No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s and A12 are now heading north in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 07:19:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just talked with Marie, the A30s, A5s and possibly the A24s are grouped together mid strait off hte Western Boundary of the Ecological Reserve heading east. We have not heard them since 3am, a long snooze. Perhaps the A36s and A12 didn't want to wake so they tip-toed out again via Blackney pass !
Helena
10 Aug 2009 09:21:26 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,A24s,and A5s have been asleep for the entire time, slowly drifting eastward together mid strait until they wee opposite the east end of the Reserve. They are now reported heading west. No sign of the A36s and A12.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 12:36:33 PDT
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Distant calls audible.
After the whales finished at the rubbing beaches around 12;30am, and after their calls became distant by 12:40am, it was a relatively uneventful night. Then just after 6am (6:05) faint calls were heard on Critical Point. These very faint and infrequent calls were last heard about ten minutes ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:00:14
Distant calls audible.
Group of orcas near Blinkhorn going west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:43:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like the A36s are around once more.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 08:29:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP reports seeing the A36s heading east with A12. They came from the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 09:22:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared as we headed down Johnstone Strait this morning enabling good visibility from a distance. The A36’s with A12 were sighted in Johnstone Strait and our encounter with them began at Izumi Rock. A12 and A46 were travelling together tight against the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was foraging nearby and A32 was also foraging further back to the west. Passengers watched until A12 and A46 entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the western boundary just as A37 crossed from the north side of the boundary. A32 was further back west foraging steadily off the Baron Reefs near to Cracroft Point. It was at this same location at Cracroft Point that we again sighted the A36 brothers (three) and the A12 matriline on our afternoon tour. A37 was foraging back and forth and was joined by his brother A32 and together they foraged intensely. At one point A37 passed nearby chasing a salmon. We had seen him lunge diving previous to this so to see him pass by the boat close was thrilling for all onboard. A12 who was foraging directly at Cracroft Point suddenly turned back and passed by the boat as it sat idle giving everyone a chance to view the 68 year old female orca. It was a wonderful viewing, exciting and special because of the extraordinary dynamics shared between the four orcas.
After the whales finished at the rubbing beaches around 12;30am, and after their calls became distant by 12:40am, it was a relatively uneventful night. Then just after 6am (6:05) faint calls were heard on Critical Point. These very faint and infrequent calls were last heard about ten minutes ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:00:14
Distant calls audible.
Group of orcas near Blinkhorn going west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:43:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like the A36s are around once more.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 08:29:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP reports seeing the A36s heading east with A12. They came from the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 09:22:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared as we headed down Johnstone Strait this morning enabling good visibility from a distance. The A36’s with A12 were sighted in Johnstone Strait and our encounter with them began at Izumi Rock. A12 and A46 were travelling together tight against the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was foraging nearby and A32 was also foraging further back to the west. Passengers watched until A12 and A46 entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the western boundary just as A37 crossed from the north side of the boundary. A32 was further back west foraging steadily off the Baron Reefs near to Cracroft Point. It was at this same location at Cracroft Point that we again sighted the A36 brothers (three) and the A12 matriline on our afternoon tour. A37 was foraging back and forth and was joined by his brother A32 and together they foraged intensely. At one point A37 passed nearby chasing a salmon. We had seen him lunge diving previous to this so to see him pass by the boat close was thrilling for all onboard. A12 who was foraging directly at Cracroft Point suddenly turned back and passed by the boat as it sat idle giving everyone a chance to view the 68 year old female orca. It was a wonderful viewing, exciting and special because of the extraordinary dynamics shared between the four orcas.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
A36s in Johnstone Strait
No calls but orcas nearby
Since the last note, all the groups made it back to Robson Bight, following the A30s lead. Except for the A36s and A12, who made it all the way to the entrance of Blackney Pass by 7:19am, the majority shifted back and forth from Critical Point to a little further west. After great some great excitment when perhaps finding fish, the whales finally decided collectively to rest and move west with the help of the tide. They are slowly moving that direction now opposite the "Cliff".
Helena
06 Aug 2009 09:48:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Believe it or not, there are orcas out there in Johnstone Strait. After the party there is a whole lot of resting going on!. The A30s made it to Blinkhorn and the A24s crossed over towards them, then everyone turned eastward again. The A30s moved away from Vancouver Island on the turn and are mid strait slowly,silently moving east with the A5s. The A24s are past the Baron Reefs. Earlier today, the A36s with A12 were slipped into Blackney Pass around 7:19am. There have been no further reports about their whereabouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 15:44:07 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are eastbound moving slowly from midstrait towards Vancouver Island. A39 is lingering off CP doing a bit of foraging. The A36s have been found off of Lizard Point without A12. CP thinks she went by them earlier today.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 16:06:45 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A12 is rushing north through Blackney Pass!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 19:39:40 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Suddenly we heard A12/A36 on Flower Island and we are waiting to see what happens next. After A12 rushed through to the north earlier, the other (the A30s,A4s and A5s) made a move toward Blackney Pass (they had come back quietly to the west) but they decided to turn tail and go back to the Strait. We never saw them but CP was able to keep track of their in and out of Blackney movement. apparently, they were either all tight together or in a long resting line as they moved about. Long resting lines used to be quite common so it is good to see this tradition once again. These groups went west briefly once back in the Strait but then turned east. They are now approaching Robson Bight and have found their voices once again! lovely, like last night.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:12:16 PDT
Since the last note, all the groups made it back to Robson Bight, following the A30s lead. Except for the A36s and A12, who made it all the way to the entrance of Blackney Pass by 7:19am, the majority shifted back and forth from Critical Point to a little further west. After great some great excitment when perhaps finding fish, the whales finally decided collectively to rest and move west with the help of the tide. They are slowly moving that direction now opposite the "Cliff".
Helena
06 Aug 2009 09:48:32 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Believe it or not, there are orcas out there in Johnstone Strait. After the party there is a whole lot of resting going on!. The A30s made it to Blinkhorn and the A24s crossed over towards them, then everyone turned eastward again. The A30s moved away from Vancouver Island on the turn and are mid strait slowly,silently moving east with the A5s. The A24s are past the Baron Reefs. Earlier today, the A36s with A12 were slipped into Blackney Pass around 7:19am. There have been no further reports about their whereabouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 15:44:07 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are eastbound moving slowly from midstrait towards Vancouver Island. A39 is lingering off CP doing a bit of foraging. The A36s have been found off of Lizard Point without A12. CP thinks she went by them earlier today.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 16:06:45 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A12 is rushing north through Blackney Pass!
Helena
06 Aug 2009 19:39:40 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Suddenly we heard A12/A36 on Flower Island and we are waiting to see what happens next. After A12 rushed through to the north earlier, the other (the A30s,A4s and A5s) made a move toward Blackney Pass (they had come back quietly to the west) but they decided to turn tail and go back to the Strait. We never saw them but CP was able to keep track of their in and out of Blackney movement. apparently, they were either all tight together or in a long resting line as they moved about. Long resting lines used to be quite common so it is good to see this tradition once again. These groups went west briefly once back in the Strait but then turned east. They are now approaching Robson Bight and have found their voices once again! lovely, like last night.
Helena
06 Aug 2009 22:12:16 PDT
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
A36s waiting for other groups returning
Orcas near mics.
The A36s, who came into Johnstone Strait at 4am, are off Critical Point after travelling eastward in Johnstone Strait. The others, the A30s,A24s,and A5s with A12 following them continued east last night.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 08:33:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After listening to the A36s for quite a while, foraging heavily off of Critical Point and Robson Bight. and hearing them drift eastward toward the east end of the Reserve, we began to hear A5 calls come up from the east. Whales are spread out across from the east end to Forward Bay,all coming west.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 11:59:15 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A little bit of rubbing and a lot of distant calls as the A30s, A24s, A5s head west. Some groups are going through the Ecologial Reserve while others travelling opposite to the Cracroft shore. The A36s probably turned west in advance of the arriving groups and were first back to Robson Bight. After which it was one of the A5 group's turn.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 13:09:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups (the A36s, A24s,A5s and the A30s) continued west past CP. A32 and A37 came back to forage off of CP. The mood out there is still very social;spyhops, rolling around, breaches, tail slaps and very mixed groups. Lots of boat noise is the only thing which spoils the fun.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 16:42:52 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like there's a party in the Bight tonight!
