30 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
A night of surprises! Not only did we hear the A36s accompany the I31s and Rs to the top of Blackfish Sound (they later travelled into Johnstone Strait by themselves via Weynton Pass, we also got to hear the A36s accompany several other groups, including the Hs, into Blackney Pass. However, after just getting part way into the Pass they returned to Blackfish Sound where they are now. Perhaps the strong ebb tide discouraged them from continuing on to the Strait. The tide will turn around 2am. A long night ahead?
Helena
30 Aug 2006 00:07:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A large group of orcas, including A1s, A4s, A5s & several G & R clan groups has just headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 04:58:44 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Oh boy, still a lot of movement. The A30s,I15s and the R group have come back from the top of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass and headed east in Johnstone Strait. Other groups, the A12s, A5s, I31s and possibly others are following but look like they might come through Blackney Pass. We are waiting. Earlier this morning: the A30s,A11s, I15s, Gs, Rs and I11/I31s passed through Blackney on their way north and west. They were "sort of" following the A36s, Hs and Is who had ventured in as far as Blackney pass before returning to Blackfish Sound and heading out. The A12s, A5s and the rest of the A4s may have stayed Strait side, going to the west and out via Weynton Pass. After sorting themselves out they groups have split and begun travelling as described above.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 12:35:05 PDT
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
28 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT
Boat noise
After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT
Boat noise
Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT
No orcas present.
The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT
Boat noise
After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT
Boat noise
Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT
No orcas present.
The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT
Saturday, August 26, 2006
26 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
Monday, August 14, 2006
14 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Good Morning! The A12s,A4s,A5s and the Bs continued to wait off Robson Bight/Boat Bay until around 2am and then finally shifted east. This was very close to when we started to first hear the I15s and the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They were joined by the A36s and several Gs groups, who then proceded ahead to Blackney Pass. After passing through Blackney Pass in a BIG rush all these groups entered the Strait and continued east. They are currently still passing Robson Bight. The tide is in full flood.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 05:36:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The whales who went east early this morning are returning and the lead groups are already up to Boat Bay. Meanwhile, the Naiad has been reporting a very large group (included are Ws,Ds,Rs and more) off the Port Hardy area. They are not yet committed to fully coming down to the east.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 13:56:15 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s are once again leading the several G groups westward in the Strait. We are also hearing A4s,A5s,A12s & Bs but i don't think we have heard the a30s and the I15s yet. It is,however, a BIG crowd.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 16:18:51 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
My goodness what a day. The OLers were here after their encounter with the Rs, Ws,Ds,C6s,C10s mid Queen Charlotte Strait off Pine Island on the Naiad Explorer. Meanwhile, the A30s,A36s, I15s, A12s, A35s,A24s,A51s, A43s, Bs and the several G groups came out of the east and travelled toward WeyntonPassage. There the Gs probably took off through Weynton Passage and the others returned to the entrance of Blackney Pass where after sorting themselves out they headed into Blackney Pass and past the Lab. The A24s and the Bs were the last through. CP saw the A12s continue to the west in the Strait and it is still unclear what they are going to do.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 20:48:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Good Morning! The A12s,A4s,A5s and the Bs continued to wait off Robson Bight/Boat Bay until around 2am and then finally shifted east. This was very close to when we started to first hear the I15s and the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They were joined by the A36s and several Gs groups, who then proceded ahead to Blackney Pass. After passing through Blackney Pass in a BIG rush all these groups entered the Strait and continued east. They are currently still passing Robson Bight. The tide is in full flood.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 05:36:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The whales who went east early this morning are returning and the lead groups are already up to Boat Bay. Meanwhile, the Naiad has been reporting a very large group (included are Ws,Ds,Rs and more) off the Port Hardy area. They are not yet committed to fully coming down to the east.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 13:56:15 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s are once again leading the several G groups westward in the Strait. We are also hearing A4s,A5s,A12s & Bs but i don't think we have heard the a30s and the I15s yet. It is,however, a BIG crowd.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 16:18:51 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
My goodness what a day. The OLers were here after their encounter with the Rs, Ws,Ds,C6s,C10s mid Queen Charlotte Strait off Pine Island on the Naiad Explorer. Meanwhile, the A30s,A36s, I15s, A12s, A35s,A24s,A51s, A43s, Bs and the several G groups came out of the east and travelled toward WeyntonPassage. There the Gs probably took off through Weynton Passage and the others returned to the entrance of Blackney Pass where after sorting themselves out they headed into Blackney Pass and past the Lab. The A24s and the Bs were the last through. CP saw the A12s continue to the west in the Strait and it is still unclear what they are going to do.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 20:48:52 PDT
Sunday, August 13, 2006
13 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Last night the Gs and A36s, accompanied by the A30s and the I15s, travelled through Blackney Pass between 7:16 and 8pm. We continued to hear all their calls until 9:15pm. After a short break, the A30s and the I15s were vocal again in Blackfish Sound, returned and came back through Blackney Pass between 12:20 and 1am. These two groups then travelled east and disappeared around Critical Point/Robson Bight around 3am. We have heard a report this morning from the MacKays that there is a large group east bound from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
13 Aug 2006 09:13:24 PDT
No orcas present.
