30s turned back east before 5pm while the I11s moved into Weynton Pass. The A12s had moved back east as well and just before 6pm they were opposite Robson Bight once again. By this time, the groups had begun to shut down for a rest. The A23s and A25s may have gone all the way to the beaches for a very short rub and by 5:30pm they were back off Critical Point. The short of this is that the groups are in their various groups heading east in different locations throughout the Strait. The I11s are still undecided in the entrance to Weynton Passage. The A36s are still likely in Queen Charlotte Strait, way to the west. And the A8s and A11 are still westbound in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 18:26:53 PDT
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