Helena
05 Aug 2009 19:53:45 PDT
Superb sounds!!
After the briefest of rubs, the groups have begun a westward trek again, rounding Critical Point with amazing sounds
Helena
05 Aug 2009 21:55:41 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The orcas who had been sighted yesterday were well to the east this morning however, the A36 brothers (A37 and A46) were foraging inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but A32, the oldest brother was outside of the Reserve across on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait foraging. At 45 years old he is of a substanial size and viewing him is always a treat.
The A36s, who came into Johnstone Strait at 4am, are off Critical Point after travelling eastward in Johnstone Strait. The others, the A30s,A24s,and A5s with A12 following them continued east last night.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 08:33:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After listening to the A36s for quite a while, foraging heavily off of Critical Point and Robson Bight. and hearing them drift eastward toward the east end of the Reserve, we began to hear A5 calls come up from the east. Whales are spread out across from the east end to Forward Bay,all coming west.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 11:59:15 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A little bit of rubbing and a lot of distant calls as the A30s, A24s, A5s head west. Some groups are going through the Ecologial Reserve while others travelling opposite to the Cracroft shore. The A36s probably turned west in advance of the arriving groups and were first back to Robson Bight. After which it was one of the A5 group's turn.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 13:09:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The groups (the A36s, A24s,A5s and the A30s) continued west past CP. A32 and A37 came back to forage off of CP. The mood out there is still very social;spyhops, rolling around, breaches, tail slaps and very mixed groups. Lots of boat noise is the only thing which spoils the fun.
Helena
05 Aug 2009 16:42:52 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like there's a party in the Bight tonight!
Helena
05 Aug 2009 19:53:45 PDT
Superb sounds!!
After the briefest of rubs, the groups have begun a westward trek again, rounding Critical Point with amazing sounds
Helena
05 Aug 2009 21:55:41 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The orcas who had been sighted yesterday were well to the east this morning however, the A36 brothers (A37 and A46) were foraging inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but A32, the oldest brother was outside of the Reserve across on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait foraging. At 45 years old he is of a substanial size and viewing him is always a treat.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Distant calls audible.
A very,very busy night: the A4s,A1s stayed in the Rubbing Beach/Robson Bight area throughout the early morning hours, taking turns at the Beaches then drifting back to Critical Point. We are still working out the details of the movements, but the A5s did come up from the east and joined the others so it was quite the party. Later, the A36s and A12 broke away to come north through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to the west. The A30s followed (just recently) up to the Sophia Islands but then turned back toward the Reserve. The A4s are not too far away but the A5s may have possibly turned back eastward.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:03:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s probably had everyone in tow when they travelled up to the Sophias. The report is of about 30 orcas.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:08:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
And back again to the Beaches!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 10:13:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales got as far as Naka Creek then turned back to the west. The are back in the Ecological Reserve and on the Boat Bay side.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 12:41:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The day so far has been about a progression to the west. The A30s, A5s and A24s moved slowly at first to the west and then when opposite CP (Kaikash Creek area) they began to pick up some speed. They were spread acrosss the Strait in mixed groups. they are now east bound and some even back to the Kaikash Creek area. Meanwhile, the A36s made it back to Blackfish Sound and we were just visited by A12 alone in Blackney Pass. We lost track of her during a long dive when she was directly out front.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 18:08:02 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Lovely calls as the A30s & Co close in on Robson Bight. A12 got herself into Johnstone Strait.The A36s were getting further away but ,at this point, not sure what they might be up to. An interesting note for yesterday: the Sea Otter came upon the W3s off of Donegal Head. And from a later report from Rob and Erin, the Ws went through Pearse Pass at 9:30pm. We never heard them in Johnstone Strait and no evidence today of their presence. So this is a bit of mystery. It was only 2 of the Ws as it looks like W5 might be gone.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 19:43:54 PDT
A very,very busy night: the A4s,A1s stayed in the Rubbing Beach/Robson Bight area throughout the early morning hours, taking turns at the Beaches then drifting back to Critical Point. We are still working out the details of the movements, but the A5s did come up from the east and joined the others so it was quite the party. Later, the A36s and A12 broke away to come north through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to the west. The A30s followed (just recently) up to the Sophia Islands but then turned back toward the Reserve. The A4s are not too far away but the A5s may have possibly turned back eastward.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:03:08 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s probably had everyone in tow when they travelled up to the Sophias. The report is of about 30 orcas.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 09:08:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
And back again to the Beaches!
Helena
04 Aug 2009 10:13:07 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The whales got as far as Naka Creek then turned back to the west. The are back in the Ecological Reserve and on the Boat Bay side.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 12:41:24 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The day so far has been about a progression to the west. The A30s, A5s and A24s moved slowly at first to the west and then when opposite CP (Kaikash Creek area) they began to pick up some speed. They were spread acrosss the Strait in mixed groups. they are now east bound and some even back to the Kaikash Creek area. Meanwhile, the A36s made it back to Blackfish Sound and we were just visited by A12 alone in Blackney Pass. We lost track of her during a long dive when she was directly out front.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 18:08:02 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Lovely calls as the A30s & Co close in on Robson Bight. A12 got herself into Johnstone Strait.The A36s were getting further away but ,at this point, not sure what they might be up to. An interesting note for yesterday: the Sea Otter came upon the W3s off of Donegal Head. And from a later report from Rob and Erin, the Ws went through Pearse Pass at 9:30pm. We never heard them in Johnstone Strait and no evidence today of their presence. So this is a bit of mystery. It was only 2 of the Ws as it looks like W5 might be gone.
Helena
04 Aug 2009 19:43:54 PDT
Monday, August 03, 2009
A36s are again with the A12s
No orcas present.
All is pretty quiet. CP last reported that there were whales going west. We could hear A30 calls getting more distant but the A36s seemed to be getting louder so we wondered if they went east beyond the Reserve. The A24s were reported eastbound off Naka Creek at around 8pm. There were two whales, a male and a female reported off Donegal Head but we never heard any calls and so can't shed any light on who that may have been.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 00:46:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A pretty quiet night. Katie woke up for the 4:20am calls. This did not last long but then at 6:20am Tomoko started to record the A36s in Johnstone Strait as they moved west. CP saw them go by at 7:20am. At that time, there was a report of two more orca heading across to Blinkhorn. So the orca shuffle continues. The A36s are still only across the entrance to Blackney Pass from CP but they may be crossing toward Blinkhorn as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 08:20:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s with A12 were the only group in western Johnstone Strait this morning. They went past CP at 7:20am and after a while longer off the top end of Hanson Island they travelled past the Plumper Islands to Blackfish Sound. They began calling a short while ago and now may be headed toward Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:01:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s with A12 scooted through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to Johnstone Strait. They were all together. A12 looked lovely in the middle of the big boys. A39 followed a while after and he was followed by all the rest of the A30s who cleared our view at 12:13pm. They are now approaching the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 13:04:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
With A12 in the lead, the whales are westbound and just abpout the exit the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 15:02:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A24s are arriving back from the east, now off Robson Bight. The A30s & Co went off to the top end of hanson island and beyond but headed back east. At 7:18pm they were east of Kaikash Creek opposite CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:48:36 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s are off Telegraph Cove while the A30s enter the reserve and Robson Bight. A gathering!
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:53:55 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A24s are at the rubbing beaches. The A30s are not far away and the A36s are moving east too, now past CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 21:11:57 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to.
All is pretty quiet. CP last reported that there were whales going west. We could hear A30 calls getting more distant but the A36s seemed to be getting louder so we wondered if they went east beyond the Reserve. The A24s were reported eastbound off Naka Creek at around 8pm. There were two whales, a male and a female reported off Donegal Head but we never heard any calls and so can't shed any light on who that may have been.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 00:46:02 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A pretty quiet night. Katie woke up for the 4:20am calls. This did not last long but then at 6:20am Tomoko started to record the A36s in Johnstone Strait as they moved west. CP saw them go by at 7:20am. At that time, there was a report of two more orca heading across to Blinkhorn. So the orca shuffle continues. The A36s are still only across the entrance to Blackney Pass from CP but they may be crossing toward Blinkhorn as well.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 08:20:44 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s with A12 were the only group in western Johnstone Strait this morning. They went past CP at 7:20am and after a while longer off the top end of Hanson Island they travelled past the Plumper Islands to Blackfish Sound. They began calling a short while ago and now may be headed toward Blackney Pass.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 11:01:00 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s with A12 scooted through Blackney Pass in a rush to get to Johnstone Strait. They were all together. A12 looked lovely in the middle of the big boys. A39 followed a while after and he was followed by all the rest of the A30s who cleared our view at 12:13pm. They are now approaching the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 13:04:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
With A12 in the lead, the whales are westbound and just abpout the exit the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 15:02:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A24s are arriving back from the east, now off Robson Bight. The A30s & Co went off to the top end of hanson island and beyond but headed back east. At 7:18pm they were east of Kaikash Creek opposite CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:48:36 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s are off Telegraph Cove while the A30s enter the reserve and Robson Bight. A gathering!