Last night the Gs and A36s, accompanied by the A30s and the I15s, travelled through Blackney Pass between 7:16 and 8pm. We continued to hear all their calls until 9:15pm. After a short break, the A30s and the I15s were vocal again in Blackfish Sound, returned and came back through Blackney Pass between 12:20 and 1am. These two groups then travelled east and disappeared around Critical Point/Robson Bight around 3am. We have heard a report this morning from the MacKays that there is a large group east bound from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
13 Aug 2006 09:13:24 PDT
Saturday, August 12, 2006
12 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
The I15s and the A30s crossed the Strait to Vancouver Island and are now in the Ecological Reserve rounding Critical Point. The A12s,A4s, A5s, Gs and A36s are still to the east. There is a report of a group near Port Neville westbound. Sadly, it looks like I15 and I41 are missing. Graeme Ellis had a chance to look at the group this morning. We had already guessed that I41 was gone but did not know about I15. I16 has most likely lost her youngest calf.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 14:43:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The G3s, G29s and probably other Gs as well came through Blackney with the A36s, A30s and the I15s. It was a lovely mixed up bunch of travelling whales catching the glow of the evening sunset. They are all now at the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 20:57:02 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s and the A30s crossed the Strait to Vancouver Island and are now in the Ecological Reserve rounding Critical Point. The A12s,A4s, A5s, Gs and A36s are still to the east. There is a report of a group near Port Neville westbound. Sadly, it looks like I15 and I41 are missing. Graeme Ellis had a chance to look at the group this morning. We had already guessed that I41 was gone but did not know about I15. I16 has most likely lost her youngest calf.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 14:43:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The G3s, G29s and probably other Gs as well came through Blackney with the A36s, A30s and the I15s. It was a lovely mixed up bunch of travelling whales catching the glow of the evening sunset. They are all now at the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 20:57:02 PDT
Friday, August 11, 2006
11 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the A30s and the I15s disappeared to the east in Johnstone Strait all was quiet until 11pm. Then... calls in Blackfish Sound. In came the Cs, Ds, Gs, and A36s through Blackney Pass. They reached Johnstone Strait on the slack tide andthen made their way east. Just as the last of these groups were approaching Robson Bight the A12s,A4s,A5s,A30s and Bs came up from the east. By 2:30am everyone had turned and moved in the same direction together, We last heard calls at 3:15 as the groups passed the eastern boundary of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 07:17:59 PDT
No orcas present.
The resident orcas who came during the night have remained east all day. A fairly large group of transients (the T100s) turned up off Donegal Head this morning. The went west toward Alet Bay and Port McNeill and then turned around and headed for Alder Bay and Beaver Cove. They were identified by DFO. The fishing opening will close at 6pm so we anticipate the area to be a little less busy tonight.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 16:40:01 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The Ds, Cs & A30s have returned from the east and are now off Robson Bight. Nick Templeton of Painter's Lodge reported tonight that the I15s were on their way through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River) on the slack tide while the A12s, A24s & A11s had been in Frederick Arm (also very far east). The Bs were in Nodales (also very far east) The A36s and the Gs were also seen in the east today. The T100s continued to tour the area. After nearing the Reserve they turned and headed back west. They were last seen by the Blue Fjord around 8:30pm off the Nimpkish River opposite Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 22:00:21 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After the A30s and the I15s disappeared to the east in Johnstone Strait all was quiet until 11pm. Then... calls in Blackfish Sound. In came the Cs, Ds, Gs, and A36s through Blackney Pass. They reached Johnstone Strait on the slack tide andthen made their way east. Just as the last of these groups were approaching Robson Bight the A12s,A4s,A5s,A30s and Bs came up from the east. By 2:30am everyone had turned and moved in the same direction together, We last heard calls at 3:15 as the groups passed the eastern boundary of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 07:17:59 PDT
No orcas present.