Helena
03 Aug 2009 19:53:55 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A24s are at the rubbing beaches. The A30s are not far away and the A36s are moving east too, now past CP.
Helena
03 Aug 2009 21:11:57 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
A36s stayed off the CP area
Orcas near mics.
Interesting night: First of all the A36s actually made it to Johnstone Strait just before 1am. After which there was a fair amount of movement. Right now, the A30s and A24s (after being a short distance east for a while) are not far from Critical Point and Robson Bight. The A5s,however, have not come back from further east yet.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 05:33:30 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The groups are spread out: off the entrance of Blackney Pass;crossing from Vancouver Island to the entrance and close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 08:22:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s with the A24s just passed through Blacknery Pass headed for blackfish Sound. The exciting news!!! is that Springer was with the A24s!!!! This was our first look at the A24s since they came down with the A34s and the A5s in July. When we saw the a24s when they first came in this season, Springer was not with them. This is a bit of a first!!!! We have not heard from the A36s/A12 for quite a while.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 09:32:50 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are off Cracroft Point with A12.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 10:00:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
These are A4 calls (A24s) in Blackfish Sound while the A36s and A12 remain off of CP.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 13:28:26 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
To catch up: the A30s and the A24s (with A73) stayed at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while after travelling north through Blackney Pass. At 3pm, they travelled on through Weynton Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. Frome there they went east along the Vancouver Island shore and past Critical Point. They are now at the east end of the Reserve and beginning their rub. the A36s, meanwhile, have rremained basically off the CP area for most of the day but they have not been very vocal. A 12 has not been with them since about 11:30am. She was last seen heading eastward. The A5s yesterday went "down" Johnstone Strait in the afternoon to Nodales Channel. This morning at 6am they were out of nodales and near Chatham Point. From there they went west to Camp Point. At 10:47am, they turned sleepily east and began to head toward Amour de Cosmos/Bear Bight. (Nick Templeman report). No word on the morning incoming group from Goletas reported via the Mackays.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 18:00:33 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today was another wonderful day for viewing orcas in the area. It began this morning with sighting the A36’s and A12 foraging at Cracroft Point. As we watched mezmerized, A12 and A37 began traveling further west along the Hanson Island shore, they were soon joined by A37 and finally A32 who had been foraging steadily back at the Point. We sat and listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone and then began making our way back towards the west. Looking back we could see some tall dorsal fins, likely A32 and A37 foraging back at Cracroft Point in the flood current; we had lost sight of A12 who had been foraging with A46 nearby only moments ago. Suddenly A46 was seen charging alongside and keeping pace parallel with us as we traveled. We slowed to let him go by and surprising us, he crossed over and was headed for the Bauza Islets on Vancouver Island. We headed in the direction of Weynton Passage
Interesting night: First of all the A36s actually made it to Johnstone Strait just before 1am. After which there was a fair amount of movement. Right now, the A30s and A24s (after being a short distance east for a while) are not far from Critical Point and Robson Bight. The A5s,however, have not come back from further east yet.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 05:33:30 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The groups are spread out: off the entrance of Blackney Pass;crossing from Vancouver Island to the entrance and close to Critical Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 08:22:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s with the A24s just passed through Blacknery Pass headed for blackfish Sound. The exciting news!!! is that Springer was with the A24s!!!! This was our first look at the A24s since they came down with the A34s and the A5s in July. When we saw the a24s when they first came in this season, Springer was not with them. This is a bit of a first!!!! We have not heard from the A36s/A12 for quite a while.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 09:32:50 PDT
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A36s are off Cracroft Point with A12.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 10:00:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
These are A4 calls (A24s) in Blackfish Sound while the A36s and A12 remain off of CP.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 13:28:26 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
To catch up: the A30s and the A24s (with A73) stayed at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while after travelling north through Blackney Pass. At 3pm, they travelled on through Weynton Pass and back into Johnstone Strait. Frome there they went east along the Vancouver Island shore and past Critical Point. They are now at the east end of the Reserve and beginning their rub. the A36s, meanwhile, have rremained basically off the CP area for most of the day but they have not been very vocal. A 12 has not been with them since about 11:30am. She was last seen heading eastward. The A5s yesterday went "down" Johnstone Strait in the afternoon to Nodales Channel. This morning at 6am they were out of nodales and near Chatham Point. From there they went west to Camp Point. At 10:47am, they turned sleepily east and began to head toward Amour de Cosmos/Bear Bight. (Nick Templeman report). No word on the morning incoming group from Goletas reported via the Mackays.
Helena
02 Aug 2009 18:00:33 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today was another wonderful day for viewing orcas in the area. It began this morning with sighting the A36’s and A12 foraging at Cracroft Point. As we watched mezmerized, A12 and A37 began traveling further west along the Hanson Island shore, they were soon joined by A37 and finally A32 who had been foraging steadily back at the Point. We sat and listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone and then began making our way back towards the west. Looking back we could see some tall dorsal fins, likely A32 and A37 foraging back at Cracroft Point in the flood current; we had lost sight of A12 who had been foraging with A46 nearby only moments ago. Suddenly A46 was seen charging alongside and keeping pace parallel with us as we traveled. We slowed to let him go by and surprising us, he crossed over and was headed for the Bauza Islets on Vancouver Island. We headed in the direction of Weynton Passage
Saturday, August 01, 2009
A36s+A12 entered JS in the afternoon.
Multiple pod calls audible.
We have heard a steady progression of whales pass through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. We think the A36s might have been in the lead, followed by a large group that included the A30s and spme of the A5s. It was not clear if the A24s were tucked in with this group. The A51s seemed to be the last group into Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 01:08:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 entered Johnstone Strait around 3:15pm. They are now eastbound. The A30s and the A24s are closer to the Vancouver Island shore off the Telegragh Cove area.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 15:48:38 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s (+A12) went rushing through Blackney Pass around 6pm. The A30s have just followed. We are not sure where the A24s have gone but they may have stayed in the Strait. Earlier the A5s went east past the Reserve.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 18:47:23 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Echo location close to Critical Point.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 19:23:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are heading back south through Blackney Pass very slowly. The A24s sounded like they went east past Critical Point earlier. No sign of the A36s since they were last reported off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound foraging.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 20:07:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s finally made it fully into Johnstone Strait and passed CP (Cracroft Point). There were also a few distant calls on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound, perhaps the A36 group.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 22:30:26 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon it was not long before passengers on both vessels were in sight of orcas east of Blinkhorn. There were two Matrilines and their offspring: the A30’s and the A24’s. The mothers and calves were traveling along Vancouver Island and very close to shore, foraging as they went while A38 and A39 were well spread out, A39 being the greatest distance across the Strait from the others. With the hydrophones deployed it was a treat to sit and listen to their A-Clan calls. The viewing had already been wonderful when we learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were entering Johnstone Strait through Weynton Passage. It was very moving to watch as the four orcas entered the Strait altogether as a family group. As they surfaced together it was wonderful seeing A12 in this manner, surrounded by the boys, her being in the middle and all of them very much at ease. They commenced to travel east down the Strait while the A30’s and the A24’s who had been foraging and resting at the top end of the Strait around the Bauza Islets, also turned and commenced to travel back east.
We have heard a steady progression of whales pass through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. We think the A36s might have been in the lead, followed by a large group that included the A30s and spme of the A5s. It was not clear if the A24s were tucked in with this group. The A51s seemed to be the last group into Blackney Pass.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 01:08:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 entered Johnstone Strait around 3:15pm. They are now eastbound. The A30s and the A24s are closer to the Vancouver Island shore off the Telegragh Cove area.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 15:48:38 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s (+A12) went rushing through Blackney Pass around 6pm. The A30s have just followed. We are not sure where the A24s have gone but they may have stayed in the Strait. Earlier the A5s went east past the Reserve.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 18:47:23 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Echo location close to Critical Point.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 19:23:06 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are heading back south through Blackney Pass very slowly. The A24s sounded like they went east past Critical Point earlier. No sign of the A36s since they were last reported off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound foraging.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 20:07:05 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s finally made it fully into Johnstone Strait and passed CP (Cracroft Point). There were also a few distant calls on Flower Island in Blackfish Sound, perhaps the A36 group.
Helena
01 Aug 2009 22:30:26 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon it was not long before passengers on both vessels were in sight of orcas east of Blinkhorn. There were two Matrilines and their offspring: the A30’s and the A24’s. The mothers and calves were traveling along Vancouver Island and very close to shore, foraging as they went while A38 and A39 were well spread out, A39 being the greatest distance across the Strait from the others. With the hydrophones deployed it was a treat to sit and listen to their A-Clan calls. The viewing had already been wonderful when we learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were entering Johnstone Strait through Weynton Passage. It was very moving to watch as the four orcas entered the Strait altogether as a family group. As they surfaced together it was wonderful seeing A12 in this manner, surrounded by the boys, her being in the middle and all of them very much at ease. They commenced to travel east down the Strait while the A30’s and the A24’s who had been foraging and resting at the top end of the Strait around the Bauza Islets, also turned and commenced to travel back east.
Friday, July 31, 2009
A36s and A12 spend the day in JS
Orcas hunting fish.
Last night: As the A36s with A12 shifted east of Cracroft Point, the A30s, made a try for Blackney Pass. By 10:16pm they were nearing Blackney Pass but then retreated. At 10:56pm they made Blackney again but again only made it partially through the Pass before returning to Blackfish Sound. Their calls grew increasingly distant as they moved westward by 11:30pm. After midnight (12:40am), there were just a few distant calls in the Strait so it is unclear if that was the A30s or the A36s. The rest of the night was quiet except for boat noise, of course. At 8:12am ,we began to hear faint calls followed by (just now) closer echo location in Robson Bight. This will most likely be a returning group from the east.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 09:01:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s are headed west from Robson Bight. A46 is still with A12 and A32 and A37 are together following.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 10:20:47 PDT
We have whales on the Rubbing Beaches... most likely the A30's... they were last heard heading east in johnstone straight. The A36's and A12 are hanging around the entrance of Blackney Pass and CP. They have been moving around in this area for a few hours.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 18:31:11 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is A30's on Critical Point... the A36's are still hovering around CP and the entrance of Blackney
Katie
31 Jul 2009 19:19:04 PDT
This morning we headed in the direction of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and it was not so long to wait before we could see the distinctive tall dorsal fin of an approaching adult male orca. The A36 brothers were on their way back to the west foraging steadily, they were well spread out across Johnston Strait. A12 was also sighted, she was foraging very close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was parallel to her while A32 and A46 were over on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait. The three brothers converged together at Cracroft Point and continued to forage in the flood current. It was exciting to see them feeding, moving back and forth with powerful strokes in chase of salmon. On the afternoon tour passengers enjoyed their time viewing the same A36 brothers and the A12 matriline who had continued to travel further west and were foraging west of Blinkhorn and our encounter with them on this tour was while sailing. The experience of moving quietly along with them under sail was wonderful and passengers were able to listen to their A-Clan calls via the trailing hydrophone.
Last night: As the A36s with A12 shifted east of Cracroft Point, the A30s, made a try for Blackney Pass. By 10:16pm they were nearing Blackney Pass but then retreated. At 10:56pm they made Blackney again but again only made it partially through the Pass before returning to Blackfish Sound. Their calls grew increasingly distant as they moved westward by 11:30pm. After midnight (12:40am), there were just a few distant calls in the Strait so it is unclear if that was the A30s or the A36s. The rest of the night was quiet except for boat noise, of course. At 8:12am ,we began to hear faint calls followed by (just now) closer echo location in Robson Bight. This will most likely be a returning group from the east.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 09:01:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s are headed west from Robson Bight. A46 is still with A12 and A32 and A37 are together following.
Helena
31 Jul 2009 10:20:47 PDT
We have whales on the Rubbing Beaches... most likely the A30's... they were last heard heading east in johnstone straight. The A36's and A12 are hanging around the entrance of Blackney Pass and CP. They have been moving around in this area for a few hours.
Katie
31 Jul 2009 18:31:11 PDT
Superb sounds!!
This is A30's on Critical Point... the A36's are still hovering around CP and the entrance of Blackney
Katie
31 Jul 2009 19:19:04 PDT
This morning we headed in the direction of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and it was not so long to wait before we could see the distinctive tall dorsal fin of an approaching adult male orca. The A36 brothers were on their way back to the west foraging steadily, they were well spread out across Johnston Strait. A12 was also sighted, she was foraging very close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was parallel to her while A32 and A46 were over on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait. The three brothers converged together at Cracroft Point and continued to forage in the flood current. It was exciting to see them feeding, moving back and forth with powerful strokes in chase of salmon. On the afternoon tour passengers enjoyed their time viewing the same A36 brothers and the A12 matriline who had continued to travel further west and were foraging west of Blinkhorn and our encounter with them on this tour was while sailing. The experience of moving quietly along with them under sail was wonderful and passengers were able to listen to their A-Clan calls via the trailing hydrophone.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A36s split. A32 and A37 moved together. A46 on his own with A12
Distant calls audible.
Quite a bit going on. The A30s,A4s and the A5s came west from the Ecological Reserve to around the entrance of Blackney Pass. They may have turned back east. We are also hearing the A36s opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 07:14:04 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s, A5s,A4s and A36s (A12) are nearing Robson Bight as they head back eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 08:14:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Nothing like having the fog clear to make everything a bit clearer. We had assumed that the A30s had stayed with the A4s and the A5s (with whom they had come west around 4:30am this morning) as those two groups turned and went back eastward. Instead, the A30s carried on to the west and left Johnstone Strait at around 8:10am via Weynton Passage. Kingfisher, camped near the entrance of Weynton Pass saw them disappear to the west through Weynton. They have since been located (10 am) very close to Donegal Head still moving slowly out west. Meanwhile, the A36s have parked themselves in front of Cracroft Point (CP) foraging and taking deep dives. An A5 group went past the Rubbing Beaches as the A24s moved into Robson Bight. For now, that is it!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 10:34:55 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 finally decided to shift further east. Right now we are listening to them off the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:30:27 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Here is another interesting development. A32,A37 and A12 never made it past Izumi Rock (west of Robson Bight), however, A46 did! and so it was his voice alone that we were listening to off of the Rubbing Beaches. The others were pointed east but have, for now, turned back toward Cracroft Point.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:54:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Here is a catch-up: the A36s (even A46) finally moved on to the west. A46 returned to the Cracroft Point area with A12. A12's movements were somewhat obscure today as CP lost track of her for a time. Right now, A32 and A37 are on the edge of Blackfish Sound after going through Weynton Pass without A46 or A12. They may have been waiting for the A30s to return. The A30s spent most of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait but are now off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. A32 and A37 have turned back toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 18:50:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A32 and A37 have arrived (from the west) off Cracroft Point. A12 and A46 ,who were there before, have moved to the east of CP. We do not know where the A30s are but we believe the A24s and the A5s contiued east from the Ecological Reserve earlier today.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 20:56:57 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are finally hearing the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They are moving our direction!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 21:59:29 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are picking ity up again as they near Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. Next stop - OL? The A36s are vocal every so often in the Strait. CP's last report was that they and A12 were all headed east . Unfortunately, a tug just went south into Johnstone Stait.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 22:39:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Passengers on the Motor Cruise this afternoon enjoyed viewing the A36 brothers and A12. They had been foraging off Cracroft Point for most of the day and were well spread out in Johnstone Strait, from Izumi Rock to Big Bay on Hanson Island and later, further west to Blinkhorn. Their A-Clan calls as always, were beautiful to listen to.