The resident orcas who came during the night have remained east all day. A fairly large group of transients (the T100s) turned up off Donegal Head this morning. The went west toward Alet Bay and Port McNeill and then turned around and headed for Alder Bay and Beaver Cove. They were identified by DFO. The fishing opening will close at 6pm so we anticipate the area to be a little less busy tonight.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 16:40:01 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The Ds, Cs & A30s have returned from the east and are now off Robson Bight. Nick Templeton of Painter's Lodge reported tonight that the I15s were on their way through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River) on the slack tide while the A12s, A24s & A11s had been in Frederick Arm (also very far east). The Bs were in Nodales (also very far east) The A36s and the Gs were also seen in the east today. The T100s continued to tour the area. After nearing the Reserve they turned and headed back west. They were last seen by the Blue Fjord around 8:30pm off the Nimpkish River opposite Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 22:00:21 PDT
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
09 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The B7s led the parade back to the west starting at 2:50am. All the groups (the A4s,A5s,A30s,A12s,Gs,I31s,Rs etc) followed. With the exception of the small A11 group, who went through Blackney Pass, all the rest continued west in Johnstone Strat. We are just now hearing the first groups arrive at the top end of Blackfish Sound after exiting the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 06:39:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s came back from Queen Charlotte Strait ahead of the B7s, A24s,A51s and A43s. They all came through Blackney Pass. The A12s are now entering the Ecological Reserve while the others are slowly resting west of the Sophias. The rest of the groups (the A36s, A11s, I15s, Rs, Ds, I31s & Gs) are still headed west in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 14:22:15 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The B7s led the parade back to the west starting at 2:50am. All the groups (the A4s,A5s,A30s,A12s,Gs,I31s,Rs etc) followed. With the exception of the small A11 group, who went through Blackney Pass, all the rest continued west in Johnstone Strat. We are just now hearing the first groups arrive at the top end of Blackfish Sound after exiting the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 06:39:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s came back from Queen Charlotte Strait ahead of the B7s, A24s,A51s and A43s. They all came through Blackney Pass. The A12s are now entering the Ecological Reserve while the others are slowly resting west of the Sophias. The rest of the groups (the A36s, A11s, I15s, Rs, Ds, I31s & Gs) are still headed west in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 14:22:15 PDT
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
08 August Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s & A36s are with the i31s,Bs and some of the Gs passing CP. They came out of the east about 4:45am and have been moving west ever since.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 06:23:11 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, the A30s, I31s, Gs and I15s have continued west in Johnstone Strait. We believve the Bs may have turned around and headed back towards the Reserve after making it as far as Cracroft Point. We have heard a few A4 calls as well. There should still be a a fairly large group to the east, the A5s, possibly the A12s, some more of the A4s and the C6s and D7s. It is very, very foggy today.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 08:26:27 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
There are groups of whales everywhere! In the Strait: the B7s did turn back with the A11s but they are making there way past Critical Point. The A35s just finished at the Beaches and there may be others behind them (the rest of the A4s and A5s). The C6s (at least part of the pod) have gone past Alert Bay to the west. The A30s, I15s, I31s, A36s abd Gs (at least some of the G groups) are out in Queen Charlotte meeting up with incoming Rs and other groups. We don't know where the D7s got to as yet. Very, very busy!
Helena
08 Aug 2006 12:14:29 PDT
No orcas present.
Another superpod day! Several of the groups (the A30s,I31s,Gs, A12s ,A36s and Ds) this morning circled around Hanson Island and met up with the incoming Rs. The C6s headed off by themselves past Alert Bay. The A12s then led all the groups in via Blackney Pass just as the fog was clearing. The groups headed east in Johnstone Strait. After a jump into the beaches together they carried on to the east by 4:30pm. It has been quiet since. Our count was well over 100 whales.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 22:26:02 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s & A36s are with the i31s,Bs and some of the Gs passing CP. They came out of the east about 4:45am and have been moving west ever since.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 06:23:11 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, the A30s, I31s, Gs and I15s have continued west in Johnstone Strait. We believve the Bs may have turned around and headed back towards the Reserve after making it as far as Cracroft Point. We have heard a few A4 calls as well. There should still be a a fairly large group to the east, the A5s, possibly the A12s, some more of the A4s and the C6s and D7s. It is very, very foggy today.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 08:26:27 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
There are groups of whales everywhere! In the Strait: the B7s did turn back with the A11s but they are making there way past Critical Point. The A35s just finished at the Beaches and there may be others behind them (the rest of the A4s and A5s). The C6s (at least part of the pod) have gone past Alert Bay to the west. The A30s, I15s, I31s, A36s abd Gs (at least some of the G groups) are out in Queen Charlotte meeting up with incoming Rs and other groups. We don't know where the D7s got to as yet. Very, very busy!
Helena
08 Aug 2006 12:14:29 PDT
No orcas present.
Another superpod day! Several of the groups (the A30s,I31s,Gs, A12s ,A36s and Ds) this morning circled around Hanson Island and met up with the incoming Rs. The C6s headed off by themselves past Alert Bay. The A12s then led all the groups in via Blackney Pass just as the fog was clearing. The groups headed east in Johnstone Strait. After a jump into the beaches together they carried on to the east by 4:30pm. It has been quiet since. Our count was well over 100 whales.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 22:26:02 PDT
Sunday, August 06, 2006
06 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Superb sounds!!