Quite a bit going on. The A30s,A4s and the A5s came west from the Ecological Reserve to around the entrance of Blackney Pass. They may have turned back east. We are also hearing the A36s opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 07:14:04 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s, A5s,A4s and A36s (A12) are nearing Robson Bight as they head back eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 08:14:30 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Nothing like having the fog clear to make everything a bit clearer. We had assumed that the A30s had stayed with the A4s and the A5s (with whom they had come west around 4:30am this morning) as those two groups turned and went back eastward. Instead, the A30s carried on to the west and left Johnstone Strait at around 8:10am via Weynton Passage. Kingfisher, camped near the entrance of Weynton Pass saw them disappear to the west through Weynton. They have since been located (10 am) very close to Donegal Head still moving slowly out west. Meanwhile, the A36s have parked themselves in front of Cracroft Point (CP) foraging and taking deep dives. An A5 group went past the Rubbing Beaches as the A24s moved into Robson Bight. For now, that is it!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 10:34:55 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 finally decided to shift further east. Right now we are listening to them off the east end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:30:27 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Here is another interesting development. A32,A37 and A12 never made it past Izumi Rock (west of Robson Bight), however, A46 did! and so it was his voice alone that we were listening to off of the Rubbing Beaches. The others were pointed east but have, for now, turned back toward Cracroft Point.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 11:54:53 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Here is a catch-up: the A36s (even A46) finally moved on to the west. A46 returned to the Cracroft Point area with A12. A12's movements were somewhat obscure today as CP lost track of her for a time. Right now, A32 and A37 are on the edge of Blackfish Sound after going through Weynton Pass without A46 or A12. They may have been waiting for the A30s to return. The A30s spent most of the afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait but are now off Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. A32 and A37 have turned back toward Weynton Pass.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 18:50:24 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
A32 and A37 have arrived (from the west) off Cracroft Point. A12 and A46 ,who were there before, have moved to the east of CP. We do not know where the A30s are but we believe the A24s and the A5s contiued east from the Ecological Reserve earlier today.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 20:56:57 PDT
Orcas near mics.
We are finally hearing the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They are moving our direction!
Helena
30 Jul 2009 21:59:29 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are picking ity up again as they near Flower Island in Blackfish Sound. Next stop - OL? The A36s are vocal every so often in the Strait. CP's last report was that they and A12 were all headed east . Unfortunately, a tug just went south into Johnstone Stait.
Helena
30 Jul 2009 22:39:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Passengers on the Motor Cruise this afternoon enjoyed viewing the A36 brothers and A12. They had been foraging off Cracroft Point for most of the day and were well spread out in Johnstone Strait, from Izumi Rock to Big Bay on Hanson Island and later, further west to Blinkhorn. Their A-Clan calls as always, were beautiful to listen to.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A36s hanging around with A12
Orcas near mics.
The A36s were just in close to Critical Point. Zero/zero visibility this morning but the sun is trying to break through. There was (a half hour ago) a report of orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait, offshore between Donegal Head and Lizard Point.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:32:14 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales are at the beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:52:18 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Actually there are whales everywhere: the A30s are currently heading south in Blackney Pass following A12's lead (she cleared earlier). The A36s were off of CP (they came west after their bout at critical point at 8am) and the a4 group with the A5s are westbound from boat bay (after their rub earlier). Whew! and an humpback in Blackfish as well!
Helena
29 Jul 2009 11:05:04 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have gone in for a rub while the A36s and A12 are foraging off of Blinkhorn, east of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 14:43:13 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like the A30s are having a bite in the Bight... lots of echolocation (& calls) close the the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:00:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
CP reports that A46 is foraging in front of Cracroft Point. We have been listening to the A4s,A5s and the A30s at the rubbing beaches. Their calls are getting more distant now.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 20:59:18 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Not really that close yet, but we are hearing clear A36 calls once again in Johnstone Strait. CP reported an hour ago that the A36s with A12 were moving eastward midstrait. We believe, for now, that the A30s,A4s and A5s kept going eastward from their time at the Beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 23:01:58 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today was an exceptional day for viewing marine mammals in the area and it had to be again one of the warmest days of the summer. The fog was clearing as we neared the Stephenson Islands and Johnstone Strait stretched ahead of us looking like a mill pond.It was so beautiful and already blows could be seen down at Cracroft Point. Two of the A36 brothers: A37 and A38 were foraging back and forth, lunge feeding at times, their A-Clan calls were wonderful to listen to as well their ecolocations via the hydrophone. A12 was reported further back in Blackfish Sound but ahead of the A30’s who were also en route. We traveled a little further east where we could see numerous blows and orcas heading to the west, the A23’s passed by, close to the West Cracroft Island shoreline, the other groups of A5’s (and possible A24’s) were seen at a distance, they were resting and then they turned and headed back east. Meanwhile the A30’s, with A30 and A38 in the lead had entered the Strait at Blakney Passage and were headed to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve; A50 and her calves followed next and then A54 and her calves with a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins interacting with them as they did yesterday. Dalls Porpoise were also active, feeding nearby. The A36’s were still foraging at Cracroft Point when we headed into Blackfish Sound.
The A36s were just in close to Critical Point. Zero/zero visibility this morning but the sun is trying to break through. There was (a half hour ago) a report of orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait, offshore between Donegal Head and Lizard Point.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:32:14 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales are at the beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 08:52:18 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Actually there are whales everywhere: the A30s are currently heading south in Blackney Pass following A12's lead (she cleared earlier). The A36s were off of CP (they came west after their bout at critical point at 8am) and the a4 group with the A5s are westbound from boat bay (after their rub earlier). Whew! and an humpback in Blackfish as well!
Helena
29 Jul 2009 11:05:04 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A30s have gone in for a rub while the A36s and A12 are foraging off of Blinkhorn, east of Telegraph Cove.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 14:43:13 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Sounds like the A30s are having a bite in the Bight... lots of echolocation (& calls) close the the Critical Point hydrophone.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 19:00:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
CP reports that A46 is foraging in front of Cracroft Point. We have been listening to the A4s,A5s and the A30s at the rubbing beaches. Their calls are getting more distant now.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 20:59:18 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Not really that close yet, but we are hearing clear A36 calls once again in Johnstone Strait. CP reported an hour ago that the A36s with A12 were moving eastward midstrait. We believe, for now, that the A30s,A4s and A5s kept going eastward from their time at the Beaches.
Helena
29 Jul 2009 23:01:58 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Today was an exceptional day for viewing marine mammals in the area and it had to be again one of the warmest days of the summer. The fog was clearing as we neared the Stephenson Islands and Johnstone Strait stretched ahead of us looking like a mill pond.It was so beautiful and already blows could be seen down at Cracroft Point. Two of the A36 brothers: A37 and A38 were foraging back and forth, lunge feeding at times, their A-Clan calls were wonderful to listen to as well their ecolocations via the hydrophone. A12 was reported further back in Blackfish Sound but ahead of the A30’s who were also en route. We traveled a little further east where we could see numerous blows and orcas heading to the west, the A23’s passed by, close to the West Cracroft Island shoreline, the other groups of A5’s (and possible A24’s) were seen at a distance, they were resting and then they turned and headed back east. Meanwhile the A30’s, with A30 and A38 in the lead had entered the Strait at Blakney Passage and were headed to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve; A50 and her calves followed next and then A54 and her calves with a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins interacting with them as they did yesterday. Dalls Porpoise were also active, feeding nearby. The A36’s were still foraging at Cracroft Point when we headed into Blackfish Sound.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A36s without A12
Distant calls audible.
We're starting to hear distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone, sounds like some of the orcas from the east are getting close to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 10:31:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s came west this morning, past the Reserve, Kaikash Creek and now approaching the area opposite Weynton Pass entrance. The A36s were quite far west off Malcolm Point this morning and are apparently continuing west. The A5s and most likely the A24s are still east of Kelsey Bay.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 13:34:13 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s made a turn to the east off the Wastell Island (just east of Telegraph Cove) and made a wide turn over to the Hanson Island side. From there they continued east past the entrance to Blackney pas. They are now off the Cracroft Point area continuing eastward.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:03:39 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So .... just after posting the last note, there were calls on Flower Island,maybe the A36s.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:09:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Recently, both A38 and A39 were spending time foraging off of CP. The other A30 members are closer to Vancouver Island moving westward. We got a great report from the Mackays that A12 was just seen off of Black Bluff heading east by herself. This report came in after Stubbs island reported that the A36s (at least A32 and A37) turned west quickly away from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 20:33:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP called in to say that A39 had disappeared into Blackney Pass at about 9:38pm. The rest of the A30s followed but not until the A36s made their presence known after arriving in Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. A group of dolphins became vocal in Blackney Pass just as the A30s disappeared up into Blackfish Sound. The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 22:28:16 PDT
We're starting to hear distant calls on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone, sounds like some of the orcas from the east are getting close to the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 10:31:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s came west this morning, past the Reserve, Kaikash Creek and now approaching the area opposite Weynton Pass entrance. The A36s were quite far west off Malcolm Point this morning and are apparently continuing west. The A5s and most likely the A24s are still east of Kelsey Bay.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 13:34:13 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s made a turn to the east off the Wastell Island (just east of Telegraph Cove) and made a wide turn over to the Hanson Island side. From there they continued east past the entrance to Blackney pas. They are now off the Cracroft Point area continuing eastward.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:03:39 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So .... just after posting the last note, there were calls on Flower Island,maybe the A36s.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 16:09:31 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Recently, both A38 and A39 were spending time foraging off of CP. The other A30 members are closer to Vancouver Island moving westward. We got a great report from the Mackays that A12 was just seen off of Black Bluff heading east by herself. This report came in after Stubbs island reported that the A36s (at least A32 and A37) turned west quickly away from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 20:33:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP called in to say that A39 had disappeared into Blackney Pass at about 9:38pm. The rest of the A30s followed but not until the A36s made their presence known after arriving in Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. A group of dolphins became vocal in Blackney Pass just as the A30s disappeared up into Blackfish Sound. The A36s are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Jul 2009 22:28:16 PDT
Monday, July 27, 2009
A36s headed north trough Blackney Pass
Orcas hunting fish.
We are now listening to echo location near Robson Bight. The A34s went out of the area earlier and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 15:27:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It now sounds like the A36s are making their way back to the west. Earlier, (the day has been a bit confusing as not all of the reports and recordings were easy to reconcile for various reasons) A12 may have followed the A34s west in Johnstone Strait, through Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 16:03:59 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s, who have spent most of the day in Johnstone Strait and most recently off CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass, are now headed into Blackney Pass, northbound.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 21:47:07 PDT
No orcas present.
The A36s moved on into Blackfish Sound after Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 23:32:48 PDT
We are now listening to echo location near Robson Bight. The A34s went out of the area earlier and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 15:27:04 PDT
Distant calls audible.
It now sounds like the A36s are making their way back to the west. Earlier, (the day has been a bit confusing as not all of the reports and recordings were easy to reconcile for various reasons) A12 may have followed the A34s west in Johnstone Strait, through Weynton Pass and into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 16:03:59 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s, who have spent most of the day in Johnstone Strait and most recently off CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass, are now headed into Blackney Pass, northbound.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 21:47:07 PDT
No orcas present.
The A36s moved on into Blackfish Sound after Blackney Pass.
Helena
27 Jul 2009 23:32:48 PDT
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A36s and A12 still together and moved with the A30s to the west
No orcas present.
Not sure we can broaden our impression of what happened overnight. Except for a small power interuption around 3am the night was mostly uneventful. We lost track of the A36s around 11:30pm. Blows were heard about an hour later in Blackney Pass but the conclusion was that it was a humpback. Dolphins were fairly active in Johnstone Strait around the same time.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 08:04:52 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Close echolocation near Robson Bight following a report that the A36s and A12 are heading west from the Boat Bay area. Dolphins were reported in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 12:05:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Not only are the A36s with A12 near Robson Bight but we are now picking up calls and echolocation in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:18:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are headed south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:57:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s when they entered Johnstone Strait went to the east,Robson Bight. The A36s and A12 seemed to hang back more to the west and now sound quite distant. The A30s, meanwhile, are on their way back west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:01:26 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Actually, it sounds like all the groups are converging off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:19:29 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Now the whales have gone off to the west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 21:10:24 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Distant A-Clan orca calls had been reported as being heard out in the Queen Charlotte Strait near the White Cliff Islands and while several boats were looking and listening at various locations, the orcas could not been seen or their blows heard through the heavy fog. With a report that the A36 (three) brothers and A12 were heading west at Boat Bay, we headed in their direction through Blackfish Sound. The fog was still heavy behind us as we travelled and it was not until we neared Burnt Point that it began to disperse. We entered Johnstone Strait and into a beautiful clear and sunny day and headed in the direction of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We sighted two orcas outside of the Reserve and watched as they made their way further west, A12 was in the lead. It was at Izumi Rock that we encountered and enjoyed the company of A12 and A37 foraging steadily together back and forth; A46 and A32 were further back inside the Reserve boundary. The viewing of A12 and A37 was simply beautiful, the light that was shining upon them at Izumi Rock and the trailing kelp forest was exquisite. A12 and A37 looked very much at home in the company of each other at the time of our viewing. It was reported that the A30’s, the pod that had been obscured from sight all morning by the heavy fog were at last sighted in Blackfish Sound approaching Flower Island.
Not sure we can broaden our impression of what happened overnight. Except for a small power interuption around 3am the night was mostly uneventful. We lost track of the A36s around 11:30pm. Blows were heard about an hour later in Blackney Pass but the conclusion was that it was a humpback. Dolphins were fairly active in Johnstone Strait around the same time.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 08:04:52 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
Close echolocation near Robson Bight following a report that the A36s and A12 are heading west from the Boat Bay area. Dolphins were reported in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 12:05:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Not only are the A36s with A12 near Robson Bight but we are now picking up calls and echolocation in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:18:54 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A30s are headed south through Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 13:57:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s when they entered Johnstone Strait went to the east,Robson Bight. The A36s and A12 seemed to hang back more to the west and now sound quite distant. The A30s, meanwhile, are on their way back west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:01:26 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Actually, it sounds like all the groups are converging off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 19:19:29 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Now the whales have gone off to the west.
Helena
26 Jul 2009 21:10:24 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Distant A-Clan orca calls had been reported as being heard out in the Queen Charlotte Strait near the White Cliff Islands and while several boats were looking and listening at various locations, the orcas could not been seen or their blows heard through the heavy fog. With a report that the A36 (three) brothers and A12 were heading west at Boat Bay, we headed in their direction through Blackfish Sound. The fog was still heavy behind us as we travelled and it was not until we neared Burnt Point that it began to disperse. We entered Johnstone Strait and into a beautiful clear and sunny day and headed in the direction of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We sighted two orcas outside of the Reserve and watched as they made their way further west, A12 was in the lead. It was at Izumi Rock that we encountered and enjoyed the company of A12 and A37 foraging steadily together back and forth; A46 and A32 were further back inside the Reserve boundary. The viewing of A12 and A37 was simply beautiful, the light that was shining upon them at Izumi Rock and the trailing kelp forest was exquisite. A12 and A37 looked very much at home in the company of each other at the time of our viewing. It was reported that the A30’s, the pod that had been obscured from sight all morning by the heavy fog were at last sighted in Blackfish Sound approaching Flower Island.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A12 left the A36s?
Orcas hunting fish.
Someone is fairly close to Robson Bight, just echo location so far.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 09:02:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The calls are few and far between and the fog very thick. However, the A36s with A12 have been seen heading westward along the Vancouver Island side moving toward kaikash Creek. Perhaps, this is the group, Norma heard at 3am!
Helena
25 Jul 2009 10:40:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s must be huffing and puffing. they have returned to the Ecological Reserve in record time! The A36s with A12 are waiting in Blackfish Sound after leaving Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass earlier.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 16:12:42 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are continuing west from the Beaches,meanwhile,the A36s were just calling off Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 17:03:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A very interesting turn of events. A12 left the A36s in Blackfish Sound and travelled to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass by herself where the the A30s were travelling west past the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 19:48:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So this is what we think may have happened. A12 went south through Blackney Pass as the A30s travelled west up the Strait. They continued west and perhaps went out through Weynton Pass, exchanging places with the A36s who came back to Johnstone strait via Weynton. We have only heard the A36s as they moved east toward the entrance of Blackney Pass. What A12 has decided to do is uncertain at this point but perhaps she is still with the A36s. We never did hear the A30s on the "other" side (Blackfish Sound) so we will keep their whereabouts open for now. Interesting possibilities regardless.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 23:51:08 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog was heavy this morning and seemed to hang in far longer than usual however, it did not prevent us from viewing orcas and today’s viewing was no exception as passengers and crew alike were treated to some beautiful visuals of the A36’s (three brothers) and Matriline A12. As we made our way down Johnstone Strait following alongside of the Vancouver Island shoreline we listened for blows and as we approached Kaikash Beach we began to hear them. The first orca sighted was A46, his fin appearing through the blanket of white was an awesome sight. He was foraging steadily along, traveling west and close to the VI shore. We could hear other blows parallel and also from behind and as we waited in anticipation, the distinctive dorsal fin of A12 appeared. A32 appeared next, he had been foraging parallel at a distance further out and as we watched, he crossed over behind our stern and was seen moving towards the shoreline at Blinkhorn foraging as he went. It was at this point when suddenly A37 also appeared. The four orcas were intent on feeding and while ecolocation was heard via the hydrophone, no A-Clan calls were heard. We observed them make their turn and begin to slowly angle back towards the east, A46 and A12 had surfaced together following a long dive. As we continued west and homeward bound, Johnstone Strait was almost clear of fog and the sun and a bright blue sky had appeared.