The I15s have arrived for the first time this season! They are accompanied by the A36s, and are presently at in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 08:06:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s and the A36s headed down to the east, visited the Rubbing Beach. The A36s are still Rubbing.
Tomoko
06 Aug 2006 12:01:31 PDT
Orcas near mics.
This is becoming quite the day! The I15s and the A36s have already gone through Blackney Pass and east in Johnstone Strait. Bothe groups went in for a rub but the A36s have since come back to the west. The whalewatch boats have been keeping an eye on the Bs in Queen Charlotte Strait. They have company. R clan & possibly G clan calls have also been heard. The good news for us is that these groups are moving towards Blackfish Sound. Are the A36s coming west to meet up? Meanwhile the A30s,A4s,A5s are still quite far east. They were reported in Sunderland Channel earlier. They too were headed west.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 12:38:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Each of the groups is taking a turn at the Beaches. So far the I15s, A36s went in soon after their arrival as the first group. The Bs and the I31s were next (the 2nd group through) and now the I15s and the A30s (up from the east) have moved in too. Off Critcial Point the G group (the 3rd group through) are moving eastward towards the Beaches. Jim Borrowman reports that the R5s,R7s, and Ws turned back in Queen Charlotte and headed out to the west without "coming" in. And now, Dall's porpoise have come right into the bay out front ogf the house - Amazing!
Helena
06 Aug 2006 17:39:06 PDT
No orcas present.
The rubs are finally over (7:30pm) and the whales off to the east once again.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 21:58:13 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The I15s have arrived for the first time this season! They are accompanied by the A36s, and are presently at in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 08:06:37 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s and the A36s headed down to the east, visited the Rubbing Beach. The A36s are still Rubbing.
Tomoko
06 Aug 2006 12:01:31 PDT
Orcas near mics.
This is becoming quite the day! The I15s and the A36s have already gone through Blackney Pass and east in Johnstone Strait. Bothe groups went in for a rub but the A36s have since come back to the west. The whalewatch boats have been keeping an eye on the Bs in Queen Charlotte Strait. They have company. R clan & possibly G clan calls have also been heard. The good news for us is that these groups are moving towards Blackfish Sound. Are the A36s coming west to meet up? Meanwhile the A30s,A4s,A5s are still quite far east. They were reported in Sunderland Channel earlier. They too were headed west.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 12:38:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Each of the groups is taking a turn at the Beaches. So far the I15s, A36s went in soon after their arrival as the first group. The Bs and the I31s were next (the 2nd group through) and now the I15s and the A30s (up from the east) have moved in too. Off Critcial Point the G group (the 3rd group through) are moving eastward towards the Beaches. Jim Borrowman reports that the R5s,R7s, and Ws turned back in Queen Charlotte and headed out to the west without "coming" in. And now, Dall's porpoise have come right into the bay out front ogf the house - Amazing!
Helena
06 Aug 2006 17:39:06 PDT
No orcas present.
The rubs are finally over (7:30pm) and the whales off to the east once again.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 21:58:13 PDT
Thursday, August 03, 2006
03 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The whales who went past the beaches last night at around 11pm have not yet returned to the western part of johnstone strait. There were sketchy reports of groups in Nodales and Frederick Arm this morning. Meanwhile, a group of transients (the T18s) turned up off the White Cliff Islands. This may have been the same group reported in Knight Inlet yesterday. The T18s went through Weynton Passage (seems to be the prefered route these days) and east in Johnstone Strait. We also heard that the Bs may have exited the area yesterday via Goletas Channel (near Port Hardy). On review of the tape from the day they came into Johnstone Strait we think the A36s may have been there as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2006 16:22:09 PDT
No orcas present.
The whales who went past the beaches last night at around 11pm have not yet returned to the western part of johnstone strait. There were sketchy reports of groups in Nodales and Frederick Arm this morning. Meanwhile, a group of transients (the T18s) turned up off the White Cliff Islands. This may have been the same group reported in Knight Inlet yesterday. The T18s went through Weynton Passage (seems to be the prefered route these days) and east in Johnstone Strait. We also heard that the Bs may have exited the area yesterday via Goletas Channel (near Port Hardy). On review of the tape from the day they came into Johnstone Strait we think the A36s may have been there as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2006 16:22:09 PDT
Friday, July 21, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
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
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
Monday, July 17, 2006
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
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
Sunday, July 16, 2006
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
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
Friday, July 14, 2006
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
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
Thursday, July 13, 2006
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
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
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
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
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
Monday, July 10, 2006
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
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
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