Someone is fairly close to Robson Bight, just echo location so far.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 09:02:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The calls are few and far between and the fog very thick. However, the A36s with A12 have been seen heading westward along the Vancouver Island side moving toward kaikash Creek. Perhaps, this is the group, Norma heard at 3am!
Helena
25 Jul 2009 10:40:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s must be huffing and puffing. they have returned to the Ecological Reserve in record time! The A36s with A12 are waiting in Blackfish Sound after leaving Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass earlier.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 16:12:42 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s are continuing west from the Beaches,meanwhile,the A36s were just calling off Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 17:03:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A very interesting turn of events. A12 left the A36s in Blackfish Sound and travelled to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass by herself where the the A30s were travelling west past the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 19:48:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So this is what we think may have happened. A12 went south through Blackney Pass as the A30s travelled west up the Strait. They continued west and perhaps went out through Weynton Pass, exchanging places with the A36s who came back to Johnstone strait via Weynton. We have only heard the A36s as they moved east toward the entrance of Blackney Pass. What A12 has decided to do is uncertain at this point but perhaps she is still with the A36s. We never did hear the A30s on the "other" side (Blackfish Sound) so we will keep their whereabouts open for now. Interesting possibilities regardless.
Helena
25 Jul 2009 23:51:08 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog was heavy this morning and seemed to hang in far longer than usual however, it did not prevent us from viewing orcas and today’s viewing was no exception as passengers and crew alike were treated to some beautiful visuals of the A36’s (three brothers) and Matriline A12. As we made our way down Johnstone Strait following alongside of the Vancouver Island shoreline we listened for blows and as we approached Kaikash Beach we began to hear them. The first orca sighted was A46, his fin appearing through the blanket of white was an awesome sight. He was foraging steadily along, traveling west and close to the VI shore. We could hear other blows parallel and also from behind and as we waited in anticipation, the distinctive dorsal fin of A12 appeared. A32 appeared next, he had been foraging parallel at a distance further out and as we watched, he crossed over behind our stern and was seen moving towards the shoreline at Blinkhorn foraging as he went. It was at this point when suddenly A37 also appeared. The four orcas were intent on feeding and while ecolocation was heard via the hydrophone, no A-Clan calls were heard. We observed them make their turn and begin to slowly angle back towards the east, A46 and A12 had surfaced together following a long dive. As we continued west and homeward bound, Johnstone Strait was almost clear of fog and the sun and a bright blue sky had appeared.
Friday, July 24, 2009
A36s still with A12
Distant calls audible.
Sorry, our internet was down for quite a while yesterday. The problem was outside our network. It seems to be working now so time to catch up. Yesterday, after moving back and forth in the Strait, the A30s headed west to Weynton Pass and curled around Hanson Island to meet up with the C10s, who we had heard earlier in the morning. Both groups then came east to Blackney Pass and then Johnstone Strait. They continued east "down" the Strait and past the Ecological Reserve on the Cracroft Island side.By 4pm they were opposite the Adams River and still eastbound. We never heard them return. At 2:30am the A36s came back via Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. They then went east to the Bight. At 7:30am the C10s returned west tight along the Cracroft Island shore. At the moment, there are whales near to Telegraph Cove. It is very,very, foggy. We will find out soon who this might be. There are two new babies in the C10s, one for C10 herself and one for C23 (thanks Jared for that info).
Helena
24 Jul 2009 09:22:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
At about 10:15am the A36s with A12 (!) were headed east to Blinkhorn. They have continued and are now passing Cracroft Point. No sign of the C10s who probably left silently earlier this morning. The fog is slowly lifting out of Blackney Pas.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 12:22:10 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A36s with A12 carried on past critical Point and just now we have heard someone in on the Beaches. They may be turning back west from there. Also, a group of 5 transients went south in Blackney pass and entered Johnstone Strait by 2:10pm. They have gone east.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 14:57:29 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s and the A12 came away from the beach area and crossed to the Cracroft island side to come west. They are probably between the Sophia Islands and Cracroft Point.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 17:29:34 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s/A12 have crossed the entrance to Blackney pass and for now are continuing west.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 19:11:19 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared rapidly this morning and not long after our departure, orcas were sighted off the Bauza Islets, they were well spread out and foraging and were identified as being the A36 brothers and A12. A46 was the first orca we came upon at the Islets followed by A37. It was a while before we sighted A12, she was much further to the east and mid-strait, and as we watched she crossed over, making her way to Blinkhorn on the Vancouver Island shore where A38 was also sighted. When they made their turn they all angled back towards Cracroft Point and made their way slowly against the ebb current in that direction.
Sorry, our internet was down for quite a while yesterday. The problem was outside our network. It seems to be working now so time to catch up. Yesterday, after moving back and forth in the Strait, the A30s headed west to Weynton Pass and curled around Hanson Island to meet up with the C10s, who we had heard earlier in the morning. Both groups then came east to Blackney Pass and then Johnstone Strait. They continued east "down" the Strait and past the Ecological Reserve on the Cracroft Island side.By 4pm they were opposite the Adams River and still eastbound. We never heard them return. At 2:30am the A36s came back via Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. They then went east to the Bight. At 7:30am the C10s returned west tight along the Cracroft Island shore. At the moment, there are whales near to Telegraph Cove. It is very,very, foggy. We will find out soon who this might be. There are two new babies in the C10s, one for C10 herself and one for C23 (thanks Jared for that info).
Helena
24 Jul 2009 09:22:33 PDT
Distant calls audible.
At about 10:15am the A36s with A12 (!) were headed east to Blinkhorn. They have continued and are now passing Cracroft Point. No sign of the C10s who probably left silently earlier this morning. The fog is slowly lifting out of Blackney Pas.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 12:22:10 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A36s with A12 carried on past critical Point and just now we have heard someone in on the Beaches. They may be turning back west from there. Also, a group of 5 transients went south in Blackney pass and entered Johnstone Strait by 2:10pm. They have gone east.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 14:57:29 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s and the A12 came away from the beach area and crossed to the Cracroft island side to come west. They are probably between the Sophia Islands and Cracroft Point.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 17:29:34 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s/A12 have crossed the entrance to Blackney pass and for now are continuing west.
Helena
24 Jul 2009 19:11:19 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared rapidly this morning and not long after our departure, orcas were sighted off the Bauza Islets, they were well spread out and foraging and were identified as being the A36 brothers and A12. A46 was the first orca we came upon at the Islets followed by A37. It was a while before we sighted A12, she was much further to the east and mid-strait, and as we watched she crossed over, making her way to Blinkhorn on the Vancouver Island shore where A38 was also sighted. When they made their turn they all angled back towards Cracroft Point and made their way slowly against the ebb current in that direction.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Distant calls audible.
These A1 calls are in Johnstone Strait again.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 06:23:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s (there possibly were A12 calls as well) are calling every so often. We also heard a report that there is another group in Queen Charlotte Strait headed east toward Donegal Head.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 07:34:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s are in the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 08:53:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Really, Close and distant calls. The a34s (without A12) are headed east through Blackfish Sound while the A36s (?with A12) are nearer the Bight.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 09:42:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We think the A36s turned west toward Cracroft Point to "meet" up with the incoming whales. After "greeting" the groups have turned east back toward the Bight. They are past Critical point.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:01:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We're hearing rubbing sounds & calls on the rubbing beach hydrophone.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:43:24 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So...the meet and greet must have resulted in the A36s heading west and the A30s heading east to the beaches and beyond. The question for the day is where are the A34s who were definitely seen earlier off Donegal Head. There was a report that the "Rs" were in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 13:33:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s (with A12) are vocal again off the western end of Hanson Island/Weynton Pass.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 15:14:53 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A36s and A12 are heading north through Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 18:37:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sorry the last note was a bit confusing. The A36s and A12 were in Blackfish Sound when they first called but then the A30s quickly approached Critical Point in Robson Bight from the east.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:38:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
On the afternoon tour the viewing was also exciting as the A36 brothers and A12 were traveling back to the west in Johnstone Strait, they were spread out and foraging intensely. Our entire time spent with the orcas on this tour was under sail using our main sail, passengers enjoyed the experience of sailing quietly with them and while trailing our hydrophone, their A-Clan calls could be heard from time to time.
These A1 calls are in Johnstone Strait again.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 06:23:15 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s (there possibly were A12 calls as well) are calling every so often. We also heard a report that there is another group in Queen Charlotte Strait headed east toward Donegal Head.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 07:34:14 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s are in the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 08:53:52 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Really, Close and distant calls. The a34s (without A12) are headed east through Blackfish Sound while the A36s (?with A12) are nearer the Bight.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 09:42:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We think the A36s turned west toward Cracroft Point to "meet" up with the incoming whales. After "greeting" the groups have turned east back toward the Bight. They are past Critical point.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:01:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We're hearing rubbing sounds & calls on the rubbing beach hydrophone.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 12:43:24 PDT
Distant calls audible.
So...the meet and greet must have resulted in the A36s heading west and the A30s heading east to the beaches and beyond. The question for the day is where are the A34s who were definitely seen earlier off Donegal Head. There was a report that the "Rs" were in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 13:33:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s (with A12) are vocal again off the western end of Hanson Island/Weynton Pass.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 15:14:53 PDT
Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A36s and A12 are heading north through Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 18:37:41 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sorry the last note was a bit confusing. The A36s and A12 were in Blackfish Sound when they first called but then the A30s quickly approached Critical Point in Robson Bight from the east.
Helena
22 Jul 2009 22:38:44 PDT
Seasmoke reports
On the afternoon tour the viewing was also exciting as the A36 brothers and A12 were traveling back to the west in Johnstone Strait, they were spread out and foraging intensely. Our entire time spent with the orcas on this tour was under sail using our main sail, passengers enjoyed the experience of sailing quietly with them and while trailing our hydrophone, their A-Clan calls could be heard from time to time.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A36s, A12 and A34s all together
Seasmoke reports
We headed out this morning in the direction of Johnstone Strait and as we travelled, a report came in that a group of orcas were east bound in Blackfish Sound. We had also learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were at the west end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and were west bound along the Vancouver Island shoreline. Arriving at Blackney Passage we were just in time to hear the blows of approaching orcas through a curtain of fog that was wafting out from Blackfish Sound and then in a moment, ‘ there they were’! With the engine cut and the hydrophone deployed, it was beautiful to listen to the chorus of their A-Clan calls, signaling the arrival of the A34’s into the Strait. Just prior to their entering, it was observed that the A36 brothers became excited with breaching and spy-hopping activity and A12 had been seen making her way towards Cracroft Point. It was an extremely moving sight to witness and a privilege to share with others as the rest of the Matriline A12’s family: her daughter and her daughters offspring, 8 orcas which included A62’s newest calf A91 and A67’s first calf A92, made their way into the Strait on a flood current. We watched spellbound, the antics of A62’s two calves calves playing together spy-hopping and tail lobbing, as they travelled with their mother A62 and uncle A55. The A36 brothers were closest to this small group especially so A46 while the rest of the A34’s had travelled more quickly to the east down the West Cracroft Island shore.
We headed out this morning in the direction of Johnstone Strait and as we travelled, a report came in that a group of orcas were east bound in Blackfish Sound. We had also learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were at the west end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and were west bound along the Vancouver Island shoreline. Arriving at Blackney Passage we were just in time to hear the blows of approaching orcas through a curtain of fog that was wafting out from Blackfish Sound and then in a moment, ‘ there they were’! With the engine cut and the hydrophone deployed, it was beautiful to listen to the chorus of their A-Clan calls, signaling the arrival of the A34’s into the Strait. Just prior to their entering, it was observed that the A36 brothers became excited with breaching and spy-hopping activity and A12 had been seen making her way towards Cracroft Point. It was an extremely moving sight to witness and a privilege to share with others as the rest of the Matriline A12’s family: her daughter and her daughters offspring, 8 orcas which included A62’s newest calf A91 and A67’s first calf A92, made their way into the Strait on a flood current. We watched spellbound, the antics of A62’s two calves calves playing together spy-hopping and tail lobbing, as they travelled with their mother A62 and uncle A55. The A36 brothers were closest to this small group especially so A46 while the rest of the A34’s had travelled more quickly to the east down the West Cracroft Island shore.
Monday, July 20, 2009
A12 and A36s near Lizard Point
Orcas near mics.
Just over 12 hours since the last reported sighting east of Camp Point, the whales have returned to the Ecological Reserve. Also yesterday, closer to Port Hardy, the Mackays reported seeing the A11s with Springer just after Noon.
Helena
20 Jul 2009 05:45:19 PDT
Seasmoke reports
When a fisherman reported seeing orcas in the fog at Lizard Point we headed in that direction. The fog was clearing quickly and soon the Queen Charlotte Strait was open before us. We found the orcas foraging extensively at Lizard Point, they were well spread out. A12 and A37 were foraging in close proximity together while A32 & A46 were foraging back and forth together. At the time of our viewing, passengers enjoyed sailing quietly with them, ecolation was heard via the trailing hydrophone but there were no vocals.
Just over 12 hours since the last reported sighting east of Camp Point, the whales have returned to the Ecological Reserve. Also yesterday, closer to Port Hardy, the Mackays reported seeing the A11s with Springer just after Noon.
Helena
20 Jul 2009 05:45:19 PDT
Seasmoke reports
When a fisherman reported seeing orcas in the fog at Lizard Point we headed in that direction. The fog was clearing quickly and soon the Queen Charlotte Strait was open before us. We found the orcas foraging extensively at Lizard Point, they were well spread out. A12 and A37 were foraging in close proximity together while A32 & A46 were foraging back and forth together. At the time of our viewing, passengers enjoyed sailing quietly with them, ecolation was heard via the trailing hydrophone but there were no vocals.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A36s left to the east with A12
No orcas present.
A report just in from Nick via marie on the "Cliff" that A12 is in a resting line with the A36s ofrf Camp Point.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 10:48:39 PDT
The A36s and A12 have been spotted at Humpback Bay heading eastbound. Moving along in a tight group.
Jessica@Campbell River Whale Watching
19 Jul 2009 11:07:23 PDT
No orcas present.
Apparently, A12 and the A36s are headed back west after a tour of Nodales Channel. At 4:30pm they were still east of Camp point whhich is where they were found at Noon today.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 19:32:54 PDT
A36s and A12 at bear point @ 615pm west bound
Aaron Webber@Campbell river
19 Jul 2009 22:59:34 PDT
Hi Helena, just an update. A-36s and A-12 were westing hard with the ebb tide at Bear Bight just to the west of Ripple Pt. at 1900hrs. Be interesting to see how long it takes them to get to the reserve!
Haywire@c.r. bc
19 Jul 2009 23:06:48 PDT
A report just in from Nick via marie on the "Cliff" that A12 is in a resting line with the A36s ofrf Camp Point.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 10:48:39 PDT
The A36s and A12 have been spotted at Humpback Bay heading eastbound. Moving along in a tight group.
Jessica@Campbell River Whale Watching
19 Jul 2009 11:07:23 PDT
No orcas present.
Apparently, A12 and the A36s are headed back west after a tour of Nodales Channel. At 4:30pm they were still east of Camp point whhich is where they were found at Noon today.
Helena
19 Jul 2009 19:32:54 PDT
A36s and A12 at bear point @ 615pm west bound
Aaron Webber@Campbell river
19 Jul 2009 22:59:34 PDT
Hi Helena, just an update. A-36s and A-12 were westing hard with the ebb tide at Bear Bight just to the west of Ripple Pt. at 1900hrs. Be interesting to see how long it takes them to get to the reserve!
Haywire@c.r. bc
19 Jul 2009 23:06:48 PDT
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